If you’re using a travel eSIM in China, when should you actually switch to it — before your flight or after you land?
That was Paul’s question to the ChinaTravelBUG AI Travel Planner.
The Traveler’s Question
Hello, We are planning to visit China, we both are going to take an esim. My only question is when do we switch over from the normal Sim to e sim. When we take off at Schiphol Airport or when we land in China. Please let me know. Thnx Paul
AI Travel Planner Answers
Hello Paul,
I’d recommend installing and setting up both eSIMs before you leave the Netherlands, while you still have reliable Wi-Fi. But don’t switch your mobile data over to the China eSIM until you land in China.
A simple way to handle it is:
- Before leaving home / at Schiphol: Install the China eSIM and make sure it appears correctly in your phone settings. Keep your normal Dutch SIM as your main line for calls and mobile data.
- During the flight: Put the phone into airplane mode as usual.
- After landing in China: Turn off airplane mode, select the China eSIM for Mobile/Cellular Data, and switch on Data Roaming for the eSIM if your eSIM provider instructs you to do so.
- Your normal SIM: You can leave it enabled if you want to receive SMS messages, particularly useful for verification codes. However, make sure data roaming is switched OFF on your normal SIM so you don’t accidentally incur roaming charges.
One small tip: take screenshots of the eSIM provider’s activation instructions before leaving Schiphol. That way, if you have any trouble connecting after landing, you won’t need internet access to find the instructions.
So, in short: install before departure; switch your mobile data to the eSIM after landing in China.
Have a good trip, Paul — and don’t worry, this part is usually much easier than it sounds.
A Quick Note
Travel eSIM setup and activation requirements can vary between providers and plans. Always check your eSIM provider’s latest instructions before traveling, particularly when your plan’s validity period begins and whether Data Roaming needs to be enabled.
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