eSIMS 101: How to Set Up an Airalo eSIM on iPhone (Fast!)

A huge thanks to Airalo for sponsoring this week's video! If you're just here for the installation process, use the chapters below to find what you need.

0:00 INTRODUCTION
1:09 ABOUT AIRALO
2:37 BENEFITS OF eSIMS
4:25 HOW TO BUY AN eSIM
8:22 IMPORTANT NOTES BEFORE INSTALLING YOUR eSIM
9:01 HOW TO INSTALL YOUR AIRALO eSIM
11:25 HOW TO ACTIVATE YOUR eSIM oN ARRIVAL

Looking for an affordable and convenient way to access data while travelling? This video will walk you through everything you need to know about eSIMs, AKA embedded SIMs, detailing the benefits of eSIMS, step by step how to get an eSIM with Airalo along with how to choose and buy the right eSIM, how to install an eSIM (on iPhone) with Airalo quickly and easily, and also how to activate and access your eSIM once you're travelling.

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CHRISTINA'S TRAVEL GEAR

OTHER TRAVEL RESOURCES

[HappytoWander]

Hey everyone! If the WANDER3 code isn’t working, try this code instead and you should get the same discount: CHRIST99027

[stephanieli]

To make sure you can receive texts from US while on secondary eSIM, you need to setup WiFi calling for the primary sim card before leaving home. When you get to your overseas destination, turn on both primary and secondary SIM cards. Select “secondary” for cellular data, select“primary”for default voice line. I was then able to get texts from banks. This is for an iPhone.

[pamalojo]

A huge thank you Christina! I'm Canadian, have an unlocked iPhone 13 Pro and am a first-time eSim user. I just needed to be able to talk or text and find my way around the UK and there were so many options and plans and reviews and the whole thing was so confusing. Then I came across this absolutely perfect video. I got my phone, followed along, and now I'm set up and ready to go - I even used the second code in your pinned comment! You're my new favourite hero!

[shawnawright]

This was by-far one of the BEST travel tip videos. Very easy to follow and I totally appreciated how you walked through the set-up process. I am from Vancouver and completely understand how expensive roaming charges are! THANK YOU!

[darrenwaith]

I purchased Airalo on my trip to Shanghai - Paris - Amsterdam - London. I could not get the Asia esim to work. Ended up getting charged roaming by my local provider because I thought it was working. When I arrived in Paris it did not work either but I was able to contact the service desk and we got it going. When I went to Amsterdam it did not cross over. Service desk could not get it going. Got it working in London. When I flew back to Shanghai I purchased another Asia esim as needed coverage in Shanghai for the day, but it did not work. Sorry Christina, but I do enjoy you other videos.

[isabellcheung]

I searched for a lot videos, but your step by step instructions is the best. Thank you very much!

[lencarter]

Excellent tutorial! Thank you. We are heading off to Aruba in two weeks and your video was hands-down the best instructional video that I viewed. Great job!

[lyndalombardi]

Thank you so much. We are heading to Italy next month, this was something I was stressing about as I am not tech savvy. I really needed to see this start to finish process, you have made it so clear and easy. As things can be a bit different in different countries I am so glad to have found your YouTube site from Canada. Thanks again from BC

[abelanc]

Take pics of your boarding passes and confirmations so you dont need to rely on internet being available. Then send to a backup phone and less worries. Gonna try Airalo tomorrow. Lets see how it goes.

[uktraveller]

Love this video. You explain it SO well - better than other videos. I re watch THIS video, every time I need to install another AirAlo . To remind me. And I agree - they are brilliant and save so much hassle and work really well. I have used them in Vietnam and Greece.

[whitelady]

Thanks for the info ! I am in London right now and I panic the first time I tried to activate it at the airport because it wasn’t working at all. And the app was shutdown !!So I was worried and I thought I got scam and I decided to buy another SIM card then I tried to activate again with a good Wi-Fi in my hotel and surprised ITS WORK !! I been here for 5 days and it doesn’t disappoint me so far. Now I’m going to Paris and Italy so this is gonna be my data for the rest of the my trip .THANK YOU AIRLO !! I would say internet is my new travel buddy !!! Without internet I am LOST FOR SURE !! Thank you Happy Wander I won’t wandering around anymore !!!😂😂😂

[carmenwishlow]

Thank you for this video! I was thinking there has got to be an easier and cheaper way as I am from Canada too and our plans are insane and the packages for traveling are just as bad. I think this is a game changer for travel and I have a teenager that I want to have some freedom to use his phone but not too much while on vacation so this could work as you have the option on how much data you can have. I do have an Andriod but sure the set up isn't too much different. I also like that you can set this up well in advance!

[sarapugh]

thank you much for this! i really rely heavily on your videos since i'm taking my first trip to europe and it's a huge one going to many countries! This is beyond helpful because i'm very bad at using my phone for things (i'm such an old lady and bad at tech!). you made me feel more confident that i can set it up and it will be working when i arrive which is a huge stress off me since i'll also be badly jetlagged!

[randomyoutubechannel]

Thank you so much for the video, it help a lot. The official video from Airalo wasn't clear if I needed to install before or after I get to my destination.

[GlennNavarro]

This video was excellent! I wish I saw it sooner. It makes so much sense when someone else shows you how to do it with screen images. Thanks! 😊

[cestjane]

Thanks for this! I purchased 20 GB that was on sale (50% off) + your discount code. A deal!

[ReeseReloaded]

Thank you! This is, by far, the best explanation on YouTube! 🎉

[ViajeniBree]

Oh I love Airalo! Tried and tested in Europe ❤

[jamesburwash]

Very good video, you have an excellent you tube voice. The step by step was very good. I did find it a bit confusing around the 10 min mark. I think what you are trying to say. Continue to use your primary number while in Canada and when you arrive outside of Canada switch to secondary number. I think that’s what you meant. On another note unless I am mistaken you cannot receive text messages from Canada if people are in your contacts.? I have tried this twice and people could not send me text messages. I have two issues first the bank will send a verification code to your primary number which is now turned off. Second when both my wife and I were travelling we could not text each other. I think one solution is to switch to what’s app. Another video I watched mention setting your phone to wifi calling, not clear on that suggestion either. Anyway keep up the good work, feel free to correct me if I made a wrong comment. Cheers Vancouver Island.

[kgaletin]

Thank you for your video. I just uploaded and set up Airalo. FYI I was not asked any questions after I selected INSTALL. Everything was done for me. The eSim was added to my Mobile setting as TRAVEL.