Hello World | How to Use Airalo eSIM When Traveling Abroad

January 2, 2026

Hello beautiful souls ✨

If you’re planning your next adventure abroad and wondering how to stay connected without the stress of SIM cards or expensive roaming fees, let me introduce you to one of my favourite travel hacks, Airalo

I’ve personally used Airalo eSIMs for my trips to South Africa, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea, and honestly, I can’t imagine traveling without it anymore. Whether you need Google Maps, WhatsApp, or just want to check out local spots on the go, Airalo makes staying connected super easy.

What is Airalo?

Airalo is one of the best eSIM apps for international travel. It lets you buy and install digital SIM cards (eSIMs) directly on your phone before you even leave your home country. No need to hunt down SIM cards at the airport or worry about switching physical SIMs; everything happens directly in the app.

You can download the app from the App Store or Google Play, and within minutes, you’ll be ready to connect in over 200 countries worldwide.

Step-by-Step: How to Use Airalo eSIM

If you’re a first-time user, don’t worry, it’s super beginner-friendly. Here’s exactly how I set mine up:

Download the Airalo app and create an account.
Check if your phone is eSIM compatible. Airalo tells you this directly in the app when you search for your travel destination.
It will show: “Is this device compatible?” – if it says yes, you’re good to go!
Under the Store tab, search for the country you’re visiting (for example, Japan or South Korea ).
Choose a data package that fits your trip. You can filter by number of days and amount of data (I usually start with 5GB).
Tap “Buy” and follow the on-screen steps. Airalo will guide you through the eSIM installation process.
Once installed, your eSIM will appear under the “My eSIMs” tab.
When you arrive at your destination, your data should activate automatically.
- If it doesn’t connect right away, go to My eSIMs → your package → Get Connected.

And that’s it, you’re online!

You can also top up your eSIM anytime from the app if you need more data.

My Airalo Experience While Traveling

In Japan, Airalo was a lifesaver. I used Google Maps to navigate public transport and find all the exits at busy stations, and Google Translate to understand some Japanese.
In South Korea, NAVER Map (a local favorite) worked perfectly with my Airalo data.
And during my adventures in South Africa and Indonesia, staying connected helped me find great local restaurants, communicate via WhatsApp, and share my travels with all of you.

If you mostly use Airalo for WhatsApp, Google Maps, and a bit of browsing, 5GB is usually enough for a short to medium trip.

Exclusive Airalo Discount Code

If it’s your first time using Airalo, I’ve got something special for you!

Get £2.50 (or €3.00) off your first eSIM purchase when you use my Airalo referral code: DANIEL22410

It’s a great way to start exploring this amazing app while saving a little extra for your travel snacks

Why Airalo is So Handy for Travelers

Here’s why I recommend Airalo to every traveler I meet:

Works in 200+ countries (perfect for multi-country trips!)
Instant setup, no need to visit a SIM shop abroad
Affordable data packages, pay only for what you need
Top-up anytime directly in the app
⚡ Fast, reliable connection
Perfect for digital nomads, solo travelers, families, and backpackers

If you’re planning trips to Japan, South Korea, South Africa, or Indonesia, this is the easiest and most reliable way to stay connected while traveling internationally.

Final Thoughts

Traveling is all about exploring freely, and staying connected helps you do that safely and smoothly.
With Airalo, you don’t have to worry about WiFi passwords, roaming charges, or SIM card chaos.

Just download, install, and enjoy your journey.

✨ Don’t forget, if it’s your first time, use my Airalo promo code DANIEL22410 for your £2.50 / €3.00 discount!