How to Set Up and Manage Multiple eSIM Profiles for International Travel

How to Set Up and Manage Multiple eSIM Profiles for International Travel

The introduction of travel eSIM technology allows you to connect to mobile networks without physically swapping SIM cards. With an eSIM, you can store multiple profiles from different carriers or regions, making it ideal for international travellers who need seamless connectivity across borders.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of setting up and managing multiple eSIM profiles, helping you maximize connectivity during your international adventures.

1. What is an eSIM and Why is It Important for Travel?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of the traditional SIM card. It’s built into your device, allowing you to connect to a mobile network without needing to physically insert a SIM card. For international travellers, this means:

• No more swapping SIM cards when crossing borders.
• Easier management of different mobile networks and data plans.
• The ability to store multiple profiles from different providers on a single device.

Many modern smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches are eSIM-compatible, allowing users to quickly switch between carriers and plans depending on their location.

2. Benefits of Using Multiple eSIM Profiles for International Travel

Travelling across multiple countries often means navigating different mobile networks. With eSIM, you can store multiple profiles, each corresponding to a specific network or plan. Here are the key benefits of managing multiple eSIM profiles during travel:

• Seamless transitions: Easily switch between profiles as you move from one country to another, without needing to visit a store or purchase new SIM cards.
• Cost savings: By choosing local or regional data plans for each country, you can avoid expensive international roaming fees.
• Backup options: If one network has poor coverage, you can quickly switch to another eSIM profile that provides better service in the area.
• Work and personal separation: Travelers who use separate numbers for work and personal purposes can keep both profiles active on a single device.

3. Setting Up Multiple eSIM Profiles: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up and managing multiple eSIM profiles on your device:

Step 1: Ensure Your Device is eSIM-Compatible

Before you start, verify that your device supports eSIM functionality. Most modern smartphones, like the iPhone 13 and 14 series, Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and some tablets, are eSIM-compatible. You can check your device settings or consult the manufacturer’s website to confirm.

Step 2: Choose eSIM Providers

Next, you’ll need to select eSIM providers for the countries or regions you’re traveling to. Many eSIM providers offer regional or global plans that cover multiple destinations. Popular providers include:

• Orange Holiday eSIM

These providers allow you to purchase data plans that can be activated via a travel eSIM profile for each destination.

Step 3: Purchase and Activate eSIM Profiles

Once you’ve chosen your provider and plan, follow these steps to activate your eSIM profile:

1. Purchase a plan: Visit the provider’s website or app, choose the appropriate plan for your destination, and complete your purchase.
2. Receive a QR code: After purchasing, the provider will send you a QR code, usually via email or the provider’s app.
3. Scan the QR code: Open your phone’s settings, navigate to Mobile/Cellular Settings, and select Add Cellular Plan. Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code provided by your eSIM provider.
4. Activate the profile: Once scanned, your new eSIM profile will be activated on your phone. You can now use the data plan associated with this profile.

You can repeat this process to add multiple profiles, each corresponding to a different country or region.

Step 4: Label Your eSIM Profiles

To keep your profiles organized, label each one according to its purpose or region. For example, if you’ve activated profiles for France, Germany, and Italy, you can label them accordingly. This makes it easier to switch between profiles when you’re on the move.

To label your profiles:

• On iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile/Cellular Data > [eSIM profile] > Label, and customize the name.
• On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIM cards, and label the eSIM profiles accordingly.

4. Managing Multiple eSIM Profiles During Your Trip

Now that you have multiple eSIM profiles activated, here’s how to manage them while travelling:

a) Switching Between eSIM Profiles

As you move between countries, you’ll want to switch from one eSIM profile to another to access the local network. This can be done easily through your device’s settings:

• iPhone: Go to Settings > Mobile/Cellular Data, select Default Line, and choose the eSIM profile you want to use.
• Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIM cards, and toggle the preferred eSIM profile to active.

By selecting the appropriate profile, your phone will automatically connect to the corresponding local network, ensuring you have access to data and other services in each country.

b) Managing Data Usage

If you’re using multiple eSIM profiles, you’ll want to track your data usage on each profile to avoid running out of data unexpectedly. Most smartphones have built-in features for monitoring data usage:

• iPhone: Go to Settings > Mobile/Cellular Data and view the data usage for each eSIM profile under the respective data plan.
• Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage and check the data usage for each active eSIM profile.

Some eSIM providers also have apps that allow you to track your data usage in real time and top up your plan if needed.

c) Switching Between eSIM and Physical SIM

If your phone has a physical SIM card installed, you can switch between your physical SIM and eSIM profiles. For example, you might want to keep your home country’s SIM active for calls and texts while using an eSIM for data in the country you’re visiting.

To switch between physical and eSIM profiles:

• On iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile/Cellular Data > Default Voice Line or Default Data Line and choose which line to use for voice, texts, or data.
• On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIM cards, and choose the preferred SIM for calls, texts, or data.

5. Best Practices for Managing Multiple eSIMs

To get the most out of your eSIM profiles while travelling, follow these best practices:

a) Keep a Backup Profile

It’s always a good idea to have a backup eSIM profile from a global provider in case your primary profile fails to connect. Some travellers opt for an eSIM with global coverage to ensure connectivity in any unexpected situations.

b) Monitor Expiration Dates

Most eSIM plans have an expiration date, usually based on the length of your trip or the amount of data you’ve purchased. Make sure to monitor the validity period of each eSIM profile, so you know when to top up or switch to a new plan.

c) Optimize Data Usage

When travelling, you might want to limit background data usage to conserve your data allowance. Disable automatic updates and cloud syncing, and opt for offline maps and other travel resources when possible.

d) Delete Inactive Profiles

If you’re done with a particular eSIM profile and no longer need it, consider deleting it from your device to avoid clutter. On both iPhone and Android, you can delete profiles from the Mobile/Cellular Data or Network & Internet settings.

Conclusion

Setting up and managing multiple travel eSIM profiles is a game-changer for international travellers. With just a few steps, you can activate and switch between data plans as you move across different countries, ensuring that you stay connected without the hassle of physical SIM cards. By following this guide and best practices, you’ll enjoy seamless connectivity and the freedom to explore the world without worrying about expensive roaming fees or network coverage. Safe travels!