Mobile Data When Traveling | Guide to Airalo eSIMS for International Travel

[@druiz012]

Holy crap.... I've been needing this. We spent an extra $150 on our phone plan for 12 days in Europe... my wife paid $10 everyday and I kept my phone on airplane mode except for a few days... this will be way cheaper.... wow. Thanks. I feel like an idiot for not knowing what to do before this video. 😅

[@MaxMilesPoints]

Glad to hear it! Yeah some carriers charge the $10 a day which is a lot for a long trip 😬

[@911eVoX]

It's literally $50/month per line with Tmobile. Better deal

[@ljacobs357]

I use Airolo on my unlocked Samsung Z Flip 5. Fairly easy to install and use. I turn off my US sim when overseas and just use WhatsApp to communicate. Samsung phones also have a physical sim slot if needed so i can use both sims at the same time, if I want.

[@Roshan-pp4dc]

I am on xfinity mobile and used the Airalo eSim when I went to Europe. It did work pretty well in multiple counties. One thing to note is, esim is data only plan, you won't get a local number. You won't be able to make regular voice calls or text messages. You will have to use whatsApp or other messaging apps to make a call or text. When you are in foreign country you will have to turn off the primary sim, otherwise you might a roaming charges. One down fall of turning the primary sim is that you won't be receiving any voice calls or text messages. Once in while I did turn on the primary sim to see if there any VM or text messages.

[@MisterFlipFlop]

Airlo been my go to for 2 years

[@ohhthatjess]

Clear, easy to follow explanation. Appreciate that you specifically described when you can purchase one and activate it. Will be using this for my upcoming travel to Brazil! Thank you.

[@ambika999]

Super helpful! Going to try this for my trip to the Netherlands.

[@RuffianRomeo]

This would’ve been amazing for my Paris trip! 😭 Stuck at a killer 256kbps ☠ Thanks T-mobile

[@JenniferHwang-kb5gq]

This is awesome! Thanks again for recommending the eSim when I went to Asia! It was the easiest way to have internet in multiple countries and it even worked super well for my family members!

[@MaxMilesPoints]

Glad to hear you liked using Airalo!

[@brucebanksshow]

Why is this the only content ive seen about sims...? I follow too many travel influencers for this to be the case. Smh. I know this is sponsored but thanks for this. I was worried with my trip at the end of the year.

[@accountisdisabled]

I also haven't seen content about cellular, which has been frustrating.

[@johnwick860]

eSims killed the airport rent a pocket wifi... way more convenient

[@MaxMilesPoints]

agreed. I use to rent pocket wifi for asian countries but ever since i discovered eSIMs I haven't used them since

[@niallrhysevans218]

Hi Max, great vid, yes will definitely go for Airolo, however for a dinosaur like me was not sure how to activate, as you said to set all up at home before you travel but not sure to do when you land. Can you explain a bit more.

[@nicholasyiu1]

Airalo is awesome! I personally use it or Flexi Roam. But make sure you have a new enough smart phone as older generations don't support E-sims!

[@blueclearsky]

They work great. I used one in Mexico. I did notice that when using an iPhone, and iMessage specifically, when I switched over to the Airalo eSim, I didn’t always know who was texting me, meaning my contact information didn’t carry over. Im not sure if thats a phone issue or an eSim issue because technically since you are going data only, you are switching over to the email used for iMessage. That was my only issue with it, but it could have simply just been me and my phone at the time. Im not the most computer/phone literate person but I have to say it was great having data available and not having to buy a physical SIM for a change.

[@wrxzboost]

thank you - used your code, worked well!

[@EvilCuber]

Airalo is great! Though I will say specifically in Japan, i've found their data speeds to be slower than other eSims or just roaming

[@MaxMilesPoints]

I did use Airalo in Japan and saw a slight decrease in speeds too compared to when I used Airalo in different countries. It was slower but still fast enough for my needs

[@Jocelyne-99]

Airalo is great for other countries but I found that Ubigi works best in Japan@@MaxMilesPoints

[@DA9DreaMs]

I've found Ubigi to have better speeds in Japan than Airalo.

[@UncleT0ny]

Going to use your referral for my euro trip next month

[@Unplugged704]

This is exactly what I need! Will be going to Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and Laos in September. I will be in Thailand the longest. Is getting the Thailand/regional the best choice… or buy for each country? If I am in those countries, and get a call from USA to our main number- 1- will it work 2- is there roaming charge?

[@vitomorris]

Love Airalo used it in Costa Rica and South Korea! Great content bro! What kind of camera do you use ? Just got a new sub for sure!

[@MaxMilesPoints]

Thanks for subscribing! I use my iPhone 15

[@emilym7663]

Please show how to enable and disable the eSim mentioned in the video

[@denisemorrison3268]

excellent & easy to digest, thank you!

[@Thecreditcardgame]

im traveling to spain the day after tomorrow , just on time

[@MaxMilesPoints]

Safe travels!

[@luannehorne697]

THANKS!! Getting it for my upcoming trip to South Africa!!! Using your code!! Can I still use my VPN?

[@lynnwood8759]

I've used Airalo twice and in both instances I wasted time fiddling around with settings, etc. Your video and explanation is the best I've found! I too prefer to purchase/install from home and activate at destination. Many thanks for your helpful vid.

[@007NateNasty]

eSIM only phones like the new iPhone remove flexibility of using sim or esim like other phones have. I do not like being limited to esim only

[@jacobs4985]

Hi Max, thanks for sharing this. I'll definitely use this when I travel to NZ. Which one do you think you could recommend more? Global? Local? or Regional?

[@MaxMilesPoints]

If you’re traveling to multiple countries go for a regional eSIM. If you’re just going to one country get a local eSIM

[@Kushal6831]

Thanks for sharing 🙏

[@julieslater7073]

If we're traveling as a family, do I need to get more than one eSIM account, especially knowing the teens might split off from us

[@MaxMilesPoints]

yup! everyone would need to get a separate esim installed on their phone individually

[@pearlslater]

OK so family of four going to Japan get a 30 day plan for each of us-got it Cause you know those teens are gonna be on their social media

[@MaxMilesPoints]

That would be the way to go with eSIMs. You may want to check your service provider and see if they have a cheaper family option though just to make sure you're getting the best deal to get data while traveling

[@pearlslater]

I'm t mobile so, facing the same issues that you did

[@fhballerinagirl]

Do we need to turn something off on phone settings to make sure my phone won’t get charged?

[@michaelcrz1430]

Thanks for sharing, but does airplane mode need to be turn on to prevent carrier charges for esim data only?

[@YaseenSahar]

Thanks for the video 😊 using this in Oman

[@fishermalia]

can you use esim and cellular for text together?

[@jacquelinebrown5830]

Hi Max, great review thanks. My husband and I are travelling to Italy and Greece for 3 months. Would you suggest I buy 3 separate esims for 30 days (seemed to be the only time option you showed) and activate each after expiration of the earlier esim? Also, I note this is for data only so what do you use when calling restaurants, taxis, medical, etc?

[@xChikyx]

There are at least 7 more recent models of my phone brand before mine to be compatible xD

[@TheBigXuXu]

Great video. Tried to buy esim for Hong Kong but all of them are out of stock... How can esims be out of stock?...

[@roninronin6405]

Although Airalo is easy to install, the 1GB package quickly disappeared in 4 minutes when hot spotted to the laptop to check a CC statement, even though video, youtube, music streaming was turned off, when the bench test was performed on a barebone iphone 11 with NO icloud account on the cell. Buyer be aware! I have yet to test the 5GB Europe package in Turkey and Greece in a Month. It seems its not the hype it claims to be. Cheers!

[@MaxMilesPoints]

Sounds like you had other things running on your laptop to suck up the data. I’ve hotspotted regularly in turkey and Tokyo and had no issues.

[@roninronin6405]

@@MaxMilesPoints hmm.. like what could blow through the data? no spotify installed, just one browser running connected not multiple windows, windows update turned off. Well I will wait till the Europe 5GB package is tested without any hotspot. Thanks for the reply!

[@antoinelegault2895]

Hey Max, great video and thanks for highlighting Airalo! Is there a workaround to make this work when your phone is "locked" with a certain carrier? I have a 2-yr plan with AT&T and when I try to buy an eSim it says "your device doesn't support eSim"... when I check in my iPhone settings -> general -> about it says carrier lock: "SIM Locked"... so I guess this won't work?

[@michelledowsett970]

Link to check if phone is unlocked does not work. Other info very helpful thanks.

[@phungn02]

Does it works on your phone if your currently use an eSIM with your phone carrier?

[@MaxMilesPoints]

Yup you can have multiple eSIMs

[@kronix1095]

Do you have any suggesntions on getting wifi for phone AND laptop? I need data for my laptop when travelling too so im not sure if Aeralo can cover me on that end. So maybe pocket wifis?

[@MaxMilesPoints]

You can potentially wifi hotspot from your phone to your laptop. I haven't tried it myself but it is an option based on the article below ⬇️ www.airalo.com/help/using-managing-esims/can-i-use-tethering-personal-hotspot

[@marialeung598]

does airalo esim has VPN inclueded

[@MaxMilesPoints]

no it does not

[@simioneteekafa1417]

So helpful ❤️

[@Enthusiast_Plus]

Hey Max this is great! Question: can I purchase the eSIM now and activate it when I get to Japan in 2 months?

[@MaxMilesPoints]

Yup! The activation policy: ACTIVATION POLICY The validity period starts when the eSIM connects to any supported network/s.

[@oSnapMillerTime]

Yes

[@niallrhysevans218]

Hi Max great vid, as not very good with this tech stuff got a bit lost of how to activate, as you said set up before you leave home but how do you activate on arrival.

[@marciaowyang7632]

Hope to get some clarification - I know I can add this eSim and keep my old physical sim that's attached to my cell number. When I land, I should switch to eSim and turn off roaming and airplane mode, correct? What happens if a text or call comes on my old sim/cell number, am I charged anything from my US carrier? or as long as I'm on eSim, I'm good? Thanks

[@MaxMilesPoints]

When you land you should turn off your main U.S. cellphone line and turn on your eSIM. By turning off your U.S. cellphone line you won’t get any calls or texts ensuring that you won’t be charged by your U.S. carrier. You can leave your U.S. carrier line on with data roaming off but you’ll be charged money for any text or phone calls coming into your U.S. carrier line

[@marciaowyang7632]

@@MaxMilesPoints thanks. I’m confused as others are saying to turn on airplane mode. But I need it on to use the eSIM, right? In this case I just need to toggle my U.S. sim off and toggle on the eSIM. Is that correct?

[@MaxMilesPoints]

@@marciaowyang7632 yup that’s correct if you turn on airplane mode that’ll essentially turn off all your data and cellular service. Toggle off your main U.S. line and toggle on your travel eSIM. You can install the eSIM before your flight takes off. It won’t activate but at least the eSIM will be installed then when you land it’ll connect to the network of whereever you’re traveling.

[@heckyes1991]

Any advice on how many GBs to get for a trip? I always forget how fast that data goes lol

[@raemhasan5894]

Guys please tell me if i have dual physical sim iphone 15 pro can i still activate the esim?

[@alexledonio8245]

Really interested in doing this for my trip to Europe! Are iPhones bought from Att unlocked ? Thanks!

[@MaxMilesPoints]

I think those are locked but you can request to get them unlocked if you call them and meet their eligibility

[@ljacobs357]

I travel overseas frequently. I never buy unlocked phones and never buy iPhones. I find Android phones much easier to switch between physical and esims. I also use WhatsApp to communicate since it is data driven for messages and calls. Just remember that not all phones are esim compatible.

[@benz6074]

When you land, do we have to turn off data roaming in our phone settings so that it doesn't connect to our usual mobile server?

[@F.X.Techniq]

Awesome

[@unknownname7118]

Thanks for this video. Any other company/services you would recommend for use in Southeast Asia or Asia?

[@oSnapMillerTime]

Airalo worked perfect in SE Asia

[@unknownname7118]

This is the only company you have used? Just want to get a comparison with others than you have used. Thanks

[@oSnapMillerTime]

​@@unknownname7118It's so cheap and worked. I didn't bother looking elsewhere.

[@lanamarx5277]

Some countries like French Polynesia have only data. Will I be able to text or call at all on that esim card, like thru WhatsApp or Viber? TIA

[@MaxMilesPoints]

If your phone has data you’ll be able to use WhatsApp or viber and make calls through there

[@youstinaboushra3753]

Do you have any idea if the data of Airalo will be connected if I am on a cruise ?? I mean when I am away from the shore ?

[@UncleT0ny]

I would imagine you need service. No service = no data

[@mohankumar-qj4ml]

Hi...need some clarification pls...wen I travel for different destination back to back should I buy and install esim for the respective country I stay ....

[@MaxMilesPoints]

Yes or you can buy a regional eSIM that’ll Cover multiple counties so you’ll only need to buy one eSIM

[@vcosino]

Great guide video! Planning to use this Esim for first time when I go to Puerto Rico for my next trip. How about when receiving text or trying to make a call? Do I have to rely on WiFi calling or on WiFi?

[@MaxMilesPoints]

You may want to check if your phone service provider has coverage in Puerto Rico since it’s a U.S. territory. I know T-Mobile has coverage there and it’s not considered roaming

[@therichsibling3714]

Yes, I’ve never need to change anything for Puerto Rico. You *should* be covered if you live in the US.

[@martacruz1788]

I used this in EU with no issues. What do you do phone phone calls though? I can do most things online but when traveling sometimes you need to call a local number or the airline when running into travel disruptions. My service at home doesn’t come with international calls

[@oSnapMillerTime]

You switch back to your regular sim

[@rosaliejoson4519]

Can I use my ipad 10 gen.wifi only in airalo? Thanks

[@MaxMilesPoints]

No your iPad needs cellular 3g/4g/5g capabilities

[@CindyGlennInglehart]

Does the discount code still work?

[@williamchen-eu2rd]

You mentioned a discount code ? Don’t see it

[@MaxMilesPoints]

In the description - Discount code: MAX3 Download Airalo: go.airalo.com/MaxMilesPoints

[@rashmis9123]

the plans are like 2 GB in total for 15 days or 2 gb per day for 15 days?

[@MaxMilesPoints]

2gb total for 15 days

[@wingchen9812]

So the phone has to be unlocked? I have iPhone 14 with Verizon. But I am still in the payment plan. So is that locked?

[@MaxMilesPoints]

Check with Verizon or visit this page to check if your phone is unlocked or not ; www.airalo.com/help/getting-started-with-airalo/ios-device-is-esim-compatible

[@cristyclark5933]

Question- last part is confusing. If I download app and buy a plan day before I leave USA. Does my time start when I buy it? Or when I start using it/turn it on. Also how long is code good for? Going to Iceland in May.

[@MaxMilesPoints]

When the sim connects to the network in the country you’re traveling to that’s when the sim is active

[@Mia-tc4lr]

Same question. Thanks Max. Btw, the code has expired now 🥲 (i tried). But it’s okay i am more than convinced to use airalo 😊

[@noshameslime4512]

I am going to South Korea in a few weeks and want to use Airalo but it says "unlimited" I honestly like that idea but I am only going there for 4 days and I don't need to use the full amount of the 10 days they say they offer is there a way to save it and to use it again for another time??

[@awaddell29]

Do I need to put my phone on airplane mode while using airalo esim?

[@MaxMilesPoints]

No it doesn’t need to be in airplane mode

[@joanmartinez8215]

So, a Data only sim is ONLY internet access (no calls or messages/texts) unless using Whatsapp or FaceTime?

[@PerazaFamily]

Max, thank you for the info-video. I am traveling to Lisbon tomorrow [12/26], and my concern/question since i have international plan with Verizon, wondering how Airalo and Verizon will interact, dont want to be charged daily rate with Verizon while paying for an eSIM, sorry if the question has already been asked. Thank you in advance

[@PerazaFamily]

Max, disregard my message, i got the answer to my question. Now just making the decision how much data i need in order to use my phone for work while traveling. Have you had any experience withHolafly?

[@MaxMilesPoints]

Holafly works in a similar way and pricing may vary between the two, but I’m most familiar with Airalo

[@lanamarx5277]

Do you turn off cellular data before landing in other countries? ATT will change you $10/day, but if it’s cheaper I would love it. Is there a plan for everything: msg/voice/data?

[@MaxMilesPoints]

I leave mine on because T-Mobile gives me super slow data for roaming which is free, but it's so slow it is not usable which is why I use Airalo. But to answer your question, yes some people do turn off their U.S. phone line when they land to avoid roaming charges. Airalo does have a global sim option that comes with msg/voice/data that I personally haven't tried yet. It's more expensive but it does give you 43+ phone numbers for global usage.

[@oSnapMillerTime]

Yes switch off the sim of you don't want to use it.

[@lanamarx5277]

french polynesia is not in the list

[@MaxMilesPoints]

⁠@@lanamarx5277you can buy a French Polynesia eSIM for $9.50 / 1gb / 7 days in the Airalo app

[@lanamarx5277]

@@MaxMilesPoints I meant on on the global list, Data only and I was wondering if I can use data only to text/call on WhatsApp or Viber?

[@javee749]

Do you know if this works for cruises?

[@bellaferman]

Hello, I get confused with all things electronic. Would anybody who is reading this message please give me some advise ? Can I take my second unlocked phone that is not connected to a carrier, on my trip to Vietnam and buy an esim? My primary phone is connected to a provider, but I could turn it off while I'm travelling. What are your thoughts on that ? I'm leaving for Vietnam in October. Thanks a lot.

[@MaxMilesPoints]

Yes it’s possible! Using your second unlocked phone is a good idea

[@Michael-yb5md]

If I get an eSIM for Ecuador and my family calls from nyc. Do they call my American number or some new eSIM number?

[@theeverydailyshow]

Sounds really expensive for data only. How much does a physical sim card cost? Hastle may be worth the savings. But, then again, sliding a little card into a slot is really not a hastle when compared to all the steps you showed for an esim. Nice try, but you did get paid.

[@MaxMilesPoints]

Would love to hear about where you can get a physical SIM with data that's cheaper than $4.50! Plus if you're an iPhone user in the U.S. and have an iPhone 14 or 15 there isn't even an SIM card slot for you to remove a SIM card anymore 😉

[@theeverydailyshow]

@@MaxMilesPoints yeah, apply sucks. We're forced over to using usb-c recently. I'm comparing realistic costs. You said you'd burn thru 5gb quickly. So how much do you pay for your esim and size? Then we can compare to a physical sim.

[@MaxMilesPoints]

On a trip to Amsterdam 5gb SIM from kiosk was 30 euros 8gb was 35 euros Airalo sells 10gb eSIMs for $20 I've walked into Vodafone stores inquiring about SIMs in Germany and they were asking for 40 euro minimum In Japan for a 2 week trip I used 20GB which was $26 Liking your own comments is silly btw.

[@Roshan-pp4dc]

I have used physical sim in the past, bought it from Amazon and inserted in once i landed in the foreign country. Few drawbacks of using the new physical sims are, you want to make sure you won't lose the original primary sim, once you inserted the new sim, all your banking apps and credit card apps knows that you have changed the sim and will ask you to re enter the credentials even though you have enabled the face ID. IF MFA is enabled for these banking apps, then you will have hard time longing in. Airalo esim is hassle free, easy to use. You can top off if you are running out of data. If the local sim are cheaper, then go for it.

[@MaxMilesPoints]

@@Roshan-pp4dc I haven’t even considered that issue with a physical SIM! Good to know thanks for sharing

[@danceswithrats]

will WhatsApp still work as normal with the esim?

[@oSnapMillerTime]

I used Airalo for Vietnam and Thailand both worked perfect

[@lilianacastro8680]

I have a question: is there a plan that covers Portugal and Spain? Thanks

[@MyLifeInDallas]

That’s why T-mobile gives free 5GB as you land in the new country!!!

[@MaxMilesPoints]

True but for their higher end eligible T-Mobile plans and in select countries. If you don’t have one of the higher plans your stuck at 256kbs speed. 🥲 I have T-Mobile and have a grandfathered account that I refuse to give up because the monthly bill is so low which is why I use Airalo. And I’d burn through 5GB pretty quickly 😛

[@SoldierHaul]

I have T-Mobile but I am also on the Military plan so I guess mine is cheaper. But the 5GB has worked for me in Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean. I am hoping it works in Australia

[@theeverydailyshow]

​@@MaxMilesPointsbut what's the cost for a 5gb esim? A lot!

[@MaxMilesPoints]

@@theeverydailyshow $11.50 for Japan and it’s good for 30 days . That’s not a lot when other service providers charge $10 a day for roaming

[@MaxMilesPoints]

A lot of the military plans qualify for the 5gb free data roaming and it should work in Austrailia. I unfortunately am not on a military plan or one of the more updated tmobile plans so I don't get any of the fun stuff. I do get a super cheap grandfathered rate though which is why I'm not willing to upgrade 😅

[@kathhebreo]

When using eSim, do I turn off the roaming on my phone and put the phone on airplane mode?

[@MaxMilesPoints]

You can turn off your service with your main cellphone provider so you don’t get charged for roaming. Then only activate the travel eSIM

[@kathhebreo]

@@MaxMilesPoints thank you

[@TamiePryor]

Is the code still valid

[@GM-wf6el]

Hello. I live in US. If I visit Philippines, I wouldnt be able to register sim cards bec I dont have Philippine ID. If I download Airalo before leaving US, will I have data in Philippines without the need to register? Can I continue to buy additional data while I'm in Philippines? Thanks

[@TheWilly0618]

can you make a video on how to buy an airline ticket to Dominican Republic using point on delta I tray virgin atlantic bud it dosent work

[@aselwyn1]

Airalo is much more expensive then a lot of other eSIM brands there are much better options out there

[@lilianacastro8680]

Excellent video!! Thanks

[@aznmarinex2]

Having Google-fi is kind of broken for traveling

[@MaxMilesPoints]

It sounds like a good idea but really it’s not a great unless you already use Googlefi or you travel internationally every month

[@Miggy2222]

Have you ever tried GoogleFi while traveling?

[@MaxMilesPoints]

I have it’s great if you’re consistently traveling internationally. It’s $65 per month per line or $110 for two. It’s not cost effective , unless you already use them as your primary service provider. Getting Googlefi to travel 2-3 times a year is not worth it in my opinion. I had Googlefi for over a year before buying eSIMs

[@Miggy2222]

Who do you use as your primary service provider?

[@MaxMilesPoints]

@@Miggy2222 I have a grandfathered T-Mobile account

[@BruceM8]

@@MaxMilesPoints I have the Google Fi Flex plan and the cost is $20 per month plus data used. My bills at home generally come to $35 counting taxes and data charges. When I use it abroad, the data, phone and text all work the same as at home. But since I use data a lot abroad to access the Internet when on the move, then usually my monthly bills rise to $60 or so, as I am using data frequently for Internet connectivity in the absence of a WiFi source outside my hotel. Unlike Max, though, I am not downloading, uploading, or streaming a lot of content on my phone while abroad. If I did, my monthly data cost could rise as high as $60 per month.

[@rogerborno9186]

Am I missing something? Please comment if I am wrong. As I understand esim gives you data (ONLY) in foreign country. So you can surf Internet and send emails. But if you want to call somebody you have to use VoIP (messenger, whatsapp, facetalk,...) - which means that person you want to call has to have these apps loaded and be your friend (or on your list). What you do if you want to call unknown person having only his phone number? Or to call medical emergency, police, restaurant or tourist guide to cancel your tickets? For this you still need normal local sim card. So why to bother with esim, after you land just buy local sim card with enough data on the airport (stores open 24/7), place it to your phone and you are set. Btw, store employee will place it into your phone for you and also set it to your chosen language.