Pre-Trip SIM Checklist: Everything to Sort Out in One Minute

Why a checklist helps

Nine times out of ten, travel eSIM problems come down to one step skipped before departure — sorting it out after landing turns into a scramble. No network means you can't install the eSIM, and no eSIM means no network — a genuine catch-22. This checklist walks through everything you should sort out in one go before you fly, while you still have Wi-Fi.

3–7 days before you fly

• Confirm whether your phone supports eSIM. Dial *#06# and check for an EID; if there isn't one, switch to a physical SIM card early and allow time for shipping.
• Decide between daily allowance and total data pool based on your itinerary. A similar itinerary every day with constant navigation → daily allowance; heavy usage concentrated in the first few days → total data pool. See our other guide, “Daily Allowance vs Total Data Pool,” for details.
• Buy one extra day as a buffer. Overnight flights, delays, and itinerary changes often mean you end up using it one day longer than planned.
• For a physical SIM, factor in delivery time — shipping within Hong Kong typically takes 1–3 working days, so order early if you're tight on time.

The day before you fly: do this while you still have Wi-Fi in Hong Kong

• Scan the QR code and install the eSIM. Installing doesn't start the day count — that only begins the day you first connect to the local network, so installing early costs you nothing.
• Screenshot or save your order link. You'll get an order page and an email confirmation after payment, so even without a network after landing, you can find your QR code and activation code from the screenshot.
• Note down your eSIM details (order number, confirmation email) — these are exactly what our local team will need first if you ever need help.
• Check you have room for another eSIM profile. Some phones can only store a limited number of eSIM profiles at once — delete an old one you no longer need if you're at the limit.

The moment you land

• Turn on data roaming and point mobile data at the new card. In settings, select the eSIM, turn on “Data Roaming”, and switch “Mobile Data” to point at the new card.
• Turn off data roaming on your original Hong Kong SIM, to avoid both cards roaming at once and possibly getting charged on both.
• If signal is poor, select the network manually — turn off “Automatic” in network selection and choose the local carrier stated on the plan.

During your trip

• Keep an eye on your usage. Daily-allowance plans reset automatically the next day; total-pool plans need a top-up once they're gone.
• Download offline maps before you leave (for popular cities like Tokyo or Osaka in Google Maps) to save a noticeable amount of data.
• Message us on WhatsApp if something goes wrong, with your order number and a screenshot of your settings screen ready — that speeds up the follow-up a lot.