If you're planning your next trip, you've probably thought about buying an eSIM as a connectivity solution. Among its main advantages, it provides flexibility and savings by being able to choose between different providers, it avoids dealing with changing physical SIM cards, and it helps keep your data and devices safe. In this article, we'll give you some recommendations so that you can take advantage of all the benefits of your eSIM without complications.
Why does my eSIM data run out while traveling?
It may happen that your eSIM services data runs out faster than expected. There are several reasons why this can happen. To avoid this, it is important that you have some reference of how much data you need during a trip , which are the applications and services that require the most data and how to keep track of consumption . In addition, you can check out these 10 tips to reduce data consumption during your trips .
Intensive data usage abroad
While traveling, you may find yourself using data-hungry services like maps, messaging and video calling apps, and social media intensively. When you're in a foreign country, where Wi-Fi may not be as easy to find or reliable, mobile data is essential. That high demand can quickly use up the data included in your eSIM plan, which is why you need to plan ahead and also keep track of your usage. Apps from some providers, like Olysim, allow you to monitor usage and set alerts when data is running low.
How to top up an eSIM
It may happen that despite having calculated how much data you will use during your trip, you end up using more data than you planned to use. Don't worry, this is not a major inconvenience. Some Olysim eSIMs allow you to configure automatic recharging from the app. In this article we will tell you everything you need to know about it. Other eSIMs are not rechargeable; in these cases, you will need to download a new eSIM to be able to continue browsing. It is a simple process that you can do in just a few steps .
Local, regional and global data plans
Another important factor is the difference between local, regional, and global data plans. Local plans provide coverage for a single country; if your trip includes more than one country (for example, a tour of Europe or a cruise around the Caribbean islands ), you should consider a regional eSIM . Regional eSIMs allow you to use data interchangeably in any of the countries included in the coverage. If, on the other hand, you plan to travel through different countries on different continents (for example, a tour of Europe that includes a getaway to Egypt (Africa), or the Maldives (Asia), a global eSIM is the best option.
The variety of plans is super wide and flexible: you can get local plans from 1 GB of data included and a week of validity for USD 9, to global plans with 20 GB of data, 365 days of validity for USD 69.
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Immediate solutions when your eSIM data runs out
Are you out of data? Don't worry. There are several ways to quickly fix it and stay connected without any problems during your trip. Here are some options that can help you.
Recharge your data plan or purchase an additional one
The best option is to recharge your eSIM data plan or purchase a new one, if it is not renewable. A good recommendation when renewing or purchasing a new global eSIM services is to calculate some data surplus, to avoid being left without connection, or depending on open Wi-Fi networks.
Turn on Wi-Fi on your device
A temporary alternative to recharging your data plan can be to use available Wi-Fi networks. If you are in a tourist town, at your hotel or in a café, you will most likely be able to find a public or private Wi-Fi connection. However, keep in mind that on open networks data is not encrypted and can therefore be intercepted by hackers. Do not share sensitive information such as bank details or passwords while browsing connected to a public Wi-Fi network.
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How to avoid running out of data on your eSIM during future trips
If you've ever dealt with connectivity issues while traveling, you may want to avoid the inconvenience. Fortunately, there are simple ways to avoid running out of data. Here are some tips to help you better manage your data in the future.
Buy eSIM with adequate data and coverage
One of the best ways to ensure uninterrupted connectivity is to opt for a plan that includes a sufficient amount of data, and with coverage in all the countries you visit. Once you have determined how much data you will use during your trip , you can purchase a plan that includes a reasonable amount of additional data, to cover eventualities.
Control mobile data usage on your device
Another key tip is to keep track of your data usage. Most devices allow you to set data usage alerts, which is very useful for monitoring how much you're using. You can set a data limit on your device and set it to notify you when you reach 50%, 75%, or 90% of your data limit. The procedure is simple:
On Android devices:
- Open Settings
- Tap “Network & Internet” and then “Internet”
- Next to the operator, go to “Settings”
- Tap “Warning and data limit”
- Turn on “Set data limit” and then “Data limit”
- Enter the limit you want
- Press “Set” or “OK”
Apple devices do not have a data limit feature, but you can set up a data saver mode in a few steps:
- Go to “Settings”
- Tap “Cellular Data” and then “Options”
- Select “Data Mode”
- Activate “Save data”
Additionally, you can use apps that help you monitor your usage and, if necessary, reduce the amount of data you use, such as disabling auto-play of videos on social networks or limiting background updates. To limit background data usage on your phone for a specific app, follow these steps:
- Go to “Settings”
- Access “Networks and Internet”
- Tap “Mobile networks”
- Then tap “App data usage”
- Select the app and disable background data
