Travel Tips
The First 15 Minutes After Landing: Getting Online at the Airport
Tips for connecting the moment you land: airplane mode, eSIM activation, the risks of airport Wi-Fi and preparing taxi and transfer apps.
Contents
The first 15 minutes after landing in a new country are the most critical: meeting your transfer, booking a taxi, telling your family you have arrived and opening your hotel address. Be prepared and that time is stress-free.
Before you leave the plane
- Have the QR code installed at home; finding Wi-Fi to install at the airport takes time.
- Data roaming on for the travel line and off for your main line. Details: data roaming setting.
- Save your hotel address, transfer details and flight number offline.
As soon as you land
- Turn off airplane mode.
- Wait 1–2 minutes for the phone to find the local network.
- If no connection appears, toggle airplane mode once more.
- When you see 4G/5G in the status bar, you are ready.
Why airport Wi-Fi is not enough
Most airport Wi-Fi requires registration, has time limits and does not work outside the terminal. Banking on public networks is also not safe. See our article on public Wi-Fi security.
Global eSIM23 plans · 127 countriesFrom $7.57
See plans Prepare your apps in advance
- Download the ride-hailing app used in the country (Uber, Bolt, Grab, Careem…) and add a payment method.
- Check public transport options between the airport and the city in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Will my eSIM work in my layover country?
Only in countries covered by the plan. If the layover country is not included, use airport Wi-Fi or look at global plans.
Can I connect while waiting at passport control?
Yes, the connection is established as soon as you turn off airplane mode.
