How do I use my Apple Airtag overseas when I switch to eSIM?

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Level 1

4 points

How do I use my Apple Airtag overseas when I switch to eSIM?

Hi. I've just purchased and registered an Apple Airtag to put into my luggage when travelling to Europe (from Australia) this year. My phone number in Australia is with Telstra (biggest local telco). When I head off to Europe, I plan to get an eSIM from an international provider (eg. Airalo, Holafly). My question is: will I be able to track my luggage using FindMy with the eSIM turned on, or will I have to switch back to my my local telco phone number?

iPhone 14 Pro, iOS 17

Posted on Feb 28, 2024 9:02 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

TonesCoges Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 3, 2024 9:52 PM in response to Rudegar

Thanks for that response. Sorry if I'm a bit thick, but are you saying that even if I switch off international roaming when I get on the plane to Europe (and activate my eSim), as long as I've got bluetooth enabled, the eSim will automatically track the Airtag - eg I can confirm that my luggage is onboard for each flight I take from then on until I get home to Australia (and switch back to me physical phone sim)?

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Answer 2

Mar 4, 2024 9:33 PM in response to TonesCoges

No worries mate. My daughters find that the roaming plan works a treat. No faffing about with other SIMs and everyone can call or SMS them on their phone number.

Just on the AirTag, they also reported that it worked as expected. Just put the tag on the inside of the luggage but against the shell. I've seen them fitted externally on a strap or holder which is not necessary and exposes them to loss in several ways.

Make sure too that your iPhones have iOS 17 and then you can share the location of your AirTag with other people via Find My, very handy as you are travelling with your wife.

Which I were going also. 😟

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Answer 3

Mar 4, 2024 8:40 PM in response to TonesCoges

To expand on Rudegar's response - your AirTag and your iPhone connect to the Find My network independently, and the AirTag does not report directly to your iPhone.

It does not matter how your iPhone connects to the Internet; this can be done by Wi-Fi, or any SIM you choose to use. The AirTag connects to the Internet and the Find My network via Bluetooth and leverages any device which has Bluetooth active. Or as Apple describes it here: Your AirTag sends out a secure Bluetooth signal that can be detected by nearby devices in the Find My network. These devices send the location of your AirTag to iCloud — then you can go to the Find My app and see it on a map. The whole process is anonymous and encrypted to protect your privacy.

Regarding your SIM while overseas, I have family members who are also with Telstra and have been very happy with the International roaming package. This costs $10 a day ($5 in NZ) you can have unlimited calls and SMS as well as 1 GB of data per day. It's a small investment for keeping everything on your phone as if you were home. The linked page shows you how to activate it. Just something to consider.

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Answer 4

TonesCoges Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 4, 2024 9:23 PM in response to David McKinlay

Thanks, David. That's clarified it for me. And my wife and I have just had a discussion about International Roaming and have decided that we will pay the extra, rather than mess around with swapping from phone sim to esim and back, depending on what we are doing. Much appreciated advice. Cheers.

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