After landing, you may need directions, a message to your accommodation or a quick call through a messenger. Before travelling, check which SIM will provide mobile data and what your home provider charges at your destination. A few settings can make the difference between planned spending and an unexpected bill.
Check your home plan first
Roam like at home generally applies within the EU roaming area, subject to fair-use conditions. For Türkiye, Switzerland or the USA, check your provider’s specific terms. Some plans include these destinations; others do not. [1]
These rules depend on an eligible plan from a participating provider. A plan from elsewhere does not gain the same conditions simply because you travel to the EU.
Choose a travel eSIM for your route
If your existing plan does not suit the trip, an additional data eSIM can be an alternative. Compare the allowance, validity, included countries and total price. A Europe package does not automatically include every European country. Check every stop on a multi-country journey.
In blueSIM, you select a destination and package in the Telegram mini app. Current prices and conditions appear there before purchase. blueSIM provides mobile data without a phone number. Messenger messages and calls use that internet connection.
Prepare your phone before departure
Your device must support eSIM and allow another provider’s service. On iPhone, check Carrier Lock under Settings, General, About. Support can vary by model and regional version. [2]
Check your device first: How to check whether your phone supports eSIM.
Install the eSIM using a stable internet connection and follow the package instructions. Check when its validity begins: installing a profile and starting its usable period are not necessarily the same event. Keep your installation information available.
Select the correct mobile data line
Name the lines Home and Travel, for example. Select the travel eSIM for mobile data and turn data roaming off on your home line. On iPhone, also disable mobile data switching if you do not want automatic use of the other line. [3]
The travel eSIM itself may require data roaming. Follow its installation instructions rather than turning roaming off on every line. At your destination, briefly switch Wi-Fi off and check that the intended travel connection works.
Treat phone calls and data separately
A data eSIM does not change the charges attached to your existing phone number. Ordinary calls, voicemail and other home-line services may still cost money. Check with your provider, or disable that line if you do not need it.
Download maps ahead of time and leave large downloads or photo backups for Wi-Fi. Keep an eye on your remaining allowance. Before buying a top-up, confirm that your particular package supports one.
Start with blueSIM
Open blueSIM in Telegram and check packages for your destination. To try the connection first, follow our 1-GB guide: open Support in the app and send TEST plus your destination country. We provide a voucher for the requested destination. One test per Telegram ID.