One of the first problems that arise when traveling internationally is the phone connection. As someone who works remotely and travels frequently, I am regularly looking for the most cost-effective and seamless telephone connection.

When I started traveling more, I discovered eSIMS are electronic SIM cards that can be downloaded remotely. This is quite different from physical SIM cards that you insert into your phone. Previously, you had to find a store that sold physical SIM cards.

Here’s how I bought and installed an eSIM and how you can protect your phone in the process.

How eSIMS work

To get an eSIM, your phone must be unlocked. This means that your phone is no longer tied to a specific provider and you can change providers at will. Your phone will be locked if you have not paid off the phone itself. This is the situation I found myself in.

The easiest way to determine if your phone is locked or unlocked is to use the carrier’s website to find your International identity for mobile devicesor IMEI number. I used AT&T’s website and quickly discovered that my phone was locked because I was paying it off monthly. From there I paid off my phone in full to unlock it. I used the Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles Premier Visa Signature^® Credit card as I am trying to claim the welcome bonus offer.

After I paid off the phone, I asked to unlock it. AT&T said it could take up to 48 hours, but about an hour later I received a notification that my phone was unlocked. At that point I was able to install an eSIM.

I downloaded the Airalo app and was able to buy an eSIMThe cheapest option for me was to buy a local eSIM that covered the countries I visited (Iceland, Ireland, Germany and Portugal). The eSIM cost $37 for 10GB of data, valid for up to 30 days. It didn’t cover phone calls or traditional text messaging, so since it was limited, it was helpful to connect to WiFi when possible to save data.

This solution was much cheaper for me than AT&T’s international plan costs $12 per day. A 10-day trip could cost me a whopping $120, on top of my cell phone bill at home. For 21 days in Europe, my total bill is $72.

The price varies depending on the country and provider. In Thailand, for example, an eSIM with unlimited data and calls for 15 days costs $20.

Hot tip:

How to protect your phone while traveling

Just like at home, your phone can get damaged, stolen, or you can simply lose it. This can be frustrating, but depending on which credit card you use to pay your cell phone bill at home, you might have cell phone protection and travel insurance.

However, you must use a valid credit card to pay your mobile phone bill at home – not just for the eSIM. So if you have a traditional provider at home, pay your bill with a card with cell phone protection to make sure your phone is covered.

I have a family plan with my brother and he uses the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card to pay the monthly bill. This card gives up to $800 per approved claim or the retail value of your phone (whichever is less), with a $50 deductible for each claim. You may submit up to 2 claims for each rolling 12-month period.

So before your next trip, consider getting a travel credit card with cell phone protection. Here are some of them:

Final thoughts

International travel can be expensive, but there are subtle ways to save money without sacrificing much. Before your next trip abroad, look at your cell phone plan to see what it includes and doesn’t, and consider using an eSIM to save money.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits listed above may be provided by Visa^® or Mastercard^® and may vary by product. Please refer to the relevant Benefits Guide for details as conditions and exclusions apply.

For Amex Platinum Card Cell Phone Protection, eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. For more information, visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Insured by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG company.