Tipy15 January 2025· 2 min read

    How to Save on Roaming: Your eSIM Guide

    Roaming abroad can cost hundreds of crowns a day. But with an eSIM card, you can surf the web for a fraction of the price. Here's a complete guide.

    P

    Pavel

    SmartPacker author

    SP

    Roaming abroad is every traveler's nightmare. Czech operators charge tens of crowns per megabyte of data outside the EU, and even within Europe, fair roaming is often limited.

    What is an eSIM?

    An eSIM is a digital SIM card that you activate directly on your phone without needing a physical card. You download a profile, scan a QR code, and you have data.

    How much will you save?

    Example: 7 days in Thailand

    • Roaming (O2): approx. CZK 2500 for 1 GB
    • Airalo eSIM: approx. CZK 200 for 1 GB
    • Savings: CZK 2300 🎉

    How to do it step-by-step

    1. Check compatibility - eSIMs are supported by iPhones from XS and newer Samsung Galaxy S20+
    2. Download Airalo - you can find the app in the App Store and Google Play
    3. Choose a destination - select a country or regional package
    4. Buy and activate - pay with a card, scan the QR code
    5. Set as data line - keep your Czech SIM for calls

    Practical tips

    • Buy an eSIM at home on Wi-Fi so you don't have to deal with activation at the airport
    • For longer trips, choose a package with more data - it will be cheaper per GB
    • Some eSIMs also work for calls via Wi-Fi Calling

    Conclusion

    eSIM cards are the future of travel. No more queues in stores, no more lost SIM cards, no more shocking roaming bills. Try it, and you won't want to go back.