An eSIM takes a few minutes to set up. A little preparation turns those minutes into a calm arrival: you step off the plane, your phone finds a network, and your map is already loading.

These seven tips come from the questions travellers ask us most. Follow them once, and every next trip is easier.

1. Install it at home, not at the airport

The eSIM is downloaded to your phone once, and the download needs a working internet connection. That is exactly what you may not have when you land — airport Wi-Fi can be slow, require a local phone number or not work at all.

So install it before you leave, at home or at the hotel, on Wi-Fi:

1. 1Pay for your package — the QR code appears right after payment.
2. 2On your phone, open the eSIM settings and choose to add an eSIM with a QR code.
3. 3Scan the code and follow the steps on the screen.

Our installation guide shows every step for iPhone and Android.

2. Know when your package's days begin

Depending on the package, its days are counted from the moment it is installed or from its first connection to a network in your destination. Installing a day or two before you fly is usually fine.

If you buy well in advance, ask us in the help chat when your package's days begin — so the days you paid for are the days of your trip.

3. Give the new line a clear name

When the phone asks what to call the new line, choose something obvious like Travel. With two lines in your settings, a clear name makes it easy to see which one is which — especially when you choose which line uses mobile data.

4. Before you fly: turn off roaming on your own SIM

Your own SIM stays in the phone, so your number keeps working. But if data roaming is on for that line, the phone may use it for the internet abroad, and your operator can charge you for it.

Calls and messages to your number still arrive as your operator allows — only the internet goes through the eSIM.

5. On arrival: switch to the eSIM

When you land and switch off airplane mode:

1. 1Open the mobile settings.
2. 2Turn data roaming on for the eSIM line. A travel eSIM always works as roaming in the eyes of your phone, so this switch must be on.
3. 3Choose the eSIM line for mobile data.

Give it a minute to find a network. If it does not connect, turn airplane mode on and off once — that makes the phone search again.

6. Never delete the eSIM by mistake

Deleting an eSIM from your phone usually cannot be undone — its QR code often cannot be installed a second time. If you want to stop using it for a while, simply turn the line off in the settings instead of removing it.

Remove it only when the package is finished and you no longer need it.

7. Keep your order details at hand

Save your order email and its code before you leave. If you ever need help, they let us find your eSIM in seconds. You can also open your eSIMs any time on the My eSIMs page — even without an account, with the order code and your email.

Your quick checklist

• The phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.
• The package covers your destination, data and days.
• The eSIM is installed at home and named Travel.
• Data roaming is off on your own SIM.
• The order code is saved.
• On arrival: data roaming on for the eSIM, eSIM chosen for mobile data.

Questions and answers

Ready for the trip? Choose your eSIM and set it up tonight.