Going abroad with a travel eSIM is easy if your phone’s roaming settings are right. Once you get them wrong and you will either have no internet or pay sky-high fees on your regular SIM. The guide below shows, step by step guides on correct roaming settings when using a travel eSIM. You will know what to turn on, what to turn off, and how to fix common issues in minutes.
In this article
Roaming settings decide whether your phone is allowed to talk to networks outside your home country. A travel eSIM is, by definition, a “foreign” SIM. If its roaming switch is wrong, the phone will either refuse to connect or will quietly use your regular SIM and run up a huge bill.
Your travel eSIM is issued by a carrier that is not based in the country where you bought your phone. The phone treats that carrier as “roaming.” When Data Roaming is OFF, the device blocks all data from that profile. Turning the toggle ON tells the phone that it is okay to let this eSIM use mobile data abroad.
These five minutes of preparation remove 95% of arrival-day problems.
Here are guides to correct roaming settings when using eSIMs for travel.
If you leave the primary SIM’s roaming on, the phone may still choose the primary SIM for background tasks, especially if its signal is stronger. In that case every push notification, map update, or photo sync is billed at your home carrier’s roaming rate, often $10 per MB or more. In such a case, one quick map refresh can cost you hundreds of dollars.
If you have trouble connecting after configuring roaming settings, check if yours are listed here:
You should toggle Airplane Mode on, wait ten seconds, then off. Also, check that the eSIM is selected for mobile data and Data Roaming is ON. If there is still no service, go to Network settings and choose a carrier manually.
First, you need to confirm the phone is set to 4G/LTE or 5G, not 3G. Then, move outside or nearer a window because some airports and basements block signals.
Try to add it with the saved QR/activation code once more times. Next, if things do not work, contact the eSIM provider for support through chat or email. They can resend the details.
Follow these quick checks and you should be back online in minutes.
Controlling when your eSIM activates is key to managing your mobile connectivity effectively. This guide answer the question “Can I control when my eSIM gets activated?” and explain why and how you can control eSIM activation, along with related questions to help you use eSIMs confidently. I. Why do you need to control when your […]
Using an eSIM for international travel can help you stay connected without hefty roaming charges. This guide explains how to avoid roaming fees with an eSIM, like those from Gigago, and answers key related questions to ensure cost-effective connectivity. Why Do Roaming Charges Happen with eSIMs? Roaming charges occur when your phone connects to a […]
Choosing between a data-only eSIM and a phone-number eSIM depends on your travel or connectivity needs. This guide compares these options, using providers like Gigago as an example, to help you decide which is best for staying connected affordably and efficiently. What Are Data-only and Phone-number eSIMs? Data-only eSIMs provide internet access without a phone […]
Is your eSIM configured correctly? This crucial question can make or break your international travel experience. Many travelers install eSIMs but skip the verification steps, leading to connectivity problems and unexpected charges. This guide ensures your eSIM is properly configured before departure, saving you from headaches while abroad. I. Why do you need to check […]
When planning international travel, staying connected without breaking the bank is essential. Many travelers find themselves asking: Is an eSIM better for roaming? This guide explores the differences between traditional roaming and eSIM technology, helping you make an informed decision for your next trip abroad. I. What are eSIM and international Roaming? When traveling abroad, […]
Before your next trip, learn how to protect your mobile phone at the border using practical security measures. This guide explains your rights during device searches and outlines specific techniques to safeguard your private data—from proper preparation before travel to managing device security during border crossings—all while maintaining compliance with customs regulations and avoiding travel […]
