Travel to Europe eSim question

[Donna777]

Hi All,  I have an iphone 13.  I know public doesn't offer a roaming plan for Europe so I researched on Airalo and am thinking of buying a Europe eSim.  It looks pretty straight forward to add an eSim so no questions there.  I usually just keep my phone in airplane mode while travelling so this will be new for me.  My question is...Does anyone know if I keep roaming on in order for an eSim to work?  Since Public doesn't support roaming in Europe, I am thinking it doesn't matter either way regarding charges to my plan back home, but would still like to confirm prior to coming up against any large bills when we get home!   

Hopefully my question makes sense.  Any other tips on adding an eSim for Europe travel is appreciated as well.

Many thanks, D.

[instantplaces]

I have bought an Airalo esim for travel in November. I started the installation process via the app on my phone- it seems like it's going to connect to a network right away, which would start the activation now. How can I install now and activate in November? Any pointers appreciated!

[Creeker]

We used a regional Europe eSIM and it worked really well.  I’ve used Airalo and their customer service is great.  We left data roaming on and used our cell phone number as the primary one and turned PM data off and the Airalo on.  Instructions are really easy to follow.

[Jluong]

If you haven't left to Europe yet, I recommend Holafly. I used the esim in a few countries a few months back and it was great!

[DDM69 · Accepted solution]

I chose the regional Esim.  The installation instructions were very easy to follow.  

[Donna777]

That is great news, thanks.  Did you buy specific to country or the Europe eSim plan?   Did you adjust any settings for roaming?  Possibly this might all become more clear once I have purchased and downloaded the Europe plan?

[Donna777]

Thanks, I will read the Apple Support info.

[DDM69]

I just used airalo in July. We cruised Northern Europe. The service was excellent and well priced. Have a great trip! 

[pmbc]

@Donna777  I'm no expert by any means, but my understanding is that when you add an esim, you can select which services are used by the esim.  So you would change phone and data to the esim and essentially the physical PM SIM is idle in the phone until you return where you would switch services back to the phsyical SIM or just delete the esim.

This might help, Use eSIM while traveling internationally with your iPhone - Apple Support (CA)

[dust2dust]

There is no such thing as extra charges here.
I'll leave the esim topic to esim experts.