What to do when you are running out of data when traveling?

Whether you're navigating through a bustling city, working remotely from a cafe, or traveling to remote corners of the globe, having access to a reliable internet connection is paramount. With so many things to see and do when you are traveling, the last thing you want to do is to be tracking your data usage and ensuring that you don't run out of data. But in the event where you find yourself running low on data, fret not, it is easy to purchase an add-on with Nomad's eSIMs!

What is a Nomad eSIM plan?

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a virtual SIM card that is built into your device. It functions in a similar manner to a physical SIM card, enabling your device to connect to the local networks.

Nomad offers travel eSIM plans, providing you with data and connectivity at near-local rates in over 170 destinations worldwide.

Nomad has 2 main types of plans - a regular fixed-volume plan, and a day plan.

With a regular fixed-volume day plan, you will be able to choose how much data you need. Each plan will come with a fixed volume of data that will be valid for a given period. You will draw down your data usage from this volume until you have fully consumed your data, or until your plan has expired, whichever is earlier.

On the other hand, a day plan provides more flexibility, allowing you to select a duration that is suitable for your needs, along with the amount of high speed data you need per day. With a day plan, if you have run out of your high-speed data allowance for that day, you will be able to continue using data at a throttled speed. Your high-speed data allowance will reset at the end of each day.

What to do when you run out of data?

Generally, you have two options if you run out of data: to get a new eSIM, or to purchase an add-on. Buying an add-on is similar to topping up your prepaid SIM card — it will extend the validity of your eSIM, and also give you more data allowance.

Note that purchasing a new eSIM requires you to install the new eSIM plan; whereas buying an add-on allows you to continue using the same eSIM plan, without having to go through the installation and activation process again.

In the case of day-plans, add-ons are not allowed, since you technically will not run out of data, and you can continue using the internet, just at a lower speed. When your plan expires (i.e. you have reached the number of days you had selected), you will need to purchase a new eSIM if you need to continue using data on your travels.

If you had purchased a regular plan, you can check if your plan allows you to purchase an add-on. If your plan allows you to get an add-on, you can simply buy an add-on before your current plan expires, and you will be able to continue using data from your add-on. If your plan does not allow add-ons, then you will need to get a new eSIM plan if you would like to continue using data.

How to check if your plan allows add-ons?

When you are purchasing your eSIM, you can check if the plan allows add-ons by checking the Plan Details.

After you have purchased your eSIM, and if you can't remember if your plan supports add-ons, you can simply head to the Manage page on the Nomad mobile app or web store, and select your eSIM plan.

If you see the option to buy an add-on from your Manage page, it means that your plan supports add-ons.

Remember, add-ons can only be bought for plans that are still valid — so make sure to get them before your plan expires.

Turn on your notifications for data usage alerts

Nomad sends push notifications and emails for data usage warnings. We will remind you when your data is running out, so that you don't forget to purchase your add-on before your plan lapses.

Remember to turn on your push notifications and check your emails to ensure that you get those notifications.

You can also easily check the amount of data you have used and how much data you have left by going to the Manage page of your Nomad mobile app. Nomad also has a data usage widget for iOS and Android, which will allow you to more easily check your data usage from your home screen.

Get a Nomad travel eSIM for your next trip

Nomad offers data plans in over 170 countries, and you can be sure to find one that is suitable for your travel needs. And if you will be traveling across multiple countries, there are also regional plans available so you can stay seamlessly connected as you hop between countries. Data plans are available from as low as $1.10/GB.

The networks that Nomad's eSIMs use for each plan are stated on the plan details on the web store and apps, so you can check which networks are supported before buying your plan. Data sharing and tethering is also supported on Nomad's eSIM plans.

And, if you are unsure about how much data you need for your trip, Nomad also has a Data Calculator that can help you find the plan that is most suitable for you. Also check out our blog post on data-saving tips when traveling to keep your data usage in check when traveling.

Nomad also has a 24-hour customer support team. So, in the event where you face difficulties while using your eSIM, rest assured there will be someone available to help you resolve your issues!