What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone. Instead of inserting a tiny plastic card, you download your mobile plan digitally. That's it.

How eSIM Works

Physical SIM vs eSIM

  • Physical SIM: Tiny plastic card you insert into your phone
  • eSIM: Digital version already built into your device

The Process

  1. Buy an eSIM plan from a provider
  2. Receive a QR code via email
  3. Scan the code with your phone's camera
  4. Your plan activates automatically

Takes about 2 minutes. No hunting for SIM card tools or fumbling with microscopic pieces of plastic.

Why eSIM is Better for Travel

No Physical Swapping

  • Keep your home SIM active
  • Add international data without removing anything
  • Switch between plans instantly
  • Never lose a tiny SIM card in a foreign country

Instant Activation

  • Buy a plan online
  • Activate before you travel
  • Connected the moment you land
  • No finding local phone shops or dealing with language barriers

Multiple Plans

Most modern phones can store 5-10 eSIM profiles:

  • Home carrier
  • International data plan
  • Work phone number
  • Backup carrier

eSIM Compatible Devices

iPhones

  • iPhone 16 series (all models)
  • iPhone 15 series (all models)
  • iPhone 14 series (all models) - US models are eSIM only
  • iPhone 13 series (all models)
  • iPhone 12 series (all models)
  • iPhone 11 series (all models)
  • iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation, 2020)

Android Phones

Google Pixel:

  • Pixel 9 series
  • Pixel 8 series
  • Pixel 7 series
  • Pixel 6 series
  • Pixel 5 and newer

Samsung Galaxy:

  • Galaxy S25 series
  • Galaxy S24 series
  • Galaxy S23 series
  • Galaxy S22 series
  • Galaxy S21 series
  • Galaxy S20 series
  • Galaxy Note 20 series
  • Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series

Other Brands:

  • OnePlus 11 and newer
  • Most flagship phones from 2020 onwards

Check Your Device

iPhone: Settings > General > About > Available SIM
Android: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs

If you see eSIM options, you're good to go.

Important Limitations

What eSIM Can't Do

  • Regional restrictions: iPhones sold in mainland China don't support eSIM
  • Carrier lock: Your phone must be unlocked
  • Data only: Most travel eSIMs don't include calling or SMS
  • Fair use: "Unlimited" plans often have speed throttling after heavy usage

Common Issues

  • Some carriers don't support eSIM yet
  • Corporate phones may have eSIM disabled
  • Older phones need software updates
  • Not all plans work in all countries

Travel eSIM Providers

Since you're here for discount codes anyway:

Best Options

  • Holafly: Unlimited data plans, good coverage
  • Airalo: Largest selection, pay-per-GB options
  • SimLocal: Competitive pricing, local partnerships

What to Look For

  • Coverage in your destination
  • Data allowance that matches your usage
  • Price per day/GB
  • Customer reviews for reliability

Installing Your First eSIM

Before You Buy

  1. Confirm your phone is unlocked
  2. Check eSIM compatibility
  3. Note your current carrier settings
  4. Have WiFi available for setup

Installation Steps

  1. Purchase eSIM from provider
  2. Receive QR code via email
  3. Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data
  4. Tap "Add eSIM" or "Add Data Plan"
  5. Scan the QR code
  6. Follow prompts to activate

Pro Tips

  • Screenshot the QR code as backup
  • Don't delete the setup email
  • Test the connection before traveling
  • Keep your original SIM active

The Bottom Line

eSIM technology eliminates the hassle of physical SIM cards when traveling. Instead of hunting for local phone shops or paying ridiculous roaming fees, you buy data online and activate instantly.

Ready to try it? Check out our discount codes for eSIM providers and save some money while you're at it.

eSIM: because dealing with tiny plastic cards when you're jet-lagged is nobody's idea of fun.