I've seen travelers make the same 10 eSIM mistakes over and over — costing them $50-200 per trip in wasted money and hours of frustration.
Don't be one of them! This guide shows you exactly what NOT to do (and how to do it right).
❌ Mistake #1: Buying eSIM at the Airport
💸 Cost: $15-30 extra per trip
Why it's bad: Airport kiosks charge 2-3x normal prices. A $20 eSIM online costs $45-60 at the airport.
✅ Do This Instead: Buy your eSIM online 24 hours before your flight. Use code GOCONNECT30 for 30% OFF BNESIM plans. Activate it when you land.
❌ Mistake #2: Not Turning ON Data Roaming
😱 Cost: Hours of frustration
Why it's bad: 90% of "eSIM not working" problems are because Data Roaming is OFF. Your eSIM WON'T work without it.
✅ Do This Instead: Settings → Cellular → [Your eSIM] → Data Roaming = ON. Don't worry - eSIM data roaming doesn't charge extra!
❌ Mistake #3: Buying Too Little Data
💸 Cost: $20-40 in emergency top-ups
Why it's bad: Running out of data abroad forces you to buy expensive emergency data at airport prices.
✅ Do This Instead: Buy 3-5GB for 1-2 weeks. Better to have extra than run out. With BNESIM, you can easily top-up if needed using GOCONNECT30 for 30% OFF top-ups too.
❌ Mistake #4: Not Checking Device Compatibility
😱 Cost: Wasted $20-50 on unusable eSIM
Why it's bad: Older devices don't support eSIM. You'll buy a plan you can't use.
✅ Do This Instead: Check compatibility BEFORE buying. iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Google Pixel 3+ all support eSIM. Full list here.
❌ Mistake #5: Activating eSIM Before You Travel
💸 Cost: Your data plan starts NOW (wastes days)
Why it's bad: Most eSIM plans start the moment you activate them, not when you land. Activating 3 days early = 3 wasted days.
✅ Do This Instead: Install the eSIM profile at home, but DON'T turn it on until you arrive at your destination.
❌ Mistake #6: Choosing Providers Without Top-Up Option
💸 Cost: $20-40 buying entire new eSIM
Why it's bad: Some providers (like Airalo) can't top-up. If you run out of data, you must buy a WHOLE NEW eSIM plan.
✅ Do This Instead: Use BNESIM or Holafly which allow top-ups. With BNESIM, just add more GB to your existing plan using GOCONNECT30 for 30% OFF.
❌ Mistake #7: Not Saving Your QR Code
😱 Cost: Can't reinstall if deleted
Why it's bad: If you accidentally delete your eSIM and don't have the QR code saved, you may have to buy a new plan.
✅ Do This Instead: Screenshot your QR code and save it to your photos. Forward the eSIM email to yourself as backup.
❌ Mistake #8: Using Home Carrier Roaming Instead
💸 Cost: $100-300 per trip!
Why it's bad: Home carrier roaming charges $10-15/day. A 2-week trip = $140-210 vs $20 for eSIM!
✅ Do This Instead: Buy a travel eSIM for $12-20 and save $120-190 per trip. Use GOCONNECT30 for 30% OFF BNESIM.
💰 Savings Example: 2-week Europe trip: Roaming $210 vs eSIM $14 (with GOCONNECT30) = Save $196!
❌ Mistake #9: Not Comparing Prices
💸 Cost: $10-20 overpaying per trip
Why it's bad: Same eSIM plan can cost $20 at one provider, $35 at another. People pay the first price they see.
✅ Do This Instead: Compare BNESIM vs Airalo vs Holafly. See full comparison. BNESIM with GOCONNECT30 is usually cheapest.
❌ Mistake #10: Forgetting to Disable Auto-Renewals
💸 Cost: $20-50 in unwanted charges
Why it's bad: Some providers auto-renew your plan monthly. You'll be charged even if you're not traveling.
✅ Do This Instead: Check if auto-renewal is enabled and disable it after your trip. BNESIM doesn't auto-renew - you only pay when you buy.
Smart Travelers Save 30% with BNESIM
Avoid all these mistakes AND save money with code GOCONNECT30
GOCONNECT30
🛒 Get BNESIM (30% OFF)
✅ Top-up friendly · ⚡ Instant activation · 💰 Best price
✅ Quick Checklist: Do These Things Right
- ✅ Buy eSIM online 24h before travel (not at airport)
- ✅ Turn ON Data Roaming in settings
- ✅ Buy 3-5GB for 1-2 weeks (better too much than too little)
- ✅ Check device compatibility first
- ✅ Activate eSIM only when you land (not before)
- ✅ Choose provider with top-up option (BNESIM recommended)
- ✅ Save QR code screenshot as backup
- ✅ Use eSIM instead of home roaming (save $100-200)
- ✅ Compare prices (use GOCONNECT30 for best deal)
- ✅ Check for auto-renewal and disable if needed
💰 Total Potential Savings
If you avoid all 10 mistakes:
Total Savings: $215 per trip!
(Travel 2x/year = $430/year in savings)