As soon as my partner and I began travelling together, we noticed that staying in touch could be an issue. It could often be irritating. We would arrive in a new country, switch our phones from airplane mode, and then the dreaded roaming text would arrive.
"Welcome to Italy! The charge for data roaming begins with 10 MB for $10."
Cue the panic.
We tried everything. First, it was local SIM cards. After that, the so-called unlimited travel plans (which never proved to be unlimited). Next, it was the little Wi-Fi gadgets you carry around. Hotel Wi-Fi was useful, but you can't take it with you when exploring the destination. It was as tiring as it was costly.
Then we found something that changed the way we stay connected when travelling overseas: eSIMs. They not only saved us money, but they also saved us from arguing over who had all the data.
Cue the panic.
We tried everything. First, it was local SIM cards. After that, the so-called unlimited travel plans (which never proved to be unlimited). Next, it was the little Wi-Fi gadgets you carry around. Hotel Wi-Fi was useful, but you can't take it with you when exploring the destination. It was as tiring as it was costly.
Then we found something that changed the way we stay connected when travelling overseas: eSIMs. They not only saved us money, but they also saved us from arguing over who had all the data.
Why Staying Online Matters (More Than You Think)
When we leave town, we often talk about the need to unplug or have a "digital detox." But the reality is that we might need to stay connected when travelling. Maybe you need to book a new room or find a restaurant. If you and your partner go exploring separately for a little while, you might need texting to coordinate.
Being online doesn't have to distract from the trip or spoil the romance; it can reduce stress and make the trip easier. You don't need to get lost exploring a foreign city or have trouble meeting back up because you don't have a signal. Gone are the days of worrying about missing a text from your Airbnb host or tour guide.
We understood that being connected was not about scrolling Instagram. It was about having peace of mind.
We got to Barcelona and immediately had working data. There were no lines, no additional procedures, no panic. It was strangely satisfying.
The coverage changed automatically a week later when passing into Portugal. We didn't even think about it until a few days into our trip when we realised we hadn't had any of the usual problems. That was the first time that we were not those tourists standing outside a cafe and stealing wifi.
Let's talk numbers.
Before eSIMs, we would spend $80-100 per trip on SIM cards and roaming top-ups. Now, we are paying less than $40 in total, shared between us, each month in Europe.
That's dinner in Paris money, or two nice glasses of Aperol and Eiffel Tower sightseeing.
But saving money was only one benefit. Even more valuable is that we didn't have to worry about data or cell signals. Not having to always stop to find places to top up. It makes it easier to enjoy our trip.
There was something nice we didn't even consider. We knew that dealing with poor connectivity and switching SIMs was frustrating. What we didn't realise was all the tension these little issues can cause. With all those problems in the past, we didn't argue as much on our trips.
It is a silly idea, but consider all the ways it can cause problems and make small situations worse. All the miscommunication. The moments of friction: "Where are you?" "Which exit did you take?" "Why didn't you text me?" All that disappears all of a sudden.
Not only is reliable data convenient, but it is also relationship-saving.
We even began to exchange small digital practices: sharing location pins, finding restaurants, or sending each other little pictures of random things we discovered on the street. It was like an online continuation of being in the same room, even when we lost track of each other and went in other directions.
Travelling as a couple can be a great learning and bonding experience. It teaches patience and planning. It can also show you how small details can make or break a good day.
Connection was one of those things that we'd always worry about when travelling. It is now among the simplest tasks when preparing for a trip. And it's all thanks to eSIMs.
Being able to land anywhere, turn on your phone, and send an instant message, use navigation, or take a photo alters the feel of your trip. It saves time, offers peace, and brings a feeling of freedom.
The next time you are going on a trip with your partner, do yourself a favour: get an eSIM to make it all easier. You don't have to go bankrupt staying online.
Being online doesn't have to distract from the trip or spoil the romance; it can reduce stress and make the trip easier. You don't need to get lost exploring a foreign city or have trouble meeting back up because you don't have a signal. Gone are the days of worrying about missing a text from your Airbnb host or tour guide.
We understood that being connected was not about scrolling Instagram. It was about having peace of mind.
Early Errors and What They Cost Us
The first time we travelled to Europe, we purchased two prepaid SIM cards at the airport. It seemed like the right move. That was until we noticed how we were running through half the data in just a few days. We kept having to buy more at little phone shops and had trouble talking to the clerks.
On one occasion, I bought a SIM in Prague that was exclusive to the Czech Republic. As we entered Austria, the service cut off immediately. My husband was able to laugh about it. I wasn't.
It was then that I started looking for a better alternative. I wanted something more convenient, adaptable, and designed specifically for a traveller like me.
I had heard about eSIMs before, but thought they were difficult to install. They're not.
It simply requires a compatible phone (a majority of the newest models can be activated) and an internet connection. You can install a plan for where you are going and have a connection the moment you land. That means no plastic, no paper, no hunting down kiosks.
The best part? You are free to select your data plan individually or share it based on your travel. My partner watches videos and posts photos all the time, and I only require data on maps and work emails. With eSIMs, we were able to customise our plans personally and remain connected by sharing hotspots.
If you plan to visit Europe, I'd recommend checking eSIM options for travelling to Europe. It not only compares the best providers, but also displays coverage in different countries. It even subdivides plans between couples or families, which we wish we'd known sooner.
We tested our eSIM on a month-long journey in Spain, Portugal, and France. The service offered a single plan with a single payment for a regional eSIM before we left. It had coverage across several countries and was not going to surprise us. I simply used a QR code in the confirmation email to install it, and in 30 seconds, the phone displayed a 5G signal.
On one occasion, I bought a SIM in Prague that was exclusive to the Czech Republic. As we entered Austria, the service cut off immediately. My husband was able to laugh about it. I wasn't.
It was then that I started looking for a better alternative. I wanted something more convenient, adaptable, and designed specifically for a traveller like me.
The Connectivity Gamechanger for Couples
I had heard about eSIMs before, but thought they were difficult to install. They're not.
It simply requires a compatible phone (a majority of the newest models can be activated) and an internet connection. You can install a plan for where you are going and have a connection the moment you land. That means no plastic, no paper, no hunting down kiosks.
The best part? You are free to select your data plan individually or share it based on your travel. My partner watches videos and posts photos all the time, and I only require data on maps and work emails. With eSIMs, we were able to customise our plans personally and remain connected by sharing hotspots.
If you plan to visit Europe, I'd recommend checking eSIM options for travelling to Europe. It not only compares the best providers, but also displays coverage in different countries. It even subdivides plans between couples or families, which we wish we'd known sooner.
Travelling With Your eSIM
We tested our eSIM on a month-long journey in Spain, Portugal, and France. The service offered a single plan with a single payment for a regional eSIM before we left. It had coverage across several countries and was not going to surprise us. I simply used a QR code in the confirmation email to install it, and in 30 seconds, the phone displayed a 5G signal.
The coverage changed automatically a week later when passing into Portugal. We didn't even think about it until a few days into our trip when we realised we hadn't had any of the usual problems. That was the first time that we were not those tourists standing outside a cafe and stealing wifi.
How Much We Saved
Let's talk numbers.
Before eSIMs, we would spend $80-100 per trip on SIM cards and roaming top-ups. Now, we are paying less than $40 in total, shared between us, each month in Europe.
That's dinner in Paris money, or two nice glasses of Aperol and Eiffel Tower sightseeing.
But saving money was only one benefit. Even more valuable is that we didn't have to worry about data or cell signals. Not having to always stop to find places to top up. It makes it easier to enjoy our trip.
The Emotional Side of Simpler Connections
There was something nice we didn't even consider. We knew that dealing with poor connectivity and switching SIMs was frustrating. What we didn't realise was all the tension these little issues can cause. With all those problems in the past, we didn't argue as much on our trips.
It is a silly idea, but consider all the ways it can cause problems and make small situations worse. All the miscommunication. The moments of friction: "Where are you?" "Which exit did you take?" "Why didn't you text me?" All that disappears all of a sudden.
Not only is reliable data convenient, but it is also relationship-saving.
We even began to exchange small digital practices: sharing location pins, finding restaurants, or sending each other little pictures of random things we discovered on the street. It was like an online continuation of being in the same room, even when we lost track of each other and went in other directions.
Additional Secrets of Travelling as a Couple
- Hotspot together: When one has an ample data plan, the other can just hotspot off their connection. It's very convenient. Along with that, it's cheaper.
- Keep maps available: Save the maps you need to a device. A backup will still be required for tunnels, trains, or the countryside, even with great coverage.
- Keep active SIMs: All you need to do is turn off roaming and switch to your eSIM to access data. That will allow you to connect when needed without getting hit with roaming charges.
- Make it a challenge: The one who discovers the cheapest, most reliable eSIM for the trip can choose the first restaurant in the new city. It doesn't matter who wins. It's about having a little fun.
A Small Choice for a Better Trip
Travelling as a couple can be a great learning and bonding experience. It teaches patience and planning. It can also show you how small details can make or break a good day.
Connection was one of those things that we'd always worry about when travelling. It is now among the simplest tasks when preparing for a trip. And it's all thanks to eSIMs.
Being able to land anywhere, turn on your phone, and send an instant message, use navigation, or take a photo alters the feel of your trip. It saves time, offers peace, and brings a feeling of freedom.
The next time you are going on a trip with your partner, do yourself a favour: get an eSIM to make it all easier. You don't have to go bankrupt staying online.
