Frequently Asked Questions

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into your device. Instead of inserting a physical SIM, you scan a QR code or enter an activation code to download a carrier plan directly to your phone. There is no physical swap required.

A physical SIM is a removable plastic card tied to one carrier. An eSIM is built into the phone's hardware and can store multiple carrier profiles. You can switch between plans in software, making it ideal for travel.

Yes. eSIM uses the same underlying cellular technology. Once activated, it connects to local networks exactly like a physical SIM. The difference is purely in how the plan is delivered.

Most modern dual-SIM phones support using a physical SIM and an eSIM simultaneously. You can keep your home number active on one SIM while using the travel eSIM for data on the other — no need to swap anything.

Most flagship phones released since 2018 support eSIM. This includes iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, and many other Android devices. Check your phone's specifications or go to Settings > General > About to look for 'eSIM' or 'Digital SIM'.

Yes. iPhone XS, XR, and all newer models support eSIM. iPhone 14 and later (US models) are eSIM-only with no physical SIM tray. On iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM to install a plan.

Yes. Your device must be carrier-unlocked to use a foreign provider's eSIM. If you bought your phone on a carrier contract, it may be locked. Contact your home carrier to request an unlock before traveling.

Some cellular-capable tablets and smartwatches support eSIM. However, travel eSIM providers typically focus on smartphones. Check the specific provider's device compatibility list before purchasing.

Choose a plan on e-sim.co, click the provider link, and complete the purchase on the provider's official website. You'll receive a QR code via email. Scan it in your phone's settings to activate. The whole process takes under 5 minutes.

Buy before you travel — you only need a Wi-Fi connection to download it. Most eSIMs activate when first used (first data connection in the destination country), so you can install it at home and it won't start counting down until you arrive.

You need an internet connection to initially download and install the eSIM profile. Use Wi-Fi at home before you travel. Once installed, the eSIM works on cellular without Wi-Fi.

Contact the provider's support team — they can typically resend your QR code to the email used at purchase. Keep a screenshot of the QR code as backup before you travel.

Most travel eSIMs are data-only. They do not include voice calls or SMS to local numbers. You can still use your home number for calls via your physical SIM (check roaming charges), or use internet-based apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or iMessage over the eSIM data.

Validity is the window during which your data allowance is active — e.g. a '7-day plan' gives you access for 7 days from first use (or from activation, depending on the provider). Any unused data typically expires at the end of the validity period.

When your data runs out, your connection stops (no bill shock). You can purchase a top-up through the provider's app or buy a new plan. Some providers offer unlimited plans that throttle speed after a threshold instead of cutting off.

It depends on the plan and your device. Many newer plans from providers like Airalo, Nomad, and Saily support 5G in countries where it's available. The plan card on each country page shows whether 5G is supported.

Many travel eSIMs support tethering/hotspot, but not all. The plan cards and provider comparison table on each country page indicate whether hotspot is included. Check before purchasing if this is important to you.

Prices are sourced directly from provider APIs and official feeds and updated regularly. However, providers can change prices without notice. Always confirm the final price on the provider's official website before purchasing — we show starting-at prices.

No. e-sim.co is a comparison site only. We do not sell eSIMs, process payments, or store your personal data. When you click 'View Deal', you go directly to the provider's official website to complete the purchase.

No. Affiliate links do not add any cost to your purchase. The price you pay is exactly what the provider charges. We may receive a small commission from the provider for referring you — this comes out of their margin, not yours.

No. Plans are sorted purely by price (default), data amount, value per GB, or validity — whichever you select. A provider's affiliate rate has zero influence on ranking. We also list providers with no affiliate relationship because showing every option matters more than earning commissions.

Please email us at [email protected] with the provider name, country, and the price you saw on the provider's site. We investigate all reports and update our data promptly.

First, check that data roaming is enabled in your phone settings for the eSIM line. Then verify the eSIM is set as the active data line. Try toggling airplane mode off and on. If it still doesn't connect, contact the provider's support — they can verify your activation status.

Most eSIMs can only be installed once. Deleting an eSIM typically makes it permanently unusable. Do not delete your eSIM unless you are completely finished with it. Check the provider's policy before deleting.

Only if the validity period is still active and data remains. Once the plan expires or data is exhausted, you'll need to purchase a new plan for your next trip.