On the day you land for study abroad or a working holiday, you need mobile data right away to get from the airport and to contact your housing. Local SIMs have registration and ID rules that differ by country, so they may not work the moment you arrive. Checked on 1 November 2026.
In short
A simple setup is to start arrival day on an eSIM you installed before you left, and to use a local SIM only once its paperwork is done, if you need a local number. A data-only eSIM comes with no phone number, so whether you need a number decides whether you need a local SIM.
Use an eSIM on arrival day and a local SIM for a number
You can start arrival-day connectivity with the eSIM you installed before departure. Local SIMs may require registration or ID checks depending on the country, and the paperwork can take documents and time.
If you need a local phone number, finish the procedure after you arrive and then use a local SIM. People who do not need a number can also go eSIM-only. The split looks like this.
- On arrival day: use the eSIM you installed before departure
- When you need a local number: finish the procedure and use a local SIM
- When you do not need a number: use only a data-only eSIM
What to do before you leave
To avoid a rush on arrival day, check your phone and set up the eSIM before you leave home. The order is as follows.
- Check for a carrier lock under "Settings > General > About", in the "Carrier Lock" row
- Dial *#06# and see whether a 32-digit EID appears (this shows eSIM support)
- Connect to Wi-Fi and install the eSIM with a QR code or a link
Apple's support page explains how to set up an eSIM on an iPhone connected to Wi-Fi or a hotspot. Some carriers send a link instead of a QR code.
Examples of local SIM procedures by country
Local SIM rules differ by country. The Philippines requires registration under its SIM Registration Act, and in Australia, Telstra checks ID when you apply for prepaid. In every country, check the carrier's official page for what you need to apply. The main examples are in the table below.
The 30-day limit in the Philippines
The law states that a SIM registered in the tourist category stops working when the period ends. If you will use a local SIM for more than 30 days, check the registration category and documents in Phone setup for studying in the Philippines.
Philippines (tourists)
How to sign up: Register with a passport, proof of address in the Philippines and a return ticket
Good to know: A SIM registered as a tourist works for only 30 days
Australia (Telstra)
How to sign up: Telstra lists 4 documents for prepaid ID checks
Good to know: Ask in store whether a foreign passport is enough
Australia (Optus)
How to sign up: The traveller plan Flex Plus Traveller must be activated within Australia
Good to know: Closed to new activations since 30 September 2026
Based on the Philippine SIM Registration Act and official information from Telstra and Optus (checked 1 November 2026).
What a data-only eSIM is and is not suited for
A data-only eSIM comes with no phone number, so it is not suited to receiving calls or SMS on a local number. People who need a number combine it with a local SIM. Apple says that on an iPhone you can switch SIMs easily and manage 8 or more eSIMs.
Bloomy eSIM is one option. Bloomy eSIM is run by the same company as BLOOM ABROAD and works in 202 countries and regions. You need no dedicated app: you can buy and set it up in your phone's browser. The service is explained in About Bloomy eSIM.
See the country-by-country preparation on ABROAD
For Canada, see Phone preparation for Canada working holidays and study. For Australia, see Phone preparation for an Australia working holiday.
Sources
Government and public bodies
Official information from each company
- Apple Support: Set up an eSIM on your iPhone (checked 1 November 2026)
- Telstra Pre-Paid Plans and SIM cards for travellers (checked 1 November 2026)
- Telstra What forms of ID can I use for verification? (checked 1 November 2026)
- Optus Flex Plus Traveller Critical Information Summary, Plan ID 200506 (checked 1 November 2026)
- BLOOM ABROAD Bloomy eSIM (checked 1 November 2026)
