Holafly eSIM Tips 2025 • 7 Mistakes to Avoid (+ 5% Off Code STEPHANDPETE)

Mistake 1: Installing the eSIM too early or too late

The problem: Installing weeks in advance can start the countdown on some providers. Installing in the taxi while hunting for airport WiFi is stressful and often fails.

The fix: Install your eSIM on home WiFi the day before you fly. Most providers like Holafly let you add the profile without activating it. The plan starts when you switch your data line after landing, not when you install it.

What we do

We install all eSIMs at home on strong WiFi, keep our home SIM as the default for calls, then switch mobile data to Holafly after we land. Takes 2 minutes total and works every time.

Why this timing matters

Too early: Some providers start your days immediately on installation (Holafly doesn't, but others do)
Too late: Airport WiFi is slow, portals time out, you're stressed with luggage
Just right: Home WiFi, calm environment, time to troubleshoot if needed

Mistake 2: Forgetting to turn off data on your physical SIM

The problem: Your home SIM is still using data abroad and racking up roaming charges. Even with an eSIM installed, if your physical SIM is set for data, you get billed.

The fix: Keep your home SIM active for calls and texts, but explicitly set mobile data to use only the eSIM. Turn off data roaming on your home SIM.

iPhone setup

Settings → Cellular
Tap your Holafly line → Turn This Line On
Under Cellular Data, select Holafly
Tap your home line → Data Roaming OFF
Default voice/text stays on home line

Android setup

Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
Enable your Holafly eSIM
Tap Mobile data → select Holafly
Tap your home SIM → Roaming OFF
Default calls/SMS stays on home

This setup means: calls and texts use your home number (if your carrier allows it), data uses Holafly, no surprise roaming charges.

Photos by Toa Heftiba and Surface on Unsplash

Mistake 3: Not setting the right line for mobile data

The problem: Dual-SIM phones let you pick which line handles voice, SMS, and data. If you never explicitly set data to the eSIM, your phone keeps using your home SIM for data.

The fix: Go into Settings and explicitly choose the eSIM for mobile data. Your home line can stay default for voice and texts. iMessage and WhatsApp will continue using your regular number.

Why this confuses people

Having two active lines is new for most travelers. Your phone doesn't automatically know which line should handle data. You have to tell it. This is separate from which line is "on" or "off" - both can be on, but only one provides data.

Mistake 4: Leaving data roaming off for the eSIM

The problem: Data roaming needs to be ON for your eSIM to connect to local networks abroad. Many people leave it off thinking it will prevent charges.

The fix: Turn data roaming ON for your eSIM line. Turn data roaming OFF for your home SIM. This lets the eSIM work without triggering roaming charges on your home plan.

Remember this

eSIMs ARE roaming. That's how they work. They roam onto local partner networks in each country. Roaming must be enabled for the eSIM line or you get no data.

Quick check after landing

Home SIM: Roaming OFF, data OFF
eSIM (Holafly): Roaming ON, data ON, selected as data line

Mistake 5: Skipping APN settings or missing carrier updates

The problem: Some regions require a specific APN (Access Point Name) or a carrier settings update. Without this, you might have no connection or very slow speeds.

The fix: Most modern eSIMs like Holafly push carrier settings automatically. If speeds seem wrong or you have no connection, check for a carrier update or manually enter the APN provided in your order email.

Quick troubleshooting sequence

Toggle Airplane Mode off and on
Confirm data is set to the eSIM line
Confirm roaming is on for eSIM
Check Settings → General → About for carrier update prompt (iPhone)
If still no connection, manually enter APN from your email
Restart phone

This sequence fixes 95% of connection issues. The other 5% usually need a message to your eSIM provider's support.

Photos by Ben Collins and Lizgrin F on Unsplash

Mistake 6: Choosing the wrong plan for your trip

The problem: Buying a 3GB plan when you need unlimited, or paying for unlimited when you're mostly on hotel WiFi.

The fix: Match your plan to how you actually travel. Consider your daily data use, number of days, and whether you need hotspot.

Get unlimited if you:

Use Google Maps constantly
Post stories and reels on the go
Work remotely or need hotspot
Travel with family (one hotspot for everyone)
Don't want to think about data

Fixed data works if you:

Stay mostly at hotels with WiFi
Only need maps and messaging
Have a short 3-5 day trip
Are comfortable monitoring usage
Want the absolute lowest price

Our approach

We use Holafly unlimited for every trip. It costs more than fixed data plans, but we don't think about usage, can upload photos anywhere, and can hotspot to our laptop when needed. For us, the mental space saved is worth the extra $10-20 per trip.

Mistake 7: No backup plan when things go wrong

The problem: You land, the eSIM doesn't activate, airport WiFi is useless, and you can't access your email with the QR code or APN settings.

The fix: Screenshot everything before you fly. Save QR codes, order confirmations, APN settings, and support contact info to your phone's photo library or an offline notes app.

Pre-trip checklist

Screenshot the QR code from your eSIM email
Screenshot APN settings if provided
Screenshot order confirmation with order number
Save provider's support email or WhatsApp number
Test that you can access these screenshots offline

Why this saves you

Airport WiFi portals often require phone number verification via SMS. If your home SIM isn't receiving texts, you're stuck. Having everything saved offline means you can reinstall the eSIM or contact support without needing internet access.

We keep two phones ready with Holafly installed. If one has issues, the other gets us connected while we troubleshoot. Having one person's phone working is enough to fix everyone else's.

The setup that actually works

After hundreds of eSIM installs, this is the sequence that works consistently:

Before you fly (at home on WiFi)

Buy your eSIM (use code STEPHANDPETE for Holafly)
Check your email for the QR code
Screenshot the QR code and APN info
Go to Settings and add the eSIM by scanning the QR
Label it clearly (e.g., "Holafly Spain")
Leave your home SIM as default for now

After you land (at your destination)

Go to Settings → Cellular (or SIMs on Android)
Set Mobile Data to your eSIM
Turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM only
Turn off Data Roaming for your home SIM
Toggle Airplane Mode on, wait 5 seconds, toggle off
Open Safari or Chrome and load a webpage to test
Open Google Maps to confirm GPS and data work

If you have no connection after this, check for carrier updates (iPhone) or manually enter the APN (both platforms). Then restart your phone.

Common eSIM questions

What are the most common eSIM mistakes?

The most common eSIM mistakes are: installing too early or too late, not switching mobile data to the eSIM line, leaving roaming off for the eSIM, forgetting to disable data on your physical SIM, skipping carrier updates, choosing the wrong plan type, and not saving backup screenshots of setup information.

When should I install my eSIM before traveling?

Install your eSIM on WiFi at home the day before you fly. This gives you time to troubleshoot if needed and avoids rushing at the airport. Most providers like Holafly don't start your plan until you switch your data line to the eSIM after landing.

Why is my eSIM not working when I land?

If your eSIM isn't working, check these settings: make sure mobile data is set to your eSIM line (not your home SIM), enable data roaming for the eSIM, disable data roaming for your home SIM, toggle Airplane Mode on and off, and check for carrier updates in Settings.

Will my WhatsApp still use my usual number?

Yes. WhatsApp is tied to your phone number, not your data plan. Keep your home SIM active for calls and texts, set the eSIM for data only. WhatsApp, iMessage, and all your apps continue using your regular number.

Can I use hotspot with an eSIM?

It depends on your provider and plan. Holafly unlimited plans generally allow reasonable hotspot use. If you need to work from a laptop or share data with family, confirm hotspot is allowed before you buy. Test it immediately after activation.

What if I accidentally delete my eSIM?

You can usually reinstall it using the same QR code. Some providers let you reinstall once, others give you a new QR code. This is why screenshotting everything before you fly is important. Contact your provider's support if you need a replacement QR.

Do I need to remove my physical SIM card?

No. Leave your physical SIM in place. You just need to change settings so your phone uses the eSIM for data and the physical SIM for calls/texts. Both can be active at the same time.

Why is my eSIM connected but internet is slow?

Check that you're actually using the eSIM for data (Settings → Cellular Data). If you are, try toggling Airplane Mode, checking for carrier updates, or entering the APN manually. If speeds are consistently slow, contact your provider - you might need a different carrier setting.

Is there a discount code for Holafly?

Yes, use code STEPHANDPETE for 5% off at checkout. Works on all Holafly eSIM plans.

Can I use the same eSIM in multiple countries?

Depends on your plan. Some eSIMs are single-country only. Others cover regions (like all of Europe or Asia). Holafly offers both single-country and regional plans. Check your plan details before crossing borders.

How do I avoid eSIM setup mistakes?

To avoid eSIM mistakes: install on home WiFi before you fly, screenshot all QR codes and settings, switch mobile data to eSIM after landing, enable roaming for eSIM only, disable data on your home SIM, check for carrier updates, and choose unlimited data if you use Google Maps or post content frequently.

Ready to try Holafly?

We use Holafly on every trip because setup is simple and it works across 170+ destinations. No hunting for QR codes in airports, no surprise roaming charges, just internet that works when you land.

Get Holafly with code STEPHANDPETE

Code gives you 5% off. See our complete Holafly guide for more details.

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. We use Holafly ourselves and only recommend products we actually use.

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

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