activate prepaid sim when traveling

Hello Hippolee,

You can set up your physical SIM using the steps below:

1. Insert a paper clip or SIM eject tool into the small hole of the SIM tray, then push in toward iPhone to eject the tray.

Note: The shape and orientation of the SIM tray depend on the iPhone model and your country or region.

2. Remove the tray from iPhone.

3. Place the SIM in the tray. The angled corner determines the correct orientation.

4. Insert the tray back into iPhone.

5. If you previously set up a PIN on the SIM, carefully enter the PIN when prompted.

WARNING: Never try to guess a SIM PIN. An incorrect guess can permanently lock your SIM, and you won’t be able to make phone calls or use cellular data through your carrier until you get a new SIM. See the Apple Support article Use a SIM PIN for your iPhone or iPad.

You can also find those steps in this resource: Set up cellular service on iPhone - Apple Support

Should you need any further assistance with setting up your cellular service, you'll want to reach out to the carrier. They'd be in the best position to help with configuring their cellular service.

Take care.

I WOULD GIVE YOUR SERVICE PROVIDER A CALL AND FOLLOW UP WITH APPLE CUSTOMER CARE AND SUPPORT.