Cheat code unlocked – eSIMs

The problem: paying big prices for very little mobile data on holiday. Or, having to get a whole new SIM card at the airport, which means no one has your number while you’re away. The solution: our next cheat code… specifically, a First Choice x Airalo eSIM, where email subscribers get ✨ 1GB for FREE ✨ on all trips!

An eSIM is an embedded SIM card, so it’s all digital – the data package is downloaded directly to your phone. No new SIM card, no new phone number, and you can do it all before you go. Buy one online and just activate it when you get to your destination by scanning a QR code.

This absolute icon of a travel hack is so simple, we had to get involved and partner up with Airalo to bring you the best eSIM deals. Pick from data plans for 190+ countries and save 10% on every eSIM you buy through First Choice x Airalo.* Plus, if you sign up to our emails, you’ll be the first to hear about all the latest deals and travel inspo AND get 1GB for free with every package holiday. Win-win ?

Sold? Read on for all the info…

How it works

eSIM technology makes getting data abroad super easy. Since the UK left the European Union, a lot of our data plans now carry roaming charges to access the internet in Europe and beyond. But, with an eSIM, you avoid paying those roaming fees or international add-ons by getting local coverage instead. It’s what buying a local physical SIM card from the airport allows you to do – except, in this case, you don’t have to worry about losing your original SIM card and changing numbers.

Once you’ve bought your eSIM, you’ll get an email with a QR code to install it. Some eSIMs will activate as soon as you scan the QR code, regardless of your location. Others will activate in your destination once they’re connected to a supported network. Either way, as soon as you’ve arrived, you can get connected – you won’t need the data until then anyway.

eSIM plans are usually data-only, allowing you to use apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime to make internet-based calls and messages, as well as browsing online. But it’s used alongside your physical SIM card – hence keeping the same digits – so calls and texts received or sent by your phone number can be charged by your home network.

How to find out if your device is compatible

Almost every new phone these days features eSIM technology. All iPhones from iPhone 13 onwards have dual-SIM support, where you can use multiple eSIM profiles on one device. The iPhone 15 doesn’t even have a physical SIM card slot, so all users automatically transfer to eSIM.

We’d recommend checking that your phone is eSIM-compatible first, before buying one – just to make sure. There are a few ways of doing this…

Check your iOS device is compatible and your carrier is unlocked:

Go to Settings > General > About

Scroll down to ‘Carrier Lock’ or ‘Network Provider Lock’

It should say ‘No SIM restrictions’ and you should have IMEI numbers for both a physical SIM and a digital SIM to show your device is compatible. This might also show as a primary SIM and available SIM, depending on your phone.

Check your Android device supports eSIM:

Go to Settings

Type ‘IMEI’ into the search bar and ‘IMEI information’ or similar should show up. If you don’t have a search bar, go to About phone > Status.

Under IMEI information, if ‘IMEI (eSIM)’ is available, then your device is e-SIM-compatible.

You can also dial *#06# and if your device supports eSIM, an eSIM unique identification number should show up under ‘EID’.

How you get one

We’ve partnered with Airalo to offer you eSIM data plans in 190+ countries around the world. Pick and purchase yours here.

Pick a destination and the data package that works for you
After payment, check your inbox for a confirmation email, which has your QR code and installation instructions
In your destination, scan the QR code to activate your eSIM, make sure roaming is switched on, and get connected

How to redeem your free 1GB eSIM

Make sure you’ve signed up to our emails before booking your trip, then follow these steps:

Get your unique code via email before your trip
Copy your code, then head to the First Choice x Airalo site to set up your account
Once you’re logged in, apply your code in ‘membership’ – check out your profile for more instructions
Install and activate your free 1GB eSIM in your destination

The perks

Save money

Naturally, the biggest perk of getting an eSIM is saving money. You avoid paying your provider’s roaming charges and international add-ons and can just pay for what you need. Your data package at home might be more than you’ll use abroad, or you might want more cover in case of emergencies. So, pick a package that suits your situation and that might also mean you get charged less.

Save waste

Yep, eSIMs are better for the environment, too. The digital process cuts the carbon footprint from manufacturing and shipping physical SIM cards all over the world almost in half.

Save time

The fact that you can pre-buy your eSIM online and activate it as soon as you arrive in your destination means you don’t have to visit an actual shop or wait in a queue at the airport to buy one. The whole process is so quick and easy and even if you do need some help, Airalo is on hand to help with their live chat.

Find out more about our partnership with Airalo and how to get picky with an eSIM on our eSIM page and check out our other holiday extras.