Introduction

For many amateur travelers, it is a grave mistake not to over-prepare for a trip. Everything needs to be included in your checklist once you book your flight. This includes your itinerary and a digital SIM for international roaming.

Everyone who has traveled abroad knows the many hassles of not having WiFi to message their companions or trying to get lost looking for their lodging. One solution is to secure an eSIM for international travel.

In this article, we will guide you through what you need to know when registering your DITO digital SIM for your next trip abroad.

What Is an eSIM?

Unlike traditional SIMs, digital SIMs, or eSIMs, do not need a physical component to function. With the rollout of iPhone 17’s eSIM-only models, modern phones are expected to adopt digital SIM technology as the new standard.

By 2027, the world is on track to have over 4.9 billion eSIM holders by 2030. As more and more phone companies are shifting to eSIM-only models, it is important for modern mobile users to be prepared to make the shift.

Why are eSIMs Great for International Travel?

Owning an eSIM provides mobile users with more versatility and flexibility during international travels. This is due to growing developments in phone technologies and telecommunications companies’ customer contracts.

Digital SIMs are here to stay, especially with the latest developments in phone manufacturing practices. Many phones are already eSIM-ready, but there will come a time when eSIMs will become the preferred choice in the market for consumers and phone developers.

Here are some of the key reasons eSIMs are great for international travel:

Switching SIMs Worry-Free

Besides no longer needing to replace your SIM manually to switch to a local service provider, you can essentially make the switch just by changing your phone's settings.

Securing an eSIM before your trip lets you purchase load and data even before you reach your destination country. Additionally, international eSIM providers typically have cheaper plans at better rates.

Saving Your Travel Budget

One of the many pains of traveling abroad is the hassles of converting currencies. Most of the time, going to a money changer at the airport makes you lose more money in the long run. This is because higher ‘tourist-rates’ are common in travel destinations, including airports.

You could wait until you get nearer to the city to get an eSIM, but by then, you would have used cashless payment methods like your debit or credit card, which can have heavy transfer fees as well. You get to avoid this issue when you have purchased an international roaming promo with your local eSIM.

Holding Multiple eSIMs Simultaneously

The best part about eSIMs is that you can register several SIMs with one phone. This removes the hardware demands for a SIM card slot while giving you the flexibility to own a mobile number for several telco providers, whether you are abroad or back home in the Philippines.

How To Activate Your DITO eSIM

If you are ready to make a switch to a DITO eSIM, we have provided simple instructions below to help you activate your instant eSIM:

Check Your Phone’s Compatibility

Before getting started, make sure your device supports eSIM technology. On Android devices, you can check this by going to the About or Status section in your settings and looking for an EID number. The presence of an EID usually indicates that your phone is eSIM-compatible.

If you are still uncertain if you can install an eSIM on your phone, you can also look through your mobile network settings for features like “Add Cellular Plan” or “SIM Manager,” which typically indicate support for multiple SIM options.

Purchase Your DITO eSIM

You can buy a DITO eSIM through the DITO eSHOP, DITO App, or onsite DITO Experience Stores.

Scan Your eSIM QR Code

After purchasing your eSIM, you can activate it by scanning the QR code provided by DITO.

For Android devices, open Connections and tap SIM Card Manager. Select Add eSIM, then scan the QR code sent to your email. Once prompted, enter the activation code to complete the setup.

For iPhone users, simply scan the QR code and tap the Cellular Plan Detected notification. You may also press and hold the QR code from your email while using your iPhone, then select Add eSIM when the prompt pops up. You will be required to enter your confirmation code during activation.

Set Up Your eSIM Manually

If your device cannot scan the QR code, you can manually activate your eSIM instead.

On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs, then choose the option to add an eSIM. Once you are there, enter the activation code provided by DITO via email.

For iPhone users, follow the same setup process until you reach the Use QR Code page. From there, tap Enter Details Manually and input the SM-DP+ Address along with the Activation Code into the required fields. Tap Next to complete the activation process.

Get the Best Digital eSIM Promos Through the DITO App!

Once your digital SIM for international roaming is active, you can now enjoy tailor-made promos for your next trip abroad. The DITO App lets you subscribe to different prepaid and postpaid promos for your registered eSIM.

You can subscribe to international eSIM plans through DITO’s Roam Mate promos that boast various data bundles. DITO’s Roam Mate data bundles let you purchase all-access in preparation for your trip abroad.

For as low as P150, you can get 700 MB of mobile data for your short trip in China, or get the 6 GB promo for P1200 for 30 days. DITO also has special rates for data access for the rest of the world, starting at P350 for 200 MB of 3-day data access.

Once you get back from your travels, you can check out DITO's prepaid and postpaid plans and discover which promos fit your lifestyle best.

Conclusion

Whether you are in the Philippines or traveling abroad, being prepared to have a seamless experience abroad is an excellent way to ensure your vacation is worry-free. With the right eSIM, you can make international vacations an excellent break away from work.

DITO's digital SIM for international roaming is not just great for traveling abroad. Registering for a DITO eSIM opens many doors and opportunities for reward points, bonus vouchers, amazing promos, and more! Check out the DITO App today and discover how owning a DITO eSIM can level up your lifestyle.