Hey there, fellow travelers! Let me tell you, an eSIM is an absolute game-changer for staying connected to the internet when you're exploring new countries. I'm actually writing this blog post right now from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and my eSIM has been a lifesaver!
Just a couple of days ago, I flew in from Manila, Philippines. I had my trusty Pixel phone with a Globe physical SIM and a Smart eSIM. As soon as I landed at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, both my SIM cards automatically switched to roaming. But guess what? I hadn't purchased any roaming data, so I was completely cut off from the internet. I was relying solely on the airport's free Wi-Fi, which was pretty unreliable – limited coverage and super slow, probably because everyone else was trying to use it too!
My eSIM to the Rescue!
This is where my eSIM swooped in to save the day. Before my trip, I did my research to find an eSIM with unlimited data. Since I'm working remotely and my stay was for seven straight days, I really needed no data caps. After comparing prices and reviews, I decided Klook's eSIM was the best option. And after using it for a few days, I can confidently say I made the right choice! It's fast, super easy to set up, and I haven't experienced any downtime. Thanks to my eSIM, I've been able to navigate my first few days in Vietnam without feeling anxious about the language barrier or being disconnected from all the helpful information I could find online.
Why eSIMs are a Traveler's Dream
For those of you who might not know, eSIMs are seriously better for travelers than traditional physical SIM cards because you don't have to fuss with swapping out a tiny physical card in your phone. Plus, if your phone supports it, you can have multiple eSIM profiles on your device and just toggle between them depending on which one you need to use. Setting up an eSIM for the first time might seem a bit intimidating, but trust me, it's actually incredibly easy to activate. And since there's no more physical SIM, it's also much more environmentally friendly – bonus points! The only real downsides are that your device must support eSIMs, and your network speed will still depend on what your device can handle.
Getting Started with Your eSIM: A Quick Checklist
For this tutorial, I'm using my primary device, a Google Pixel 6, which supports both physical and eSIMs. You'll also need a Wi-Fi connection to activate your eSIM and the QR code from where you purchased it. I bought mine from Klook; it cost around $7 (PHP405) for a 7-day unlimited data plan. You can check out this link for availability, and just make sure you select the right carrier or country where you'll be using it.
Activating Your eSIM: Step-by-Step
- Purchase Your eSIM: First things first, head over to this link to purchase your eSIM. You can customize your purchase based on your needs, like setting the data allowance and duration.
- Get Your QR Code: Once your purchase is complete, you'll receive a confirmation email with a QR code – this is what we'll use for activation.
- On Your Phone: Go to your SIM settings, then choose "+ Add SIM," and select "Set Up eSIM." Make sure you're connected to the internet during this process, or it won't work.
- Scan the QR Code: Use your phone's camera to scan the QR code you received in your email. Or, you can screenshot the QR code and choose the "Scan from photo" option.
When I set up my eSIM here in Vietnam, it appeared as "Redtea Mobile." My phone allows for multiple eSIM profiles, but only one can be active along with the physical SIM. So, I had to deactivate my other eSIM profile and enable Redtea Mobile.
In my experience, even after enabling it, I wasn't automatically connected to the network and internet right away. I had to tap on "Redtea Mobile" for more options and then turn on "Roaming." As soon as I did that, I was able to connect to the local network (which I believe is Viettel) and get online!
I'm now on my second day here in Vietnam, and this eSIM has saved me so much time, especially when navigating a foreign country where many people don't speak English. With my eSIM and its reliable connection, I was even able to book Xanh SM, the ride-hailing service I used to get to my hotel. Trust me, an eSIM is a travel essential!
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