Instant connectivity from the moment you land — no queues, no tiny plastic cards, no nasty bill at the end of the month.
In This Guide
If you’re still swapping physical SIM cards every time you cross a border, I promise — there is a better way. After more than 20 years of living and travelling across Asia, the single biggest connectivity upgrade I’ve made recently is switching to an eSIM. And right now, the one I’m genuinely recommending is eSIMo. No airport kiosks. No tiny trays to lose. Just data and calls the moment you land, all managed from your phone.
The beauty of it? You keep your home number running alongside your travel plan. So your bank’s two-factor codes still come through, your family can reach you, and you’re not playing the “which number am I using?” guessing game.
What Exactly Is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone. Instead of popping in a physical chip, you scan a QR code (or tap a link) and your plan activates instantly. Most iPhones from the XS onwards support it, as do a growing number of Android handsets. If you’re not sure whether your device is compatible, eSIMo has a built-in checker on their site — worth confirming before you travel.
The days of hunting for a 7-Eleven with decent SIM stock at midnight in a foreign city? Firmly behind us.
So Why eSIMo Specifically?
There are plenty of eSIM providers out there, and I’ve tried a fair few. What keeps me coming back to eSIMo is that it’s built around how expats and frequent travellers actually live — hopping between countries, needing to stay reachable on multiple numbers, and wanting connectivity that just works without any nasty surprises on the bill.
Here’s what actually matters, in plain terms:
Everything is managed through the eSIMo app (available on both iOS and Android) — clean, simple, and genuinely easy to use even when you’re jet-lagged and just need it to work.
Download eSIMo & Save 20% — use code TRULYEXPAT →
How to Get Set Up in Three Steps
Honestly, it takes less time than queueing at a SIM counter. Here’s all you do:
- Check your device is eSIM-compatible using the tool on the eSIMo site.
- Download the eSIMo app, choose your destination and data plan, and follow the in-app instructions to activate your eSIM.
- Land at your destination and switch to your eSIMo plan. That’s it — you’re online.
Your home SIM stays active in parallel, so calls and messages to your usual number still come through. You’re simply running two lines on one phone.
Honestly, it takes less time than queueing at a SIM counter. Here’s all you do:
- Check your device is eSIM-compatible using the tool on the eSIMo site.
- Download the eSIMo app, choose your destination and data plan, and follow the in-app instructions to activate your eSIM.
- Land at your destination and switch to your eSIMo plan. That’s it — you’re online.
Your home SIM stays active in parallel, so calls and messages to your usual number still come through. You’re simply running two lines on one phone.
Is eSIMo Right for You?
If you travel more than two or three times a year — especially across multiple countries — an eSIM will save you time, hassle, and money. With 200+ destinations covered, eSIMo is particularly well suited to expats who shuttle between their adopted home and elsewhere, frequent travellers who don’t want a different physical SIM for each country, and long-stay travellers who need a reliable local number for day-to-day life (in other words EVERYONE)!
The 24/7 support is also genuinely reassuring when you’re living or travelling overseas. If something doesn’t connect on arrival, you’re not waiting until Monday morning for help — someone’s there.
If you’re only travelling once and sticking to one country, a local SIM might still do the job. But from the second trip onwards, the convenience of eSIMo — and the exclusive Truly Expat reader discount — makes it a very easy decision.
Ready to ditch the SIM-swapping? Download eSIMo here and use code TRULYEXPAT at checkout for 20% off — takes about five minutes to set up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my home phone number if I use an eSIM?
Not at all — that’s one of the best things about eSIM technology. Your home number stays active on your physical SIM (or your existing eSIM profile), while your travel eSIM runs alongside it. You get two lines on one phone. Your bank codes, WhatsApp, and calls from home all still come through to your usual number.
What if I need to make local calls, not just use data?
eSIMo covers this. One of its standout features is that you can get a local number for your destination, which means you can make and receive local calls — useful for booking restaurants, calling a taxi, or anything where a local number is expected. It’s not something every eSIM provider offers, so it’s worth highlighting.
Can I reuse my eSIMo plan on the next trip, or do I have to start over?
This depends on the specific plan and destination, but in general, eSIM profiles can often be reactivated or topped up for return trips through the app. It’s worth checking the plan details when you purchase. Either way, the activation process is so quick that even starting fresh takes only a few minutes.
Ready to Travel Smarter?
Connectivity used to be one of the most stressful parts of arriving somewhere new. These days, with the right eSIM, it genuinely doesn’t have to be. eSIMo has made a real difference to how smoothly my trips start — and that’s something I don’t take lightly after two decades of doing this.
If you’re planning a trip and want to arrive connected, I’d encourage you to have a look at what eSIMo currently offers for your destination.
Download eSIMo — use code TRULYEXPAT for 20% off →Have questions about eSIMs, or something that worked brilliantly (or didn’t) on your last trip? I’d love to hear from you — drop a comment below or come find me on Instagram.
Running this blog takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I’m just happy you’re here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂
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Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps me keep creating free, detailed travel guides. I only recommend services and products I genuinely use and trust after years of travel across Asia.
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