The Airalo Discover+ Global eSIM | COMPLETE Guide & Review

[@briansteph]

GET $3 OFF YOUR FIRST AIRALO ESIM PURCHASE: airalo.pxf.io/MmbZWP Click the link above and use code: BRIAN0890 WANT TO SUPPORT THE CHANNEL? www.buymeacoffee.com/brian.and.steph OTHER AIRALO GUIDES: kzbin.info/aero/PLBAeztK63Jo6AbZ_Y0_DcbvNlvpxAkvoS

[@jeffdewaele5156]

Fantastic job explaining these types of technologies….at 60+ years old it’s refreshing to have someone explain in detail and with examples that I can follow. Thx for taking the time.

[@briansteph]

Thanks for the nice comment, Jeff! So glad to hear these videos are helpful. Safe travels ✈️

[@dbearisto]

Excellent videos, Brian. As a tech guy, I can say that you do a superb job of explaining everything and you really don’t leave out any of the smaller, but still very important details.

[@briansteph]

Thank you so much, I appreciate the encouragement! It can be challenging to capture everything someone would need, without being too wordy, so I'm glad to hear that it still feels comprehensive...that's certainly the goal. Thanks again for taking the time to comment!

[@rgoonewardene380]

I like the fact that you pointed out that these SIMs are not suitable for everyone. Gave the video a like, just for that.

[@briansteph]

I have no interest in pushing products on people who wouldn't benefit from them - glad you appreciate that, thanks for the nice comment!

[@lesciarula]

Thank you! You answered the questions the Airalo chat bot couldn't and the real person wouldn't. Great video

[@briansteph]

So glad that this was helpful to you! Thanks so much for the nice comment 😊 safe travels!

[@av98]

This was extremely helpful. You articulate it really well

[@briansteph]

Glad the video was helpful, thanks for the nice comment! 😊

[@eddie6171]

Thanks again Brian just bought my second Airalo eSIM but for Europe, not just Spain, and I live in the UK, so was worried about installing it as uk included in list of countries supported by eSIM. But after seeing this video gave me confidence in installing it before arriving in main land Europe, and at 70+ need all the help I can get Keep up the good work. 👍

[@briansteph]

Hi Eddie - so glad to hear this! Thanks so much for the nice comment as well. I hope you have a great time on your trip and safe travels ✈️

[@stevielu5919]

This is such an informative video!

[@briansteph]

So glad you feel it's helpful, thanks for the nice comment! Safe travels ✈️

[@cyleung6048]

Thank you so much Brian and I am so appreciate 🙂

[@briansteph]

Absolutely - hope you have wonderful travels!

[@thunderblackfairy]

Im going to China, where I am told to get a VPN. A recent traveller said airalo has its own VPN. What should I do

[@josephpavao7871]

Excellent Job, at 70 and not technical at all your explanations were precise and clear, 1st time I end up with answers and not just a bunch of questions, and you spoke at a normal speed, some video's I have to play 2 or 3 times. Thanks Again

[@briansteph]

Hi Joseph - thanks so much for this comment, it means a lot! So happy to hear this was helpful to you. Feel free to let me know if you do end up with any questions about these eSIMs down the road, happy to help. Safe travels! ✈️

[@juliaaahouck5781]

Coming back to say that my experience with Airalo is great! Super easy after following your guide. Thanks Brian! One thing I noted is that the validation period of my 60 day esim did begin to count down as soon as it was installed (3 days prior to my trip). Top up packages are also pretty easy…I wish they did have top ups for data only too

[@briansteph]

Thanks for coming back and sharing Julia! Glad everything went well for you. I wonder if when you installed it, your phone wasn't actively connecting to WiFi? I thought mine would activate after installation as well, but I believe the only reason it didn't was because I was on my home WiFi. Definitely something to be aware of if installing a short duration plan! Yes, a data-only top up would be awesome...easy otherwise though. Thanks again for the comment!

[@dontregenza6760]

Further to your discussion about primary carrier voice and text cell use....on my most recent travel adventure I disabled that line and only used my eSim. Didn't miss it! I recently travelled to the US with my Canadian primary line turned on, to receive 2FA SMS texts, with the idea that all inbound are free. However if you do a "block and report" to an incoming text, the carrier treats it as an outbound text and charges your account. Also with my Canadian plan, making one outbound text in the US, starts the clock for a minimum 100 messages for $10 automatically...(in Europe, only one message at $0.60 is charged!). I didn't realize that feature, until I reread the carrier info. Rather annoying that a spam message cost me $10! You mentioned that you have an international text plan. I also have an international text plan with my carrier (as a free add on), but the plan is only for outgoing messages originating in Canada. Not much use when travelling!

[@briansteph]

Wow, thanks for sharing your experiences Don! I feel this is another great example as to why we should read the fine-print and/or reach out to our carriers prior to using our primary SIMs outside of our home country. All the little hidden rules can be quite costly, and cell phone providers aren't the best at disclosing these sorts of rules in a clear and upfront manner...they usually require some digging to find. Hope your time in the US was nice!

[@dontregenza6760]

@@briansteph Yes we had a great time in the US! We head down from Canada (near Toronto) a few times a year! It gives me a chance to enjoy playing with my eSIM technology. Haha.

[@briansteph]

@dontregenza6760 Awesome, love it - glad to hear that!

[@cyleung6048]

It so useful your information and complet and may I ask you a question? Can I share my airalo on two devices?

[@briansteph]

Hi Cy! You cannot install the same eSIM package on multiple devices, but you CAN share the data from one of your devices with another via a Hotspot. For example, I typically install an Airalo eSIM plan on my phone, and then I share the data with my wife Steph to her iPhone when she is nearby and needs to access the internet. I cover that topic a bit more in this video at around 12:44: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqPNqHSBib55b7c Hope that's helpful - safe travels!

[@darcydiamond8645]

Fantastic details. Good 2 know factoid: on any of these International ESIM packages: Aíralo, Holafly, Maya, Claro, if my US friends, ( my home base,) do not have an international provision on their plan, then if they wish 2 text, call me from US while I’m traveling LATAM, US friends might/will incur charges on their plan’s bill. Great video🎉🎉Did I understand this “con” correctly. Again, much thanks❤

[@briansteph]

Hi there! Yes, if your friends/family send communications to you while abroad, they may incur international charges depending on the plan they have with their carrier. So it's worth letting them know about this ahead of time so they can check their cellular plan details, or at least be aware that their phone bill may have additional charges. Safe travels 😊

[@anthonygilmore940]

Great video Brian, this and your other videos on the Airalo SIM's have been really helpful. You explain it so well, thank you. One question, to get 2FA, you suggest keeping Primary ON, with Data turned OFF on the Primary SIM card. Can I still keep my iMessage/Facetime Apps and What's App accounts linked to the Primary SIM number, or should both these be switched to the eSIM? I already have these set up on my Primary SIM.

[@briansteph]

Hey Anthony - thanks so much for the nice comment, I'm glad these videos have been useful to you! With WhatsApp, you can keep that linked to your primary phone number. You actually only need the phone number to sign up for a WhatsApp account. Afterwards, it's only using data, so the line/SIM associated with your phone number doesn't actually need to be enabled for WhatsApp to continue working. For iMessage/FaceTime, because you'll still want to be in a data-only mode with these apps (in other words, not using cellular service on your primary SIM, but rather, using the data from Airalo and/or WiFi), you will still have communications on these apps with your Apple ID (email address associated with Apple account). iMessage and FaceTime will still technically be linked to your primary SIM/phone number, but you'll want to make sure you are initiating communications/replying to communications with your Apple ID instead of your phone number, otherwise you may trigger international charges. Let me know if that makes sense or if I can help clarify more!

[@yaMai-c8n]

hello,Brian,I would like to ask why the text message function is not so sensitive. It often happens that text messages cannot be received.

[@briansteph]

Hi there! Are people trying to text your new global number and having issues? When messaging a number with a different country code, you will typically need to put a "+" at the beginning of the number

[@Bahirajour]

Airalo is a game changer! I used it before then tomorrow will use the global package.😊

[@briansteph]

Agreed, it's saved me a ton of money and hassle! Awesome - safe travels ✈️

[@bonniebreitkreutz7579]

How can I be sure it doesn’t activate before I arrive in USA? I have used it previously so will just add to my card. I’m only using data this time as I don’t need calls with WhatsApp. Great video

[@briansteph]

Hi Bonnie! Once the eSIM is switched back ON, it needs to make a connection with one of the cellular networks that it supports for any purchased data package to be activated. In your case, you can purchase a top up package on the eSIM that you already have installed on your phone, wait to arrive in the USA, and then switch your eSIM on in the Settings app of your phone. The data package cannot activate until it makes a connection with a network which it supports. Hope that's helpful! Safe travels 🙂

[@deidre19801]

Thanks so much for this informational video! My question: when using Airalo esim, how do people handle two-factor authentication for certain websites? Happy to subscribe!

[@briansteph]

Hi Deidre! As much as possible, i try and change/setup my 2FA to use email, or an Authenticator app (such as Google Authenticator) rather than SMS. You could also leave your Primary line on, but turn Data Roaming to off on that SIM. You'd also want to disable "Allow Cellular Data Switching" under Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. This will prevent your phone from using data from your Primary SIM. Something to keep in mind when leaving your Primary line on is that if you place a call, or send an SMS text (non-iMessage, typically a text to an Android based phone), you could incur international charges. Hopefully that makes sense, but let me know if I can clarify. Thanks so much for subscribing!

[@VickyBarling]

Excellent video. Have used your discount code and purchased Airalo for upcoming trip and waiting to activate once arriving at destination. Thank you

[@briansteph]

Awesome Vicky, glad you found the video helpful! Hope you have a wonderful trip 🙂

[@noords23]

Great video mate ! It was very well explained for my boomer parent 😂 and her first eSIM.

[@briansteph]

Haha this is probably the funniest comment i've gotten on one of these videos 😂 glad it was helpful mate, thanks for the comment - cheers!

[@Pptsonyt8553]

So you can install/buy the package like a few days early before going to the country? Then it automatically connects when you get there?

[@briansteph]

Hey there! That's correct. I've installed Airalo eSIMs up to 6 weeks in advance with no issues when it comes to premature activation. You'll want to make sure for this eSIM in particular (since it's likely that the country you're currently in is part of its "supported countries"), when you go through the installation steps, you follow the options I selected in the video. So, keeping your Primary SIM as the default for all options, and leaving Cellular Data Switching turned to OFF. I also suggest installing while connected to WiFi. And then once you arrive at your first destination, follow the quick step at 10:37. Doing that will be the final step Airalo needs to activate the eSIM. Hopefully that's helpful - happy to explain further, let me know. Otherwise, safe travels! ✈️

[@tracybrown1527]

Very informative videos. For an extended trip abroad (up to one), any plan recommendations and/or configurations so I can keep my US phone number and also receive SMS bank verification texts?

[@briansteph]

Hey Tracy - thanks for the nice comment! What is the length of your trip? 1 month? 1 year? For 1 month, and if you'd like to continue keeping your service with your US provider, you can leave your Primary SIM card ON during your travels, but you'll want to make a few adjustments. 1) Once both SIMs are enabled, under Settings > Cellular, make sure that the Airalo SIM is the default for data under "Cellular Data" 2) In that same section, disable "Allow Cellular Data Switching"...this will prevent your phone from trying to switch to your US number of the Airalo SIM is not receiving a strong connection, therefore preventing international data charges from your US provider. 3) Under Settings > Cellular, tap your US SIM (Primary) and disable "Data Roaming" This setup will allow you to keep receiving SMS/calls. Only OUTBOUND SMS/calls typically incur international charges, and INBOUND typically do not (but double check with your provider). This is how you can continue to receive 2FA SMS. Now, if you'll be gone for a year and/or don't want to keep paying for your US service, you can do what I did earlier this year. Steph & I are living nomadically for a year, exclusively using Airalo, so it didn't make sense to pay for Verizon in the states. What I did was paid a one-time fee for each of our phone numbers to Google Voice to port our phone numbers over to that app. So essentially, it reserves our phone number for when we get back and want to port it back out to another service. We can also send/receive regular SMS through our existing phone numbers via Google Voice while only having access to data, which has been really great. Hope that's helpful!

[@tracybrown1527]

Thanks for the ideas. We are planning to be gone for up to one year and plan to cancel the current Verizon Plan. We would like to keep our phone number, so Google Voice seems like a good choice. I have seen KZbin about setting it up but I still wonder if it works with banking SMS verifications. I asked my credit card company and they said it wouldn't.. I'm open to all idea. Thanks @@briansteph

[@briansteph]

I can tell you for a fact that I am actively getting 2FA SMS on my Google Voice app, which is my phone number from Verizon. Credit card companies typically aren't equipped to advise on technical topics like this, so they usually take the cautious route by saying something won't work. I can confirm from personal experience that I have received 2FA SMS for Chase, Wells Fargo, CapitalOne, Betterment and AMEX all on my Google Voice app with the phone number I ported from Verizon.

[@tracybrown1527]

@@briansteph That makes sense. Have you done an instruction on setting up Google Voice. I have heard it is straight forward but needs to be done while in the states.

[@briansteph]

@tracybrown1527 I haven't yet, but it's certainly on the growing list of videos to make! Yes I did it the day before we left. It takes about 24 hours once you submit the form for the number to port over. It's relatively simple overall!

[@Mr.DJones]

Thank you for your time and posting. So much to learn, so little time... Just kidding. Checking out Vietnam in a few months to see if I want to retire there. I'll probably go with the Plus plan as I have already downloaded my Google VN maps, bus info, etc. At least I think that will work. Thanks again. :)

[@briansteph]

Awesome! Curious to hear your thoughts on Vietnam once you go. Sounds like you've got a great setup! Feel free to drop any questions as you go through the process of getting an eSIM. Safe travels!

[@Mr.DJones]

@@briansteph Thank you very much. :)

[@robertkitt904]

Can I activate my Airalo eSIM before I arrive at my destination?

[@briansteph]

Hi Robert! You can complete the purchase and installation prior to your trip, but the activation process is triggered by turning your eSIM on in the country (or one of the countries) which is was purchased for. Once your phone connects to a cell network in one of the countries which the eSIM supports, the activation process will complete. It generally only takes 5-10 minutes...I have found personally that it's on the shorter end.

[@blessed42-y3m]

Wow Brian, Thanks so much for your detailed explanation. Your video helped me install the global eSim (data only) on our phones. We both used your code in the process. Questions about AIRPLANE mode, which is something that I have trouble trusting! It is my understanding that using it on take off will block my primary line from using any data or roaming while in the air. Correct? Secondly, at what exact point do I switch AIRPLANE mode OFF once i've landed? I'm thinking not until i've toggled the primary line off but BEFORE I toggle my Airalo e SIM to on? Thanks again. -Rose

[@briansteph]

Hey Rose - thanks so much for the nice comment, and I'm glad to hear this has been helpful to you! Here's how I handle Airplane mode and the order of switching the SIMs on/off: - As you are about to takeoff on your international flight, switch OFF your Primary SIM, and then enable Airplane Mode - Once you land, disable Airplane Mode and then switch ON your Airalo eSIM. The Airalo eSIM can take 5-15 minutes to finish activating, and then you're good to go! I have another video with a bunch of FAQs here. I talk about Airplane Mode a bit at 13:23, though more so as to why it needs to be off while using Airalo. But feel free to skim the video chapters if there's another question you have before your trip! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqPNqHSBib55b7c Also happy to help with any other questions as soon as I am able. Safe travels!

[@blessed42-y3m]

@@briansteph Thanks for your prompt reply!! I did watch that other video regarding airplane mode. Yes I understand that airplane mode has to be off for Airalo to work.

[@blessed42-y3m]

@@briansteph PS. I’ll do as you describe once in the plane. Thank you for that tip!!

[@briansteph]

Awesome, I hope you have a great trip!

[@raziafarun9666]

Hi Brian, thanks for sharing these wonderful tips. I haven't used eSim before but your video has given me confidence to for my next trip in few weeks. Am planning to do 4-5 days in 5 countries to make up a month of holiday in Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Turkey and Saudi A. With global option, will it just activate itself as I move into different countries?

[@briansteph]

Hi there, your trip sounds amazing! All places we would love to go as well...I think we may make it to Turkey in October but we will see. Yes, your eSIM will complete activation once: as soon as it connects with a cellular network covered under the list of countries/networks. So if Egypt is your first stop, once you land there and switch your Airalo eSIM on, it will begin its activation process (which can take an average of about 10 mins). Once active, it will automatically switch cellular networks as you cross borders into different countries without you needing to do anything :) Safe travels - hope you have a great time!

[@Johncheng202]

Thank you so much. Your video is helpful.

[@briansteph]

Glad to hear it John, thanks for the nice comment! Safe travels ✈️

[@Unplugged704]

Best tutorial!! Thank you! We will be doing 4 country asia tour later this year, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and Laos, then back to Thailand. Is it better to purchase the regional (one time) or buy for each country?

[@briansteph]

Happy it was helpful, thanks for the nice comment! How long will you be in each country? The Asia regional probably makes more sense for a couple of reasons: - Only dealing with 1 eSIM installation/activation versus 4 - When you leave a country and enter the next country, there's nothing you need to do on your phone to remain connected. Your phone will automatically connect to the new cellular networks. - All of your data is in the same pool. In other words, if you had 4 different eSIMs and did not use all of the data on your first one, the remaining data would be lost as you started the 2nd eSIM. In some cases this makes sense...for example, when you'll be in each country for several weeks at a time. In that case, the savings of purchasing an eSIM for a single country instead of the regional is likely worth the fact that you'll lose whatever data you don't use. In instances where you're in each country for only an average of a week each or less, I'd certainly go with the regional. Hope that's helpful! Safe travels - send recommendations for those places after your trip if you remember 😃

[@Unplugged704]

@@briansteph Thank you for your response and suggestions! 👍🙏 We will arrive in Thailand for 6 days, 5 days in Singapore, 5 days in Vietnam, 8 days in Laos, and back to Thailand 4 more days, then back to states! I agree the regional plan probably is best. If I turn on the phone’s hotspot, that will drain the data plan faster, I would imagine?

[@briansteph]

Definitely! Yes, generally speaking the hotspot will eat up more data. This is because if more than one device is attached to the Airalo cellular network/plan via your phone, all devices are using data and chipping away at the allotment faster. My wife Steph and I do this all the time though...we've been using 1 SIM for the past 3 months which has worked great for us. Easy to just have the 1 SIM since we travel together. The only issue could be if you ever get separated during travel with those who depend on your hotspot, they won't have the ability to connect and will have to locate free wifi while apart. Something to keep in mind, but we haven't found it to be an issue for us personally.

[@johndilella5765]

Hi Brian, excellent videos in the very helpful explanation. I heard you say that one can still use Imessage for text since imessages to another iphone user uses data and not SMS. Can you please confirm this?

[@briansteph]

Hi John! Yes that is correct. Regular SMS cannot be sent with this method though (green bubbles, to and from non-iPhone users), but iMessages between Apple devices can continue to work just fine.

[@cindypham9815]

Great info Brian.....Thanks so much....really helpful info....❤❤❤❤

[@briansteph]

So glad it was helpful, Cindy! Thanks so much for the nice comment - safe travels 😊

[@vitobracer]

Thanks very much for the excellent video. I have used airalo regional eSIMs a few times and been fairly happy with their performance. You say in the video that you usually just use data when travelling. One of the tasks you did with this eSIM was to call the hotel in Spain. How would you do this using data and not incur roaming charges on your primary SIM?

[@briansteph]

Hey there, thanks so much for the nice comment! Yes, I tend to use the regional data-only eSIMs. But for the purposes of this particular video, I went out and tested the global Discover+ card, which comes with a global phone number. I used that global phone number and my allotted call minutes on the Discover+ eSIM to make that call, so I didn't have to use my primary SIM (it remained switched off).

[@vitobracer]

Is it possible to call a landline (for example a hotel) using your data only eSIM?

[@briansteph]

You could potentially do this through an app like Google Voice, although you'll likely incur a small per-minute charge through them (depending on the country). Otherwise, there may be another app that can, but I cannot vouch for any. Some businesses and hotels (particularly in Europe i've noticed) have WhatsApp accounts that can be messaged/called. May be worth checking to see if yours do!

[@vitobracer]

@@briansteph Thank you for your response. Since I'm from Canada, I'm not able to use Google Voice but your tip about the WhatsApp could be helpful.

[@briansteph]

Yes it's a great app to have handy when leaving the country! Feel free to keep me updated on any other questions, happy to try and help. cheers!

[@JoeElaine]

Great tutorial. Thanks. I'm going to buy the $89 Airalo global e-sim with calls and sms included which has a 365 day validity. We live in USA and we're going to Norway & the UK in May, Japan in September, and Ireland two or three times during the next 12 months. I think I'll activate it immediately so I can test using it for data, calls, and SMS right away. That way I can try it all now and it will still be valid for Norway and the UK in May, Japan in September, and Ireland for at least 12 months from when I activate. See any flaws in my logic?

[@briansteph]

Hi Joe & Elaine - sounds like a great year of travel, very exciting! That all sounds good! The only reminder I'll add is that the validity period will remain as 365 days so long as you still have assets to use in the plan. In other words, the 365 day validity might actually end up being 120 days (for example) if you use up all of your calls/texts/data before the 365 day mark. My suggestion if you would like to test it is to turn the Airalo eSIM off once you're done testing, so that there's no risk of accidentally using any of those assets while you don't need the eSIM. That way you can maximize how long the plan will last. Additionally, if/when you need top up packages, the validity of the top up assets is only as good as the validity period associated with the top up package. In other words, if you ran out of your assets on the original plan, and then decided to buy the $50 top up package that comes with 5GB/50SMS/50Mins, THOSE assets will be at your disposal for UP TO 60 days, rather than the original 365. Personally, we have never even come close to a validity period end date, as we tend to use up all of the data long before then. You may or may not find that to be the case for you as well! Hope that's helpful as you plan out your trip logistics!

[@JoeElaine]

Wow. Thanks for the thoughtful and exhaustive reply. I appreciate the points you have made. Thanks for your input and thanks for the excellent uTube channel. Cheers!

[@briansteph]

Absolutely, happy to help! All of this was confusing to me before i started researching and traveling abroad a lot...I try to make the resources I would have wanted initially. Thanks so much for buying us some coffees, that was extremely generous and we truly appreciate the gesture! Feel free to shoot over any other questions. Curious to hear how you enjoy Norway and Japan this year in particular - safe travels to you both. Cheers! ✈️

[@JoeElaine]

An update. Bought the 365 day global e-sim. Installed it on my Pixel 7 Pro. Activated it. Successfully sent an SMS and made a voice call from here in AZ. And now I have turned it off until we leave for Norway in May. Pretty good for an 80-year-old still hitting the travel lanes. Enjoy the many years of travel you still have in front of you. And enjoy the coffees. Cheers!

[@briansteph]

Well done, fellow Arizonan! Glad to hear it all worked out. Enjoy the trips this year, and thanks so much again for the coffees. Cheers!

[@kumchan1879]

Can I turn on airplane mode if I want to pause the data?

[@briansteph]

Hi there - yes you can! Though that will pause the data being used, it won't pause the amount of time you have left to use your eSIM, so keep that in mind. Being on WiFi also helps to decrease data usage.

[@juliahouck9806]

Hi Brian! I’m narrowing down to get the Airalo Discover+ package. I won’t have much internet access where I’ll be, and I’m looking to have a European phone number to use in case needed. If I happen to run out of 5GB of data, do you know if I’d still be able to make phone calls and send messages with a lower internet connection? Or do you think it be more beneficial to buy 20GB for 30 days and use WhatsApp. However, I won’t have wifi access most likely. Let me know your thoughts!

[@briansteph]

Hi Julia! If you run out of your 5GB of data on the Global+, you should still have access to your calls/SMS. The data is a separate bucket you pull from, and the calls/SMS that you send from your global phone number will not use data...only the Minutes and SMS buckets attached to the plan. If you run out of data and don't mind running a bit of an advanced setup, you could always do this: - Purchase Global+ eSIM, with primary purpose being calls/SMS - Once data runs out, keep Global eSIM installed and set as the primary voice line, but also purchase a data-only eSIM - Set data-only eSIM as the default for Cellular Data and refill as needed Steph and I are living nomadically at the moment and this is the setup that I personally use. I have the Global+ eSIM in case I need to make a call to a business of some sort, but primarily use the European Regional eSIM for data purposes. We are able to get away with almost exclusively using iMessage, WhatsApp, FaceTime and Google Voice...around 97% of the time. Maybe 1-2 times per month, we have an instance where we need to call a local business of some sort. Hopefully that's helpful!

[@CathyCharette]

I have a question. If I’m just going to one country should I just get the regional eSIM?

[@briansteph]

Hi Cathy! If you're just going to 1 country, I recommend purchasing the eSIM that is specific to that country...should save you a little bit of money. If you think there's a chance you'll venture out of the country, that's when i'd consider the regional...but in your case, a single country eSIM should be just fine 😊

[@CathyCharette]

@@briansteph thanks!

[@ruthbuss]

Thanks Brian, much appreciated. Just wish you were speaking a bit slower!!! One question, Does WhatApp work without having to change numbers.

[@briansteph]

Ah yes - i tend to pack a lot into these videos, so I try to do so as efficiently as possible as to not make the videos exceedingly long. Can definitely result in me speaking quickly 😅 hopefully you were still about to get something out of it! Yes, WhatsApp will continue to work without needing to change numbers. Just make sure you've got your account setup and functional prior to leaving the country 😊 my wife and i are living across the UK/EU right now and we almost exclusively use iMessage and WhatsApp...works great! Safe travels ✈️

[@ruthbuss]

Appreciate you taking the time to reply. I use WhatsApp/messenger so great to clarify it works with Airalo. Safe travels!

[@briansteph]

absolutely, always nice to get a bit of personal confirmation. Cheers!

[@cp4184]

Soooo helpful! Was wondering about the hotspot. I read how to set up but the name that needs to be typed in to identify the eSIM. I am not sure what they are referring to. My eSIM is data only. Can others around me besides the person I want to share with access my data? Is there a way to turn the hotspot off and on? Appreciated the $3 code!!! Thanks again!

[@briansteph]

Hi there! Hotspots aren't specific to Airalo eSIMs - if your phone has the capability to create a hotspot, you should be able to test it right now at home. It has its own section in the Settings app, just under Cellular called Personal Hotspot. In this area, you're able to set a password for your hotspot, so that only those you provide the password to can join. When they join, it's almost as if they're joining a WiFi network, and follow a lot of the same steps to do so. My suggestion is to keep the password short and easy to remember for family. Additionally, you can turn on "Family Sharing" in this menu area. If you have family members listed under "Family" at the top of your Settings app (in other words, all of your Apple accounts are linked), this setting will allow them to join your hotspot without needing to enter the password each time. This is what Steph and I do, which makes connecting to data much quicker for her when she needs it. All she has to do is open her phone, navigate to the available WiFi networks (which will also show my Hotspot), and tap my Hotspot to get connected. An important note: when you have multiple SIMs on your phone, your hotspot will be providing data for the SIM listed as the default for Cellular Data under Settings > Cellular. While at home, this should be your Primary SIM. While traveling internationally, this will be your Airalo eSIM. Yes, you can turn the hotspot on and off. Under Settings > Personal Hotspot, there is a switch titled "Allow Others to Join" which you can toggle on and off at any time. While you're at home, I suggest giving this a try with a family member! Make sure they can find your hotspot and connect to it. Hope that makes sense - happy to explain further!

[@cp4184]

@@brianstephthank you for such an extensive and informative answer!!

[@briansteph]

Absolutely! Keep me posted - happy to help 🙂

[@kholby2]

Great video. I just bought a Morocco esim from Airalo. I noticed you got a phone number with your global sim so that is the number you entered in your esim? I know my Morocco esim is data only but do you suggest I put my primary phone number in my airalo slot for any reason?

[@briansteph]

Hey there, appreciate the comment and glad to hear you're getting everything setup ahead of your trip! Been interested in Morocco lately, would be curious to hear what you think. As for the phone number, you won't need one for the data-only plans...I have never punched my primary phone number into the data-only eSIMs. There are no additional features that can be unlocked by doing so - you'll be just fine without taking that step. My other Airalo videos are based on the data-only plans if you're interested in those! Safe travels!

[@kholby2]

Thanks. I watched your other videos. Great info and a big help. Over in Morocco now and using the Airalo Morocco esim. Everything works great except…Imessage. Every message fails to send and I can’t receive any. Followed all your instructions as well as chatted with Airalo support, followed their suggestions including resetting my iMessage and iMessage still doesn’t work for me. I know you aren’t a helpdesk but you seem to be a wizard with these so if you have any suggestions or secret tips I would be forever grateful.

[@briansteph]

Sorry for the delay Ken, just now seeing this. Is this still an issue? Are you able to access data, for example, through an internet browser on your phone? You may have covered some of these troubleshooting steps, but i'll list them out just in case: BASIC - Ensure "iMessage" is toggled ON under Settings > Messages - Ensure recipients ALSO have the above setting enabled - Ensure email address associated with Apple ID is listed under Settings > Send & Receive, and said email address is selected/checkmarked in both sections - Turn Cellular Data OFF, and back ON - Ensure Cellular Data is set to Airalo eSIM - Completely shut phone off and reboot - Check for iOS updates (Settings > General > Software Update) - Ensure phone is set to correct time zone (Settings > General > Date & Time > use Automatic) ADDITIONAL - If you happen to know (or can find out) the email address associated with a friend/family member's Apple ID, try sending a "text" in the Messages app to the email address rather than the phone number. You shouldn't need to do this, but see if that works. - If you have an internet connection, you could try starting a chat with Apple support, as they tend to be more helpful than Airalo support. Sorry about this, I know how frustrating this can be!

[@kellymoskowy]

Another great video @briansteph 👍. I am travelling to Europe next month and am going to buy an Airalo esim for my iphone. if I turn off my primary cellular plan from here in north america and only rely on the eSim for data in Europe will I still be able to use rideshare apps liek Uber/Bolt, etc? My concern is not so much the use of the app, as I am sure that will work fine, it is how the driver will communicate with me because when registering for these apps I had to authenticate with my home mobile number which will no longer be active therefore not sure how the driver would commuicate with me, if he needs to for some reason, i.e.; pickup point, etc. Any advice on this?

[@briansteph]

Hey Kelly, appreciate you checking out another video! Hope it was useful. Yes, you can still use rideshare apps on the data-only plans. To your point, the call feature will not work if your primary line is disabled. You can temporarily re-enable your primary line if you think you may need to receive a call from the driver. This may cause you to incur an international charge, but it also may not, as some north american phone plans don't count calls/sms RECEIVED, only sent. However, messaging within both of those apps gets auto-translated, which tends to be good enough for figuring out any confusion with the pickup location. We've been lucky enough to only ever need that feature if any clarification was needed. To be honest, the translation via messaging tends to be the better option anyway, because depending on where you are, the driver may not be fluent enough in English to make a verbal conversation productive. The auto-translation isn't perfect by any means, but usually sufficient. Hope that's helpful!

[@kellymoskowy]

@@briansteph Your clarification brings me some comfort. Thanks for the prompt response Brian.

[@briansteph]

you got it! hope you have a great trip ✈️

[@jimforty8641]

actually your driver communicates through the app so you wont have to worry about any of that. ive traveled to europe many times useing uber and I can text him through the app and visa versa so its no problem hope this helps and also great explanation of the service brian i hope they paid you for your excellent review video lol

[@briansteph]

Thanks Jim, this is absolutely correct! I tend to lean towards messaging in the app as well, sometimes that's extremely helpful for translating depending on where you are. If you place a voice call through the app, it does go external to your phone's native phone app though which is a bummer! But usually the messaging feature is enough. Appreciate that! I get the Airalo credits with the referral code, and a small kickback if someone uses the link in the description, but people rarely do use that link in particular. It's ok though, as long as people are getting value out of the tutorial and tips from my experience, i'm happy! Nice to chat with fellow travelers here and there as well...always love sharing travel tips and ideas.

[@ParvanehFarahbakhsh]

Thank you!

[@briansteph]

Hope it was helpful Parvaneh, thanks for the comment :)

[@rhoever]

Great videos, thanks for posting. I plan on using Airalo to purchase an eSIM for an upcoming 23 day trip to Dubai and Cape Town South Africa. The trip will involve an initial 10 days in Dubai, then 8 days in South Africa, then back to Dubai for a few days before heading home to Canada. If I purchase a 30 Global package will it just switch back and forth between countries? It would seem like the best option. Also, I plan to use your referral code. Thanks for that. 👍

[@briansteph]

Hi Rick - that sounds like an awesome trip! We're definitely interested in visiting both of those places at some point. That's correct! Your global phone number won't change (you'll have the same number), but it will work in any of those supported countries (UAE and South Africa are supported). The data service your phone is receiving will switch over automatically as you cross borders, without you needing to do anything. Sweet! Always helpful to save a few $. Appreciate it - safe travels!

[@rhoever]

Thanks Brian, I appreciate your prompt response. My wife and I are really looking forward to this particular as it will be our first time to both places. As for the esim package, I think I'll just be going with the data as the text and phone options seem pretty limited. I'm not sure what how useful having access to 10 or 20 texts would be. I'll be checking out more of your travel vlogs as to date I only focussed on the Airalo ones.

[@briansteph]

Sounds like a blast! You'll have to let us know what you think. I've been interested in Dubai for awhile, would love to play golf there at some point in my life. We have family friends that have spent time in South Africa and have said wonderful things about it...I'm sure you'll enjoy both! Data-only tends to be enough for us as well. I've used Airalo 5-6 different times now and have yet to run into a situation where I felt I needed more than the data. But I also understand how it could be useful for certain folks. I'm sure you'll be fine with just the data. Awesome, appreciate you checking them out - we enjoy putting them together!

[@AltagraciaAragones]

I'm confused with something. If I get a 5GB plan for 60 days, would I have 5GB of data per day or for the entire 60 days?

[@briansteph]

Hi! The amount of data that is shown is for the length of the time period, not per day

[@jstanovic]

I used Airalo in india and it worked great. I leave for Ireland today and bought esims for my phone and my son's phone.

[@briansteph]

Awesome, so glad to hear it! Where in Ireland are you guys headed? We are hoping to go next year - would love some recommendations after your trip. Cheers!

[@jstanovic]

@briansteph We used Airalo and it worked great until we crossed over to Northern Ireland on a trip to Belfast. We stayed in Dublin City Center, The Moxy, and loved simply crossing the street to go to a pub where Irish music jammed from 9 to closing. Pipers Corner. The Cliffs were great. Wished we spent more time in Galway.

[@albees1984]

Hi Brian, can you use your OWN number while using the Discover eSIM or Airalo provides you with a different number? Thanks

[@briansteph]

Hi Albee, great question! You cannot use your own number with these Airalo plans. Phone numbers are tied to a carrier, so your current personal number is tied to your home service provider. There is not currently a way to port a number to Airalo either.

[@albees1984]

@@briansteph Thanks Brian for your prompt reply! You have gained another subscriber. Keep up the good work!

[@briansteph]

Appreciate the support, glad I could be helpful! Feel free to send over any other questions. Safe travels!

[@briansteph]

Hi Joe - great question! When connected to wifi, your phone is not tapping into a cellular network. In other words, being connected to wifi actually has nothing to do with your SIM(s). For example, your current SIM card (whether it be through Verizon, AT&T, TMobile, or some other provider) does not provide you with any security when connected to wifi...wifi is a separate connection from a cellular network connection. So whether you are using your primary SIM at home or an Airalo eSIM, if you are connected to a "public" wifi network (such as at a hotel, cafe, etc.) you are technically on an insecure network...it has nothing to do with your SIM at that point. Using a VPN is best practice to enhance your security while on a public wifi network. I do this with NordVPN on my computers and phone when connected to a public wifi network. However, if you are simply using the Airalo eSIM data (not connected to wifi), using a VPN isn't necessary, as using a cellular network for data is considered a secure connection. Hopefully that explanation makes sense, but if not I can search for an article that may explain it better. I can also send over a referral link/code for NordVPN if you're interested in giving that a try...I've found it to be rather straightforward and easy to use.

[@cindypham9815]

Hi Brian, what different between region esim & global esim??? I live in US & plan to travel to asia like thailand, Vietnam & Taiwan.......which one you recommend Brian? I only use data for sms & post photo.....

[@briansteph]

Hey Cindy! The main difference is that the global eSIMs cover a broader range of countries, and provide a phone number to send SMS and place calls with. If you find that while you're traveling, you are mostly using apps to post photos and send messages, you'll likely be fine with a regional eSIM (in this case, the Asia regional eSIM). There are plenty of apps you can use to communicate with others only using data while on this regional, data-only eSIM...WhatsApp, iMessage, FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Skype, etc.

[@cindypham9815]

Thanks Brian......it's 👍 great ❤❤❤❤❤

[@The_NomadNinja]

You are the Airalo Guy :) Do you think this would be a possible replacement for Google Fi?

[@briansteph]

Hey there! Haha an honor to be given that title 😅🙏🏼 It depends! You have nomad in your title...do you travel for long periods of time, more than 3 months at a time? I know GoogleFi has some limitations with how long they will provide support in a foreign country. I believe it's 90 days...i was looking into that as an option too for the current venture Steph and I are on. I think GoogleFi is another great option, but if you plan to be gone longer than 90 days, Airalo may be there better fit! We are leaving today to be traveling for around 12 months... i've canceled my Verizon plan and am planning to use exclusively various Airalo plans. So I certainly feel confident that it's adequate for long term needs!

[@richard9827]

Is your speed for data in the US the same Airlo vs your US plan. When I use T-Mobile outside the US it’s frequently slower.

[@briansteph]

Personally, I don't notice a difference. Airalo connects you to the strongest local network available, and for some countries, it has more than 1 option of networks to connect to. It will rotate through them automatically for you depending on which one has the best connection. Hope that's helpful!

[@rcinbayarea8162]

I also have T Mobile and their plans only give you up to 5GB of high speed data only in 11 European countries, mostly Central Europe. For their other touted "215+ countries" their speeds go up to 256Kbps, which is why I choose to go with a data esim instead. I can still use my T Mobile sim for texts and wifi calls to the US, but use data off of the travel esim. The Airalo esims connect to LTE, 4G and 5G networks. BTW, Germany also has T Mobile (including 5G speeds) so I use my T Mobile sim there, too.

[@richard9827]

@@rcinbayarea8162 I’m using a combination of T-Mobile and Airlo now in Indonesia and I’m very happy. Yes. T-Mobile for text and WiFi calling. Thank you for the advice

[@Chole219]

Thank you Brian! I'm gonna go to travel to just one country this Thursday! Quick questions, single country eSim covered WhatsApp/telegram? My primary sim is T-Mobile 😮 I don't want to pay extra money 🤣 And your code for discount is still available?

[@briansteph]

Hi there! Yes, all of the eSIMs provide data, and WhatsApp/Telegram only need data to function - so you'll be all set there :) Yes, the link is in the description as well - still available!

[@Chole219]

Thank you again Brian. I just purchased it with your advice but have not installed it yet. Will do it tomorrow morning. Thank you! @@briansteph

[@briansteph]

Sounds good! Let me know if you have any other questions :)

[@ministerytgaming705]

Can we receive calls and messages from other person after our pakage is expired and we make whatsapp account on this global sim number

[@briansteph]

That's a good question! I can't say for sure, but my GUESS is that you probably can. I signed up for WhatsApp with a phone number that is no longer associated with a phone plan...a number i ported to Google Voice when i canceled Verizon. I'm still able to use WhatsApp just fine, probably because WhatsApp is data-only.

[@darcydiamond8645]

Good to know. I also don’t wish 2 mess w/established tel # on What’s App. I, for sure, wd liketo/ need 2 use it for upcoming trip 2 Argentina. Between yr intel & my research, What’s App will allow u 2 switch 2 another tel# one time only! Like lots of us who travel, I have a new ESIM, new tel # for Argentina trip. Appears that What’s App is completely disabled on new ESIM bks What’s App does not recognize 14:58 14:58 secondary ( Argentina) tel #. Yikes. I didn’t catch this in time when a when activating Argentinia ESIM. What’s a cowgirl to do now?

[@briansteph]

You can continue using your existing number on WhatsApp, shouldn't need to switch it!

[@farisal-otaibi6404]

Hello, Brian. It’s has been a week since they started to verify my documents. What should I do? Bcz I need that service asap Thanks man

[@briansteph]

Hi Faris - I'm not sure what you mean by verifying documents. How far did you get in the installation process?

[@farisal-otaibi6404]

@@briansteph I did nothing till now, tried to purchase that intl. bundle (calls included one) but they required document verification first to purchase and use these bundles. Till now they haven’t finished the verification process and I’m waiting

[@briansteph]

I have never heard of them requiring document verification. Have you already tried following up with them to check on the progress?

[@kumchan1879]

I'm in Canada, they asked for a copy of my DL and took a photo of myself for verification. It was approved right away.

[@demetrius5723]

There's just one thing. As Airalo's esim is only for data transmission, you can't make or receive phone calls. Which, in principle, wouldn't be a problem since nowadays everything is done via the internet, right? Until the day my car rented by SIXT broke down in the interior of Spain, in the middle of nowhere, and the only way to contact the rental company was BY PHONE CALL! It is serious. There was no WhatsApp number or anything on the rental papers. Only one telephone number to contact in case of an accident or vehicle breakdown. A good-natured Spaniard who was passing by on the road stopped and was kind enough to make the call. Here's a tip.

[@briansteph]

Ahh sheesh, that is stressful! Sorry you had to experience that. It would be useful in that case to have one of these Discover+ plans with a phone number so that you could call that number. In dire straits, you could also use the emergency call feature on the iPhone, which wouldn't require any sort of phone plan as well. Thanks for sharing this - a great reminder that having a plan with some call minutes is a good idea for emergencies!

[@jasminemohsin8232]

Hello! I have a question. I want to travel to the US from Italy and I have a banking option connected with my primary phone number. If I buy the global e-sim for the trip will the 2 numbers work separately? I need the Italian number active and use the calls and data with the global e-sim to work at the same time when I’m in the US

[@briansteph]

Hi Jasmine! Yes, you can do that. You can leave your Italian SIM on, but you will want to update a couple of things in order to minimize/prevent roaming charges on your Italian SIM: - Under Settings > Cellular, change the "Cellular Data" to the Airalo SIM. Also, disable "Allow Cellular Data Switching". This will prevent your phone from trying to use data on your Italian SIM if the Airalo data connection is not strong at any point, only allowing your phone to use the Airalo data. - Under Settings > Cellular, change the "Default Voice Line" to the Airalo SIM. This will make the default phone number for outbound calls your new Airalo global number. - Under Settings > Cellular, click your Italian SIM. At the bottom, disable the "Data Roaming" setting. This will prevent your phone from trying to use data on your Italian SIM, using the Airalo data instead - Under Settings > Messages > Send & Receive, I would uncheck your Italian number while traveling and only have your Apple ID Email Address selected. This will minimize the amount of SMS texts that get used on the Airalo global plan by continuing to send iMessages (which only use data) to other Apple iPhone users, rather than SMS texts. - Under Settings > FaceTime > You Can Be Reached By FaceTime At, only have your Apple ID Email Address selected here as well. Hope that's helpful!

[@jasminemohsin8232]

God bless you. This was very sweet and helpful. Thank you so very much. One last question: Is there a way to deactivate backups through iCloud with the global eSim?

[@briansteph]

Of course, glad it was helpful! I don't personally use iCloud, so I am not too familiar with the settings there. But I know in the Settings app, you can disable/pause iCloud backups...is that what you're wanting to do to try and prevent excess data usage?

[@micuzzu]

Didn’t work perfect in Italy for me

[@briansteph]

Sorry to hear that - what didn't work well?

[@micuzzu]

@@briansteph many times I couldn't get service

[@briansteph]

I see. That could be for a number of reasons, a fair amount of which do not include the eSIM. Were the times you couldn't get service in a heavily populated area, or in smaller/more rural areas? I found that while going between cities on Trenitalia, i needed to use the wifi on the train instead. That's largely due to the coverage area of Italy's cell networks, not the eSIM. It could be the age of the phone, or if the phone had low battery during times of poor connection as well.

[@micuzzu]

@@briansteph thanks for the detailed explanation! it wasn't terrible, just a handful of times the connection got slow or cut out. I recall the one time I was in a smaller town in southern italy but it is fairly populated. Everyone else I was with that was Italian had service. Not sure the reason that time. But I was trying to get ahold of someone and couldn't.

[@briansteph]

Ah yeah, that's frustrating. I wonder if it could be that your phone wasn't automatically switching to the best Italian cellular network for you as you moved between cities/regions. I know the Italy eSIM has 3 networks it can connect to: Vodafone, WindTre and Iliad. In your phone settings under Cellular, if you tap your eSIM there is a section titled Network Selection. The default for this is to be set to "automatic" (which is what mine is on 24/7 as well), but if you switch off that "automatic" setting, you gain the ability to select which network you're connected to (in this case, 1 of the 3 Italian networks). I wonder if in this case, it may have helped to manually try the 3 different networks to see if any of them were giving service. I personally have not done this (only because I haven't had to), and I feel like the phone usually gets it right on its own, but this may be a case where that may have been the solution. Sorry you had to deal with the lapse in coverage, I know that can be frustrating, especially when you need to contact someone and it's time sensitive!

[@eileenbain5692]

Great info but I wish I could slow you down…

[@briansteph]

Hi Eileen - glad you found the video informative! Yes, it can be tough to balance packing all the information someone might need into a video like this without making it an hour long or more. Some find it fast, some find it to be too much information...can't make it perfect for everyone unfortunately, but i do try to make it accessible to all. I have put chapter markers in the video so you can easily revisit or jump between different topics as you need...hope that's helpful!

[@Johnnyhaag79]

just use whatsapp... I haven't used imessage in yrs... except when I'm in USA for shopping.

[@briansteph]

That's definitely an option, and typically what I do as well. I rarely find need for the call/SMS features with all the apps that can be used with only data, but some people really need/prefer having that option.

[@sabrinagreen2426]

Thank you!

[@briansteph]

Safe travels Sabrina!