Hey there! 1) Wifi assist is a personal preference. All that does is if you are on a wifi connection that is not strong, your phone will tap into cellular data to make up for the weak connection. If you turn it off, that means that if you're on weak wifi (at a hotel for example), you may have a slow connection or no connection at all, because your phone is ONLY relying on the wifi and not tapping into your cellular data (Airalo in this case). I leave wifi assist on personally, but leaving it off would give you more control to choose when you use your airalo data. A personal preference really. 2) You'll only be able to use the eSIM when you're in a country that eSIM supports. So if your layover country is not listed as a supported country on the eSIM you purchase, it won't do you any good to switch it on in that country, as it cannot complete its activation process or connect you to the cell networks there. You could consider a regional eSIM if you'd like that extra coverage. For example, if you're taking a trip to Italy but have a layover in Paris, you could purchase the European Regional eSIM rather than the Italy-only country eSIM. In that case, you could activate the eSIM during your layover in Paris and have coverage there. You can also generally get away with using airport wifi on layovers as well. Hope that's helpful!

Hi there, thanks for the nice comment! I have not tried to register the assigned Airalo number with WhatsApp personally, no. However, you can continue using WhatsApp with your regular, primary phone number, even when your primary SIM is off. WhatsApp essentially only needs your phone number for account registration/association, but once you've set up an account, the app runs on data only. So you can continue to use an existing WhatsApp account with the Airalo SIMs, which I have tested multiple times and am currently doing 🤙🏼 Hope that's helpful!

@@briansteph That will be great too. I believe all of us will be using the old number that we used to. Thanks for your reply. Maybe when you have tried to register assigned airalo number you can update at here. 🍻

Yes, that's typically the easiest way to go so that you don't have to switch the numbers out before and after your trip! As far as I know, there wouldn't be a huge benefit to associating a WhatsApp account with an eSIM number, especially since that number is more or less temporary. But if I ever test that, I will be sure to report back!

@@briansteph Thanks Brian !

Hey Greg! Sorry to hear about the trouble. Airalo have historically not been the best with turnaround time on responses, and typically the quality isn't the best either. 2 things I'd check/try first: - Does the Airalo app say the eSIM is installed? Does it give you the option to try and install again? - Have you restarted your phone since installation?

@@briansteph Yes, the app says YOUR ESIM HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY INSTALLED. Yes. I did restart my phone as well. So sad. After watching your 3 videos, I was ready to conquer the world. I've shared these three Airalo videos with some friends and family who are traveling abroad. And now this. Thanks anyways for your help.

@tripswithgreg5189 may i ask what phone you're using? is your phone locked to your carrier? I'm happy to continue troubleshooting as much as I can.

@@briansteph Thanks so much, Brian. You are as nice as you are in your videos. Airalo actually contacted me on WhatsApp and we walked through the whole thing on my iPhone 14. So, it looks like we are good to go. And all of your tips will still come in handy once I hit the UK on Wednesday. Again, THANK YOU.

Ahh wonderful, glad to hear their customer service is improving - that's great! What ended up being the issue? Hope you have an awesome trip - safe travels! ✈️

Hi Eileen - glad you found the video informative! Yes, it can be tough to balance packing all the information someone might need into a video like this without making it an hour long or more. Some find it fast, some find it to be too much information...can't make it perfect for everyone unfortunately, but i do try to make it accessible to all. I have put chapter markers in the video so you can easily revisit or jump between different topics as you need...hope that's helpful!

Hi there, no problem at all! Yes you are correct, the ticket we purchased included entry to the studio. As you exit the bus, the bus driver (or their assistant) will hand you a ticket 😊

@@briansteph thank you so much🤍

of course! hope you have a great time 😊⚡️

Hi there, thanks for the nice comment! Yes, you can use those apps as they only require data 😊

Hey Dan! They are referring specifically to standard SMS texts...iMessages you can still send/receive without doing those extra steps. However, you CAN set up your phone like that in order to get standard SMS from non-iphone users, or for 2FA texts from your online accounts/banks as that person mentioned. I'm not sure what the wifi calling setting has to do with the rest of what was mentioned though, but it doesn't hurt to have that setting enabled. If you'd like to receive SMS on your Primary SIM, here's how to do that: - Leave your Primary line on, but disable "Data Roaming" under Settings > Cellular for that SIM. This will ensure that data is ONLY being used on the Airalo eSIM while you're gone - Under Settings > Cellular Data, make Airalo the default SIM for cellular data, and DISABLE the "allow cellular data switching" option, so that your Primary SIM isn't accidentally used for data while in London. Default voice line can stay as Primary as they mentioned. Keep in mind that INBOUND calls and SMS will not trigger an international charge, but if you initiate a call or send an SMS, you may be charged by your Primary cell provider. This is particularly important while you're in the Messages app when starting a new message, as it will ask you from what SIM do you wish to send the message from (select Airalo). Hope that's helpful - I know it can all be a bit confusing. Let me know if I can clarify anything more. Safe travels to London tomorrow!

@@briansteph This is ABSOLUTELY helpful!! Thank you so much! It made sense when I read your note, so I think I'm all set!!

Thanks so much for the nice comment Duncan, I appreciate it a ton! Glad the videos have been useful to you, that's certainly the goal. I do remember someone else commenting about visiting China on one of these videos awhile back and remember it worked out for them...I can try to dig that up if you'd like! Otherwise, hope you have a great trip to China - safe travels!

@@briansteph I've think I've watch most of the travelling in China videos !!! so fine with current info but thanks for offering to look for it. Looking forward to the trip, we are there for a month. I've subscribed to your channel and look forward to watching your travel videos.

Awesome, I'm sure you'll have a great time! Steph went to China 5-6 years ago and really enjoyed her time there. Appreciate the subscription, thank you for that!

Hey Aidan - thanks for that, I appreciate it! Feel like I'm still learning something new about my camera daily. I shoot primarily with my Sony A7 IV, usually with a Tamron 17-28mm f2.8. I mix in videos from our GoPro and phones as well, if I didn't get a certain shot on my camera. Capturing the memories is more important to me than the quality in those instances, since there's usually a quality drop with those clips. I've also started using my DJI Mini 3 Pro recently, which I'm also still learning...hoping to add a few more drone shots going forward. Thanks for checking out the video!

Hi! As far as I know they open at the same time, 8:30 😊

Thanks! Hope it was helpful 🤙🏼

Hey Johnny! Yes, they can both be on at the same time. The other reason this setup could be more beneficial to you is that you'd only trigger the Verizon charges IF you placed a call or sent an SMS. And actually, while you're researching, double check the terms of your Verizon plan. Later on, I found out the tier I had with them included some international calls and texts that I was not aware of...something to look into! Also with Verizon and most major US carriers, INBOUND calls and SMS do not trigger the international charge...only outbound. This is helpful for receiving 2FA SMS when needed without triggering a charge. Some setup tips for you as you use both SIMs side by side: - Under Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data, make sure that once your Airalo eSIM is on that it's the default SIM for data. - In this same section, DISABLE "Allow Cellular Data Switching". This will ensure that if your Airalo eSIM is ever not getting a strong enough connection, your phone won't automatically try and switch over to your Verizon SIM for data purposes. This will give you more control over IF you want/need to tap into Verizon data (although to be honest, if Airalo isn't getting a solid signal, it may not be much better with Verizon, and therefore not worth triggering the international roaming fees with them) Let me know if you have any other questions! Hope you have a great time in Ireland, we are hoping to go next year 🇮🇪

Hi Cathy! If you're just going to 1 country, I recommend purchasing the eSIM that is specific to that country...should save you a little bit of money. If you think there's a chance you'll venture out of the country, that's when i'd consider the regional...but in your case, a single country eSIM should be just fine 😊

@@briansteph thanks!

Ahh that's helpful to know Andrea, thanks for typing out all of those instructions! 🙂

I should have clarified- Delete the ESIM from your Cellular Data if you previously installed not the ESIM itself

So glad it was helpful to you Heidi, thanks so much for the nice comment! Safe travels 😊

Hi Heather! It sounds like maybe the Airalo eSIM didn't fully install. If the SIM you're looking at shows your same cell phone number, that is likely your existing SIM, as the Airalo eSIM will never have your regular cell phone number associated with it. If the installation successfully completed, you would see 2 SIMs on your phone. Did you get any errors during installation?

Hi Mary! You don't need to be connected to wifi for the eSIM to finish its activation process. Here's what I do: - Turn off Primary SIM and enable Airplane Mode just before flight takes off - Once landed, disable Airplane Mode and switch the Airalo eSIM on The eSIM will typically take about 5-15 minutes to finish its activation process, and then you'll be good to go! If you're waiting until you get to your destination to start the whole process, including installation, then yes: you would need to be on the airport wifi to get started. However, for most eSIMs, the purchasing and installation (most of the work) can be completed before you begin your trip. Hope that is helpful!

Hi Anne - so happy to hear this and glad you found these videos useful! Safe travels 🙂

Hi there! You are correct, Airplane Mode needs to be OFF in order for Airalo to connect you to the local cell providers. As long as the SIM associated with Rogers is turned off during your trip under Settings > Cellular, there is no possibility of that SIM being utilized, and in turn, you being charged international rates.

Hi there, so glad this was helpful to you and that you feel you have a more simple process now! Thanks so much for the nice comment...safe travels 😊

So glad it was helpful to you, thanks for the nice comment! Safe travels ✈️

So glad you enjoy them, thanks so much for the comments!

Yes! I personally use Google Maps, but regardless, all map applications will use data which you will have through the Airalo eSIM :)

Hi Andrea! Yes exactly right, your eSIM won't finish its activation process until you arrive in the country which you have purchased the eSIM for, and your phone makes a connection with one of the cell towers there.

Glad it was helpful! I personally feel that the biggest draw to using an eSIM product like this is the savings. So if money wasn't a variable, it'd be easier to use your existing carrier and have the additional services. Definitely an option to consider for some!

Thanks for coming back and sharing Julia! Glad everything went well for you. I wonder if when you installed it, your phone wasn't actively connecting to WiFi? I thought mine would activate after installation as well, but I believe the only reason it didn't was because I was on my home WiFi. Definitely something to be aware of if installing a short duration plan! Yes, a data-only top up would be awesome...easy otherwise though. Thanks again for the comment!

Thanks Elver, glad you found it useful! Safe travels ✈️

Hi! You can send messages and place calls within the WhatsApp application to anyone who also has WhatsApp. In other words, you couldn't call a random restaurant's phone number, unless they were also on WhatsApp. Hope that helps!

Thanks so much, we appreciate the kind words and are so glad you have found the videos useful! Hope you have a wonderful time in Sintra - safe travels 🙂

Hey Dan - glad you got some use out of it! Yes, you can absolutely share your Airalo eSIM data with your wife via hotspot. That's how I share mine with Steph, so I can 100% vouch for the fact that it works. We have been living nomadically since March and that's exclusively how we've been connected: through the 1 eSIM on my phone. Only thing to keep in mind is you'll burn through data a bit quicker with multiple devices pulling from the same data allotment, but logistically it is easier...so long as the person is always physically nearby to connect to your phone. Hope you guys have a great time in London - wonderful city!

Thank you!!! Can’t wait to get there! So much to do… so little time!

It's one of those cities where you could be there for months and never run out of things to do. But you also can't really go wrong with any of the things you land on doing - it'll be an awesome time i'm sure!

Hi! It should be off. Check 13:23 for that question.

Hi there! This is a great one to start with :) Getting Started with Airalo | Full iPhone Tutorial ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Pi1Cb1tEeSI.html

Hi John! Yes that is correct. Regular SMS cannot be sent with this method though (green bubbles, to and from non-iPhone users), but iMessages between Apple devices can continue to work just fine.

Hi there! Typically phones from the carrier are locked to the carrier, and usually you need to completely own the phone with no payments for 30-60 days (depending on the provider) before they would approve an unlock request. So i would check with your carrier, let them know your situation and see if they can work with you!

Hi - is it unavailable in the app store or not downloading?

Hey Andrew, glad this was helpful to you - thanks for the nice comment! It depends on what app you're using and your cellular settings. If you turn your Primary line back on, your phone will likely re-set that line as your primary line for cellular data (although you CAN switch it back to the Airalo eSIM). If you're on wifi, this wouldn't be an issue, as long as you're using a data-only app. However, data only apps like WhatsApp would not require that your primary line be on in order to use. If you are sending standard SMS texts or placing calls VIA your phone number, that is when you will likely incur charges. This is probably a bit confusing, but essentially all the communication methods mentioned in the video would not require that your Primary line be switched on. If you turn your Primary line on, whether or not your on wifi doesn't matter, because your Primary line's communication methods don't use wifi. If you want a little more explanation, i can try in a different way if you give me a specific scenario!

@@briansteph Okay So...First, since the primary line is off I won't be receiving imessage texts/calls from back home correct? Let's say I connect to wifi and turn the primary line back on to check if anybody texted me (iMessage) or to send a iMessage with my primary number. Will that incur that charge? (I understand these questions should be directed to my phone carrier lol so I appreciate your time.) Also, I just watched your other video (Getting started w Airalo) and you mentioned you're still sending texts through iMessage since thats through data (unlike the green sms texts), those texts are through the email you set up correct, not through your primary plans phone number (since its off)?

@@briansteph I totally understand the WhatsApp option also since its using data only, so thanks for that! Just curious about my primary line once connected to wifi

Yes exactly! iMessages (blue texts) can still be sent to/from other Apple users, it's only non-apple users (green texts) that you would not see while your primary line is switched off. To put it simply, your Primary line and wifi are completely unrelated. Connecting to a wifi network does nothing for your primary line, aside from switch your data source. Using Airalo is the fix for not needing your primary line's data while international. Standard texts (SMS) and regular phone calls through your primary phone number will always use your cellular service and not data. Now if you really want your primary line enabled while international without incurring charges, that is possible, as MOST cell providers only charge you international rates on OUTBOUND calls and SMS, with INBOUND being free of charge (double check with your provider). The setup to leave your primary line on in a limited capacity is a bit more complex, but i'll note the differences: - Once your Airalo eSIM is turned on, under Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data, select the Airalo eSIM as the default for data and turn OFF the option that says "Allow Cellular Data Switching" - This will prevent your phone from trying to switch to your primary line for data if Airalo's service is ever weak - With this setup, you will still receive regular SMS and calls (which should be free of charge), but if you send an SMS or place a call, it is likely you will incur a charge - When you send a message in iMessage (particularly when to another Apple user), there should be an option at the top of the message showing which SIM the message will come from. When sending to another iPhone user, it's best to use "iMessage" (blue bubbles), which is data only, so select your Airalo eSIM before sending, as to not incur a charge on your primary line This setup isn't hard to get initially set up, but there is some nuance that surrounds it that can be confusing. So if you're not comfortable with all of the cellular settings in your phone, I tend to not recommend doing this. The only time I do it personally is to receive a 2FA text if that's my only option for 2FA.

Hey Greg! You can only top up an eSIM package that you've already purchased, so you would need to purchase a Global eSIM in this scenario. You could install both prior to your trip, and wait to activate the Global eSIM until you need it.

​@@brianstephDo I need to enter the APN settings manually or is that done automatically when I install the esim? I'm planning to get a global esim.

The APN settings should auto-populate!

@@briansteph Does the esim validity expires even if it's not activate for 4 months?

As long as the eSIM does not activate upon installation, it will not start its validity period and will not expire. I've purchased an eSIM up to 2 months before a trip and had no issues with the validity starting only once I started my trip and switched the eSIM on in my iPhone Settings app.

Safe travels Sabrina!

Hope you have a great time there!

Hi Jim - as long as your Primary SIM is disabled, there is no possibility of incurring international charges. If you'd like to see a bit more in-depth setup for iMessage/FaceTime, I go over that in this video at around 17:56: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8rjwAKTYF9U.html Hope that's helpful - let me know if you have any other questions!

Hi Anushree! We recommend giving at least 4 hours, though you could easily spend 5-6 there.

Glad it was helpful Michelle! Safe travels 😊

Hi there, your trip sounds amazing! All places we would love to go as well...I think we may make it to Turkey in October but we will see. Yes, your eSIM will complete activation once: as soon as it connects with a cellular network covered under the list of countries/networks. So if Egypt is your first stop, once you land there and switch your Airalo eSIM on, it will begin its activation process (which can take an average of about 10 mins). Once active, it will automatically switch cellular networks as you cross borders into different countries without you needing to do anything :) Safe travels - hope you have a great time!

Hi Nancy! Yes you can do that. Switching your Airalo eSIM off will prevent any data from being used on that eSIM, but keep in mind that it does NOT pause the validity period. In other words, if you purchase a US eSIM that has a 7 day validity period, the 7 day timer starts upon initial activation (when your phone first connects with a US network), and does not stop, regardless of whether or not the eSIM is switched on in the settings of your phone after that. Of course, you can always "refill" your eSIM with a top-up package if you run out of days/data, but something to keep in mind as you pick how much to buy initially :) Hope that's helpful - safe travels!

Hi Jackie! I've found the easiest process for this to be: - Install the Airalo eSIM (it will not activate until you reach London) - Disable your Primary SIM while turning Airplane Mode on for your flight (I do this once I send my last texts and the plane pushes back from the gate) - Once you land in London, turn Airplane Mode off and switch on your Airalo eSIM that you previously installed. It takes an average of about 5-10 minutes to finish its activation process, and then you're set! Hope this is helpful! Enjoy London, it's a beautiful city with a ton to see and experience - we love it there :)

Glad it was helpful to you! Safe travels ✈️

Hi there! Certainly depends on how much time you want to spend in each section, but a minimum of 4 hours, maybe 5-6 if you really want to soak it all in. There were some spots we only skimmed over because there's a lot to look at, read about and experience.

Hi Lynne! Were you both able to complete the steps shown around 17:56? Try sending a message to your partner's Apple ID email address as opposed to their phone number within iMessage, as their phone number will be disabled like yours while the Primary SIM is switched off.

@@briansteph Brian, you’re amazing thank you that worked!

Glad to hear it! Enjoy your trip :)