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.
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.
FAQ on eSIMs
No, these eSIMs operate entirely independent of your regular phone subscription. They will not affect your subscription, and you will not experience any additional charges from your local carrier.
Absolutely! As eSIMs are entirely electronic, it means that you do not 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.
Yes, these eSIMs can be installed anywhere in the world. The only requirement is an active internet connection for downloading. Here you can use the WiFi at the airport or your hotel. You might experience that the eSIM cannot activate before you are in range of the carrier that the eSIM is using to connect. However, the purchase and installation can both take place abroad.
Yes, no problem. Since the eSIM operates independently of your physical SIM card, the installation of the eSIM will have no impact on your work phone. On the contrary, you could end up saving your employer from a very expensive phone bill.
How far in advance you can buy your eSIM depends on the specific supplier.
Airalo
At Airalo, they differentiate between two different policies. However, neither of them has a time limit or a set date when you need to use your eSIM, as there is with Nomad. Instead, they have the following two policies. You can see which one applies for you when selecting the desired eSIM on Airalo's webpage.
"The validity period starts when the eSIM connects to any supported network(s)":
This means you can install your eSIM card before you travel, as it only starts counting when you arrive and your mobile phone finds the local network.
"The validity period starts at the installation"
A few eSIM cards at Airalo have this setting. Here the time on your eSIM card starts as soon as you install it. Therefore, it is recommended to wait to install your eSIM card until you arrive at your destination.
Nomad
At Nomad, you have 30 days from purchase until it automatically expires. So if you're traveling in June, the earliest you can buy your eSIM will be in May.
Otherwise, the time on your eSIM card starts its countdown when the eSIM card connects to the local network.
RedTeaGo
At RedTeaGo, the same rule applies as at Nomad. You have 30 days from purchase until it automatically expires.
Otherwise, the time on your eSIM card starts its countdown when the eSIM card connects to the local network.
Yes! All the suppliers found at eSIMTravelHub allows you to share your internet through tethering.
If you prefer, this also allow you to only buy one large eSIM package and then share the internet within your travel group.