Airalo. Yes. Technology that makes traveling so much easier. And it’s affordable.
I’m starting to hit those middle-aged years where I find myself avoiding learning new technology. When I was a corporate manager I had some older staff that I inherited and they would drag their heels when we upgraded software and it would drive me insane. But now I’m that older staff. Thankfully I work for a governmental organization now, so software upgrades aren’t really a thing.
But I’m dragging in personal life, too. I still haven’t tried any AI tools yet. I tried ChatGPT, had some static trying to set up my login, and then just quit and said fuck it. And even though I primarily use Instagram (which also is lately considered for “old people”), I still miss Facebook because honestly it had (and still has) easier usability. And just this week for the first time am I actively trying to change my habit of pulling out my debit/credit cards and instead using my Apple Pay. #boomerlife
So what inspired me to be such a trendsetter, you ask??? I can’t sleep on airplanes > I get off the airplane and I’m a zombie > the last thing I can/want to do is figure out where in the airport I can buy a SIM card > if I can figure it out I don’t have the brain power to figure out what to buy and manage that process. So, eSIMs to the rescue, and totally worth the new knowledge in my Swiss cheese brain.
Side note, I just wondered what SIM stands for and Googled it. Subscriber Identity Module. I never would have guessed that. Sounds like something from a dystopian future like Black Mirror.
I’m sure I learned about eSIMs and Airalo from a travel blogger/vlogger out there but can’t remember who. But huge thank you to them.
At first I was sure my phone was too old for this. I still have an iPhone XR. I’m old and I’m frugal so I don’t get new phones until I have to. But they have a great list on their website of which devices are compatible, and I was a winner.
Next I saw how cheap the coverage was for our next upcoming trip (that Iceland and Greenland trip we just finished). Iceland (our first stop) was $7.50 for 15 days worth of coverage (up to 2GB). And I found a referral code online that gave me $3 off my first purchase. So even if the whole thing sucked I wasn’t out much.
Then I dug around the internet and found reviews where people detailed their first experiences. Almost everyone said they had a hard time setting their eSIM up correctly the first time. The tips were to be in a stable WIFI environment for awhile when you set up your first one (like your hotel), turn your phone off/on after you download the eSIM, and to use the customer service link in the app to chat/message for help. So that’s what I did. Unfortunately in Reykjavik we were in an entirely off time zone for an active back and forth chat, but when I woke up in the morning I had gotten the answers from the customer service rep and was able to complete the setup.
By the time we got to Greenland I remembered everything from the Iceland setup experience and was able to complete my Greenland setup without the extra help. Quick and easy.
And zero complaints about the coverage in those two countries. Worked great. Even when we were on a cruise ship within view of land in Greenland I could get coverage!
The only thing that didn’t work seamlessly for me was SMS texting. Some yes, some no. I imagine it has something to do with Apple? I don’t know. But I could use WhatsApp at all times, so good enough.
So yeah, try it. Use STACY6621 for your referral code to get your own $3 off.
Now go enjoy some travels and GET OFF MY LAWN!
Kjar-ied Away 