eSIM frequently asked questions

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone. Instead of swapping a card, you install a data profile by scanning a QR code. You can keep your usual SIM and your travel eSIM active at the same time.

iPhone XS and XR or newer, Google Pixel 3 or newer and many recent Samsung Galaxy phones support it. On iPhone, check Settings → General → About for a "Digital SIM" entry or an EID number. On Android, dial *#06# and look for an EID, or look for "Add eSIM" under Settings → Connections.

Yes. If your phone is locked to your carrier, it will not accept an eSIM from another company. Ask your carrier to unlock it before you buy.

A total-data plan gives you a fixed amount (for example 5 GB) to use during the plan's days. An unlimited plan gives you a daily quota at full speed; once it runs out you keep your data at reduced speed until the next day, with no cut-off, and you choose how many days you need.

No. You can buy with just your email. If you create an account, your eSIMs and their QR codes are saved in My account so you can check them any time.

With PayPal, in US dollars. The payment is confirmed in seconds and you receive your eSIM by email.

Yes. In the search you can add several countries and we show you the regional plans that cover all of them. You can also compare one single eSIM against one eSIM per leg of your trip, and we tell you which is cheaper.

Install it on wifi before you travel, within 180 days of buying it. Installing does not use up your plan: the duration starts counting the first time you connect at your destination.

Open the email or your order page on the iPhone and tap "Install on iPhone" (iOS 17.4 or later). You can also go to Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM and scan the QR, or type the SM-DP+ address and activation code by hand.

Go to Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM and scan the QR code. If you cannot scan it, choose to enter the code manually and paste the full code shown on your order.

You do not have to scan it. On iPhone use the one-tap install button. On any phone you can type the details by hand: we show them on your order page with a button to copy them.

We only sell plans that start counting the first time you connect to a network at your destination. If you install the eSIM before your trip, you do not lose any days.

Yes. The eSIM is data only: your usual SIM stays your number for calls and SMS, and WhatsApp keeps working with the same number using the eSIM's data.

No, it is a data eSIM. Make calls over the internet with WhatsApp, FaceTime or other apps.

You stay online, but at reduced speed until the next day, when full speed returns. At that speed low-data apps such as WhatsApp, Google Maps, Uber, Airbnb, Booking or Gmail keep working well. You will notice it with video, streaming and large downloads.

Your order page has a usage meter. The provider updates it every 2 to 3 hours, so it is not real time: we show you the time of the last update.

If the provider allows topping up that eSIM, you will see the top-up button on your order page. The top-up is added to the same eSIM, with nothing new to install. Not every plan can be topped up and we say so on each plan.

Check that the eSIM is turned on as your mobile data line and that data roaming is on for that eSIM. Restart the phone and, if needed, choose the network manually. If it still does not work, write to us with your order number.

Check your spam or junk folder. You can also open your order page, which shows the QR and the installation details, and ask us to resend the email from there.

An eSIM that has already been installed cannot be returned. If you had a problem before installing it or the eSIM did not work, write to us and we will look into it with you.

No. Once installed, the eSIM is tied to the phone where you installed it. If you are about to change phones, do it before installing.