This travel essential is banned in some countries – here’s how to get around it

eSIMs have changed the game when it comes to international roaming. Unfortunately, they’re banned in some countries, but don’t fear – there’s an easy way to get around it.

Desperately needing data abroad and copping a massive fee is almost a rite of passage for travellers. Luckily, an antidote exists in the form of eSIMs, which are embedded directly into a device and can hold several phone numbers at once and help travellers avoid hefty roaming charges. Handy as they may be for travelling, some destinations are clamping down on eSIMs due to national security concerns. Türkiye recently joined China, India and the UAE in restricting eSIM card access, meaning they’re very difficult to purchase from within the country.

So what does this mean for travellers? The good news is that while travellers cannot purchase an eSIM from within these countries, they can still use them if they are purchased and activated beforehand.

Türkiye has joined China in banning eSIMs. (Image: Getty Images/benstevens)

Simify is an Australian eSim company founded in 2018 by two young entrepreneurs frustrated with expensive and restrictive roaming packages.

“Thanks to eSIM, people now take this kind of convenience for granted,” says Simify co-founder Aidan Butler.

“But recent events in Turkey highlight the fact that things can change very quickly – so it’s better to get your eSIM up and running before you fly, rather than risk getting caught out at the other end.”

So save yourself the stress (and the bill), and get your eSim sorted before you leave.