eSIM guide

Travel data checklist: before you fly

Ten minutes of preparation saves an hour of hunting for Wi-Fi when you arrive. Work through this list a few days before you leave.

Written by the Niceway Help teamUpdated 2 min read
On this page
  1. A week before
  2. A few days before
  3. Get the phone ready
  4. When you land
  5. During the trip

A week before

  • Check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.
  • Check what your own operator charges at your destination. Inside the EU and the EEA it is usually included; elsewhere it rarely is. See eSIM or roaming?
  • Estimate how much data you need: maps and messaging use little, video uses a lot.
  • Choose a plan for your destination, or a regional plan if you are visiting several countries. Find your destination.

A few days before

  • Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi. How to install an eSIM.
  • Name the lines so you can tell them apart.
  • Switch the eSIM off until you land.
  • Turn off data roaming on your usual SIM.
  • Keep the email with your order number and QR code, in case you need help.

Get the phone ready

  • Update the phone’s software, so the eSIM settings match the steps in our guides.
  • Download offline maps for the places you are going.
  • Download an offline language pack in your translation app.
  • If your bank sends security codes by text, keep your usual SIM switched on for calls and texts. Receiving texts abroad is usually free, but check with your operator.

When you land

  1. Switch the eSIM on.
  2. Turn on data roaming for the eSIM only.
  3. Set the eSIM as the line for mobile data.
  4. Wait up to a minute for a network name to appear, then open a web page to check.

During the trip

  • Check your data use every few days.
  • If you are running low, add more data before it runs out.
  • Use Wi-Fi for large downloads, video calls and backups.
  • Turn off automatic photo backup over mobile data if you take a lot of pictures.