Go back

5 Mistakes To Avoid When Buying An ESIM

A guest post from our friends at simpackers.com

· 3 min read

Are you considering buying an eSIM for your upcoming travels? In this guide, we'll explore common mistakes to avoid when purchasing an eSIM for the first time.

Our tips will save you money and the frustration you might face when trying to connect to the Internet when traveling.

📢This is a guest post by our friends at simpackers.com. Simpackers.com is a one-stop destination for all things eSIMs and SIM cards. Search their insightful top lists to find a mobile data plan that’s right for you.
mistakes-esim.png

1. Underestimating The Amount Of Data Needed

For many travelers, it’s difficult to imagine how much data is needed for the duration of the trip. It all comes down to the type of apps you are using online.

If you are just answering emails or texting with friends, you won’t need as much data as calling your friends and family, browsing the Internet, watching YouTube, or streaming your favorite shows on Netflix.

3GB to 5GB of data might be enough for two weeks if you use your eSIM to reply to emails and chat with friends.

If you spend a lot of time on YouTube or Netflix, opt for 10GB or 15GB.

Typically, the more data you purchase, the less money you will pay for 1GB. If you run out of data, it might be more expensive to buy another data package rather than buying more GB from the start.

You can use Nomad’s data calculator to get an idea of how much data you'll need based on the apps you use and your habits.

However, if you purchase a smaller plan, you can always top it up before the plan expires. For example, it’s relatively easy to top up an eSIM plan on Nomad.

2. Choosing An ESIM Provider That Doesn’t Offer The Best Networks

When buying an eSIM, it’s crucial to check which networks the eSIM provider supports.

The speed of your connection depends on the location you are visiting and the network you are connected to.

Not all eSIM providers support the fastest networks. Therefore, it’s important to compare providers to find the fastest connection.

Nomad aims to partner with the most reliable carriers in every region to ensure you can enjoy the fastest internet connection.  In some destinations, they offer plans from various networks, giving you plenty of options to choose from.

In fact, on Simpackers.com, one of the best eSIM comparison websites, we highlighted this benefit in our Nomad eSIM review.

So, how can you figure out which network is the best? Head to Simpackers.com, enter your destination, and find the section that mentions the best networks. We usually list the leading networks and operators.

Then, when picking an eSIM provider, have a look at the supported networks and choose one that supports one of the leading mobile networks.

simpackers-network-check.png

3. Not Taking Advantages Of Deals And Coupon Codes

Before purchasing an eSIM, look at the current deals and see if you can get a coupon code to save money.

If you find a promotion that suits your upcoming trip, you can always buy it in advance and activate the plan later. We recommend you activate your plan before arriving at your destination because the process requires a stable connection.

Nomad offers regular deals and coupon codes for their customers. Create an account with Nomad to stay up to date with their latest deals. Alternatively, you’ll find the current promotion on their homepage.

4. Not Leveraging Regional And Global Plans

Did you know that Nomad offers regional and global plans for travelers exploring multiple destinations?

If you travel to multiple countries, it’s almost always cheaper to purchase a regional plan covering those destinations rather than buying individual eSIM plans for every country you plan to visit.

Nomad offers various regional and global plans. Every plan has a country list where you can review the supported countries and networks.

So, if you’re planning a trip to a specific region, you won’t need to get a new eSIM plan each time you enter a new country. This will save you time and money.

5. Choosing An ESIM Provider That Doesn’t Support Hotspots

Some eSIM providers sell eSIM plans that don’t support hotspots. This is a disadvantage, especially if you want to use a hotspot to use the Internet on a different device, like your laptop.

Nomad doesn’t limit the usage of your eSIM. You can easily create and share a hotspot with other devices or travel companions.

With an eSIM from Nomad, you can enjoy the best coverage and the fastest internet speeds, which is also why Nomad is one of the most recommended eSIM providers worldwide.