What is an eSIM?
eSIMs are the future of SIM cards. An eSIM is a 100% digital SIM card that can be downloaded and installed on your device without the need to physically swap SIM cards. This means that no matter where you are in the world, you can easily and quickly access cheap data roaming.
The eSIMs on this page operate independently of your local phone subscription and your physical SIM card. This implies that you are able to have both your eSIM and SIM installed simultaneously, and to even operate both simultaneously through dual-SIM compatibility.
Hence, you can call home using your regular phone number and physical SIM, but have your roaming be applied to your digital eSIM. This capability is brilliant for travelling abroad, as you can avoid the often extraordinary fees from your local carrier.
With the eSIM technology, you no longer need to switch physical SIM cards when you travel; instead, you simply install a digital eSIM. This way, you achieve the highest degree of flexibility while getting affordable mobile data on your travels.
How does an eSIM work?
eSIM stands for “embedded-SIM”. An eSIM is an electronic SIM card in the form of a chip, which is embedded in the device. An eSIM works exactly the same way as a physical SIM card, and there is no difference in coverage.
You can think of it as if your device has a blank SIM card built into it. When it receives the electronic eSIM information, this gets ‘printed’ onto the blank SIM card, enabling your phone to use the mobile network exactly as if you had inserted a physical SIM card.
Today, most mobile phones support the eSIM technology, including all iPhones produced after 2018. You can check if your device is eSIM compatible by clicking on this link.
Use dual-SIM with an eSIM
Since most new mobile phones come with the ability to use both physical SIM cards and digital eSIM cards, manufacturers have also made it possible to use both SIM cards at the same time, also known as Dual-SIM. This means that if you buy an eSIM for going abroad, you will still be able to use your regular physical SIM card during your trip.
This is particularly clever if, for example, you want to receive text messages or see who is calling you while you are traveling. While, of course, your phone send the mobile data exclusively via your eSIM card.
If you are more curious about how this functionality works, you can watch the following video from Apple, which shows how the Dual-SIM functionality works on an iPhone.
How do you install an eSIM?
As the eSIM is a 100% digital SIM card, the installation is of course also 100% digital. On this page, you will find a variety of eSIMs specifically selected for your destination. We have chosen the best and cheapest eSIMs for each country and region.
After you have selected your desired eSIM, you will be directed to one of our suppliers, where you will make the purchase directly with the suppliers of your eSIM.
When you purchase your eSIM, you simultaneously create a user account with the supplier. You can subsequently use this to install your eSIM and to keep track of your data usage as you go.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an eSIM affect my regular phone subscription?
No, eSIMs operate independent of your regular phone subscription and physical SIM card. They will not affect your existing subscription, as your phone will, when set up, automatically route data through your eSIM instead of your SIM card.
I am traveling soon, can I buy an eSIM in time?
Absolutely! As eSIMs are digital, you can download them at anytime meaning you don't have to wait to receive a physical SIM card in the mail. Installing an eSIM is very similar to installing any other app, and it typically only takes a few minutes from purchase to installation.
I am currently abroad, can I install an eSIM for a different country?
Yes, these eSIMs can be installed anywhere in the world. The only requirement is an active internet connection for downloading.
You can use any internet connection for example the WiFi at the airport, your hotel or tethering from another phone.
For activating your eSIM, after having downloaded and installed it, you need to physically be at your destination country for your phone to connect to the local cell network.
Can I install an eSIM on my company phone?
Yes, no problem. Since the eSIM operates independently of your physical SIM card, the installation of the eSIM will have no impact on your company phone. On the contrary, you could end up saving your employer from a very expensive phone bill.
How far in advance can I buy my eSIM?
The timing of your eSIM installation depends on the provider, as each has different rules for when the validity period starts. Below, we’ve listed our recommended providers and their specific terms for activation and validity start.
Airalo eSIMs follow one of two activation policies. You can check which policy applies by viewing the “Additional Information” section when inspecting the eSIM.
First Activation Policy:
“The validity period starts when the eSIM connects to any supported network(s)”
This is the most common policy. eSIMs following this policy will activate once it connects to a local network at your destination. The validity period only starts counting down after this initial connection.
Second Activation Policy:
“The validity period starts at the installation”
Some Airalo eSIMs follow this second activation policy. If this applies to your eSIM, you can purchase it in advance, but it is important to wait until you’ve arrived at your destination before installing it to avoid starting the validity period too early.
When purchasing an eSIM from GlobaleSIM, you will be asked when you want your eSIM to activate. Currently, there doesn’t seem to be a limit on how far in the future you can put the activation date.
Saily eSIMs activate upon connection to a local network at your destination. You can purchase the eSIM ahead of time, but it must be activated within 30 days of the purchase date. Once it connects to a local network, the eSIM will be activated, and the validity period will start.
Nomad eSIMs all activate when they connect to a local network at your destination. You can purchase the eSIM in advance, but you must activate it within 60 days of the purchase date. Once connected to a local network, the eSIM will be activated, and the validity period will begin.
Can I use tethering / mobile hotspot?
Yes! All the suppliers we recommend at eSIMTravelHub allows you to use mobile hotspot and share your internet with friends and family.
If you're travelling in a group, this also allows you to pool your money together and buy a single large eSIM and then share the data with the group. Every group member can then have a smaller eSIM for communication, while larger data needs are handled through the main eSIM.
Can I use WhatsApp / iMessage?
Yes, as long as your primary line remains active, WhatsApp and iMessage will continue to use your regular phone number while the data used by these apps will be routed through your eSIM.
The majority of eSIMs we recommend are “data-only,” which means they do not include a phone number. As so, your phone won't have an alternative number to use.
Install via QR-code or directly in the app
After the purchase, you will receive an email from the suppliers with the order confirmation and the installation guide. In the email, you will have the option to install your eSIM via a QR code or through the suppliers application. There is no advantage to using one method over the other, and you should choose the method that seems easiest to you.
If you purchase your eSIM card on your computer, you will be able to scan the attached QR code. This QR code contains your eSIM. The installation will then automatically begin.
If you purchase your eSIM card on the same device as you would like to use it on, you can use the email to download the supplier’s app, from where you can install your new eSIM.
The installation process is identical across the different suppliers we use on eSIMTravelHub. The only difference is the app, as each supplier use their own app. You can use the app to install the eSIM and to keep track of your data usage.
You can read more about the installation of eSIM from our various suppliers on our Installation Guide page. On that page, we have collected links to each of the providers own installation guides.
