- What is eSIM and how does it work?
- The benefits of using eSIM for travel or working abroad.
- How to choose an eSIM: what to consider before buying.
- How to activate eSIM with Megacall?
The more traditional options for getting internet in another country aren’t exactly the most convenient: finding a local store and buying a SIM card upon arrival, activating roaming (which can be risky and result in a surprisingly high bill), or relying on public WiFi networks, which are often slow, unstable, and sometimes insecure.
But staying connected while traveling is easier than you might think,thanks to eSIM technology. There’s no need to buy a local SIM card in every country you visit or pay sky-high rates to get online outside your coverage area.
With an eSIM, you can activate internet access in almost any country directly from your phone, in just a few minutes. It’s a perfect option for:
- Travelers, tourists, and digital nomads.
- People who work remotely from anywhere.
- Business travelers and students abroad.
What is eSIM and how does it work?
eSIM is an evolution of the traditional SIM card we all know. Unlike a physical SIM, the eSIM is built into your device, it’s like a digital chip that lets you activate a mobile plan without swapping physical cards. Everything starts by simply scanning a QR code, and your internet connection is activated.
The best part? Your main SIM remains active for calls and texts, while the eSIM gives you access to mobile data in the country you’re visiting, so you stay connected at all times.
The benefits of using eSIM for travel or working abroad
If you love to travel, work remotely from another country, or simply travel frequently and want to avoid the hassle of roaming or buying physical SIM cards, eSIM is probably one of the most practical tools you can choose. It saves you time and money by eliminating the need to buy a physical card, but there are even more advantages to using an eSIM for travel:
Instant connection in almost any country
With an eSIM, you can purchase a data plan for your destination even before you arrive, in just a few minutes and directly from your device. With Megacall’s eSIM, you scan the QR code sent to your phone and you’re online in no time.
Avoid roaming and unexpected fees
Roaming might work in some countries, but in many others, it comes with high costs. To avoid those surprise bills, eSIM lets you choose your plan in advance, you decide how much data you want and how long it lasts, all at an affordable price.
No need to replace your main SIM
One of the biggest advantages is that you can use your eSIM alongside your regular SIM. This means you can keep your personal number active while using the eSIM just for mobile data.
Safer than public WiFi networks
Public WiFi in places like airports, cafés, or hotels isn’t always secure. With an eSIM, you get a private connection from the moment you land, without risking your personal data.
How to choose an eSIM: what to consider before buying
There are a few key factors to keep in mind when choosing an eSIM for travel. Here are the most important points to review before making a decision:
- Device compatibility
First and foremost, check whether your device is compatible with eSIM, not all phones or tablets support it. Most recent models do, but it’s always a good idea to double, check to be sure. - Coverage in the countries you need
Not all eSIM providers cover the same destinations, so it’s important to choose one with wide and reliable coverage. At Megacall, for example, our eSIMs offer international coverage in over 100 countries worldwide, with competitive pricing. - Data only – no calls, texts, or virtual numbers
Megacall’s eSIM is designed specifically for internet use. It only includes mobile data—no calls, SMS, or virtual numbers. However, you can link a virtual number and access the Megacall app from your computer or phone.
How to activate eSIM with Megacall
Activating an eSIM with Megacall is quick and easy. In just a few steps, and directly from your device, you can get connected in any country.
Access the internet in over 100 countries at affordable prices. Here’s how!
- In your Megacall personal account, go to the section “Services – eSIM for traveling” and check if your device is compatible.
- Choose the country you’re traveling to and select the plan that best suits you. If you’re planning a trip across several countries, like within Europe, it’s best to choose a plan that covers the entire region.
- Select the validity period and data volume, then click “Connect plan.”
- Once the plan is activated, the eSIM will appear in your account under “eSIM for traveling” > “Your eSIMs.”
- You’ll receive a QR code that you just need to scan to set up your new eSIM.
eSIM installation
For iOS devices.
Open your phone’s camera, scan the QR code, and select “Activate new eSIM Card” A prompt will appear where you need to allow the activation of the eSIM on your phone.
Next, select the default number for making calls- that is, choose your personal number (not the eSIM) and tap continue.
Then select which number will be used for mobile data—either your personal number or the additional eSIM. If you’re already in the destination country, select the eSIM to start using it, or choose automatic mobile data switching. Once done, tap “Done.”
The next step is to select your personal number (not the eSIM) as priority number and tap “Done” again.
Finally, go to Settings > Mobile Data, select your eSIM, and enable the Data Roaming option.
Your iOS device is now ready to browse the internet abroad!
For Android devices.
Open your device’s camera, scan the QR code, and tap “Set up.”
Next, go to Settings to activate your eSIM.
Select the new eSIM to activate it.
Tap “Turn on” to set the eSIM as the default for mobile internet usage.
After this, the eSIM settings will open.
Make sure that “Roaming” and “Select network automatically” options are enabled.
Once these are activated, the setup is complete, and your Android device is ready to browse the internet abroad.
