You should definitely purchase your travel eSIM in advance!
Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, having access to reliable mobile data and communication services is a must. With the advent of travel eSIMs, it’s now much more convenient to access mobile data and connectivity services when traveling. If you’re new to travel eSIMs, you may be wondering if it’s possible to purchase and activate an eSIM outside of your destination. Let’s dive deeper into this topic to understand your options.
Understanding eSIM technology
Before we dive into the logistics of purchasing and activating an eSIM abroad, let’s get a handle on the basics of eSIMs services. An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a small chip built into a device that works similarly to a traditional SIM card, but without the physical card.
It allows users to connect to mobile networks without the need to insert a physical SIM card into their device. eSIMs offer flexibility, convenience and are increasingly supported by mobile operators around the world.
Buy eSIM for travel abroad
Traditionally, to get mobile connectivity when travelling, you might choose to buy a local SIM card upon arrival at your destination. So, you might be wondering if you should do the same with an eSIM and if you can just buy an eSIM for your destination country upon arrival.
The short answer is that it depends.
Buy an eSIM from a local operator
In some destinations, local operators offer eSIM options for tourists, but the way to purchase the eSIM varies from operator to operator.
Some providers may allow you to purchase your eSIM online and will email you the installation QR code; some may allow you to purchase your eSIM online but will still require you to collect your installation code from the airport counters upon arrival; while others may have on-site sales only.
As this varies greatly from provider to provider, it is recommended that you check the terms and purchasing policies of local telecommunications companies before your trip.
Buying an eSIM from a travel eSIM provider
Now, if you buy an eSIM from a global eSIM provider like Olysim, then you’ll be able to buy an eSIM before you even arrive at your destination ! In fact, for some destinations, you can only buy the eSIM if you’re outside the country due to local regulations and restrictions.
If you’re buying an eSIM from a travel eSIM provider, you can purchase it online in advance, even before you arrive at your destination, and you’ll receive the eSIM installation kit via email. That also means you can go through the entire process of purchasing and installing your eSIM online without having to physically interact with anyone (for you introverts, this sounds great, right?).
eSIM activation for travel abroad
If you have purchased and installed your eSIM, your next question might be whether or not you can activate your eSIM while at home.
In most cases, this is not possible. If you buy your eSIM from a local operator, it will usually be activated when you first connect to the local network, meaning you won’t be able to activate it if you’re not yet at your destination.
However, there may be some cases where Manual activation of the eSIM is required. In cases where you need to manually activate your eSIM, you will be able to do so before you arrive at your destination.
If manual activation is required, you will likely also need a stable internet connection to complete the manual activation. It is important to note that successful eSIM activation does not necessarily mean you will be able to connect while at home, if your eSIM data plan does not include coverage for your home destination.
Get a Olysim eSIM for your next trip
With a Olysim eSIM, you will definitely be able to purchase your eSIM even before you arrive at your destination.
Olysim offers data plans in over 170 countries , and you can be sure to find one that suits your travel needs. And if you’re traveling across multiple countries, there are also regional plans available so you can stay seamlessly connected while traveling between countries. Data plans are available from as low as $1.10/GB.
The networks that Olysim eSIMs use for each plan are listed in the plan details on the webstore and in the apps, so you can check which networks are supported before purchasing your plan. OlysimeSIM plans also support data sharing and tethering.