How You Can Set Up Holafly eSIM Before Setting Off for Travelling Abroad
It’s a lot of fun and super exciting to travel to a new country. The thrill of meeting new people, exploring the unexplored terrain and building lasting memories can really help you forget what a headache it can sometimes prove to be.
The minute they land at the airport, it is game-on of looking for a fresh SIM operator. You have to make calls and get a taxi to the hotel. As usual, SIM card prices at airports are not particularly cheap. Most operators include hiked plans for visitors that aren’t actually much of a deal.
Enter an eSIM service such as Holafly.
Why Choose Holafly eSIM?
For the uninitiated, an eSIM actually functions in much the same way as a regular SIM card. But an eSIM isn’t physical. You do not need to replace the one already in your cell phone.
I had a chance to try the service on a recent trip to Vietnam. Here are some of the features that you noticed:
Unlimited data: Holafly’s unlimited data plans are available in 200+ destinations. You can stream, translate and map away without a care.
No roaming charge: All Holafly plans are prepaid so no need to worry about any other extra cost. You won’t be shocked by a bill when you return home.
Quick & easy set up: Purchase your eSIM plan before you travel. Download it on arrival and activate it.
Topping up: Not ready to leave when your time is up? If a country wins you over and you want to stay, just top-up easily. You do not have to purchase a new SIM.
24/7 multilingual support: At Holafly we provide customer support, 24 hours a day, in several languages. They help with installation or problem solving, and you are usually responsible for the final result.
Hotspot capabilities: An ability to share your mobile data with others while you are there.
Great refund policy: In the event your travel plans are delayed, Holafly provides a full refund for up to 6 months after purchase.
All these factors make Holafly eSIM the perfect solution for digital nomads. The second, ONE second upon arrival I was on the mobile system in Vietnam.
This allowed being able to circumvent the agonising lines of people who were trying to purchase a SIM. I also assisted in translating directions for people who happen to be at the airport.
If you are already planning your next Asia trip and don’t want to waste time in lines like me, Holafly is one of the best eSIMs that I’ve ever used.
When Do You Activate Your Holafly eSIM?
The timing is important in which to set up your international travel data plan. Install your eSIM application at least 1-2 days before you leave. This offers you peace of mind and removes the stress of setting up at the airport.
Why install early? During eSIM setup, you require a reliable Wi-Fi connection. Airport wireless is frequently slow and jammed. Setting up at home would be a breeze.
Just don’t turn the eSIM on until you’re at your destination. Activation begins your data plan countdown. You lose so many travel days if you activate before traveling.
Step-by-Step Holafly eSIM Installation Guide
It is very easy to activate your Holafly eSIM. To connect before you leave, follow these easy steps.
Before You Begin
Check device compatibility first. eSIM is a relatively recent technology which can be found in most iPhones as of the XS. A number of Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models also work.
Make sure your carrier has unlocked your phone. Locked phones don’t work with eSIMs from other carriers.
Ensure you have stable Wi-Fi ready to go for the installation. You’ll also receive a QR code by email after you make the purchase.
Purchase Your Holafly eSIM Plan
Head to the Holafly website and select where you’re going. Select a plan based on your trip’s duration and data usage. Plans are generally for stretches from 5 to 90 days.
Complete your purchase using any major payment method. Holafly takes credit cards, PayPal and Apple Pay.
In a few minutes, you’ll get an email. This includes your QR code and activation details.
Set Up Your eSIM via QR Code (iPhone)
Open Settings on your iPhone. Go to Cellular or Mobile Data. Tap Add eSIM or Add Data Plan.
Select Use QR Code option. Take a picture of the QR code in your email. You can screen it on another device or print off a copy.
Your iPhone should automatically recognize the code. Press Continue if you wish to install the software. It all takes just a few minutes.
Name your new line as you wish. Having something like “Holafly Vietnam” makes it easy to recognize.
eSIM Install with QR Code (Android)
Launch Settings app on your Android device. Click on Connections or Network & Internet. Tap on SIM Manager or something similar.
Go to Add eSIM and select Scan QR code. Open the camera on your phone and scan the QR code from Holafly.
Just follow the on-screen instructions to finish converting process. Your device will now download the eSIM profile.
Drag the name for your new eSIM that you can easily recognize. It is more convenient for multiple account handling.
Manual Installation Method
Can’t scan the QR code? No problem. Instead, use the manual install feature.
On iPhone, take this path: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. Choose Enter Details Manually over QR code.
Copy the SM-DP+ address from your email. Copy and paste it to the appropriate input box. Then paste in the activation code.
Do remember to post the complete code. There should be no spaces or hanging characters. Tap Next to continue.
On Android phones, you have to do it with a little more effort. Head to the SIM Manager and choose Add eSIM. Choose Enter Activation Code manually.
How Can You Use Your Holafly eSIM After Arriving in the Country?
Installation is different from activation. You install before you travel, and activate when you get there.
Disable Data Roaming on Your Primary SIM
Turn off data roaming for your existing SIM before activating your Holafly eSIM. This means that there will be no surprise charges from your home carrier.
On iPhone, open the Settings app and tap Cellular. Select your primary line. Disable Data Roaming for that line.
On Android, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks. Turn off data roaming for your personal SIM.
Activate Your Holafly eSIM
After you arrive at your destination, open Settings again. Navigate to Cellular or Mobile Data in settings.
Tap your Holafly eSIM line. Make sure Turn On This Line is checked. This activates the eSIM profile.
Turn on Data Roaming for Holafly eSIM only. This is a prerequisite for the travel connectivity planner to operate.
Make Holafly your default line for the mobile data. On iPhone select Cellular Data and then Holafly. On Android, it is listed under the Mobile Data preferences.
Your device will then join the local network. Signal bars will appear when you are connected.
Verify Your Connection
Test your data connection immediately. Open a web browser and navigate to any website. You might try a messaging app like WhatsApp.
If you don’t get through immediately, try waiting just a few minutes. Sometimes network registration takes time. Restart your device if needed.
Still having issues? Manually select a network operator. Go into network and then choose option for not automatically switching. Select an operator from available operators in your area.
How to Use Your Holafly eSIM Whilst Travelling
You’ll want to keep your Holafly app on hand while you travel. Download in the App Store or Google Play.
Log in using your purchase email. Go to My eSIMs to view details of your plan. There you’ll see activation date, days used and expiration.
Running low on data? Buy a top-up in app. You can still keep your existing eSIM and the added data.
Need to extend your stay? Append days onto your existing plan. There is no need to obtain a new eSIM or QR code.
Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues
Can’t scan the QR code? If taking a picture from another device, increase the screen brightness. Or, manually install it instead.
eSIM not showing up? Reboot your phone and try again. Ensure that your device’s software is up to date.
No network connection? Turn on airplane mode for 30 seconds, and then turn it off. This refreshes network connections.
Connection still failing? Contact Holafly’s 24/7 support team. You can get assistance through an online chat or via email at help@holafly.com.
How to Smoothly Set Up eSIM for Travel
Look into what kind of network coverage your destination has. Holafly operates in through strong partnerships more than 200 countries.
Download offline maps ahead of time. This assures navigation in case of temporary disconnection.
Save Holafly’s support contact information. Keeping it handy is good if you need help when you’re abroad.
If you can, test your eSIM activation at home. Try some that can be tested without using data first.
Use your main SIM and keep the second unlocked for calls and texts. Only use Holafly for data to get the most savings.
What Makes Holafly Stand Out for International Travelers
Airport SIM vendors charge premium prices for the traditional. They appeal to travelers who are in need of instant connectivity. Holafly gives better value when you plan ahead.
Swapping physical SIM cards leads to headaches and the occasional loss of your original card. eSIM puts an end to this annoyance altogether.
Other providers also have several country plans. But Holafly offers unlimited data and straightforward pricing, so there is little to compare.
Being pre-paid also provides maximum cost clarity. You’re sure what you’re paying upfront.
Having someone check up on you in your language for peace of mind. Such a level of service is not offered by all eSIM providers.
Conclusion to Holafly eSIM Activation
Activating your Holafly eSIM before flying abroad is incredibly easy. From purchase to installation, it all happens in less than 15 minutes.
If you install a day or two ahead of time, it leaves enough time to troubleshoot. This eliminates all those stressful trips to crowded airports.
When you activate on arrival that won’t happen and you won’t lose any plan days. Your personal data countdown has never started at a better time.
No more data worry with connection from over 200 destinations with Holafly. Concentrate on traveling, not searching for a Wi-Fi hot spot.
The QR code setup process is perfect for the vast majority of users. Manual installation is actually a safer alternative.
Ditch the airport SIM lines on your next international trip. Activate your Holafly eSIM before getting on the plane to reach directly without using roaming when you arrive.
