Buyer's Guide

How to buy an eSIM, in 3 steps

Choose your plan, install your eSIM, turn on and go.

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Connect in 3 simple steps

Pick, install, and activate your eSIM in minutes. No contracts, no physical SIM.

  1. Choose your plan

    Pick the perfect data package for your destination.

    Check compatibility
  2. Install your eSIM

    Get your eSIM by email and choose the installation method you prefer.

  3. Turn on and go

    • Turn roaming on for the eSIM only
    • WhatsApp keeps your home number
Step 1

First — check the device works

Available on every country page, the homepage, and at the bottom of the page. Use it if you don't know whether your phone supports eSIM.

Note: search your brand and model here. iPhones from XS onward and most Android phones from 2019 onward are supported.

Step 2

Two ways to install the same eSIM

You get both in the same email. The link is faster on modern devices; the QR works on any eSIM-capable phone.

Automatic

Recommended

Tap the installation link from the email. Your device sets up the eSIM automatically — no scanning, no typing codes.

*Works on iPhone and iPad with iOS 17.4 or later, and on most recent Android phones.

QR Code

Universal fallback

Scan the QR code from the email with your phone's camera and follow the on-screen steps to activate the eSIM.

*Works on any eSIM-capable phone. QR is one-time use — scanning again won't work.

Both arrive in your email. The quick link works on iOS 17.4+ and recent Android. The QR code works on any eSIM-capable phone.

Visual guide

Installation walkthrough, phone by phone

Each step shows what you'll see on your phone screen. Follow along with your device to install the eSIM.

iPhone

iOS 14+
  1. Settings → Cellular

    Connect to Wi-Fi first, then open Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data).

  2. Add eSIM

    Tap Add eSIM (older iOS: Add Cellular Plan).

  3. Scan the QR

    Pick Use QR code. Open the email on another device, then point the camera at the QR.

  4. Continue → Done

    iPhone detects the eSIM in seconds. Tap Continue, then Done. Don't exit the process.

  5. Set default lines

    Voice/iMessage → primary. Data → eSIM. Turn OFF "Allow Cellular Data Switching" to avoid roaming charges.

Android

Pixel · Samsung
  1. Network & Internet

    Connect to Wi-Fi first. Open Settings → Network & Internet.

  2. Add Mobile Network

    Tap + Add Mobile Network (Samsung: SIM manager → Add eSIM).

  3. Scan the QR

    Tap Next when asked about a SIM card. Point the camera at the QR from the email.

  4. Confirm eSIM

    Wait ~30s. Tap Done. The plan shows in Mobile Network settings.

  5. Enable data & roaming

    In Mobile Network: turn on Mobile Data and Data Roaming for the eSIM. Set APN if the plan requires it.

On arrival

Activate when you land

One toggle on the eSIM line. Your primary SIM keeps calls and WhatsApp working.

9:41● ● ●
Cellular
SIMs
Primary
+1 555 0100
Travel · Japan
TailSim · eSIM
Data Roaming ON · WhatsApp keeps your home number

Turn on the eSIM when you land. Your primary line stays active for calls and WhatsApp. Data flows through the eSIM — your home carrier stays out of data charges.

Ready to skip the airport SIM line?

Pick a destination, customize the plan, and we email the eSIM in under a minute.

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Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

When does my plan start counting?

From the first successful data connection in the destination country — not from purchase, not from QR install.

Can I install on more than one device?

QR codes are single-use. The automatic link also binds to one device. You'll need a separate plan for a second device.

What if my phone is older than 2018?

eSIM needs compatible hardware. Most phones released before 2018 (and many older Android models) don't have it. Check compatibility on any destination page before you buy.

Will my home carrier charge roaming?

Only if you keep your home SIM line active for data abroad. Once the eSIM is the data line, the home carrier doesn't charge for data.

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