10 Essential Tips to Stay Connected While Travelling Abroad
1. Install your eSIM before you leave
Always download and test your eSIM while you still have home Wi-Fi. eSIM installation requires an internet connection, and airport Wi-Fi is unreliable. Once installed, the plan activates automatically when you land.
2. Download offline maps
Even with the best data plan, there will be moments with no signal — underground, in rural areas, or in a tunnel. Download Google Maps or Maps.me offline maps for your destination before you go.
3. Know your data usage habits
Streaming video abroad will drain a 5GB plan in hours. If you are a heavy user, choose a larger plan or set your phone to use lower video quality. Turn off auto-play videos in social media apps.
4. Use Wi-Fi calling for calls home
Most modern smartphones support Wi-Fi calling. Keep your home SIM in the device but make calls and send iMessages/WhatsApp over data — you will not use up calling minutes.
5. Enable low data mode
Both iOS and Android have a low data mode that restricts background app refreshes. Enable it on your travel eSIM line to make your data allowance last longer.
6. Share your connection
Your eSIM can power a hotspot for your laptop or tablet. Remember this when choosing a plan — if you are tethering a laptop for remote work, you will need significantly more data.
7. Check coverage maps before you buy
Not all eSIM plans cover every corner of your destination. Check the coverage map for the underlying carrier, especially if you are planning remote or rural adventures.
8. Keep your QR code backed up
Save your Vsimer QR code to a cloud-based photo album or forward the email to a second account. If you need to reinstall, you will have it available even without access to your primary email.
9. Buy the right size plan
A 1GB plan is fine for a weekend city break (maps, messaging, light browsing). For a two-week trip with work calls and video navigation, go for 10GB or more. Vsimer offers plans from 1GB to unlimited.
10. Consider a global plan for multi-country trips
If you are hopping between several countries on one trip, a regional or global eSIM from Vsimer covers multiple countries under one plan — no need to switch plans at every border.