Guide to Purchasing, Installing, Activating, and Using AOW eSIM

Overview

This guide goes over the process of using an AOW eSIM for international travel. It covers common questions and provides detailed steps for purchasing, activating, and managing your eSIM.

Purchase and Activation

• Advance Purchase: eSIMs can be purchased well in advance as they activate only when your phone connects to a supported network at your destination.
• Checking Activation Policy: Before purchase, check the activation policy. In the AOW app, choose the desired eSIM, scroll to the "Additional Information" section, and review the activation policy.

Data Management

• Data Usage: Start with a base data amount; you can add more if needed using "top-up" options in the AOW app.
• Estimating Data Needs: Check your regular data use in settings by resetting statistics and observing usage over several days.
• Notification of Data Use: The app will notify you when data is low. Check remaining data in "My eSIMs."

International Plans

• Avoiding Home Provider Plans: AOW eSIMs help avoid costly international plans from home providers. Most plans cover data only.
• Global eSIM: AOW is testing a global eSIM with global phone number capabilities for SMS and calls.

Reusing eSIMs

• You can either purchase a new eSIM or top up existing ones for subsequent trips, provided they activate upon destination arrival.

Wi-Fi and Activation

• Wi-Fi Activation: If an eSIM is already installed, no Wi-Fi is needed for activation at the destination.
• Installation Issues: If stuck on "activating," it's likely because you're not at the destination yet.

Phone Compatibility

• Locked Phones: Ensure phones are unlocked to use eSIMs. Locked phones are often tied to a single carrier.

Managing Roaming and SIM Cards

• Disabling SIM Cards: Keep physical SIMs in the phone but disable them in settings to prevent roaming charges.
• Data Roaming: Must be enabled for AOW eSIMs to function properly.

Hotspot and Airplane Mode

• Using Hotspots: You can share data using a hotspot but consider data consumption.
• Airplane Mode: Must be off for eSIMs to function.

Wi-Fi and Data Saving Tips

• Saving Data: Use Wi-Fi whenever available. Turn off cellular data when not in use to conserve data.
• Background App Usage: Adjust location and background app settings to save data.

Emergency Services

• Emergency Calls: Can be made even without an active SIM using the emergency SOS feature.

Returning Home

• Reactivating Home SIMs: Simply re-enable your home SIM in settings upon return.

Communication Using Data Only

• iMessage and FaceTime: Use these apps for calls and messages with data.
• Third-Party Apps: Consider WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger for non-iPhone users.

Miscellaneous

• Two-Factor Authentication: Use alternative methods like email, push notifications, or authenticator apps.
• Affiliate Program: Discount code available through affiliate link.

These notes provide a comprehensive overview of how to use an AOW eSIM effectively for international travel, addressing setup, data management, communication, and troubleshooting steps.