eSIMs For Expats: Activation Tips For Long-Term Expats

Sometimes, it is beyond traveling to a different country.

You visit a nation and you get to know about the opportunities it offers.

However, it’s not as easy as it sounds. Whatever the reason of your move may be, study, work or adventure! Moving to a new country always has its share of challenges.

And the first question that rings is, “How will I connect to my friends and family back home?” Also, especially in the beginning, the high roaming charges are a challenge, and that is where eSIMs for expats are useful.

By activating these eSIMs for expats, you can keep your home country number active while adding local service in your new country.

So, in this Dream and Travel Guide, we will discuss the technical aspects of activating an eSIM.

What Makes eSIMs For Expats Perfect?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into your phone. In this, you don’t need a plastic SIM card, and all you need to do is download the phone plan on your device.

But what are the benefits?

Your device can have multiple phone plans active at the same time.
You can use your home number and the new number at the same time.
Furthermore, you can switch between the plans instantly.
eSIM technology supports most mobile devices running on Android and iOS.

Getting Ready Before You Travel

Preparation is key to smooth eSIM activation.

Unlocking your phone from your home carrier if it’s locked. It can take as long as two weeks.
Research eSIM providers that serve your destination country.
Download the eSIM provider’s app before you leave home. Having the app ready means you can
Activate your eSIM as soon as you arrive, even if the local internet is slow or unreliable.
Save important phone numbers and account information in multiple places.
Write down your home carrier’s international support number and your new eSIM provider’s customer service contacts.
Store this information in your email, phone notes, and on paper as backup.

Step-By-Step Activation Process For eSIMs For Expats

The actual activation process is simpler than most people think. Here’s how to activate your eSIM step by step.

Step 1: Purchase Your eSIM Plan

Choose long-term plans for expats as they are reasonable than short-term tourist options. Then, you will complete the purchase process and save the confirmation email, as it will have important activation codes.

Step 2: Install the eSIM Profile

Once you arrive in your new country, connect to WiFi and open your eSIM provider’s app. Find the option to activate your eSIM or add a new plan.

Enter the activation code from your confirmation email. Your phone will download the eSIM profile automatically.

Step 3: Configure Your Settings

After installation, go to your phone’s cellular settings. You should see both your home carrier and the new eSIM listed. Choose which line to use for calls, texts, and data.

Most expats set their home line for calls and texts with family, while using the local eSIM for data and local calls. This setup helps control costs while keeping you connected to home.

Managing Multiple Phone Numbers With eSIMS For Expats

Living with two active phone numbers requires some organization. Label each line clearly in your phone settings. For example, name one “Home Country” and the other “Local Spain” or whatever country you’re in.

Set up separate ringtones for each number so you know which line is receiving calls. This helps you answer appropriately – you might speak your native language for home calls and the local language for local calls.

Most messaging apps like WhatsApp work with your primary number, but you can change this if needed. Some expats create separate WhatsApp accounts for each number to keep personal and professional contacts organized.

Update your contacts with information about which number they should call. Send a message to important contacts letting them know your local number for urgent matters.

Troubleshooting Common Activation Issues

Even with careful preparation, activation problems can happen. Here are solutions to the most common issues expats face.

If your eSIM won’t activate your eSIM properly, restart your phone and try again. Many connection issues resolve with a simple restart.

Check that you have a stable internet connection during activation. Weak WiFi can cause the download to fail. If possible, use a wired connection or high-quality WiFi network.

Verify that your phone isn’t still locked to your home carrier. Even phones that seem unlocked sometimes have hidden restrictions for international use.

Contact customer support if activation fails repeatedly. Many eSIM providers offer 24/7 chat support specifically for activation issues. Have your order confirmation and phone model information ready when you contact them.

Data Management Tips for Expats

Living abroad often means being more careful about data usage, especially if you’re maintaining plans in multiple countries. Set up data usage alerts on your phone to avoid surprise charges.

Use WiFi whenever possible for large downloads, video calls, and streaming. Most apartments, offices, and cafes offer free WiFi that’s often faster than mobile data.

Consider which apps use the most data and adjust their settings. Turn off automatic video playback in social media apps and set streaming services to lower quality when using mobile data.

If you need to activate your eSIM plan with more data, most providers let you upgrade instantly through their app. This flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of eSIM technology for expats.

Keeping Your Home Country Connection

Many expats want to keep their home country number active for family, banking, and other important services. There are several ways to do this affordably.

Switch your home plan to the cheapest option that keeps your number active. Many carriers offer low-cost plans specifically for people living abroad temporarily.

Use your home number mainly for receiving verification codes and important calls. Set up call forwarding so important calls to your home number reach your local phone.

When you activate your eSIM with a reliable provider, you can confidently reduce your home plan to the minimum while maintaining full connectivity.

Cost-Saving Strategies

Does your plan allow international calling to your home country? You need to check that at first.

Also, discounts and referral programs come in handy.

Companies like Billion Connect specialize in providing cost-effective eSIM solutions for long-term travelers and expats, often with better rates than traditional carriers.

Staying Connected During Travel Within Your New Region

Of course, we are united by our love for travel! So, we don’t want to miss the opportunity to explore the neighboring countries.

So? Check that your plan works in the neighboring countries.

You can even get a temporary local eSIM if you are traveling for many days to other countries.

Security And Privacy Considerations

Living abroad can expose you to different privacy laws and security risks. Your phone setup should protect your personal information.

Use VPN services when connecting to public WiFi, especially in countries with strict internet monitoring. A VPN protects your data and can help you access services from your home country.

Planning For Emergencies

Expat life comes with unique challenges, and your phone connectivity is crucial during emergencies. Having a solid eSIM setup provides important backup options.

Know the emergency numbers for your new country and program them into your phone. Also, save the contact information for your embassy or consulate.

Share your local phone number with trusted contacts back home. In an emergency, local authorities might need to reach people in your home country on your behalf.

Preparing For Your Return Home

Eventually, most expats return to their home country. Planning your phone transition makes this move smoother.

Before leaving, research whether you can keep your international eSIM active. Some expats maintain their foreign number for ongoing business or personal connections.

Contact your home carrier about reactivating full service. If you kept a minimal plan active, upgrading back to full service usually happens immediately.

When you activate your eSIM for future travel, the process will be familiar since you’ve already mastered the technology.

Making The Most Of Your Expat Communication Setup With eSIMs For Expats

With the successful management of the eSIM technology, an expat now has increased potential of maintaining a connection. It is possible to continue having relationships with people in different countries as you create new associations in the host country.

It is all about proper preparation and enlisting credible providers who are well aware about the needs of expats. The best thing to do before you can rely on it in matters that are of major importance is to take time and search around to know your options, and test your arrangement.

Please keep in mind that technology is supposed to facilitate your life as an expat, not to complicate it. In case the current arrangement is not going too well, do not be afraid of changing the eSIMs for expats. The ease of the eSIM technology is that you can adapt your phone service to other needs that may arise.

These tricks, along with a trusted eSIM provider, will give you the connectivity required to flourish in your new country with the essential connection to home. When the right communication tools are at your disposal, the world shrinks into a very small place.