What is an eSIM and How Does It Work for Travel?

Irene Lidia Wang

Last updated: Dec 10, 2024 6 min

You certainly know what a SIM card is as you probably have this thumbnail-sized chip sitting somewhere in your mobile phone right now.

Like many other things we use every day, SIM cards have now gone digital, adding an "e" to it and moving all your information from a static and removable chip to a reprogrammable, embedded chip.

If you are unsure what an eSIM is and want some clarity on how it can be used for your travels, we break it down for you in this guide.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into modern devices like smartphones, allowing activation of mobile plans without a physical card. It enables people to easily switch carriers, activate new plans, and manage multiple profiles remotely, all through software.

How Does an eSIM Work?

An eSIM uses special software already installed in your device to function just like a physical SIM card.

When activated, it allows your smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or even some cars to connect to a cellular network, make calls, and use mobile data, all without a removable SIM card.

You can also easily switch to another carrier without needing to remove your current SIM card – it can remain in place, giving you the flexibility to use either the physical SIM, the eSIM, or even both at the same time.

How Do I Install and Activate an eSIM?

To start using an eSIM, you simply purchase an eSIM plan from an eSIM provider and follow a quick setup process, usually involving scanning a QR code or using an app.

Airalo lets you activate an iPhone eSIM through an app (Airalo)

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For iPhones having installed iOS 17 or above, many eSIM providers even allow you to activate the eSIM automatically without the need to use a QR code or manual setups.

What Are the Benefits of Using an eSIM for Travel?

As international travelers ourselves, the flexibility and convenience this brings are significant:

They are easy to use: No need to juggle tiny SIM cards and scour for a paperclip or earrings to open your SIM tray anymore. eSIMs allow you to change your carrier or plan directly on your device, simplifying the way you stay connected on the go.
You can stay flexible while traveling: As soon as you land in a new country, you can instantly subscribe to a local data plan, all while keeping your home SIM active for calls and texts. eSIMs make this seamless, effectively putting an end to costly roaming charges.
You take advantage of dual SIM capabilities: The latest smartphones have embraced dual SIM technology, incorporating both an eSIM and a physical SIM slot. This dual capacity means you can manage two numbers or data plans simultaneously, which is great for separating work and personal use.

Limitations of eSIMs for Travel

Of course, like any technology, there are pros and cons to eSIMs for travelers.

The catch with eSIMs is that not every network provider has jumped on this technology yet and you have limited carrier compatibility. Depending on your destination, you might find the eSIM options somewhat limited.

You might also experience issues with device compatibility as not all smartphones are eSIM-ready. Before you set your heart on making the switch, it's therefore important to always make sure to check if your device is eSIM-compatible.

How to Check If Your Device Supports eSIMs

Follow the steps below if you want to know whether your mobile phone actually supports eSIMs:

iPhone and iOS Devices

Go to your "Settings" app.
Tap on "Cellular" or "Mobile Data".
If you see an option like "Add Cellular Plan" or "Add eSIM", your device is compatible.

Android Devices

Open your "Settings" app.
Look for "Connections" or "Network & Internet".
Find "SIM Card Manager" or "SIMs".
If "Add eSIM" shows up, your device is good to go!

How you might be asking? We here you. Here's a

Device Compatibility with eSIMs

To make your life even easier, here's an overview of the most common brands that support eSIMs and a checklist on how to check if your device is eSIM-ready:

eSIM Compatible iOS Devices

For the Apple crowd, if you’ve got anything iPhone XS and up or the latest iPads, you’re likely good to go.

Below are the latest Apple models that support eSIM:

iPhone: Most models from iPhone XS and newer (iPhone 11 and onwards have expanded compatibility), including the iPhone 15 Series (15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max), the iPhone 14 Series (14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max) and the iPhone 13 Series: (13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max)
iPad: iPad Pro, iPad Air, and newer iPad models with Wi-Fi + Cellular features support eSIMs.

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Some recent iPhones allow for dual active eSIMs – meaning you can have two lines active simultaneously!

eSIM Compatible Android Devices

For the Android crew, here are the latest Android models that support eSIMs:

Samsung Galaxy S23 Series: Samsung Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S22 Series: Samsung GalaxyS22, S22+, S22 Ultra
Google Pixel 7 Series: Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro
Google Pixel 6 Series: Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro
Motorola models: Razr 2022, Razr 2019 and Razr 5G.
Huawei models: P50 Series, P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40, and 50 Series.
OPPO models: Find X3 Pro, Find X5, Find X5 Pro, and Reno A.
SONY models: Xperia 5 V (and beyond), Xperia 1 V (and beyond), Xperia 10 III Lite, Xperia 10 IV, and Xperia 1 IV.

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Note that this is not an exhaustive list (many more phones support eSIMs!)

Are eSIMs Better Than Physical SIMs for Travel?

We definitely think so. We're big fans of eSIMs and we think we are definitely worth the extra price that you might pay in some cases.

We are always on the move and we know that the joy of travel often comes with this less joyful task of fiddling with SIM cards—always poking around with a paperclip to swap them out. So, for us, eSIMs feel like opening gifts on Christmas morning for travelers.

No more tiny SIM cards to lose or swap. You just pick a plan, tap a few times on your phone, and you’re set to travel internationally with your phone number from back home still active for those "wish you were here" calls. It's priceless.

Feature	eSIM	SIM
Different sizes	❌	✅
Removable	❌	✅
Seamlessly switch carriers	✅	❌
Join multiple networks and program many data plans	✅	❌
Travel friendly	✅	❌
Switch between different devices	❌	✅

Can You Make International Calls with an eSIM?

Making international calls with an eSIM is possible, but it will highly depend on the type of eSIM plan you decide to choose.

There are providers like Roamless, BNESIM, and aloSIM that offer international calling plans as an actual feature, allowing you to make calls without using your roaming data.

Most eSIMs like Airalo, Jetpac, and Holafly, though, offer data-only plans. In these cases, you can use internet-based apps (or VoIP apps) such as WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime to make calls. You will be using your eSIM's roaming data without incurring international call charges.

Ready to Bring an eSIM With You for Your Next Trip?

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Written by Irene Lidia Wang

UX Designer and digital nomad. After struggling with feelings of not belonging due to her Italian-Chinese heritage, she co-founded Freaking Nomads to offer a space for people seeking their own paths.

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