Don't board your next flight until you've done this one-minute phone check that could save you a fortune

You've checked your passport. You've downloaded your boarding pass. You've packed your chargers.

But before you head to the airport, there's one quick phone check that could save you money, avoid unexpected roaming charges and mean you're connected from the moment your plane lands.

Millions of holidaymakers still travel without thinking about how they'll use their phone abroad. That often means paying expensive daily roaming fees, relying on patchy airport Wi-Fi or wasting valuable holiday time trying to buy a local SIM card after arrival. A growing number of travellers are avoiding all of that by switching to an eSIM before they leave home.

If you've never heard of an eSIM, don't worry. It's simply a digital SIM that lets your phone connect to local mobile networks without removing your existing SIM card. If your phone is compatible, setup takes less than a minute and you can still keep your usual number for calls and WhatsApp.

One of the biggest names in the market is Holafly, which now offers unlimited data eSIMs covering more than 200 destinations worldwide. Whether you're heading to Spain, the USA, Japan or Australia, you can choose a plan before you travel and have it ready to activate when you arrive.

The appeal is obvious. Instead of hunting for free Wi-Fi to book an Uber, check Google Maps, contact your hotel or let family know you've landed safely, your phone is already connected. Holafly sends your eSIM instantly by email or WhatsApp, with installation available via QR code, manual setup or one-tap installation on compatible iPhones.

Before you fly, it's worth spending 60 seconds checking whether your phone supports eSIM technology. You can check compatibility and browse available destinations here, which could save a lot of hassle once you're overseas.

Holafly has also introduced an additional benefit called ‘Always On’. Once you've installed your eSIM, you'll automatically receive 1GB of backup data every month, giving extra reassurance if your plans change or you need emergency connectivity. The company also offers 24/7 human customer support and regional eSIMs covering Europe, North America, Asia, the Caribbean and several other parts of the world, alongside a Global eSIM that works across 100+ destinations.

For many travellers, another advantage is knowing exactly what they'll pay before they leave. Holafly's plans include unlimited data with no hidden fees, so there's no worrying about unexpectedly large bills after returning home.

See the full range of Holafly plans and current offers before your next trip.

It's also worth checking whether your mobile provider still charges roaming fees for your destination. While some networks include overseas data in certain countries, others charge daily fees that can quickly add up over a week or two abroad. Comparing your options before you travel could prove one of the easiest ways to save money without cutting back on your holiday.

If you're planning a trip this summer, taking one minute to check your phone before leaving home could make the rest of your journey considerably smoother.