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Before-you-fly checklist

14 steps so your phone is online as soon as you land.

Where to

Phone

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A week before

Check that your phone supports eSIMNot every model does, and phones bought abroad may differ.
Check your model →
How
Settings > General > About: there is an «EID» or «Digital SIM» line, and «Carrier Lock: No SIM restrictions».
Dial *#06#: if there is an EID line, the phone supports eSIM.
See what doesn't work in the countryWhatsApp/FaceTime calls, VPNs, banks.
What's blocked where →
Bank: limits, location settings, the number to call from abroadSo the card isn't blocked at the first payment.
How
monobank: check the settings for payments abroad in the app. PrivatBank: Privat24 > Card > Card management. Write down your bank's number for calls from abroad (PrivatBank: +38 073 716 11 31).
monobank: check the settings for payments abroad in the app. PrivatBank: Privat24 > Card > Card management. Write down your bank's number for calls from abroad (PrivatBank: +38 073 716 11 31).

1–2 days before, at home on Wi-Fi

Buy and install the eSIM over Wi-FiAirport Wi-Fi at arrival often needs an SMS code or lasts an hour. The plan starts at the first connection in the country, not when you install it.
Choose an eSIM →
Label the lines «Main» and «Travel»So you don't mix up which SIM does what.
How
Settings > Cellular > tap the line > Cellular Plan Label.
SIM cards > name.
Save a screenshot of the QR code, the activation code and the order numberIn case the eSIM has to be installed again.
My purchases →
Log in to your bank apps on this phone at homeLogging in on a new device may need an SMS to your bank's phone number, and SMS arrive on your home SIM.
How
Don't switch phones right before the trip: banks may limit a new phone at first. Keep your home SIM: with an eSIM both work at once, and bank SMS arrive as usual.
Don't switch phones right before the trip: banks may limit a new phone at first. Keep your home SIM: with an eSIM both work at once, and bank SMS arrive as usual.
Download offline mapsNavigation without data if the signal drops.
Offline maps: how to download →
How
Google Maps: find the city > its name > ⋯ > «Download offline map». Maps need updating; Google does it by itself over Wi-Fi. Maps.me: download the region.
Google Maps: find the city > its name > ⋯ > «Download offline map». Maps need updating; Google does it by itself over Wi-Fi. Maps.me: download the region.
Update iOS/Android and your appsUpdates weigh gigabytes; better not to download them abroad.

At the airport, before take-off

Turn off «Data Roaming» on your main SIMSo your home line doesn't charge roaming.
Since 26.08.2026 Kyivstar blocks mobile data by itself only in the dearest zones; in Turkey or Egypt roaming is charged as usual.
🛳 Ferry or cruise? What mobile data costs on board
How
Cellular > «Main» > Data Roaming: off.
SIM cards > Main > Roaming: off.
Turn off «Allow Cellular Data Switching»It doesn't work in roaming, and the main line may charge you (Apple).
How
Cellular Data > «Allow Cellular Data Switching»: off.
The «Switch mobile data» / «Smart data switch» option, if there is one: off.

After landing

Turn on «Data Roaming» for the eSIMA travel eSIM always works in roaming abroad; without this switch there is no data.
How
Cellular > «Travel» > Data Roaming: on.
SIM cards > eSIM > Roaming: on.
Choose the eSIM for dataData should go through the eSIM, not your home SIM.
Not working? 5 reasons →
How
Cellular Data > «Travel».
Mobile data > eSIM.
Arrival airport Wi-Fi as a backupIn case the eSIM doesn't connect at once.
Airport Wi-Fi →

Family: the kids' phones (if they travel with you)

A separate eSIM for the kids or a hotspot from your phoneWork out what costs your family less.
The second and next eSIMs in an order cost less.
Family calculator →
Turn off data roaming on the kids' home SIMs tooThe same as for your main line.
How
Cellular > the home line > Data Roaming: off.
SIM cards > the home SIM > Roaming: off.
Turn on Find My / Family Link and location sharingTo find each other on the beach or at the airport.
How
Settings > [your name] > Find My > Share My Location.
Google Family Link or Google Maps > Location sharing.

Done! Have a great holiday 🌴

Entry rules: Ukraine's MFA map →

Questions and answers

What should I do with my phone before a trip abroad?

Check that your phone supports eSIM, buy and install it at home over Wi-Fi, log in to your bank apps on this phone, download offline maps and turn off data roaming on your home SIM before take-off. After landing, turn on roaming for the eSIM and choose it for data.

When should I install the eSIM: at home or after landing?

At home, over Wi-Fi, 1–2 days before the trip. The plan starts at the first connection in the country, so no days are lost. Airport Wi-Fi at arrival often needs an SMS code or lasts an hour.

Will bank SMS still arrive if my data goes through the eSIM?

Yes, as long as your home SIM stays in the phone and switched on: the phone works with both lines at once.

Should I turn off roaming on my home SIM?

Yes, better turn off data roaming on the main SIM, or it may charge you for data.

What is «Allow Cellular Data Switching» and why turn it off?

It's an iPhone setting that moves data to the other line when the signal is weak. Apple says it doesn't work in roaming and the main line may still charge you. Turn it off on the trip.

How do I download Google offline maps on an iPhone?

In Google Maps find the city, tap its name, then ⋯ and «Download offline map». Maps need updating; Google does it by itself over Wi-Fi.

What if there is no internet after landing?

Check that «Data Roaming» is on for the eSIM and that it's chosen for data. Restart the phone. If that doesn't help, write to support: we'll help or refund you.

Do I need an eSIM in the EU?

If your home plan includes EU roaming, it may be enough. You need an eSIM when the allowance is small or you travel outside that zone.

Sources · checked 13 Nov 2026: Apple: Use eSIM while traveling internationally · Apple: About Dual SIM · Google Pixel: SIM cards and mobile data · Google Maps: offline maps · Дія, 30.05.2025 · monobank: рекомендації з безпеки · ПриватБанк: за кордоном · Київстар, 18.08.2026

tutuesim.com/before-you-fly-checklist/ · checked 13 Nov 2026