What is an eSIM and how do you use it when travelling? Full guide

5 July 2026 · 6 min read

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into your phone at the factory. No plastic chip, no tray to prise open with a pin, no switching provider: scan a QR code and you activate a data plan for abroad in minutes — even before you leave home.

How does it work?

1. You choose your destination and data plan (e.g. 5 GB / 30 days).
2. After payment you receive a QR code by email.
3. In your phone's settings you add the eSIM by scanning the QR code.
4. On arrival you switch on data roaming for the eSIM — and you're online.

On iPhone it is even simpler. From iOS 17.4 one tap on the top button in the confirmation email starts the installer — no second device needed to scan the QR code. Tap it on the iPhone itself. From Apple Mail it works straight away; if nothing happens in your mail app’s built-in browser (typically the Gmail app), open it in Safari: ⋯ → Open in Safari. Android has no such link, but instead of the QR you can use manual entry: the SM-DP+ address and the activation code are in the same email.

Which phones support it?

Practically every mid-range and flagship device released after 2018:

• iPhone: XR / XS and newer (including SE from 2020)
• Samsung: Galaxy S20 onwards, Z Flip/Fold, A54/A55 and newer
• Google: Pixel 3 onwards
• Xiaomi: 12T Pro onwards, 13/14 series

Quick check: dial *#06# — if you see an EID number, your device supports eSIM. The full list is in our compatibility checker.

Why is it better than roaming?

• Price: outside the EU (Türkiye, Egypt, the US, Asia) 1 GB of roaming often costs many times more. With an eSIM plan you pay a fraction of that.
• Control: a fixed-price plan — no bill shock when you get home.
• You keep your number: your physical SIM stays in place, you still receive calls and texts, only mobile data runs over the eSIM.
• Instant: no hunting for a local shop, no queueing, no passport registration.

We've collected the actual numbers and setup tricks in our article on roaming charges.

Frequently asked questions

When should I activate it? It's best to scan the QR code at home on Wi-Fi, but the data plan usually only starts when you first connect to a network abroad.

Can I make calls with it? Most travel eSIMs are data-only — for calls use WhatsApp, Viber or FaceTime.

What happens when the data runs out? Most plans simply stop — you can top up at any time, so bill shock is impossible.

Can I delete it afterwards? Yes, once you're home the eSIM profile can be removed from settings in a single step.