Frequently Asked Questions

A travel eSIM is a digital SIM built into your smartphone that lets you use mobile data abroad without swapping physical SIM cards. You purchase a plan for your destination, install it by scanning a QR code from your account, and your device connects to a local network the moment you arrive. No airport SIM shops, no plastic cards — just instant connectivity wherever you land. Want to understand the technology behind it? Read our full guide: What is an eSIM?

Most smartphones released from 2020 onward support eSIM — including iPhone XR and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20+ and later, Google Pixel 3+, and many other brands. The key requirement is that your device must be carrier-unlocked. The quickest way to check is to go to Settings > Mobile Data and look for an "Add eSIM" option. You can also verify your exact model on our eSIM compatible devices page.

Your plan validity begins only when your device first connects to a mobile network in your destination country — not when you purchase or install it. This means you can buy your eSIM weeks in advance, install it the day before you fly, and the countdown won't start until you land and connect. No wasted days, no rush at the airport.

Yes, and this is the most common setup step people miss. Even though your eSIM uses a local network plan (not your home carrier's roaming), your phone still requires data roaming to be enabled for the eSIM line. Go to Settings > Mobile Data > select your eSIM line > toggle Data Roaming on. Don't worry — this won't trigger extra charges. All data usage stays within your prepaid eSIM plan.

Don't panic — most issues have a simple fix. Start with these three checks: First, make sure data roaming is turned on for your eSIM line (this is the #1 cause). Second, confirm your eSIM is selected as the primary data line in your cellular settings. Third, restart your device — this forces a fresh network registration. If you're still stuck after these steps, our detailed troubleshooting guide covers every scenario: Why is my eSIM not working?

Standard plans give you a fixed data allowance (1 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, etc.) that you use at full 4G/5G speed throughout the entire validity period. When your data runs low, you can top up directly from your account to add more data and extend validity — no need to remove your eSIM or buy a new one. Unlimited plans work differently: you select a number of days, and each day your high-speed data allowance resets every 24 hours. After the daily quota is used, speeds are reduced but you remain connected for the rest of that day. Standard plans are great for moderate usage, while unlimited plans suit travelers who stream, video call, or use maps heavily throughout the day. Compare both types for your destination: browse all destinations.

Many of our plans support personal hotspot and tethering, so you can share your eSIM connection with a laptop, tablet, or travel companion's phone. However, some local operators restrict tethering on certain plans. Plan details on each destination page clearly indicate whether hotspot is supported, so you can check before purchasing.

Yes — that's exactly what regional and global plans are designed for. A single-country plan covers one destination, but our regional plans let you roam across multiple countries within a region (like all of Europe or Southeast Asia) on one eSIM. Global plans extend this to 100+ countries worldwide. Your data balance carries seamlessly across borders with zero additional charges. If you're visiting more than one country, a regional or global plan is almost always better value than buying separate plans. Explore your options: all destinations and regions.

Yes, completely. Traditional carrier roaming can cost anywhere from $5 to $15 per megabyte in some regions — a single hour of casual browsing could result in a shocking bill. A travel eSIM connects you to local networks at prepaid rates, starting from just $4.50 for 1 GB. You pay a fixed price before you travel, use your data freely, and there are absolutely no surprise charges when you get home. See how eSIM compares to other options: eSIM vs physical SIM cards.