Is an eSIM suitable for an au pair year? Your Spanish number while abroad Calling home without breaking the bank How much data you need per month Typical au pair destinations and their eSIMs Plan for your first day at your destination Frequently asked questions Conclusion Is an eSIM suitable for an au pair year?
Yes, with caveats. A travel eSIM is perfect for your first few weeks: instant internet, maps, translator, and WhatsApp from minute one. For a long stay, it's common to combine it: use an eSIM upon arrival so you're not dependent on anyone, and later consider a local SIM card if you need a local number for banking or official procedures.
The big advantage is the peace of mind of landing connected. No need to look for a store while jet-lagged or hand over your passport at a counter you don't understand. Buy the eSIM before leaving Spain, install it following the steps to activate an eSIM , and in 1 minute you'll have data as soon as you get off the plane. Then, once settled in with your host family, you can calmly decide which line to use long-term .
Au pair girl using an eSIM on her phone upon arrival at her destination airport Your Spanish number while abroad
Here's the key that many au pairs aren't clear about: the eSIM goes into a different slot than your Spanish SIM, so you can have both at the same time . You keep your Spanish number active to receive bank SMS messages or verification codes, and you use the eSIM's data for browsing. This is the ideal setup to avoid losing your Spanish digital life.
The trick is to leave your Spanish line only for SMS and important calls , with mobile data turned off on that line to avoid roaming charges, and always browse using the eSIM. This way, you keep your usual number without any bill surprises. You can find more details in how to keep your Spanish number with an eSIM , and if your family wants a local number to reach you, check out the options for eSIMs with calls included .
Tip: Before flying, ask your bank to activate email alerts in addition to SMS. If your Spanish number ever loses coverage, you'll still receive codes via email.
Calling home without breaking the bank
Homesickness is cured by talking to your loved ones, and luckily, today it's almost free. With eSIM data, you can make video calls and send messages without spending a cent on international calls:
WhatsApp and video calls: free over data; ideal for seeing family every week.
Normal calls to a Spanish landline or mobile: it's best to use apps or Wi-Fi calling to avoid expensive rates.
Voice messages: perfect for when there's a time difference with Spain.
Set up WhatsApp properly from the start so it works seamlessly with your eSIM: we explain how in how to use WhatsApp with an eSIM . And if your phone allows it, activate Wi-Fi calling to make normal calls over the internet when you're at your host family's home.
Au pair girl using an eSIM on her phone upon arrival at her destination airport How much data you need per month
A year abroad translates into a lot of usage: maps for getting around, a translator at all times, social media to not feel lonely, and long video calls home. As a monthly guideline, this is what an au pair typically uses:
Usage Profile
Data per month (approx.)
What it covers
Basic
5-8 GB
Maps, WhatsApp, messaging, some social media
Medium
10-15 GB
Daily social media, weekly video calls, music
Intensive
20 GB or more
Video, streaming, and long video calls outside of Wi-Fi
Since you'll have Wi-Fi at your host family's home and in many places, the actual mobile data consumption is usually less than it seems . Still, estimate on the higher side for the first month, which is typically the busiest. Learn how to monitor your data consumption and make it last with these tips for saving data abroad .
Typical au pair destinations and their eSIMs
The most popular destinations for Spanish au pairs are usually the United States, Ireland, and Central European countries. Each has its eSIM ready, with 4G/5G coverage throughout the country:
If your program includes European getaways on your days off, a regional eSIM covers several countries at once: check out the eSIM for Europe collection before planning weekend trips.
Plan for your first day at your destination
A smooth arrival depends on getting everything ready in Spain. This is the plan we recommend for any au pair:
Before flying: Buy and install the eSIM for your destination country (it will be saved, not activated until you turn it on).
Still at home: Check that your phone is compatible and have WhatsApp and maps configured.
Upon landing: Activate the eSIM and deactivate the data on your Spanish line. You'll have internet in 1 minute.
At the host family's home: Connect to their Wi-Fi for long video calls and save your data for when you're out and about.
This way, you avoid the most stressful moment of the trip: arriving in a new country without internet . If you'll also be studying in addition to childcare, the eSIM guide for students will also be useful, as their needs are very similar.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my Spanish number while being an au pair? Yes. The eSIM occupies a different slot than your Spanish SIM, so you can use both at the same time. Keep your Spanish number for bank SMS and codes, with data turned off on that line, and browse with the eSIM to avoid roaming charges.
Will the eSIM last me the entire au pair year? Travel eSIMs are usually sold by weeks or months and are rechargeable. For a year, it's normal to top it up or combine it with a local SIM card after a while. Initially, the eSIM is the quickest and most convenient way to stay connected.
How can I call home without spending too much? Use WhatsApp, video calls, or voice messages over the eSIM's data: it's practically free. For regular calls to a Spanish phone, use Wi-Fi calling or calling apps to avoid expensive international rates.
How much data do I need per month as an au pair? It depends on your usage, but between 5 and 15 GB per month covers most people, because you usually have Wi-Fi at your host family's home. If you make a lot of video calls away from home or watch videos, estimate 20 GB or more for the first month.
Do I need a local number in the country where I am an au pair? Not always. For day-to-day use, data is sufficient. A local number is only necessary if a bank, an app, or the family requests it. In that case, you can contract a local line later and keep the eSIM for data.
Conclusion
Going au pair is enough of an adventure without arriving without internet. With an eSIM, you land connected, keep your Spanish number for important things, and talk to your family whenever you want for almost free. Prepare your eSIM before flying and activate data in 1 minute upon landing : it's the first step for your year abroad to start on the right foot.
