How to Use an eSIM Abroad: Before, During and After Your Trip
Last updated: September 26, 2026.
An eSIM lets you get mobile data abroad without looking for a SIM card shop or paying roaming charges to your home carrier. Here is how to use one at each stage of your trip, from choosing a plan to switching it off when you get home.
Before You Leave
1. Check your phone
Your phone must support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked. Most recent iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models support eSIM — look for an "Add eSIM" option in your mobile settings.
2. Choose the right plan
Pick a plan for your destination, or a regional plan if you visit several countries. Match the validity to the length of your trip and the data amount to how you use your phone: maps and messaging use little data, while video calls and streaming use much more. Browse plans by country on our Destinations page, for example Japan, Turkey or the United States.
3. Install it at home
With Oryalo, your QR code is sent by email after payment and is also available in your account. Install the eSIM while you are on Wi-Fi, give the line a clear name such as Travel, and keep it turned off until you arrive. Our step-by-step guide explains how to set up an eSIM on iPhone and Android.
4. Prepare for arrival
Download offline maps of your destination and save your accommodation address. If something goes wrong on arrival, you will still be able to find your way.
When You Arrive
- Turn on the travel eSIM line and select it for mobile data.
- Enable Data Roaming on the travel eSIM — travel eSIMs connect to local partner networks.
- Turn off data roaming on your usual line to avoid charges from your home carrier.
- If you have no signal after a few minutes, turn airplane mode on and off, or restart your phone.
During Your Trip
- Keep your usual number for calls and texts. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp keep working with your usual number over the eSIM data connection. Your home line can still receive SMS, such as bank verification codes — your home carrier may charge for roaming calls and texts, so check its rates.
- Watch your data. Check your usage in your phone settings, and turn off automatic app updates and video autoplay over mobile data.
- Running low? Some plans can be topped up with extra data on the same eSIM; with others, you can buy a new plan. Check your plan details.
- Daily plans: some daily plans reduce speed after a daily high-speed allowance (shown as FUP in the plan name).
- Hotspot: whether you can share your connection depends on the plan — check its details before relying on it for a laptop.
Traveling to Several Countries?
A regional plan covers several countries with one eSIM, which is simpler than buying a plan per country. Compare it with single-country plans: if you spend most of your trip in one country, a local plan may cost less. See our regional plans for Europe, Southeast Asia and the USA and Canada.
After Your Trip
Switch mobile data back to your usual line and turn off the travel eSIM. Only delete the eSIM once your plan has expired: in most cases, a deleted eSIM cannot be reinstalled with the same QR code.
If Something Goes Wrong
Contact us by email at contact@oryalo.com or open a ticket from your account. If your eSIM is not delivered, or cannot be activated because of a technical issue on our side that we cannot resolve, you can request a refund within 48 hours of purchase — see our Refund Policy.
FAQ
Do I need to turn on data roaming with an eSIM?
Yes, on the travel eSIM line. Travel eSIMs use local partner networks, so data roaming must be enabled on that line. Keep it off on your usual line to avoid home carrier charges.
Will I keep my phone number?
Yes. Your usual SIM stays in your phone. You can keep receiving calls and texts on it, and messaging apps keep working with your usual number.
When should I buy my eSIM?
A few days before you leave is ideal, so you have time to install it on Wi-Fi at home. Check the plan details to see when the validity period starts.
Planning a trip? Choose your destination and get connected as soon as you land.
