Should eSIM roaming be set to "ON" or "OFF"?
We're glad you asked! Roaming can be confusing, and it's definitely a setting you don't want to mess up (unless you're a fan of paying extremely high, unpredictable carrier bills after a trip).
When you're using aloSIM, your eSIM should have roaming "ON."
That's because you want aloSIM to make sure you're connected to great local networks wherever you're traveling. This is just how your device understands that aloSIM might be switching you from one network to another in order to deliver the best possible connection. You won't be charged anything extra, of course.
Here's what your iPhone Data Roaming setting should look like for your aloSIM eSIM:
Here's what your Samsung Data Roaming setting should look like, when aloSIM is set to be your Primary SIM/Preferred SIM card:
And here's what your Google Pixel Data Roaming setting should look like for your aloSIM eSIM:
If you have a Primary SIM, roaming on that should be "OFF" while you're using aloSIM.
This is because you do NOT want to be relying on your Primary SIM (regular phone number) when you're traveling outside of their coverage zone. You want to rely on aloSIM only.
Many, many travelers have gotten into trouble by accidentally turning roaming on for their main SIMs, and their phone carrier back at home has eagerly tracked each and every second of international data usage. So absolutely, positively, keep roaming "OFF" whenever you leave your usual coverage area.
When you're using aloSIM, you want us to take care of your data needs -- not your regular carrier. When data roaming is set to "OFF," you're telling your carrier back home "Nope, please don't try to connect me to your expensive faraway networks. aloSIM is doing that instead. I'm fine, thanks."
And the best part? You won't return home to any roaming charges on your next bill. Yay!
Here's what your iPhone Data Roaming setting should look like for your Primary SIM card, while you're relying on aloSIM for data:
If you're using a Samsung device for eSIM data, you don't need to worry about this because your Data Roaming setting is connected to your Primary/Preferred SIM.
So as long as aloSIM is set to be your Primary/Preferred SIM, keep Data Roaming on.
If you're using a Google Pixel for eSIM data, you'll need to make sure Roaming is off for your Primary SIM to avoid roaming charges while traveling internationally.
Go to "Settings" > "Network & Internet" > "Mobile networks," select your Primary SIM, and make sure "Mobile data" and "Roaming" are both toggled OFF.
So, just to re-cap:
Your aloSIM eSIM = Data Roaming ON
Your regular SIM (if you have one) = Data Roaming OFF