How eSIM Works
How does an eSIM work? Scan. Land. You're online.
An eSIM is a SIM card that lives inside your phone as software. Buy a data plan, scan one QR code, and your phone joins a local network the moment you land. No SIM tray, no airport queue, no roaming bill.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a tiny chip already built into your phone. Instead of inserting a plastic card, you download a mobile plan to it by scanning a QR code. A travel eSIM gives you local data in another country while your home SIM stays in the phone for calls and texts.
From checkout to connected in 4 steps
Do steps 1–3 at home. Step 4 happens when you land.
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011 min
Choose your destination
Pick a country or regional plan, then the data and days you need. Unlimited plans included.
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02Instant
Get your QR code by email
Your eSIM QR code lands in your inbox right after checkout. It's in the app too.
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032 min
Scan it before you fly
On Wi-Fi, go to Settings → Add eSIM and scan the code. Your home SIM stays where it is.
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04On landing
Switch on and go
Turn on the eSIM line and Data Roaming. Your phone joins a local partner network and you're online.
What actually happens when you scan the QR code
The QR code is a key, not the plan
It points your phone to a secure server that sends down an encrypted profile. Most QR codes work only once, so never delete an installed eSIM to "reset" it.
Why you switch "Data Roaming" on
Travel eSIMs connect through local partner networks, which your phone sees as roaming. You pay only for your prepaid plan, never your home carrier's roaming rates.
Two lines, one phone
Phones can store several eSIM profiles and run two lines at once: your home number for calls and OTPs, the travel eSIM for all your data.
eSIM vs local SIM card vs roaming
| Feature | Travel eSIM Best value | Local SIM card | Home carrier roaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup | Scan a QR code, about 2 minutes | Find a shop, show ID, swap SIM tray | Nothing to set up |
| When you're online | The moment you land | After you find a store | The moment you land |
| Price | Prepaid, from $3.50 per trip | Varies; airport tourist rates | Daily packs, usually the priciest |
| Keep your number | Yes, both lines work together | Only with a dual-SIM tray | Yes |
| Multi-country trips | One regional plan, e.g. 30 European countries | A new SIM in each country | Depends on your carrier |
| Bill shock risk | None, it's prepaid | Low | High |
How to install your eSIM
Takes about 2 minutes on Wi-Fi. Pick your phone below.
iPhone
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1Connect to Wi-FiThe eSIM profile downloads over the internet, so do this at home or your hotel.
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2Settings → Cellular → Add eSIMOn some models it says Mobile Data → Add eSIM.
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3Tap "Use QR Code" and scanScan the QR code from your ETravelSim email, or open it in the app.
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4Label it "Travel"Keep your home line as Primary for calls, SMS and iMessage.
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5On arrival: switch data to TravelSet Cellular Data to the Travel line and turn on Data Roaming for that line only.
Android (Samsung, Pixel)
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1Connect to Wi-FiThe eSIM profile downloads over the internet, so do this before you leave.
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2Open your SIM settingsSamsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM. Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM.
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3Scan the QR codeUse the QR code from your ETravelSim email or the app.
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4Keep your home SIM for callsLeave your regular SIM as the default for calls and SMS.
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5On arrival: turn on the eSIMSet it as your mobile data SIM and enable Data roaming for it.
5 mistakes that cost travellers their data
- Installing at the airport on weak Wi-Fi. Do it at home the night before.
- Deleting the eSIM to "fix" it. Most QR codes work only once.
- Forgetting Data Roaming. It must be ON for the travel eSIM line.
- Leaving mobile data on your home SIM. Switch data to the eSIM.
- Keeping roaming on for your home SIM. Turn it off to avoid charges.
Can't scan the QR code?
Choose "Enter details manually" and paste the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your email. Still stuck? Real humans answer 24×7.
Does my phone support eSIM?
The 10-second test: open your dialer and type *#06#. If you see an EID number, your phone has an eSIM chip. It also needs to be carrier-unlocked.
My phone works. Show me plansBuilt for travellers who hate roaming bills
Unlimited data plans
4 GB a day at full 4G/LTE speed, then 1 Mbps so you're never cut off.
Instant email delivery
Your QR code arrives right after checkout, so you can install days before you fly.
Multi-network coverage
Connect through strong local partner networks in 190+ countries and regions.
Hotspot friendly
Share your data with a laptop or travel buddy on supported plans.
24×7 human support
Real people on live chat, WhatsApp and email, whatever your time zone.
Keep your home SIM
Dual-SIM means your number, WhatsApp and bank OTPs all stay with you.
Where are you flying next?
Swipe to see more →eSIM questions, answered
How does an eSIM work?
Your phone has a built-in eSIM chip. When you buy a plan, you get a QR code. Scanning it downloads a secure mobile profile to that chip, and your phone connects to a local partner network in the country you visit, just like a local SIM card would.
Do I need internet to install an eSIM?
Yes. The profile downloads over Wi-Fi or mobile data, so install it before you travel, at home or at the airport. Once installed, it works without Wi-Fi.
When does my eSIM plan start?
Most travel plans start counting days when the eSIM first connects to a supported network at your destination, so you can install it days in advance. Check the validity details on your plan page.
Will I keep my WhatsApp number?
Yes. WhatsApp is linked to your phone number, not your data connection. Your home SIM stays in the phone, and WhatsApp keeps working over your eSIM data.
Can I still receive calls and OTPs on my home number?
Yes, if your home SIM stays active. Keep it on for calls and SMS and turn off its data roaming. Your home carrier may charge for calls or texts received abroad.
Can I use hotspot or tethering?
Hotspot works on supported plans, so you can share data with a laptop or a travel partner. Check the plan details before you buy.
Is eSIM cheaper than international roaming?
Usually by a wide margin. Plans start from $3.50, while carrier roaming packs are often charged per day. One prepaid eSIM also means no surprise bill when you get home.
What if my eSIM doesn't connect after I land?
Check three things: the eSIM line is turned on, Data Roaming is on for that line, and mobile data is set to the eSIM. Then restart your phone. Still stuck? Our human support team is available 24×7 on chat and WhatsApp.
Can I top up instead of buying a new eSIM?
Yes, many plans can be recharged from the Recharge page, so you keep the same eSIM installed and just add more data or days.
Your next trip, already connected.
Pick your destination today, install it tonight, and step off the plane online.