Data-only eSIM for travel - a game changer

To call landlines and mobile phones while traveling - use "Skype to Phone" (Skype Out)

Prerequisite

Check primary (home network) Data is "Roaming Off"
Settings...Cellular....
    Cellular Data Options  Roaming Off
        if you have 2 SIM profiles:
        Primary....Data Roaming... Off (slider switch is grey out)

Say goodbye to roaming charges

 

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 Airalo eSIM setup (iPhone)

Download and install Airalo app
Typically 30 days before travel, purchase a destination eSIM (e.g. United States, 3GB, 30 Days)
tap "My eSIMS", select the eSIM you purchased and want to install,
tap "View Instructions", detailed Step 1 and Step 2 instructions are shown on screen.

About Validity Policy:
The information page at the eSIM purchase section tells you what validity policy is used.
For most eSIM, validity period starts (i.e. clock starts ticking) when you are connected to a destination cellular network, let's call this "good eSIM".
But for some eSIM, validity period starts (i.e. clock starts ticking) at the time of install, let's call this "nasty eSIM".

If you have "good eSIM", you can do Step 1 at home.
If you have "nasty eSIM", delay doing Step 1 until travel day.
Step 1 (at home with stable WiFi, typically 2 weeks before travel day)
tap "Install eSIM"
Activate New eSIM ? Allow
tap Continue
a few minutes later, tap Done
Optional: create a custom label that is more meaningful than "Secondary",  e.g. USA 30 Days
Default Line ? primary
iMessage ? primary
Cellular Data ?
    If you are not traveling immediately, choose Primary.
Optional: turn OFF the Secondary line, until travel day.

Step 1.1 (travel day)
At YVR airport connect to YVR WiFi.
Settings...Cellular
    Turn ON Secondary line if it is OFF.
Settings...Cellular...Cellular Data....
    change from Primary to Secondary.

Step 1.2 (traveling)
One hour before landing:

In Airalo app, tap myeSIM, tap Details, tap View Instruction, see if the eSIM you are going to use needs Data Roaming ON
Settings...Cellular
    tap the Secondary line
        toggle Data Roaming to ON

Step 2 (at destination)
When the plane has landed at destination.
Turn ON Airplane mode then turn OFF Airplane mode
(forces iPhone to reconnect to the new wireless environment)
Settings...Cellular
    tap the Secondary line:
        Check:
        -Network Selection - T-Mobile or Verizon
            (consult Airalo app to see which network applies to your eSIM)
            (e.g. Telcel for Mexico; Movistar for Spain)
        -Cellular Data Network - APN should be set automatically. No action is needed, but it should not be blank.

I leave my primary line in the "ON" position because:
- I want to receive inbound SMS while abroad (inbound SMS is free for Canadian carriers).
- If someone called my primary line, I can see who called without answering.
- I can return calls using Skype to Phone for a small fee (3 ¢/min).