How to Use Airalo eSIM When Traveling Abroad

January 2, 2026

How to Use Airalo eSIM When Travelling Abroad

Travelling abroad is much easier when your phone works as soon as you arrive. I use Airalo eSIMs when I travel because I can arrange my mobile data before my trip instead of searching for a local SIM card after landing.

I’ve personally used Airalo while travelling in Japan, South Korea, South Africa and Indonesia. Having data available for maps, translations, transport and bookings has made arriving in a new country much less stressful.

If you’re wondering how to use an Airalo eSIM abroad, this guide walks you through the process from choosing an eSIM to installing it and connecting at your destination.

Ad – affiliate/referral disclosure: This post contains affiliate and referral links. If you make a purchase through one of my links or use my referral code, I may receive a commission or Airalo Airmoney at no extra cost to you.

First time using Airalo? Check Airalo eSIMs and prices and choose an eSIM for your destination. At checkout, eligible first-time users can enter my referral code DANIEL22410 for US$3 off their first purchase.

What Is an Airalo eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM that lets you add a mobile data plan to a compatible phone without changing your physical SIM card. Instead of buying a plastic SIM after you arrive, you can purchase an eSIM online, install it on your phone and connect when you reach your destination.

For me, the biggest advantage is convenience. I often need my phone immediately after landing for directions, train information, translations, or to check a booking. Having an eSIM ready means I don’t need to depend on airport Wi-Fi or look for a SIM shop first.

Airalo offers eSIMs for destinations around the world, including local, regional and global options. The plans available depend on where you’re travelling and how much data you need.

How to Use Airalo eSIM: Step by Step

1. Check that your phone supports eSIM

Before buying anything, make sure your device is eSIM-compatible and unlocked. This is important because compatibility varies by phone model, country and carrier.

2. Choose your destination and data plan

Go to Airalo via my partner link, search for your destination and compare the available eSIM plans.

Think about:

how long you will be travelling;
how much mobile data you normally use;
whether you are visiting one country or several;
when the plan’s validity period starts.

If you are travelling through several countries on the same trip, a regional eSIM may sometimes be more convenient than buying separate local eSIMs.

3. Buy your eSIM

Once you have chosen the plan that suits your trip, complete your purchase on Airalo.

If you are a first-time Airalo user and the referral offer is available to you, select the option to use a code at checkout and enter:

DANIEL22410

The current referral offer gives eligible first-time users US$3 off their first eSIM purchase.

4. Install the eSIM before you travel

I prefer to install my eSIM while I still have a reliable Wi-Fi connection before travelling. Airalo provides installation instructions after purchase, and the exact steps depend on your device.

Follow the installation instructions carefully and keep your primary SIM and the new eSIM clearly labelled in your phone settings. I like to give the eSIM the name of the country I’m visiting so it is easy to recognise later.

One important tip: installation and activation are not always the same thing. Check the activation policy for the specific eSIM you buy before switching it on, because plans can differ.

5. Connect when you arrive

When you reach your destination, follow the instructions supplied with your eSIM to select it for mobile data and enable any required settings, such as data roaming for that eSIM.

Give the phone a moment to connect to the local network. Once connected, I can normally start using the apps I need for the trip straight away.

How I Use Airalo While Travelling

The reason I keep using an eSIM is simple: I use my phone constantly when I travel.

I need data for:

Google Maps, Naver Maps and other navigation apps;
translation apps;
train and public transport information;
hotel and activity bookings;
restaurant searches;
messaging and staying in contact;
checking tickets and confirmation emails.

Japan

Japan was a perfect example of why I like arriving with mobile data. Between train

stations, finding the right exits, checking maps and translating information, my phone was essential throughout the trip.

If you’re planning Japan too, start with my Japan Travel Hub or see exactly what I did in Tokyo in 4 Days.

South Korea

I also used Airalo during my South Korea trip. Being connected was especially helpful for transport, bookings, Naver Maps and translation apps while moving between cities.

You can follow my complete route through Busan, Gyeongju, Andong and Seoul in my South Korea Travel Hub.

South Africa

Mobile data was just as useful on my South Africa journey, particularly when travelling between different places and needing directions or travel information on the go.

Read the beginning of that journey in South Africa: From East to West in 14 Days – Part 1.

Indonesia

Indonesia is another destination where being connected makes travel easier, especially when looking up locations, transport and places to eat.

If Indonesia is on your list, you can also read my Bali travel tips.

Is Airalo Worth It?

For my style of travel, yes. I value being able to organise my data before I leave and having internet access when I arrive.

That doesn’t mean one eSIM is automatically the cheapest option for every traveller.

Compare the data allowance, validity period and price with your normal network’s roaming charges and any local SIM options. But if convenience matters to you, an eSIM can make the first hours in a new country much smoother.

My Airalo Tips Before You Travel

Check that your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible before purchasing.
Buy and install the eSIM while you have reliable Wi-Fi.
Read the activation policy for your specific plan before turning it on.
Label the eSIM clearly in your phone settings.
Keep your normal SIM selected for calls/texts if that is what you want, and check your home carrier’s roaming settings to avoid unexpected charges.
Download essential maps or booking information as a backup.
Keep your Airalo installation details available until you know the eSIM is working correctly.

Airalo Discount Code for First-Time Users

If you’re trying Airalo for the first time, you may be eligible for US$3 off your first eSIM purchase.

Visit Airalo through my partner link.
Choose the eSIM that suits your destination.
Continue to checkout.
Select the option to use a discount/referral code.
Enter DANIEL22410 and redeem it if you are eligible for the first-purchase offer.

Referral code: DANIEL22410

Check Airalo eSIMs for your destination →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install an Airalo eSIM before my trip?

Yes, and I prefer to do the installation before travelling while I have reliable Wi-Fi. However, check the activation policy of the specific eSIM you purchase so you know when its validity begins.

Do I need Wi-Fi to install an Airalo eSIM?

You need an internet connection during the installation process, so setting it up before your trip is usually the easiest option.

When should I activate my Airalo eSIM?

Follow the activation instructions for the exact eSIM you bought. Some plans activate when they connect to a supported network, while others may have different rules.

Can I keep my normal SIM while using Airalo?

On compatible dual-SIM devices, you can usually keep your primary SIM and use the Airalo eSIM for mobile data. Check your phone settings and your home network’s roaming charges before travelling.

What is the Airalo referral code?

My referral code is DANIEL22410. Eligible first-time users can currently use it for US$3 off their first eSIM purchase.

Final Thoughts

Using an eSIM has become one of the small things that makes my trips feel easier. I like knowing that when I arrive, I can immediately check a route, translate something, find my hotel or open a booking without first worrying about how to get online.

I’ve used Airalo across Japan, South Korea, South Africa and Indonesia, and it has fitted naturally into the way I travel.

If you want to try it for your next trip, check the Airalo eSIM options here. If it’s your first purchase and you are eligible for the current referral offer, use DANIEL22410 at checkout for US$3 off.