The Ultimate eSIM Checklist Before You Travel

Published: 04/10/2025

Why You Need a Pre-Travel eSIM Checklist

eSIMs are incredibly convenient, especially when you’re hopping across borders. But like any good travel tool, they work best when you prep them ahead of time. A few minutes of setup before you leave can save you hours of hassle abroad.

At Wraptel, we make our eSIMs as easy to use as possible. You get your QR code by email, scan it, and you’re good to go. But for everything to go smoothly, you still need to make sure your device is ready, your settings are dialed in, and you’ve got all the info saved somewhere accessible.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or this is your first time using an eSIM, this checklist has you covered. From checking your phone’s compatibility to testing your connection before takeoff, here’s everything you need to know to stay connected with Wraptel while you travel.

Key Takeaways

Check compatibility: Make sure your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked before purchase.
Choose the right plan: Pick a country-specific or regional Wraptel eSIM based on your destination, trip length, and data needs.
Install before departure: Activate your eSIM and test your connection while you still have reliable internet access.
Save info offline: Keep a copy of your QR code, plan details, and support info handy in case of connection issues.
Adjust settings: Prioritize your eSIM for data, turn off roaming on your physical SIM, and enable roaming on the Wraptel eSIM.

Pro tip: Install your eSIM before you leave for the airport. It’s faster, safer, and saves you from hunting for Wi-Fi when you land.

Is Your Device eSIM-Compatible and Unlocked?

Before anything else, check if your phone actually supports eSIMs. Many newer phones do, but not all. And just as importantly, your phone must be unlocked to use a Wraptel eSIM.

How to Check eSIM Compatibility

For iPhone:

Go to Settings > General > About
Scroll to Available SIM or Digital SIM
If you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM

For Android (Pixel, Samsung, etc.):

Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager or similar
Look for an option to Add eSIM

Unlocked vs. Carrier-Locked

If your phone is carrier-locked, it may not accept any SIM or eSIM other than the one from your provider. To check:

iPhone: Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock should say No SIM restrictions
Android: Try inserting a SIM from another carrier to test

Common Compatible Devices

Brand	Models That Support eSIM
Apple	iPhone XS and newer (incl. iPhone SE 2/3)
Google	Pixel 3 and newer
Samsung	Galaxy S20 and newer (select models)

Still unsure? Reach out to us or check with your phone manufacturer.

Resource: Is My Phone eSIM Compatible? How to Check and Supported Devices

Purchase the Right Plan for Your Destination

Wraptel offers a wide range of prepaid eSIM plans for international travel. Before you check out, make sure the plan you’re selecting fits your needs.

Things to Consider

Your destination: Choose a country-specific plan or a regional one (e.g. Europe, Asia)
Length of stay: Plans are typically valid for a set number of days
Data allowance: Think about how much you'll use (streaming vs. messaging vs. maps)
Multiple countries?: If you're visiting several countries, go for a regional plan to avoid switching eSIMs

Once you purchase a Wraptel eSIM, your QR code arrives instantly by email. You can install it right away or save it for later (but don’t wait until you’re in the air).

Activate Your eSIM Before You Leave

The best time to install your Wraptel eSIM? Before you leave home. Doing it early ensures you won’t hit any surprises once you land.

Step-by-Step

Buy your plan on WraptelDataSIM

Check your inbox for the QR code
On your phone, open Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data > Add eSIM
Scan the QR code and follow the prompts
Label the eSIM (e.g. “Wraptel France”)
Set Wraptel as your primary data line (if needed)

If your phone supports dual SIMs, you can:

Keep your physical SIM active for calls/texts
Use Wraptel eSIM for data only

That means you can still receive your bank’s SMS codes while using local data from Wraptel.

Pro Tip: Don’t delete the eSIM unless you’re sure you’re done with it—you’ll need the original QR code to reinstall.

Save Important Info Offline

Once you're on the move, especially in airports or subways, connectivity isn't guaranteed. That's why it's smart to save your key info offline.

What to Save

Your Wraptel QR code
Plan details (validity, data allowance)
Setup instructions
Support contact (email or live chat URL)

Where to Save It

Take a screenshot and save it in your phone’s photo gallery
Add it to a notes app like Google Keep, Notion, or Apple Notes
Print a paper copy as a backup

This way, even if your inbox is unreachable or public Wi-Fi is spotty, you’ll still be able to troubleshoot or reinstall your eSIM if needed.

Configure Your Device Settings

Now that your eSIM is installed, let’s make sure your phone is set up to use it properly. Here are a few must-do settings tweaks.

Prioritize the eSIM for Data

Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Default Line (iPhone)
Set your Wraptel eSIM as the default data line

Disable Roaming on Physical SIM (Optional but Recommended)

Prevents accidental charges from your home carrier
Especially useful if you’re using dual SIM mode

Enable Roaming on Wraptel eSIM

Yes, even though you’re traveling
Wraptel uses roaming to connect to partner networks

Reduce Background Data Usage

To make your plan last longer:

Turn off background app refresh
Disable automatic updates
Switch to low data mode in your settings

Download Useful Tools

Offline maps (Google Maps offline areas)
Language apps or translators
E-tickets, hotel confirmations

Test Before You Travel

Think of this like a pre-flight checklist for your phone. A quick test can give you peace of mind.

Once you’ve installed your Wraptel eSIM:

Turn off Wi-Fi
Make sure mobile data is enabled on the Wraptel line
Open a browser or use an app that needs data

You should see:

A network name (often a local partner of Wraptel)
Active data connection

If it doesn’t work:

Restart your phone
Double-check mobile data settings
Make sure airplane mode is off

Better to fix it now than troubleshoot in a foreign airport.

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

eSIMs are usually smooth, but if something’s off, here are common fixes:

Issue: Can’t Scan QR Code

Check your lighting and camera focus
Try entering the activation info manually (your email includes this)

Issue: No Data Connection

Make sure the correct SIM is set for data
Turn on data roaming for the Wraptel eSIM
Reboot your device

Issue: Deleted eSIM by Accident

You can reinstall it using the original QR code
If that’s not possible, contact Wraptel Support for help
We’re available by email or live chat. Keep your order number handy so we can help faster.

Bonus Packing List: Digital Travel Essentials

We’re not going to tell you to pack socks—you’ve got that. But here are the tech items you should toss in your bag:

Phone charger + portable battery
Local power adapter
SIM removal tool (if using dual SIMs)
Paper copy of your Wraptel QR code
Phone case with card slot for backup SIM
Downloaded travel apps (maps, language, itinerary)

Bonus tip: Put a sticker on your power adapter that says "Do Not Forget" so you don’t leave it in the wall at your Airbnb.

Wrap-Up: Your Travel-Ready eSIM Game Plan

Travel is better when your phone just works.

With a Wraptel eSIM, you get easy, reliable mobile data in over 200 destinations—but the key is installing and setting it up before you go. From checking device compatibility to saving your QR code and adjusting settings, this checklist keeps you covered.

Spend five minutes running through this list and you’ll avoid airport Wi-Fi nightmares, unexpected roaming charges, and setup stress on arrival.

Need help along the way? We’re just an email or chat message away.

Explore your destination. Stay connected. And let Wraptel handle the rest.

Stay connected wherever you go with Wraptel’s easy-to-use prepaid eSIMs for global travel!