How eSIMs work

What an eSIM is

An eSIM is a SIM profile installed digitally on your phone instead of a plastic card. A travel eSIM adds a data plan for a destination alongside your normal SIM, so you keep your usual number for calls and messages.

Check your phone first

Your phone must support eSIM and must not be carrier-locked. Most recent iPhone and flagship Android models support eSIM, but support varies by model and region, so check your device settings or manufacturer documentation before buying.

Buying and installing

After purchase, the provider sends an activation QR code or an in-app installation link. You scan or tap it, the profile installs, and you choose which SIM handles mobile data.

Many providers let you install the profile before you travel while the plan validity only starts on first connection in the destination. This varies by provider — the provider's own page states the rule for that plan.

What to check before you buy

Data allowance and whether an unlimited plan applies speed or fair-use limits. Validity period, and whether it starts at purchase or at activation. Whether hotspot sharing is allowed. Whether the plan is data-only or includes a phone number.

Coverage matters too: regional and global plans cover a list of countries, and that list is shown on the plan card where the provider supplies it.

When you arrive

Turn on data roaming for the travel eSIM profile, keep your home line's data switched off to avoid roaming charges, and let the device register on a local network. If nothing connects, selecting a network manually often resolves it.