Now that the iPhone 18 Pro is available for pre-order, the only thing left is to get one and enjoy the performance boost.
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is a great device in terms of camera, battery, and performance. But how does its functionality hold up for travellers?
Sure, you can take great low-light pictures and record videos in high definition, but what about the connectivity part?
We’re here to help you out with that. By the end of this article, you’ll have everything required to stay connected whether you’re on a trip across Europe or to a different country. Continue reading!
Does the iPhone 18 Pro support eSIMs?
Yes, the iPhone 18 Pro does support eSIMs.
There were rumours that the new iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro Max are eSIM-only, like the devices sold in the USA.
But after the launch event held on September 9, it has been confirmed that the iPhone 18 models sold in the UK will stay on the traditional route, i.e., one physical SIM card slot and one eSIM.
This means that you can carry your primary number via the physical SIM card and use the eSIM for a travel plan.
But why would someone go for a travel eSIM over a local SIM card or a roaming plan? Let’s find out.
Why Should You Choose a Travel eSIM?
You should always choose a travel eSIM when you’re visiting a foreign country. Here’s why:
- Avoid Roaming Charges: Standard pay-as-you-go charges kick in if you don’t have a valid roaming plan, and they are super expensive. A travel eSIM gets you a set number of minutes, SMS, and data or just data, at affordable prices.
- Instant Activation: No need to wait for the SIM card to arrive. Since eSIMs are 100% digital, purchase and activation can be done in approximately 15 minutes.
- One eSIM for Multiple Destinations: Unlike roaming plans, travel eSIMs often include plans for a specific region, allowing you to use a single mobile plan across multiple countries.
- Keeps Primary Line Active: An eSIM works with your primary number very well. The eSIM can be used for mobile services in the destination country, while your primary SIM card can be used for bank-related OTPs and other important messages.
- No SIM Swapping Required: You just need to download and activate an eSIM profile for your device. This means you can switch between lines easily without swapping SIM cards.
- Skip Airport Queues: Travel eSIMs can be purchased from anywhere. All you need is a stable internet connection and an eSIM-compatible phone. This eliminates the need to wait in long queues to buy a SIM card.
How to Activate a Travel eSIM on Your iPhone 18 Pro
Now that you know the benefits of a travel eSIM and that the iPhone 18 Pro supports eSIMs, let’s find out how you can activate one.
Before you start, make sure you have the following:
- A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data)
- A travel eSIM plan
- An unlocked iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max
Follow the steps below once you have everything set up:
Step 1: Connect to the internet.
Step 2: Purchase a travel eSIM plan and wait for the confirmation email.
Step 3: Open your Camera app and scan the activation QR code found in the order confirmation email.
Step 4: Follow the prompts on your screen to complete the activation process.
There might be minor changes based on the travel eSIM provider you choose. Some operators might require you to download their app to activate the travel eSIM.
If you are unable to scan the QR code using the Camera app, you can also activate your travel eSIM by heading to Settings>Mobile Data>Add eSIM>Use QR Code. Scan the QR code in the order confirmation email and follow the prompts to activate your travel eSIM. The native Code Scanner app works too.
Also, once you’re done, head to Settings> Mobile Data>Mobile Data and choose the travel eSIM you just installed as the line you’d like to use data with.
How to Avoid Roaming Charges When Travelling
Travelling within Europe is a one-of-a-kind experience.
And because of the EU’s Roam-like-at-Home regulations, users can call, text, and use data without a roaming plan.
But the UK is not a part of the EU anymore, so normal roaming plans come into play.
So, here are some tips that’ll keep your phone bill down during a holiday to a different country.
- Check whether your current plan includes roaming benefits for the country you’re visiting.
- If your current plan includes roaming benefits, then make sure Data Roaming is enabled in the settings.
- Data Roaming should be disabled if your current mobile plan doesn’t have roaming data.
- Some travel eSIM providers might require Data Roaming to be enabled for mobile internet to work normally.
- Disable automatic updates, especially if your travel eSIM comes with a limited amount of data.
- Be wary of apps that use data in the background. Email and messaging apps are notorious for this.
- When purchasing regional plans, make sure they include benefits for the country you’re visiting.
Get a Travel eSIM for Your iPhone 18 Pro! It’s Affordable & Convenient
Travel eSIMs are a tourist’s best friend!
They help tourists stay connected in a foreign country without the hassle of roaming.
And they are easy to install as well. You can just scan a QR code or use the service provider’s app.
So, if you’re planning to explore a new country with your iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max, don’t forget to get a travel eSIM. Your primary SIM card and the travel eSIM will work at the same time without any issues!