How to set up and use an eSIM for international travel | a step-by-step guide
You may be planning an exciting tourist adventure, jet-setting across multiple countries as a digital nomad or attending a work event in a foreign country. Whatever your reasons for travel, a reliable, convenient, fast, cost-effective and stable internet connection is a priority. Relying on unsafe and unpredictable public Wi-Fi won’t cut it. You’ve heard of the revolutionary eSIM for international travel but are unsure of how to get started.
What is an eSIM card? How does it work?eSIMs for international travel are making a profound mark on the travel landscape. At KnowRoaming, we want to get back to basics by answering your eSIM FAQs and ensuring a safe, simple and easy setup and first-time usage. Stick to your travel itinerary and tick items off your bucket list without fussing about connectivity with KnowRoaming.
What is an eSIM card?
Most people know what a physical SIM card is. Now imagine a digital one that doesn’t require physical insertion, cannot get lost during a layover and doesn’t require purchasing at a physical store in a foreign country. That’s an eSIM.
An eSIM for international travel is embedded in your device (be it a phone, tablet, watch or laptop), allowing you to connect to mobile networks without the need to fiddle around with small chips. It’s perfect for travelers, digital nomads and remote workers who are always on the go and changing time zones.
Simply put, an eSIM is built into smartphones, tablets and wearable devices. It allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without using a physical SIM.
What’s the difference between an eSIM and a traditional SIM card?
The main difference between a traditional SIM and an eSIM is that the former is a physical card, while the latter is a digital profile you can download onto your phone.
This means no more carrying multiple SIM cards for different countries. With an eSIM for international travel, you can switch between data plans in various regions without touching your phone. That’s a huge win for convenience, right?
How does eSIM work?
Navigating the usage of an eSIM needn’t be daunting for technophobes or digital nomads. The straightforward, convenient eSIM setup process with KnowRoaming takes less than 2 minutes, with easy data top-up and seamless connectivity.
How to activate an eSIM on iPhone
On iPhone, setting up an eSIM is simple. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. Scan the QR code provided by your eSIM provider (like KnowRoaming), and voila! Your new eSIM profile will be activated.
How to activate an eSIM on Android devices
On Android, the process varies slightly depending on your phone model, but it’s just as straightforward. Head to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Add Carrier. Scan your QR code and confirm the setup. Your eSIM will be good to go in minutes.
Using eSIM on tablets and laptops
You can even use eSIMs on tablets like iPads and many laptops. The setup is similar to smartphones. For remote workers who rely on their devices for video conferencing or large file uploads, this can be a game-changer when Wi-Fi isn’t available.
5 reasons to choose KnowRoaming for your eSIM needs
- Easily monitor your data usage - Track your data use on the go and top up as needed, anytime, anywhere.
- Switch between local and international data plans - No need to juggle multiple SIM cards or navigate the complications of roaming (and the incumbent roaming costs). Switching from a local to an international plan is as easy as a few clicks on your phone’s settings. KnowRoaming will connect with the best network at your destination, ensuring effortless, fast connectivity on the go.
- Affordable global data plans - Only pay for what you require and top up as needed with transparent pricing and reasonable fees. Explore our rates for your intended destination today.
- Easy activation - KnowRoaming connectivity is all about ease and simplicity. Do it all in 2 minutes from the comfort of your airplane seat, airport queue or hammock on the beach.
- Reliable customer support - Need help setting up an eSIM for international travel in a country where no one speaks your language? KnowRoaming is by your side 24/7/365 to answer all your questions and help you navigate any difficulties.
Frequently Asked Questions
With KnowRoaming, setup takes less than five minutes. Using the automatic setup in the KnowRoaming app, you can download and add your eSIM in just a few taps. This makes it one of the fastest and most reliable ways to get connected before your trip.
Simply add the eSIM profile on your unlocked, eSIM-compatible device before you travel. Once you arrive in a supported country, turn on your eSIM, and you'll be connected!
Absolutely, in fact, that’s what we recommend.
It’s quick and easy. Use the KnowRoaming app to purchase and automatically add your eSIM in just a few taps. Some devices may require manual setup, but our support team and setup guides are available 24/7.
Yes, it's best to add your eSIM before you travel so you can connect as soon as you land. KnowRoaming makes this easy with automatic setup via the KnowRoaming app, or you can use the QR code option for manual setup.
You can buy your eSIM right before you leave, or when you arrive at your destination. It is an easy process that simply requires a stable Internet connection.
eSIM setup and activation is near instant. Simply follow the instructions below and enjoy effortless connectivity:
- Choose your package - Based on where you’re going and your specific needs, choose from KnowRoaming’s range of options at transparent rates.
- Scan the code - You’ll get a QR code after payment. Scan it with your smartphone or tablet to add the eSIM.
- Switch to eSIM - When you land at your intended destination, make your eSIM your primary data connection on your smartphone or tablet.
- Connect to network - Enable roaming to join the local network and enjoy connected travel with 24/7/365 support available.
KnowRoaming’s 24/7 customer support is available via chat or phone. We can guide you through any issue, whether it's technical or billing-related.
Yes, you can connect your eSIM for international travel to several devices but only one device can be connected to a single eSIM at one time.
KnowRoaming eSIMs connect with a number of different devices and smartphones for hassle-free connectivity on your globe-trotting adventures.
eSIMs make use of integrated circuit chips embedded within specific devices. Once digitally downloaded, they empower users to seamlessly connect to wireless networks and access the internet.
