The 7 Biggest eSIM Mistakes Travelers Make (and How to Avoid Them)

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Connectivity • Practical Guide

The 7 Biggest eSIM Mistakes Travelers Make (and How To Avoid Them)

Use code STEPHANDPETE for 5% off Holafly. We travel full time with a kid and a camera. Here is how to keep your phone online every trip, why we use Holafly, and the simple fixes most people miss. If you want a deeper dive, see our Holafly guide.

By Steph & Pete Updated: October 27, 2025 8–10 min read

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1. Installing the eSIM too early or too late
2. Forgetting to turn off the physical SIM
3. Not setting the right line for data
4. Leaving Data Roaming off for the eSIM
5. Skipping APN or missing carrier update
6. Choosing the wrong plan for your trip
7. No fallback plan when airports get busy

1) Installing the eSIM too early or too late

Installing weeks in advance can start the clock on some providers. Installing in the taxi is stressful. Add the eSIM on Wi-Fi the day before you fly, then switch your data line after you land. Holafly lets you add first and activate when you arrive.

Steph’s tip: add at home on Wi-Fi, keep your home SIM as default for calls, set data to Holafly on arrival, then toggle Airplane Mode once.

2) Forgetting to turn off the physical SIM for data

If your home SIM is allowed to use data abroad you can rack up fees. Keep your home number for calls and texts, but set data to the eSIM only.

iPhone quick path

• Settings → Cellular
• Select Holafly line → Turn On This Line
• Default line: Home • Cellular Data: Holafly
• Roaming: On for Holafly, Off for Home

Android quick path

• Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
• Enable Holafly • Set Mobile data to Holafly
• Roaming: On for Holafly • Off for Home

3) Not setting the right line for data

Dual-SIM phones let you pick a default for voice, SMS, and data. Most travelers keep voice and SMS on the home number and set data to Holafly. iMessage and WhatsApp still work on your usual number.

4) Leaving Data Roaming off for the eSIM

Roaming needs to be on for the Holafly line so it can connect to local partner networks. This does not charge your home plan as long as roaming is off on the home SIM.

5) Skipping APN or missing a carrier settings update

Some regions need an APN set or a small carrier update. Holafly usually pushes this automatically. If speeds are odd, check for a carrier update or enter the APN from your order email.

Quick reset: toggle Airplane Mode, make sure Data is set to Holafly, Roaming is on for that line, then reboot. Fixes most hiccups.

6) Choosing the wrong plan for your trip

Short city break with hotel Wi-Fi? A fixed-data plan is fine. Multi-country hop or lots of uploads? Unlimited data saves time and stress. For families we often run one unlimited plan and hotspot lightly to other devices.

Great fits for Unlimited

• Maps and rideshare all day
• Stories or reels on the go
• Light laptop tethering

Great fits for Fixed-data

• Short stays
• Messages, maps, light browsing
• Backup line for a teen device

7) No fallback plan when airports get busy

Airport Wi-Fi portals often stall and SMS verifications time out. We keep two phones ready with Holafly installed, plus a saved QR and order email offline. Two minutes of prep saves the day.

Steph’s tip: screenshot your QR, order number, and APN. Store in Files or Notes for offline access. Use code STEPHANDPETE if you still need a plan.

Quick setup that works

1. Add the Holafly eSIM on Wi-Fi before you fly.
2. After landing, set Cellular Data to Holafly.
3. Turn Data Roaming on for the Holafly line only.
4. Toggle Airplane Mode once, then test maps and a webpage.
5. If speeds are slow, check carrier update or re-enter APN.

Ready for stress-free data?

We use Holafly on every trip. It is quick to install and it works across countries.

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eSIM questions we get a lot

Will my WhatsApp still use my usual number?

Yes. Keep your home line as default for calls and texts, set data to Holafly. WhatsApp and iMessage continue as normal.

Can I hotspot with Holafly?

Most unlimited plans allow reasonable hotspot use. If you plan to work from a laptop, pick a plan that supports tethering and test once you land.

When should I install the eSIM?

We add it the day before travel on Wi-Fi, then switch the data line after landing. Simple and reliable.

Is there a discount code?

Yes. Use code STEPHANDPETE for 5% off at checkout or click any button on this page.