What Is an eSIM and How Does It Work for Travel?

• eSIM = embedded SIM: the SIM is inside your device, not a removable card.
• It stores your mobile plan profile (the “SIM card details”) digitally.
• You can install, switch, or delete plans from your phone’s settings, no physical swapping.

Feature	eSIM	Physical SIM
Setup	Instant (QR/App)	Requires card
Risk of loss/damage	None	Can be lost/damaged
Switch carriers	A few taps	Swap cards
Multi number support	Easy dual SIM	Dual SIM requires tray/2nd card
Great for travel?	Excellent	OK (but more hassle)

• Instant activation: Buy on the plane → scan → you’re live on arrival.
• Keep your home number active: Use eSIM for data while your physical SIM stays in for calls/2FA.
• Local pricing: Often far cheaper than roaming from your home carrier.
• Flexible: Stack multiple plans (e.g., country A this week, regional plan next week).
• No stores: Avoid language barriers, long queues, and tourist pricing.

Heads up: eSIM data plans are usually data only (no traditional voice minutes). For calls, use VoIP (FaceTime/WhatsApp/Telegram) or WiFi calling with your home line.

Device compatibility (and how to check)

Most recent iPhones, Pixels, and Samsungs support eSIM. To confirm:

Settings → General → About → look for “Digital SIM” or “eSIM”.
Or Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data → Add eSIM (if visible, you’re good).

Settings → Connections → SIM manager (Samsung) or
Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs (Pixel).
Look for “Add eSIM” or “Download a SIM”.

Tip: DualSIM on eSIM devices is normal: you can keep your home SIM active for calls/SMS and run a travel eSIM for data.

• Local: Best value if you’ll stay in one country.
• Regional: Multi country trips (e.g., Europe/Asia).
• Global: Max flexibility, higher price per GB.

Check: data size, validity days, tethering allowed (hotspot), 5G vs 4G, supported networks.

At checkout you’ll receive one of:

• A QR code (scan with your phone’s camera), or
• An activation code (SM DP+ address + activation code), or
• One tap install via the brand’s app (Airalo, Nomad, etc.).

Get your eSIM Discount: Many brands accept promo codes on the payment page. Enter the code before paying to cut the price.

iPhone (QR route)
Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data → Add eSIM → Use QR code → scan → follow prompts.
Choose Primary (home) vs Secondary (travel) labels and which line uses data.

Android (QR route)
Settings → Network & Internet/Connections → SIMs/SIM manager → Add eSIM → scan → confirm.

App route (any): Tap Install eSIM in the app → accept prompts.

• Set Default for Data = your travel eSIM.
• Enable Data Roaming for the eSIM (this toggles roaming on that plan’s allowed footprint).
• If the page shows APN settings, add them (rare with modern plans; many auto configure).

Your phone should auto attach to the partner network. If not:

• Toggle airplane mode once, or
• Manually select the network in Carrier selection.

• Your phone supports eSIM and carrier unlock (if required).
• The plan supports hotspot if you need to tether.
• Coverage map looks solid for your exact destinations.
• You know the plan’s validity window (e.g., 15 days from activation).
• Your promo code is ready (enter before paying).
• You’ll install while on WiFi (airport/hotel).

• Weekend city break: 3-5 GB local plan.
• 2-3 week multi country tour: 10-20 GB regional plan.
• Digital nomad: Large regional plan; consider topping up monthly or a global plan if hopping continents.
• Family/group: Per person eSIMs or a single large plan with hotspot from one device.

Cost tip: Don’t overbuy. A traveler typically uses ~2-5 GB/week for maps, ride hail, messages, light social. Heavy video? Double it.

1. Bought a 10 GB/15 day Europe plan the night before flying.
2. Scanned the QR at the hotel WiFi, set “Travel Data” as default line.
3. Kept my physical SIM (home number) for iMessage & 2FA.
4. Turned on WiFi calling for my home line (so family can reach me).
5. Used ~6 GB in 12 days (maps + socials + light YouTube).
6. Topped up 3 GB on day 12 in two taps.
7. Promo code saved ~15% at checkout, basically paid for an extra gig.

• Label lines clearly: “Home” + “Travel”.
• Default for Data = Travel eSIM; Default for Calls/SMS = Home.
• Disable data on your home SIM to avoid surprise roaming fees.
• If the home carrier supports WiFi calling, leave it on (nice for receiving calls on hotel WiFi).

• No signal after install: Toggle airplane mode; check the eSIM is set as Default for Data; try manual network select.
• Data works but slow: Check if plan supports 5G; try a different network (manual select) or move to better coverage.
• Hotspot not working: Confirm the plan allows tethering; verify APN (Settings → Cellular Data Network → Personal Hotspot/APN).
• QR “expired”: Most brands let you reissue from your account/app. Contact support if locked.
• Profile limit reached: iPhones/Androids store multiple eSIMs but there’s a cap. Delete old ones you no longer need.
• iMessage/WhatsApp: If your phone number changed lines, reverify in the app settings.

1. When to use codes
   At checkout, most travel eSIM brands offer a “Promo code / Coupon” box. Enter your code before you pay. (Some in app checkouts hide the field; try the website if you can’t find it.)
2. Types of offers

• % off (10-50% off plans or top ups)
• $ off (e.g. $3 off first purchase)
• Free credit (e.g., “Get $3 free when you top up $10”)
• Seasonal (Black Friday/Cyber, Summer, Singles’ Day, etc.)

3. Stacking & timing

• Many brands don’t stack codes, but they do allow codes on already discounted regional bundles.
• If you can, buy just before you travel, plans often start the validity on first connection, but a few start on install/issue date. Read the note on the product page.

4. Where to find codes

• Check out our brand pages around the site.
• If a brand has no active code, try similar providers, regional plans can be interchangeable and your cost per GB may be even lower.

5. Pro move

• Do a quick GB per dollar check: (Price after coupon) ÷ (Data). This makes comparing brands dead simple.

Do I need to remove my physical SIM?
No. Keep it in for calls/SMS/2FA. Just set the eSIM as Default for Data.

Can I hotspot with an eSIM?
Usually yes, but check the plan description, a few budget plans block tethering.

Will my WhatsApp/iMessage number change?
No. WhatsApp keeps your original number unless you change it in the app. iMessage ties to both email and numbers; it will keep working if the home line stays active or over WiFi.

When should I install the eSIM?
Install while you have stable WiFi (home or hotel). Some plans start counting on first connection (best), others on install, always read the product note.

What if I uninstall the eSIM profile?
You can usually reinstall from your account/app, but some plans are one time install. Don’t delete until you’re sure you’re done.