travel sim for apple watch

Using an Apple Watch for Travel

Last Updated on February 18, 2024 by Grant

We have been using Apple Watches as fitness trackers and travel watches since 2017 when we both got the Series 2 watch. In that time, the Apple Watch has proved an excellent companion on the trail and in our travels to several countries. 

The most recent iteration of WatchOS, combined with the additional sensors on the Series 6 Apple Watch, has made this device exceptional for our travels. The newest version of the watch is even more capable. The Apple Watch Ultra is an amazing tool for serious adventure travelers. 

(Disclaimer: When we link to places where you can buy our stuff or places we stayed, we are using special codes that earn us commissions on the sales at no additional cost to you. Please see our  Review Policy   for more information.)

What Makes An Apple Watch Great For Travel

The Apple Watch’s flexibility is the key attribute that makes it truly amazing for travel. The ability to customize your watch face with the exact information and tools you need while traveling is simply exceptional. You can even create multiple watch faces to use at different points during the same trip!

You can also easily switch out the watch band depending on the situation you find yourself in. If you want, you can use a nice, breathable band for a hike during the day and then switch to something more refined for dinner.

How I Customize My Watch Face

I make a point to use the analog Infograph face. It affords me a whopping eight complications, each providing me with pertinent information and capabilities.

“Complication” is the term watchmakers use to describe the small details included on a watch face that give information other than time. For example, most analog watches have some sort of complication for the date at the 3 o’clock position.

For Apple Watches, complications both display information and act as a shortcut to the app. Clicking on the weather complication, for example, will give you more detailed information. Some complications, however, are just shortcuts to the app on the watch.

If you don’t like how crowded the Infograph face is there are several other options that do not have as many complications cluttering the screen. Again, that’s what makes the Apple Watch great for travel.

Complications I Use 

Starting at the top left, I use the Calendar complication. While knowing the date is useful, I am more concerned about knowing what day of the week it is. In many places, both in the US and overseas, the day of the week can have a significant impact on what is open. 

At the top right, I have the time in my home city. I do this so I know what time it is for the majority of our family. That said, when Bonnie was in Paris without me, I changed that to be what time it was where she was. 

Read more about Bonnie’s trip to Paris here.

Below that, I use the Weather complication to give me the current temperature. It also gives me the high and low and current conditions. 

On the inside left, I use the Altimeter complication. This is nice when we are out West traveling through the mountains. It is not as useful normally… until you realize it is also a shortcut to the Compass app. The Compass app is extremely useful for navigation.  

On the inside right, I use the Activity complication. This allows me to see my “rings” and know if I need to get up and move around more. The “rings” are Apple’s way of tracking your fitness. The three rings track how many hours you have been standing, how many minutes of exercise you have gotten and how many active calories you have burned.

Below that, I have the Sunrise/Sunset complication. I love to take photos during the golden hour. Knowing at a glance when the next sunrise or sunset will take place is key. This is also key for hiking so you know how many hours of daylight you have remaining.

App Shortcuts

At the very bottom of the screen, I have the Camera Remote app and the Workout app. I use the Camera Remote app often while out on the trail. This is particularly handy if I want to put my iPhone on a tripod and take a selfie. The Workout complication is perfect for quickly launching the app for a hike or a long walk. 

I find these complications to be quite useful and give me a lot of useful information at a glance.

More Tips For Customizing Watch Faces

One of the tricks I like to do is to create other faces for specific purposes. Since you can easily swipe right and left between various faces, you can create a face just to suit a specific function.

For example, I have a “Time Face.” This allows me to have all of the complications useful for keeping track of time, like Timer and Stopwatch, on one face an easy swipe away.

Creating a “Time Face”

I use the World Time watch face and I add in four time-related complications: Stopwatch, Timer, Alarm and Calendar. That way, I can easily just swipe to this face to access those apps without them taking up real estate on the watch face I walk around with.

I use the World Time watch face because it allows me to see where the sun is up around the world. This is quite useful when you are working on planning a trip and you want to know whether it is daytime when you are calling for a reservation. 

Creating a Heart Face 

Because I had a heart attack back in 2015, my heart health is always in the back of my mind. So, I created a watch face I could swipe to for my heart.

Read more about my heart attack in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

I use the Modular watch face to give me easy access to the Heart Rate complication, the ECG complication and the Blood Oxygen complication. 

I have found the heart rate measurements to be consistent with the blood pressure cuff I have at home. Since I do not have atrial fibrillation, the ECG function is not as important to me. That said, if the heart rate sensor is having difficulties (due to the hair on my wrist) the ECG will pick it up. Plus, it gives me piece of mind if my heart is racing even though it cannot detect a heart attack. 

The blood oxygen sensor is mostly accurate. That said, when I got COVID back in August 2021, I did not rely on the measurements from the watch. Rather, I used a pulse oximeter. Still, for casual measurements, it is reliable enough. 

Apple Watch as a Navigation Aid

Probably the best use of an Apple Watch is as a navigation aid. If you use Apple Maps for navigation in your car (which we do all the time), the watch will give you haptic alerts for turns. That is quite useful if you are in the midst of an excellent podcast (like the Dear Bob and Sue Podcast about the National Parks and other public lands) and are about to miss an exit or a turn. Having that buzzing alert on your wrist is a nice reminder. 

But where that really shines is if you are renting a car without Apple CarPlay, like the Jeep we rented in Maui. Even though I had no informational display on the car, I was still able to keep my eyes on the road while using navigation by following the prompts on my Apple Watch. It made getting around the island that much easier.

Read more about our trip to Maui here.

Using Apple Watch For Walking and Mass Transit Directions

Any time we are in a city and need to get around, we use our Apple Watches extensively for walking and mass transit directions. 

The walking directions allow you to leave your phone in your pocket once you have put in the route. The directions pop up on your wrist, alerting you with haptics when you approach a turn. It is quite convenient and allows you to enjoy walking through a city without burying your head in your phone. 

The mass transit directions are similarly good. They do not, however, have as many haptic prompts in metro stations. That is mainly because they are mostly underground and GPS signal is tough. 

On a recent trip to Chicago, we used our phones extensively to navigate the city and had an excellent experience. 

Read more about our trip to Chicago in Bonnie’s upcoming article.

Pro tip: You can set up an Express Transit Card in Apple Pay section of the Watch app on your phone. That will allow you to just tap your watch on the turnstile and breeze through.

The Updated Compass App: A Game Changer

If you are a hiker, having a good approximation of your compass bearing is useful when using a paper map. The real benefit of the newly redesigned app is you can track your steps and follow a set of digital breadcrumbs back to where you started.

I cannot tell you how useful this would be if you decide to just wander around an area like the narrow streets near the Acropolis in Athens. After a while, the streets all start to look the same. If you aren’t keeping track of where you are going, it is easy to get lost.

The app also tracks where you parked your car (if it was connected via Bluetooth or CarPlay). That’s really handy in large parking lots. 

Making Use of Focus in iOS and WatchOS

One of the best additions to iOS 16 and Watch OS 9 was the addition of different Focus settings. I have set up a focus just for travel. When I turn it on, it automatically changes my watch face to my travel face. It also is set to only allow certain notifications from apps.

I have set up different watch faces with different complications based on which complications I use at home, at work, out and about and while traveling. For example, I have Outlook calendar notifications turned on for my work face, allowing me to know when my next meeting is. At home, I have the Latch complication on my face because the apartment I live in uses that app to control common doors.

Focus and Lock Screens

The focus setting also customizes my Lock Screen. I use one of the Weather & Astronomy lock screens which shows where I am on the globe, even if I don’t have cellular service. It was really cool to see my location displayed on the Lock Screen in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico while on a recent cruise.

Read more about our cruise aboard the Norweigan Breakaway here.

While setting up a Focus takes time, I have found it helps me get the most out of the flexibility of my phone and watch. By spending the time to get all of the settings right, I am able to automate customizing my phone and watch for different situations easily. 

For example, I have a Focus setting for while I am at home, at work, in the car, at bedtime, while traveling and when I don’t want to be disturbed. My home and work Focus settings come on automatically based on my location. My driving setting turns on automatically when my phone connects to a car or uses CarPlay. 

Travel Apps For Your Apple Watch

Honestly, I don’t use a lot of third-party apps on my watch. In terms of apps for travel, the big ones I have are the Fly Delta app, primarily because it pushes gate change notifications to my watch. 

I also have the Hilton Honors app but I only use it for notifications to check in for my hotel. I don’t use it for digital keys (I rarely use those) but I could. 

The AllTrails app is our staple for hiking. I have found that to be invaluable on the trail, especially if all of the data has been downloaded. Still, you have to run both the workout app and the AllTrails app if you want workout credit for your hike. 

Lastly, I use the FordPass app, which allows me to remotely start, lock and unlock our truck.

Cons of Using an Apple Watch for Travel

The single biggest con to using an Apple Watch for travel is the battery. The Apple Watch pretty much has to be charged every night. Additionally, if you are flying on an overnight flight, you may need to charge the watch during the flight in order to keep it up and running for an entire day when you land. 

For long trips on a plane, we have started carrying a small, rechargeable battery for charging our watches. It is also handy if, for some reason, we forgot to put the watch on the charger at night.

You can also have battery problems when using GPS without a cellular signal to back it up. When we hiked the Yosemite Valley Loop, Bonnie’s watch did not last the entire hike because she did not have GPS enabled on her phone for the hike. The battery just could not keep up with that much demand. 

The next con is having an internet connection while you are traveling. If you are traveling overseas and are not using your phone’s data capability while traveling, some of the features of the watch are pretty much disabled, namely the Weather app. 

Lastly, while the normal Apple Watch is perfectly fine for swimming, it is NOT a dive watch. I learned that the hard way while snorkeling Cozumel. My watch did fine while swimming or in a hot tub several times before but diving down to check out a reef in Cozumel, even in about 15 feet of water, was more than it could handle. So, now I carry another watch with me if I am expecting to get deep. The new Apple Watch Ultra, on the other hand, is designed for diving to depth. 

So What Watch Would You Use For Travel if Not an Apple Watch?

If something were to happen to my Apple Watch or I feel like I am going to be in a potentially too deep water environment for it, I really like my Citizen Eco-Drive Field Watch . This watch is simple, has a solar cell to keep the battery charged, has a luminescent coating on the dial for reading the watch at night and is lightweight. 

I really like the simple, classic look of an analog field watch. Also, I really love that I rarely need to worry about replacing the battery. 

• These military-inspired watches with rugged looks and a comfortable fit are born ready for adventure.
• 3 Hand, Day / Date
• Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Case with Olive Green Nylon Strap
• Luminous Hands and Markers and Mineral Crystal
• Featuring our Eco-Drive technology – powered by light, any light. Never needs a battery100 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty

Final Thoughts on Using an Apple Watch for Travel

The Apple Watch is incredibly capable as a travel watch. It gives you exceptional flexibility and customizations to provide you with either excellent information at a glance or the ability to quickly access useful apps. 

• CARBON NEUTRAL — An aluminum Apple Watch Series 9 paired with the latest Sport Loop is carbon neutral. Learn more about Apple’s commitment to the environment at apple.com/2030.
• WHY APPLE WATCH SERIES 9 — Your essential companion for a healthy life is now even more powerful. The S9 chip enables a superbright display and a magical new way to quickly and easily interact with your Apple Watch without touching the screen. Advanced health, safety, and activity features provide powerful insights and help when you need it. And redesigned apps in watchOS give you more information at a glance.
• ADVANCED HEALTH FEATURES — Take an ECG anytime. Get notifications if you have an irregular heart rhythm. See how much time you spent in REM, Core, or Deep sleep with sleep stages. Temperature sensing provides insights into overall wellbeing and cycle tracking. And take note of your state of mind to help build emotional awareness and resilience.
• A POWERFUL FITNESS PARTNER — The Workout app gives you a range of ways to train plus advanced metrics for more insights about your workout performance. And Apple Watch comes with three months of Apple Fitness+ free.
• INNOVATIVE SAFETY FEATURES — Fall Detection and Crash Detection can connect you with emergency services in the event of a hard fall or a severe car crash. And Emergency SOS lets you call for help with the press of a button.

• ADVANCED HEALTH FEATURES — Keep an eye on your blood oxygen. Take an ECG anytime. Get notifications if you have an irregular heart rhythm. See how much time you spent in REM, Core, or Deep sleep with sleep stages. Temperature sensing provides insights into overall wellbeing and cycle tracking. And take note of your state of mind to help build emotional awareness and resilience.

I use the watch extensively when I travel. While it has its drawbacks, they are more than outweighed by the pros of the device. 

We highly recommend the Apple Watch for travel.          

Travel Resources

What do you use to find a flight.

We use Skyscanner to find deals on flights. Skyscanner has a great interface and compares tons of airlines for the best pricing and routing. That said, it does not always have every airline and some airlines will have better deals on their website. Still, Skyscanner is a great place to start. Click here to search for a flight.

What do you use to find a hotel?

We typically stay at Hilton properties , so we use the Hilton website . You can find good Hilton Honors discounts or AAA discounts for a hotel there. We make great use of our free night certificates from our Hilton Honors American Express. Click here to book a Hilton property.

If there are no Hilton properties available, we use TripAdvisor to read reviews and book the hotel. We find we can get the best price that way. Click here to search for a hotel.

We recently partnered with Stay22 to add interactive maps to each of our destination posts. This will allow you to see a plethora of hotels and vacation rentals all in one responsive map of the area.

What if I need more space than I can get at a hotel?

We use Vrbo for the times when we have rented a cabin for a weekend getaway, like this cabin in Townsend, TN , or needed to rent a house for a large family vacation. We had a great experience with them in terms of refunding deposits when COVID hit and will continue to use them. Click here to search for a vacation rental.

Who do you use for rental cars?

As a general rule, we book with Hertz for rental cars. We have had nothing but good experiences with them. Plus, we really like unlimited mileage and not worrying about crossing state lines. We have even rented from Hertz overseas in both Slovenia and Croatia . Click here to book a rental car.

How about booking a cruise?

We have found some amazing prices for booking a cruise through Cruise Direct . We have saved a lot of money on our cruises compared to what we found elsewhere, making a last-minute Bahamas cruise even cheaper. Click here to book a cruise.

What if I want to rent an RV?

We highly recommend Outdoorsy for RV rentals. We rented a camper van for a week to visit Rocky Mountain National Park for the elk rut and Custer State Park for the Buffalo Round-Up and had a blast. The program was easy to use and we really enjoyed the freedom of having a camper van for that trip. Click here to rent an RV.

What do you use for booking tours?

We don’t often book tours. Typically, we like to do stuff on our own. That said, there are some experiences you can’t have any other way. So, when we do want to book a tour, we always check Viator first. Click here to book a tour.

Do you use anything to get discounts on the road?

We make extensive use of both Good Sam and AAA on the road. Good Sam is normally regarded as a discount card for RVers at campgrounds and Camping World but anyone can use the 5 cents off a gallon at the pump at both Pilot and Flying J. Click here to get a Good Sam membership. We have had AAA as long as we have been married and it has more than paid for itself in discounts at hotels, aside from the peace of mind of having roadside assistance. Add in paper maps and the ability to get an international driver’s license and it is more than worth it for any traveler out there. Click here to get a AAA membership.

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• eSIM Data Plans

How to set up an eSIM on Apple Watch

In this post, you’ll learn how to set up an eSIM on your Apple Watch, one of the best smartwatches on the market.

Carolina S.

March 23, 2023

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We have already told you how to set up an eSIM on your Apple phone, such as the iPhone XR, XS, and iPad . But if you need to set up your eSIM on Apple Watch , pay attention because here we will tell you how to do so.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card , that is, a chip already embedded in your Apple Watch, so you don’t need to insert an actual chip into any slot. As a matter of fact, some cellphones, including iPhones, support this technology. This way, you can use two SIMs (Dual SIM), in other words, a digital card and a physical card. Therefore, with a single device, you can use two phone numbers at the same time.

To explain, here we will tell you in greater detail what an eSIM is and how it works.

Apple Watch and eSIMs

As a device that can operate as an extension of your cellphone, the Apple Watch -or smartwatches from Apple – also allow you to use Dual SIM funciontaolities.

How to set up an eSIM on Apple Watch?

In particular, the eSIM on the Apple Watch works thanks to the eSIM manager installed on the iPhone. So, to learn more, check the requirements below:

What do you need?

– Have an iPhone XS, XS Max, or XR device with the latest version of iOS (iPhone operating system).

– Have an Apple Watch Series 4 or 3 (GPS + Cellular) with the latest version of WatchOS (Apple Watch operating system).

– Check that the operator supports eSIM on Apple Watch devices.

What do I have to do?

Setting up the eSIM on an Apple Watch consists of two phases:

• Pair Apple Watch to iPhone
• Add data plan

To clarify, below we describe each phase and its respective steps simply:

1. Pair Apple Watch to iPhone

Follow these steps to pair your iPhone to your Apple Watch. After all, you’ll be able to control the functions of your iPhone through the Apple Watch. However, they still need to be near to each other so that they remain connected and work paired up.

Time required: 10 minutes.

Steps to synchronize your cellphone with your Apple Watch:

• Connect your iPhone to the internet Make sure your cellphone is connected to a WiFi network or your cellular data plan is activated.
• Activate Bluetooth Go to Settings, Bluetooth, and then activate it.
• Turn on your Apple Watch To turn on your Apple Watch, press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.
• Connect your iPhone to your Apple Watch Bring your iPhone near your Apple Watch and wait until the message “Use your iPhone to set up this Apple Watch” appears on your iPhone, then tap Continue.
• Confirm that the Apple Watch is paired to your iPhone Center the watch face in the viewfinder on your iPhone. Wait for a message to say that your Apple Watch is paired.
• Set up your Apple Watch Click to set up Apple Watch. Keep in mind that if you have already had an Apple Watch, you may want to choose a backup.
• Agree to Terms and Conditions Read the Terms and Conditions and tap Agree.
• Create a passcode It’s important to set up a passcode when going through money transactions or payments.
• Choose the apps for your Apple Watch Install the apps of your choice on the Apple Watch.
• Confirm both devices are synced Wait until the pairing procedure is finished. The devices should be near each other until you hear a sound and a light press on the Apple Watch.
• If you need more information Certainly, you can find more specifications to set up your Apple Watch on the Apple support page .

2. Add data plan

Follow these steps to add a data plan via eSIM to your Apple Watch. Once you finish, you’ll be able to turn off or leave your iPhone at home and go for a walk with your watch, as it will have an independent internet connection.

• On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app. Tap the My Watch tab , then tap Cellular.
• Tap Set Up Cellular. Follow the instructions for your carrier. Enter your username and password to access the account you manage with your carrier.
• Review the Terms and Conditions, fee, and tap Agree. Another key point is that the activation fee is usually around between $5 USD and $10.
• The download of the eSIM profile to your Apple Watch will begin. This process will take a few minutes.
• You will be notified of service activation . Some carriers notify you by SMS on your watch , others do it by popping up on your iPhone.
• Your new profile will appear under Cellular . This is inside the Apple Watch app .
• Your watch will already appear with a 4G signal indicator.

In conclusion, your Apple Watch will work as an extension of your cellphone. So, if your cellphone has x contact numbers (and one of them is an eSIM), your Apple Watch will be able to answer calls, make calls, and send or receive messages as if it were your cellphone.

Keep this in mind!

• Apple Watch as an extension of your cellphone: With Apple smartwatches, you can dial out and receive calls, and send and receive messages, among other essential functions, all without the need to have your cellphone nearby.
• Compatibility between Apple Watch and iPhone: In the case of Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS and Cellular), iPhone 6 and later versions are compatible. For Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS), iPhone 5s or later versions are compatible.
• Multiple numbers on your Apple Watch: On your Apple Watch you can use up to five numbers, but not at the same time, only one at a time.
• To point out, the data consumption used on your Apple Watch is deducted from your main line on the iPhone.

You might also be interested in:

• What is eSIM Manager?
• eSIM vs iSIM : Which one is better?
• How to set up an eSIM on iPhone XR, XS, 11, 12, 13, and iPad Pro
• Best eSIM New York : Which one to buy
• European eSIM card for iPhone

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How to roam with your Apple Watch and use LTE data in a foreign country

I've been back and forth between the Boston and Montréal metro areas recently for work and roller derby, which has given me a whole new appreciation to the difficulties of phone roaming and carrier fees. Now, I currently have a great plan from AT&T that lets me use my domestic data at no additional cost while roaming, but my Series 3 Apple Watch isn't quite so lucky: When I cross the border, its cellular antenna turns off, rendering my watch LTE-less until I return.

This is because the Apple Watch can't currently roam on foreign networks . There are several credible theories as to why — like poor battery life performance, and the fact that each watch model has an incredibly limited number of LTE bands so you would only be able to roam in some countries and not others — but the fact remains: Your Apple Watch works with your iPhone, in your home country. Period.

... Well, that sounds like a challenge.

A primer for using your Apple Watch in a foreign country

As I mentioned, the Apple Watch has a limited number of LTE bands in comparison to the iPhone: Whereas your U.S.-based smartphone can jump onto a different LTE band to roam on a U.K. network when visiting Europe, the U.S. version of the Apple Watch Series 3 doesn't have space for those bands — and as a result, couldn't connect to that network even if roaming were supported.

But if you're traveling to a country that does use bands built for your region's Apple Watch (like moving from the U.S. to Canada), it can theoretically communicate with those networks — Apple's just chosen not to provide roaming support.

Tip: You can check which LTE bands are supported by your region's Apple Watch on Apple's website .

So how can you convince your Apple Watch to connect to those preinstalled LTE bands? Simply put, you have to buy a cellular plan for your iPhone on a compatible carrier in that country. What kind of plan depends on the country you visit — right now, most carriers are only offering the watch as a post-paid device. (If you have to sign up for a post-paid device, you may also need a local mailing address on your account — you can try your hotel, a friend's house, or worst-case a local fast food chain.)

Master your iPhone in minutes

iMore offers spot-on advice and guidance from our team of experts, with decades of Apple device experience to lean on. Learn more with iMore!

To test this theory — and, let's be honest, get my Apple Watch back up and running in Canada — we set my iPhone up as a second device on iMore editor-at-large Rene Ritchie's existing Bell plan, and authorized it for a wearable plan, too. In theory, all I needed to do was swap SIM cards, turn off my AT&T plan in the Watch app, and start using my watch.

Reality, of course, had other plans.

When I first popped my new Bell SIM into my iPhone 8 Plus, I was able to get online immediately, thanks to Rene setting up the account in advance. But when I went to the Watch app's Cellular section, I was less lucky.

So we packed up and paid a visit to Rene's local Bell store, where he chatted with the salesperson and I gazed in horror at the size of the Gear S3 .

Verdict: "Nothing you can do on our end. Go ask Apple."

A visit to the Apple Store didn't initially yield success, though a smart comment from one of the specialists led me to force a carrier software update by resetting my network settings; after running the update, the Watch app immediately offered me the option for setting up the device.

Once I pressed a few buttons and confirmed my emergency address, we were ready to go: I toggled my iPhone 8 Plus into Airplane mode and put the Seriess 3 GPS + Cellular model to work.

How to use your Apple Watch in a foreign country

Before following these steps, I highly encourage you to consider the following three factors:

• Did you check Apple's website to make sure your Apple Watch model can work in the foreign country you want to visit?
• Can you pay for a phone and watch plan in the foreign country that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? (For reference, getting added to Rene's plan cost $60/month; a brand new Apple-Watch-supported Bell plan runs more like $100.)
• How long do you need to have this plan? Can you disable it when you leave?

If the answer to all three of these questions is "yes", proceed.

• Open the Watch app from your home screen.
• Tap on the My Watch tab.
• Select the Cellular option

• Tap the Info button .
• Tap Remove [carrier] Plan to untie your Apple Watch's eSIM from your current terrestrial wireless provider. Keep in mind: This won't cancel your plan; you'll have to go to your carrier directly if you'd like to do that. It's the equivalent of taking out a SIM card to add a new one.
• Set up an Apple Watch-compatible wireless plan with your foreign carrier. (You may need an address in that country to do so.)
• Get a nano-SIM card from the new carrier.
• Switch the SIM cards in your iPhone between your current carrier and your new foreign carrier.
• Confirm that you can access the internet with your new SIM card.
• Open the Watch app.

• Select the Cellular option.
• Tap Set Up Cellular to set up a watch plan with your foreign carrier. Note: If this setting is greyed out, you may need to update your carrier settings: You can do so by forcing a network reset on your iPhone: Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings .

Bottom line: This is a great tip for snowbirds and other dual-country enthusiasts, but if you're only visiting a country for a few days this is currently more hassle than it's worth. There's also the inconvenience of having a different number when on your foreign SIM: While I've gotten around this by having iMessage and FaceTime identify as my email address, it's still a pain if you want to place non-FaceTime Audio phone calls.

This may change as additional carriers offer support for the watch and expand their plan types (i.e. offering watch support with pay-as-you-go plans), but until they do, I'm reticent to recommend this option to someone unless they can afford the time and monthly cost.

Let me know below.

○ Apple Watch Series 6 FAQ ○ Apple Watch SE FAQ ○ Apple Watch Series 6/SE Hands-on ○ watchOS 7 review ○ watchOS 7 FAQ ○ Apple Watch Series 6 deals ○ Apple Watch SE deals ○ Apple Watch users guide ○ Apple Watch news ○ Apple Watch discussion

Serenity was formerly the Managing Editor at iMore, and now works for Apple. She's been talking, writing about, and tinkering with Apple products since she was old enough to double-click. In her spare time, she sketches, sings, and in her secret superhero life, plays roller derby. Follow her on Twitter @settern.

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Best SIM card for Apple Watch in 2024

The key to finding the most affordable Apple Watch SIM card plan is all about leveraging the competitive rates offered by low-cost carriers. You'll get the same coverage for a fraction of the cost without the worry of hidden fees and price hikes. Here are the best value providers to consider.

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MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy .

How to choose the best Apple Watch SIM card

Which network do you prefer.

Low-cost carriers are powered by the same 5G and 4G LTE networks as the big 3. According to a 5G Experience Report (2023) by Opensignal , T-Mobile has the most extensive 5G coverage in the United States. If you have a preference for a specific network, you can find an MVNO that operates on that network. To discover the best cell phone service in your area , make sure to use our coverage checker.

How much data do you need?

Do you really need a prepaid SIM card for unlimited data? The big 3 wireless companies want you to believe so, but in reality, the average monthly cellular data consumption is around 10GB . Because if you spend most of your time at home or work on Wi-Fi, it's likely your cellular data usage will be much lower. You can pick a plan with enough data to fit your needs with cheap cell phone providers , meaning if you use less, you can pay less. But if you do choose an unlimited data SIM card , be aware that high-speed data is normally capped.

Is mobile hotspot data included?

Many MVNOs permit the usage of hotspot data. However, they impose restrictions on the quantity of data that can be used through tethering. The specific limit varies depending on the carrier and plan that you select. Additionally, some low-cost carriers provide exclusive data only SIM cards designed specifically for iPads, tablets, and mobile hotspots.

What's the monthly cost?

While an unlimited data SIM card with the big 3 wireless costs around $75-90 per month, the best MVNOs offer budget-friendly SIM cards, ranging from $5-35 per month without compromising coverage or data speeds. Watch out for hidden fees & taxes; some providers include these in the price, and others, such as Verizon and AT&T, don't.

How many lines do you need?

With big wireless, you only get the low advertised price if you buy four lines. With low-cost carriers, the price you see is what you pay, even for one line. Some MVNOs also offer further discounts for multi-line plans.

Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?

While big wireless prioritizes keeping their customers in a perpetual cycle of phone upgrades, MVNOs advocate for bringing your own device. This empowers you to regain control and only switch phones when it's convenient for you. In the event that you do decide to buy a new phone, most MVNOs provide the option for 0% financing spread across 1-2 years.

Are there any promotions?

Promotions from big wireless can seem great at first. But once you read the fine print, it often leads to buying things you don't need and committing to 3-year phone contracts. Most MVNOs offer short-term introductory discounts for new customers, and their pricing is much clearer.

Are there any perks?

The big 3 wireless plans normally come with "complimentary" TV subscriptions, but these often become paid subscriptions that are automatically included on your bill after a few months. Although some budget-friendly carriers like US Mobile do provide plan choices with free subscription services, we generally advise keeping these subscriptions separate to avoid paying for unnecessary months of service.

What international travel features are available?

Most MVNOs offer free international calls to many countries. But when you're traveling abroad, there are different features you'll need, for example, roaming. If this is important to you, you can find a variety of carriers offering SIM cards for international travel .

Do they have parental controls?

Many MVNO carriers offer parental control features that enable parents to monitor their children's phone usage and data consumption. With parental controls, you can set data limits, restrict access to certain apps or websites, and even track your child's location. Some AT&T MVNOs offer these features as part of their standard plans, or you'll find this feature on your cell phone.

What are the SIM card sizes?

The SIM card you need will depend on your device. Most smart devices now use a nano-SIM or eSIM, but some older devices may need a micro-SIM or a standard SIM.

Check out our comparison of the best prepaid SIM cards to ensure you find the best deal.

Find the best prepaid phone service in your area

Compare the cheapest apple watch sim plans, sim cards for international travelers.

In the quest for affordable and flexible communication, especially when traveling, prepaid SIM cards have become a pivotal part of helping to stay connected. For travelers jetting from the USA to Europe and other various countries, the GSM technology underlying most prepaid SIM cards ensures phone compatibility, catering to both iPhone, Android, and other smartphones.

Whether you're looking to buy a new SIM card on arrival or opt for a travel SIM card, either is a great option. Also, if your phone is compatible, an eSIM can make this process even easier.

However, your current carrier may offer international plans, but they usually come with a hefty price tag. The best option can be getting a local SIM card, which presents a cost-effective option, often providing a substantial GB of data, free mobile hotspot data, and local call minutes, which are invaluable for internet access to navigate via Google Maps or stay connected through WhatsApp and Skype.

A new SIM card can offer an ideal plan tailored for each destination and guarantee the best rates.

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ESIM Compatible Smartwatches (The Complete List)

Using an eSIM in your smartwatch is a great idea. It allows you to connect to the internet without paying a fortune. And you don’t have to rely on your phone all the time.

But if you are not sure if your smartwatch is eSIM compatible, then we have compiled a list of smartwatches below, so that you can quickly find your smartwatch and know it its worth buying an eSIM.

Smartwatches That Are eSIM compatible

About the author roger timbrook.

Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!

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• Osaka Guide
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• Best Airlines
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International Roaming: Does the Apple Watch Work Abroad?

What To Know

• For example, if you’re traveling to a country that uses a different cellular standard than your home country, you may not be able to use the cellular features of your Apple Watch.

It’s also important to note that international roaming charges can be expensive, so it’s a good idea to check with your carrier to understand the costs involved and to ensure that you have the correct plan for your needs.

• If you’re planning on being in a foreign country for an extended period of time, it may be worth considering getting a local SIM card for your iPhone and Apple Watch.

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think much about your Apple Watch’s cellular connectivity when you travel internationally. But if you’re planning to use your watch outside of your home country, it’s important to know if it will roam internationally.

The good news is that the Apple Watch Series 6 and later do support international roaming. This means that you can use your watch in another country, even if you don’t have a local SIM card or cellular plan.

Does Apple Watch Roam Internationally?

The Apple Watch is a great tool for traveling, as it can be used to track your location, communicate with friends and family, and access information and entertainment. However, if you’re planning to travel internationally, you may be wondering if your Apple Watch will work in other countries.

The answer is yes, the Apple Watch does work internationally, as it is designed to work with many different carriers and networks around the world. However, it’s important to note that the availability of features and services may vary depending on your location and the carrier you’re using.

For example, if you’re traveling to a country that uses a different cellular standard than your home country, you may not be able to use the cellular features of your Apple Watch. In this case, you would need to use a local SIM card or a Wi-Fi connection to access data and communicate.

Overall, the Apple Watch is a great tool for traveling, as it can be used to track your location, communicate with friends and family, and access information and entertainment. However, it’s important to be aware of the limitations and costs involved when traveling internationally.

What Are The Best Practices For Using My Apple Watch Internationally?

• 1. Check your network settings: Before traveling, it’s important to check your network settings to ensure that your Apple Watch is set up to work with the local carriers. This can be done by going to Settings > Cellular and Data on your iPhone and ensuring that the correct international roaming plan is selected.
• 2. Use a local SIM card: If you’re planning on being in a foreign country for an extended period of time, it may be worth considering getting a local SIM card for your iPhone and Apple Watch. This will allow you to use the local carriers’ networks and potentially save on international roaming fees .
• 3. Turn on Airplane Mode: When you’re not using your Apple Watch, it’s a good idea to turn on Airplane Mode to save on battery life and to avoid any unnecessary data usage. This can be done by swiping up on your Apple Watch’s screen and turning on Airplane Mode

What Are The Limitations Of The Apple Watch Internationally?

The Apple Watch is a great piece of technology that has become increasingly popular over the years. It is a versatile device that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as tracking your fitness, checking your messages, and even making phone calls.

However, there are some limitations to the Apple Watch that users should be aware of, particularly when it comes to using it internationally.

One of the main limitations of the Apple Watch is that it is not compatible with all cellular networks . This means that users who travel internationally may have difficulty accessing cellular data or making phone calls. The Apple Watch is currently only compatible with a limited number of cellular networks, including those from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon in the United States.

Another limitation of the Apple Watch is that it is not always easy to use in other countries. This is because the device is designed to work with the iOS operating system, which is not always compatible with other languages or character sets. This can make it difficult for users to navigate the device or access certain features when traveling internationally.

Despite these limitations, the Apple Watch is still a great device for users who travel internationally. It is a versatile and powerful tool that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as tracking your fitness, checking your messages, and making phone calls. With a little bit of planning and preparation, users can ensure that they have a smooth and enjoyable experience with the Apple Watch when traveling outside of the United States.

What Are The Features Of The Apple Watch That Work Internationally?

– Heart rate monitoring: The Apple Watch can monitor your heart rate and provide you with valuable information about your overall health and fitness. This feature is available to users in most countries, and can be particularly useful for those who are concerned about their heart health .

– Activity tracking : The Apple Watch can track your activity levels and provide you with insights into your fitness and overall health. This feature is available to users in most countries, and can help you stay motivated and achieve your fitness goals.

How Do I Set Up My Apple Watch To Work Internationally?

There are a few things you need to do in order to set up your Apple Watch to work internationally. First, you need to make sure that your Apple Watch is unlocked. This can be done by going into the settings on your Apple Watch and selecting the option to unlock. Once your Apple Watch is unlocked, you need to set up a new Apple ID for your watch. This can be done by going into the settings on your watch and selecting the option to set up a new Apple ID. Once you have set up a new Apple ID for your watch, you need to add a new payment method to your watch. This can be done by going into the settings on your watch and selecting the option to add a new payment method. Finally, you need to set up a new shipping address for your watch. This can be done by going into the settings on your watch and selecting the option to set up a new shipping address.

How Does The Apple Watch Work Internationally?

The Apple Watch is a great device for anyone who wants to stay connected and access information while on the go. The device works by connecting to your iPhone or other iOS device via Bluetooth, and it can be used to make calls, send messages , and access information from your device.

When traveling internationally, the Apple Watch can be a great way to stay connected and access information. The device can be used to make calls and send messages, and it can also be used to access information from your device such as maps, email, and more.

The Apple Watch is designed to work with a wide range of carriers and networks, so it can be used in many countries around the world. However, it’s important to note that the device may not work with all carriers and networks, and it’s always a good idea to check with your carrier before traveling to ensure that the device will work in the country you’re visiting.

The Apple Watch is a great tool for international travel, as it can roam the world and still stay connected. This is a great advantage for those who travel frequently, as they can stay connected to their friends and family back home, even when they are abroad. The Apple Watch also has a built-in GPS, which can be used to track your location and provide you with turn-by-turn directions. This is a great feature for those who are new to a city and need help finding their way around. The Apple Watch is also water-resistant, so you can take it with you when you go swimming or snorkeling. It’s a great device for those who love to travel and stay connected.

Alex Wilson

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Apple Watch Ultra v1 says “No Sim” all of a sudden

• The Watch, an Ultra A2622, still shows up on my AT&T plan as active
• Watch software is up to date (10.4)
• iPhone 13 software is up to date (17.4.1)
• I have turned off and back on the watch and phone in every combination (both off, one on / one off, reverse which is on / off, both on)
• I’ve gone through the phone’s Watch App and it says there is no Cellular. When I click “Set Up Cellular” it appears to do something saying “getting some info from your phone” followed by “getting some info from your new device” followed by NumberSync and the option to Continue. I press Continue and that dialogue sequence closes, with nothing changed.
• The Watch’s “About” settings confirm no network and no Sim

Apple Watch Ultra

Posted on Apr 17, 2024 5:48 PM

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Moscow‪.‬ 4+

Pocketguide inc., designed for iphone.

• 5.0 • 1 Rating
• Offers In-App Purchases

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Description.

Whether you are a history buff, a fan of architecture, a shopaholic or simply curious, Moscow is one of the best places you can visit. Our tours are an ideal way to start your discovery of the Russian capital, as they provide a wealth of knowledge about different aspects of the city. From the Medieval fortress of the Kremlin to the remainders of the Soviet Union, from the underground wonders of the Moscow Metro to the towering cathedrals, we'll show you the best and the most interesting aspects of the Third Rome. PocketGuide, the world’s leading audio city guide application, reveals the best stories, insider hangouts and must-see sights in more than 100 major cities and tourist destinations. PocketGuide turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide: The GPS figures out where you are, and a voice recording, made by a local guide, describes the sights around you. You don’t need to read text from your phone, just listen and enjoy a city’s attractions while your virtual tour guide explains it all and shares personal insights. PocketGuide works offline, so you save on roaming charges, and it includes an offline map and loads of critical reviews that help you decide where to eat, drink and shop. We also have fascinating themed tours, for those who want to go off the beaten path. Find the top tapas in Barcelona, get chic in NYC’s East Village or follow the trail of a 19th century serial killer in London. Whether you're interested in the main sights or "the road less traveled", PocketGuide is ready to take you there. Please note that continuous use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.

Version 7.4.28

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. Performance and stability improvements, as well as iPhone X support. We would like to say thank you for your valuable feedback so that we can improve the application. We encourage everybody to send us your opinions about the application to help us create the best travel app for you.

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The developer, PocketGuide Inc. , has not provided details about its privacy practices and handling of data to Apple. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

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Apple Watch GPS + Cellular

Stay connected when you’re away from your phone..

Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Ultra 2 cellular models with an active service plan allow you to make calls, send texts and so much more — all without your iPhone. With International roaming, make calls, send texts, stream music, and get help in an emergency in many of the places your travels take you. 1 You can complete a call to emergency services even when you’re travelling abroad just by pressing and holding the side button. 2 And now with Family Setup, members of your family who don’t own an iPhone can use Apple Watch.

Cellular service support.

To cover the LTE and UMTS bands used around the world, there are two separate cellular models for Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Ultra 2. They have been optimised for use in the country of purchase, and not all models work in all countries or regions. There is no single model that supports cellular service worldwide. To see which network providers in your country or region offer cellular service for Apple Watch, refer to the chart below. 3

• Jump to Apple Watch network providers

Family Setup support.

Family Setup allows you to use your iPhone to set up an Apple Watch for kids or older adults in your household. The watch can then be used with its own phone number and account. The provider’s cellular service lets you connect your family member’s watch to the cellular network with its own mobile service plan, so the family member can stay connected even without your iPhone nearby. To see which network providers support Family Setup for GPS + Cellular models of Apple Watch Series 4 or later, refer to the chart below.

Check with your provider to see if your iPhone plan is eligible for Apple Watch cellular service. If you have a business or corporate mobile service plan, check with your employer or service provider to see if they support this feature. Pay-as-you-go accounts and some older accounts may not be supported.

• Model A2982 (41mm)
• Model A2984 (45mm)
• Model A2726 (40mm)
• Model A2727 (44mm)
• Model A2986
• 1 (2100 MHz)
• 2 (1900 MHz)
• 3 (1800 MHz)
• 5 (850 MHz)
• 6 (850 MHz)
• 7 (2600 MHz)
• 12 (700 MHz)
• 13 (700c MHz)
• 14 (700 PS)
• 17 (700b MHz)
• 18 (800 MHz)
• 19 (800 MHz)
• 25 (1900 MHz)
• 26 (800 MHz)
• 39 (TD 1900)
• 40 (TD 2300)
• 41 (TD 2500)
• 1700/2100 MHz

Appalachian Wireless 4

AT&T 1 Supports Family Setup

C Spire 4 Supports Family Setup

Carolina West Wireless 4

Cellcom Wisconsin 4

• Consumer Cellular 4
• Nex-Tech Wireless 4

Spectrum Mobile

T‑Mobile USA 5 Supports Family Setup

US Cellular 5 Supports Family Setup

Verizon Wireless 5 Supports Family Setup

Xfinity Mobile 4

• Bell 4 Supports Family Setup
• Telus Supports Family Setup
• Virgin Plus
• Liberty 4 Supports Family Setup
• Model A2725 (40mm)
• Model A2724 (44mm)
• 8 (900 MHz)
• 20 (800 DD)
• 28 (700 APT MHz)
• Batelco 5 Supports Family Setup
• Zain 5 Supports Family Setup
• T‑Mobile 1 , 4
• Telekom 5 Supports Family Setup
• Magyar Telekom
• Cellcom 1 , 4
• Pelephone 4
• Reliance Jio 4
• au 1 , 4 Supports Family Setup
• SoftBank 1 , 4
• Zain Supports Family Setup
• OneCall 1 , 4
• Talkmore 1 , 4
• Telia 5 Supports Family Setup
• Singtel 5 Supports Family Setup
• Starhub Supports Family Setup
• SK Telecom 4
• Movistar 1 Supports Family Setup
• Telia 1 Supports Family Setup
• Sunrise 5 Supports Family Setup
• Swisscom 5 Supports Family Setup
• Chunghwa Telecom 1 , 4 Supports Family Setup
• FarEasTone 4 Supports Family Setup
• Taiwan Mobile 1 Supports Family Setup
• AIS 1 , 4 Supports Family Setup
• dtac 4 Supports Family Setup
• TrueMove H 1 , 4 Supports Family Setup
• Turk Telecom
• Virgin Mobile
• 3 EE Supports Family Setup O2 Vodafone
• Model A2983 (41mm)
• Model A2985 (45mm)
• Model A2855 (40mm)
• Model A2856 (44mm)
• Model A2987
• China Mobile 4
• China Telecom 4 Supports Family Setup
• China Unicom Supports Family Setup
• 1O1O 1 , 4 Supports Family Setup
• China Mobile Hong Kong 1
• csl 1 , 4 Supports Family Setup
• SmarTone 1 Supports Family Setup
• CTM Supports Family Setup

T-Mobile USA 5

US Cellular 4

Verizon Wireless 5

• China Telecom 4
• China Unicom
• Vodafone Supports Family Setup
• 3 Supports Family Setup
• Chungwa Telecom 4
• FarEasTone 4
• Taiwan Mobile 1
• Etisalat Supports Family Setup

Set up cellular on Apple Watch

With a cellular connection on Apple Watch, you can make calls, reply to messages, receive notifications, and more — even while you’re away from your iPhone.

Before you start

Make sure that you have the latest software on your iPhone and your Apple Watch .

Check for updates to your carrier settings .

Make sure that you have an eligible cellular service plan with a supported carrier . Your iPhone and Apple Watch must use the same carrier,* and you must be within your carrier's network when you set up cellular on your watch.

If you have an enterprise or corporate cellular service plan, check with your company or carrier to see if they support this feature. Pre-paid accounts and some older accounts aren’t currently supported. To make sure that your account is eligible, contact your carrier.

* An Apple Watch that you set up for a family member  can use a different carrier than your iPhone uses.

You can activate cellular when you first set up your Apple Watch , or when you set up a watch for a family member. During setup, look for the option to set up cellular, then follow the onscreen steps.

You can also set up cellular later from the Apple Watch app:

On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app.

Tap the My Watch tab, then tap Cellular.

Tap Set Up Cellular.

Follow the instructions for your carrier. You might need to contact your carrier for help.

You might see a phone number assigned to your Apple Watch that differs from the phone number assigned to your iPhone. The number shown for your Apple Watch is for your carrier's billing or tracking purposes only; your iPhone and Apple Watch share the same number.

Set up cellular on a family member's Apple Watch

You can set up a cellular Apple Watch for a family member If your mobile carrier supports the use of a managed Apple Watch, you're given the option to add the watch to your plan during setup. Look for the option to set up cellular, then follow the onscreen steps. If your carrier doesn't support cellular on a managed Apple Watch, you might be able to use an alternative carrier.

If you don't initially set up cellular on your family member's Apple Watch, you can do it later:

Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.

Tap All Watches, tap your family member's Apple Watch, then tap Done.

Tap Cellular, then tap Set Up Cellular.

To see the phone number assigned to your family member's Apple Watch after you set up cellular, go to Settings on the watch, then tap Phone.

Setting up a managed Apple Watch for a family member is available only in  certain countries or regions .

If you're in China mainland, you must verify your identity when setting up cellular on a family member’s Apple Watch, as required by local regulations. Contact your carrier for further assistance if needed.

Connect to a cellular network

Your Apple Watch with cellular automatically switches to the most power-efficient wireless available: it can connect to your iPhone when itʼs nearby, a Wi-Fi network or cellular.  When your watch connects to cellular, it uses LTE networks. If LTE isn't available, your watch will try to connect to UMTS if your carrier supports it.

When your watch connects to a cellular network, you can check the signal strength from Control Centre or the Cellular complication that you can add to most watch faces.  To open Control Centre, touch and hold the bottom of the screen, then swipe up.

The Cellular button turns green when you have a connection. The green bars show the signal strength.

The Cellular button turns white when your cellular plan is active, but your watch is connected via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to your iPhone.

Learn what your Apple Watch can do while connected to Wi-Fi or cellular , even when your iPhone isn't nearby.

Changing carriers

Your iPhone and Apple Watch If you change carriers on your iPhone, you need to remove the previous service plan on your Apple Watch and sign up for a new plan.* Here’s how:

Your Apple Watch should automatically switch to the carrier that your iPhone is using. If you need to add a new plan, tap Add a New Plan, then follow the onscreen steps. If your previous plan still appears in the Apple Watch app, you can  remove it .

If you need help, contact your carrier.

* Carrier fees may apply. Contact your carrier for details.

Transfer your cellular plan to a new Apple Watch

When you’re ready to start using a new Apple Watch, you can transfer cellular service from your old watch to your new one. Here's how:

Remove the cellular plan  from your old Apple Watch.

Pair your new Apple Watch with your iPhone. During setup, tap “Set up Cellular” to add a cellular plan.

Some carriers allow you to transfer your existing plan to your new Apple Watch directly from the Apple Watch app.

If you don’t see an option to transfer your cellular plan, contact your carrier for help.

Remove your cellular plan

You can remove your cellular plan at any time:

Tap Remove [carrier] Plan. Tap again to confirm.

You might need to contact your carrier to cancel your cellular subscription.*

When you erase and unpair your Apple Watch, you also get the option to remove the plan from your Apple Watch. When asked, choose Erase All to remove the plan.

International roaming with your Apple Watch

With watchOS 9.1 and later, international roaming is available on cellular models of Apple Watch Series 5 and later, Apple Watch SE and later, and Apple Watch Ultra.

To get international roaming on your Apple Watch, contact your iPhone carrier to add your watch to your iPhone cellular roaming plan.  For international roaming to work on your Apple Watch, your carrier must support VoLTE and roaming.  Not all carriers support international roaming on Apple Watch and coverage in other countries is determined by your carrier.

To turn on international roaming, open the Settings app on your Apple Watch. Tap Cellular, then turn on Data Roaming.

International roaming is not supported for cellular models of Apple Watch used in Family Setup.

To cover the LTE and UMTS bands used around the world, cellular models of Apple Watch come in regional models for the Americas, China mainland and Europe/Asia Pacific. Unlike iPhone, there isn't a worldwide Apple Watch model that supports all cellular bands used globally. Find out  which carriers in your country or region offer cellular service for Apple Watch .

To check your cellular data usage, use the Apple Watch app. Open the app on your iPhone, tap the My Watch tab, tap Cellular, then scroll to the Cellular Data Usage section.

Turning on cellular for extended periods uses more battery power. Also, some apps might not update without a connection to your iPhone.

To receive SMS, MMS or push notifications from third-party apps on your Apple Watch with cellular, your paired iPhone must be powered on and connected to Wi-Fi or cellular.

Learn how to use Dual SIM with cellular models of Apple Watch .

Contact Apple Support

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7 ways to travel more sustainably.

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Sustainable travel can be fun, rewarding and not at all challenging

Sustainable travel is surging in popularity, but what does it mean? The vague term can refer to traveling in a way that’s conscientious of the environment and local communities, leaving less of an impact on a destination and perhaps even bettering the location in the process. Sustainable tourism, in many ways a reaction to overtourism, helps protect the planet, to ensure destinations are liveable and worth visiting for years to come. And while travel can certainly takes its toll, creating carbon emissions, waste and more, responsible tourism is an essential step in protecting the planet.

Sustainable Travel Tips

Responsible tourism helps the environment by limiting ecological impact, supporting indigenous wildlife, respecting cultural heritage, and not taking away from a destination as a visitor, be it removing a shell from a beach or littering on a hiking trail. Plenty of responsible travel itineraries are easily replicable, but many trips can be adapted to be more sustainable. There are so many ways, big and small, to travel more responsibly and sustainably. Here’s how to start:

1. TSA-Friendly Doesn’t Need To Be Earth Hostile

You can buy single use and tiny versions of pretty much every care product these days, but do you actually need to? Opt for refillable travel bottles to decant your normal products into, and you’ll always have TSA-friendly bottles of shampoo, lotion, whatever you need at the ready. If you prefer to travel without liquids, consider switching to bars of shampoo and conditioner toothpaste powder and other products, which are eco-friendly wherever you are.

Planning ahead can be a major factor in sustainable travel

2. Opt For Public Transit

Public transportation — buses, trains, light rail, etc. — is always more sustainable than a private ride. If possible, use public transit to get to and from your destination and learn your destination’s public transit system to navigate while you explore. Not only will you likely save money as well as lower your carbon footprint, you’ll get a taste of how locals live. If public transit isn’t an option, consider booking shared rides to the airport and excursions, or renting an electric or hybrid vehicle if driving solo is the only option.

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A bit of planning ahead can save considerable landfill waste. Bringing a reusable coffee cup for morning coffee runs and reusable water bottle will hopefully cut down the amount of single-use items you purchase on the go. Other easy to pack items including a reusable travel utensil set, reusable straws and reusable earplugs can help avoid creating more waste on the road. If you’re someone who discards beach reads, consider switching to an e-reader. Pack tote bags to carry souvenirs or other items purchased on the road that won’t require disposable plastic bags.

4. Eat Conscientiously

Eating local is the best way for your diet to support local eco-systems. Not only does dining at independent, small businesses (e.g. not chains), support local business people, but can often have lower environmental impact than major franchised restaurants that ship ingredients and supplies across the country. Making lower impact choices, including eating mostly plant-based, when possible, can also make travel a bit greener. If you don’t have anything to do with leftovers, consider ordering with a bit more restriction so you aren’t creating an excess of food waste.

Local culinary experiences can be healthy, fulfilling and sustainable

5. Book A Sustainable Hotel

Staying at a property dedicated to sustainability can make a big impact, especially by showing the travel industry that this is a priority for hospitality. Hotels are offered various certifications to prove their sustainable status, which can be achieved as a remote eco-lodge or luxury property in a major city. Several hotels are seeking LEED certification , the Green Hotels Association has a collection of vendors who prioritize sustainability, and the Leading Hotels of the World has a sustainability collection of five star properties.

6. Buy Carbon Offsets

While we technically can’t undo the damage we cause to the environment, there are initiatives to at least mitigate it. Carbon offsets allow consumers to compensate for their carbon footprint by funding projects that reduce carbon dioxide pollution. CoolEffect.org can help you decide how much to give, based on trip itinerary and logistics. For example, to offset air travel, a roundtrip, 6-hour flight would add about 1.89 tons of CO2 per passenger, and $31.17 of carbon offsets would help mitigate that.

Some airlines offer the option to purchase carbon offsets alongside airfare

7. Slow Down Your Travel

Slow travel is a buzzword that’s emerged in the 2020s, when work and leisure travel aka bleisure have melded more than ever, and the concept of working and even socializing remotely is totally normalized. Rather than a quick jaunt back and forth, slow travel emphasizes taking your time with tourism, be it living in a rental property for a month and enjoying the sights on the weekends, going backpacking, biking or hiking for an extended off the grid period, or traveling via train instead of air. Slow tourism has been proven to have a positive environmental impact .

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