eSIM trip checklist

Tick these off before and during your trip and you will have mobile data the moment you land, with no roaming bill from home. Print the page or save it to your phone.

Two weeks before

  • Check that your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM.
  • Work out how much data you need with the travel data calculator.
  • Look up whether the country blocks apps you use, such as Google or WhatsApp in China.

A few days before

  • Buy your eSIM plan. Our country guides compare prices.
  • Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi. See how to install an eSIM.
  • Name the line "Travel" and keep the QR code or activation code in an email you can reach offline.
  • Install a VPN app for hotel and airport Wi-Fi, such as NordVPN.
  • Download offline maps and your boarding passes.

On the plane

  • Turn off data roaming on your home line so it cannot run up charges.
  • Keep the travel eSIM line off until you land if your plan starts counting days at first connection.

When you land

  • Turn on the travel line and its data roaming.
  • Set the travel line as your mobile data line.
  • Check the provider's app for your data balance and top up there if you run low.