Global travelers are now back on track, and many people are searching destinations abroad for their upcoming vacation. When planning an international trip, telecommunication is one of the main agendas. With many options available, eSIM USA has introduced an ultimate guide to traveling internationally with your iPhone. Written from a perspective of iPhone lovers who value ultimate simplicity and sound design, each method will be reviewed. If you’re an iPhone user who is planning to travel internationally, read on to learn the simplest and most innovative way to use your iPhone in a foreign country.
Portable WiFi (a.k.a. Pocket WiFi)
One way to stay connected while traveling abroad with your iPhone is by using a portable wifi device. These devices are also called pocket WiFi or WiFi egg. First name is given because the device is small enough to carry in a pocket. The second name ‘WiFi egg’ is frequently used in Korea, and it was named as the device looks like a small egg. No matter its different nicknames, the directions for use are the same. Turn on your portable WiFi first so that you can get an internet connection from it. Then, simply go to your iPhone settings, tap on “WiFi”, and look for the name from the list of available networks. Enter the password for the device. Portable WiFi can be a great option if you’re traveling in a group tour. Portable WiFi usually supports multi-device connections up to 5. Of course the speed can get slower when more devices are connected.
SIM Card
SIM card is perhaps the most well-known and widely practiced method. Except for the latest phones which only support eSIM, almost every mobile phone uses a SIM card to store mobile profiles and get connections. As everyone has an experience of opening the SIM card slot and putting a SIM card into it, switching a SIM card into a local one can be the first thing that comes to a traveler’s mind. To use a SIM card from a traveling country, simply remove the original one from your iPhone’s SIM tray and insert the new one. You can purchase the local SIM card online before travel, or buy at airports or in mobile stores. It’s really easy to find places that sell SIM cards. So, you don’t need to worry at all even if you fail to prepare it before departure. The most important thing is to keep your original SIM card. Unlike a situation in your home country where you are switching SIM cards for an ultimate change, switching for a travel is for a temporary connection while traveling. So, when your trip comes to an end, you should switch it again to your original SIM card to use your original number again. As the situation can get complicated in case of losing, please keep your SIM card safe.
Automatic roaming
The next option is automatic roaming, which can prevent the problem discussed right before. Automatic roaming service is provided by your home country’s mobile carrier. You can use your existing phone number and plan while staying in a different country. However, the biggest weak point is the price. Oftentimes, it can be quite expensive, and the roaming cost quality adds up depending on the period and data amount you use. While using automatic roaming, it’s recommended to use only the necessary apps. It’s better not to use data-intensive applications which require a high level of data consumption. Additionally, there could be restrictions in automatic roaming. As it is an additional service provided by a carrier, some carriers may not have roaming services in certain countries and regions. Especially, unlike big MNOs, MVNOs may not support roaming at all.
eSIM
If you’re an iPhone user who wants to avoid the hassle of carrying a portable Wi-Fi device or switching physical SIM cards, pay attention. Technology develops and here’s an innovative way that can solve your problem! If you still want a reliable and affordable option, then eSIM might be the perfect choice. eSIM is a digital SIM and it performs the same function as a physical SIM card, but works out like an automatic roaming. It doesn’t require a physical SIM card change. This means you can keep your original number and stay connected to your home carrier while also using a local data plan from your destination country. What’s more, there are eSIM plans available that work in multiple countries, such as ESIM EUROPE‘s “Europe eSIM Unlimited plan,” which covers all 41 countries in Europe. This means that you won’t need to switch your SIM card every time you cross a border. If you’re planning to roam around multiple countries, search for eSIM plans that cover wider regions.
To conclude
In conclusion, international travel can be made much easier with the help of your iPhone, and the four options we’ve presented – portable wifi, local sim cards, automatic roaming, and eSIM – each have their advantages and drawbacks. Considering that you’re an iPhone user who values simplicity and convenience upfront, try eSIM. With its completely online purchase and activation process, eSIM provides a hassle-free experience for international travel.