eSIMs can simplify travel connectivity, but it’s important to avoid common pitfalls. This guide highlights key mistakes to avoid when buying an eSIM, helping you choose the right plan and enjoy uninterrupted connectivity.
In this article
Device Check
Open your phone settings or check manufacturer’s website to see if your phone supports eSIM. Most new phones now have this feature.
Usage Type
Choose based on your needs – local use or travel. Consider how much data you typically use for apps, browsing, and streaming.
Picking a Provider
Compare local carriers and global providers. Local carriers work best for home use, while international providers suit travelers better.
Plans & Costs
Check data limits, speed, and coverage. Longer plans usually cost less per day. Make sure coverage matches where you’ll be using it.
While eSIM technology offers great flexibility, many new users make avoidable mistakes during setup and use. Let’s explore the most frequent eSIM mistakes and learn how to avoid them, ensuring you make the most of this digital innovation.
1. Not checking device compatibility
Many users purchase eSIMs only to discover their phones don’t support them, resulting in wasted money and time. eSIM functionality isn’t universal – it’s mainly available on newer and premium devices.
How to avoid
Direct Phone Check:
Online Verification:
Common eSIM-compatible devices: iPhone: XS/XR and newer, Samsung: S20 and newer, Google Pixel: 3a and newer
Important Note: Even if your device supports eSIM, carrier-locked phones may have restrictions. Contact your carrier for specific compatibility details before purchase.
2. Choosing an unsupported or incompatible carrier
Mistake: Users often buy eSIMs from carriers that either don’t work in their area or aren’t compatible with their device. This leads to no service when traveling or poor network coverage, wasting both money and causing connectivity problems.
How to avoid:
Quick Tip: Big carriers (AT&T, Vodafone) offer wider coverage but cost more. Local carriers are cheaper but work in limited areas.
3. Not understanding the data plan
Mistake: Choosing wrong data plans leads to extra charges or running out of data. Common mistakes include picking limited data when needing unlimited data, or local plans for international travel.
How to avoid:
First, check your weekly data needs. Basic email and maps use 1-3GB, social media needs 5-10GB, while streaming requires 15GB or more. Add 20% extra data for safety buffer.
For travel use: Choose international eSIM plans when going abroad. Local carrier plans work best for single-country stays. Get multi-country packages if visiting several places.
For regular use: Pick unlimited plans for heavy streaming or business. Choose fixed data plans if you know your exact usage. Local carrier plans are cheaper for single-country use.
4. Failing to compare prices
Mistake: Rushing to buy the first eSIM plan leads to overpaying. Prices can vary up to 50% between providers for the same data amount.
How to avoid: Compare at least 3 providers before buying. Focus on price per GB and check included features like call minutes or SMS. Major providers often run special deals during holidays.
5. Not preparing before use
Mistake: Not testing eSIM before travel or losing setup codes leads to connection problems when abroad. Most users can’t fix eSIM issues without backup codes.
How to avoid:
Start setup 2-3 days before travel. Test both calls and data to ensure everything works properly. Store your QR code and activation details in cloud storage and as phone screenshots.
Safety Steps: Keep your physical SIM as backup when traveling. Download offline maps for emergencies. Save important contact numbers directly on your phone, including eSIM support.
To get the most out of your eSIM investment, knowing these power-user techniques can make a significant difference.
Using two SIMs smartly. Your phone can use both eSIM and physical SIM at once. Use eSIM for internet data and keep your regular SIM for phone calls. This helps you save money and always stay connected. Most new phones from iPhone 11 and Samsung S20 can do this.
Watching your data use. Check how much internet you use every day in your phone settings. Set your phone to warn you when you use half and most of your data. Big files and videos use lots of data, so download these using WiFi before travelling.
Always have backup. Keep your home SIM card ready as backup. Before traveling, download Google Maps for offline use and save important documents. Write down important phone numbers in case your phone has problems.
Check time limits. Most travel eSIMs work for 7-30 days only. Check exactly when your plan ends. Some companies let you add more days, but it often costs more than buying early.
Save money tips. Start with a short plan (like 7 days). You can always buy more time if needed. This is cheaper than buying a long plan you might not fully use.
Before purchasing an eSIM, verify your device’s compatibility through your manufacturer’s specifications. Visit your chosen provider’s website or mobile app to browse and select a plan that matches your needs. Complete the purchase by following the on-screen instructions, after which you’ll receive activation details to set up your eSIM.
eSIM offers a streamlined experience compared to physical SIM cards, with activation taking just minutes rather than waiting for card delivery. Users can easily switch between different network providers when facing connectivity issues, making it ideal for international travel. Technology allows you to maintain your primary phone number while adding additional lines, perfect for managing both personal and business communications on one device.
The primary limitation of eSIM technology is device compatibility, as it’s only available on newer generation devices. Currently, eSIM functionality is limited to recent smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches, meaning users with older devices cannot access this technology. Some regions and carriers may also have limited eSIM support, which could affect availability in certain areas.
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