Whether you’re an active-duty military member or the family member of one, a military deployment is often a fact of life. They can be challenging, especially when it comes to staying connected with the people you love.
Luckily, with the growing popularity of digital SIM cards called eSIMs, staying connected overseas during a military deployment has become much easier. By putting local SIMs onto compatible devices, military personnel and their families have a more reliable, affordable way to stay in touch.
What’s an eSIM?
eSIM stands for Embedded Subscriber Identity Module, which is a fancy way of saying it’s a digital version of a traditional plastic SIM card you can pop in and out of your phone or tablet. This digital SIM card allows you to activate cellular service without having to add a physical SIM card.
What are the benefits of eSIM?
Here at aloSIM, we sell eSIM data packages for 130+ countries and regions, starting at 1GB/week. All of our eSIM data packages are fully prepaid, so you never have any surprise fees or unexpected renewals.
Most newer devices are already eSIM compatible, so it’s just a matter of choosing a country/region and picking the data package that’s right for you. If you decide you need more data, you can top up your eSIM with a fresh data package.
Unlike traditional SIM cards that can only be used with a single carrier, eSIMs let you switch between carriers easily so you can connect to the best network in different locations. Because eSIMs don’t need to be physically added or removed, you can’t lose them or damage them. Did we mention that eSIMs never expire, so you can install yours once and keep it forever, topping it up whenever you need data?
Why are eSIMs great for a military deployment?
No messing with SIM cards: When military personnel and their families use an eSIM (digital SIM) to stay connected, they don’t have to worry about purchasing a local SIM card and having to remove their regular SIM card to free up a slot in their device. (There’s also no worry that a SIM card will be lost, damaged, or stolen.)
Keep your regular phone number active: Since you don’t have to remove your regular SIM card to use an eSIM, military personnel and their families can continue to call and text on their regular phone number if they want. (Of course, if you want to avoid long-distance carrier fees for calling and texting, you can always temporarily disable your Primary SIM without actually needing to remove it.)
Pay only for the data you want: Instead of agreeing to pay $12-$18 every day you use data in another country, you can use a prepaid eSIM data package and decide how much you want to pay upfront. If you want a $5 package, that’s great. aloSIM will never charge you more than that. If your data runs out and you want more, you can choose to add a new package to your existing eSIM.
Stay connected in 130+ countries: No matter where a military deployment takes you, you can add new eSIMs to any supported device and it’s just like having physical SIM cards for each of those countries/regions. The eSIMs are yours to keep. Once they’re installed on your device, you can use them anytime you’re in those locations to connect to local data networks.
Preparing for a military deployment with an eSIM
Deploying to a new location might feel exciting or overwhelming (or a little of both), but it can help to buy an eSIM and install your eSIM ahead of your departure so it’s ready to go as soon as you arrive.
SHOP FOR AN eSIM
You can purchase eSIM data packages for 130+ countries through the aloSIM mobile app or online at alosim.com. This includes Germany, Japan, South Korea, Italy, UK, Spain and hundreds more countries where you may be deployed.
With so many eSIM providers to choose from, it’s important to do your research and compare plans, prices, and features to find the best fit for your needs. We might be biased, but we believe aloSIM is the best eSIM for military personnel being deployed.
INSTALL YOUR eSIM
Ahead of your military deployment, it’s a good idea to install your eSIM while you’re still at home with a strong internet connection. We provide clear instructions on how to install an eSIM on your phone or tablet, and then it will be ready for you when you need it.
ACTIVATE YOUR DATA PACKAGE
Concerned about roaming charges when you leave the country? Don’t worry! We’ll walk you through how to prepare your phone for an international military deployment so your data package can be activated as soon as you arrive at your destination, and we’ll also show you how to make sure you’re relying on your aloSIM eSIM for all data.
Top 5 ways to use eSIM during deployment
1. Video calls: There’s nothing like chatting with loved ones on video to make you feel closer, even when you’re worlds apart.
2. VoIP calls: These are phone calls that take place over Wi-Fi or data, with no long distance fees.
3. Social media check-ins: With steady data, you can check in on social media and provide updates.
4. Messaging: Use your fave messaging apps (WhatsApp, Hushed, iMessage) to send little notes back home.
5. Location checks: If it’s permitted, your loved ones can use location apps like Find Friends to see where you are, since your device will always have a steady local data connection. That can help ease their worries during a difficult deployment.
Staying connected during a military deployment
A military deployment can be challenging, but it helps a lot when you can stay connected with friends and family. Using an international eSIM means you’ll be able to keep your phone or tablet running with a steady, local internet connection anywhere you are. Then you’ll never miss a video call, message, or fun GIF from somebody back home!
