✈️ Mobile Data and Roaming Essential Pre Departure Setup Checklist

How to Install Travel eSIM Before Departure and Configure Data Roaming

Installing an international travel eSIM before departure ensures immediate data connectivity upon arrival at your destination. Following the correct setup steps from device compatibility checks to network switching prevents unexpected data connection failures.

As of 2026-08-20

This is the Mobile Data and Roaming item that applies wherever you are going. The 3 checkpoints below can only be settled properly before you leave — put them off and you queue at an airport desk or spend the first day on them instead. Work through them once and nothing has to be reopened.

Key checkpoints

Dial *#06# on your phone to verify that an EID number appears for eSIM compatibility, and confirm that your carrier network lock is removed.
Scan the provided QR code while connected to a stable Wi-Fi network at home or the airport on departure day to add the eSIM profile.
Switch your cellular data line to the eSIM and enable data roaming upon arrival, while keeping data roaming turned off on your primary SIM if maintaining regular reception.

What to do before departure, in order

Two rules decide the order. First, anything with a deadline — pre-registration, bookings, documents to be issued: miss the cut-off and there is no substitute. Then whatever also works locally, which costs little to postpone.

Most of the items above can only be done before you leave. After arrival, patchy connectivity and opening hours make them harder, so finish what you can while you are still at home.

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Official sources behind this article

The steps, fees and deadlines above were checked against 2 official sources listed below — pages published by the bodies that run the scheme itself, with the issuing institution named after each. Where they disagree with this page, they are right. Fees and forms change without notice, so open them once more before you travel.