eSIMion

eSIM glossary

Every term you might hit while buying or installing a travel eSIM, defined in plain language. Each definition stands on its own.

eSIM
A SIM card built into your phone as software. Instead of inserting a plastic chip, you download the SIM. Your phone can hold your normal SIM and an eSIM at the same time.
Order reference
The ID for your eSIMion purchase. It starts with ESM- and appears in your emails from us. Include it when you contact support so we can find your order instantly.
eSIM number (ICCID)
The serial number of an individual eSIM. You rarely need it. For anything with eSIMion, your order reference is the number to use.
QR code install
One way to install an eSIM. You scan a QR code with the phone's camera and the phone downloads the eSIM. The code must be displayed on a different screen than the phone doing the scanning.
Tap-to-install link
The easiest way to install. Your eSIM email contains a link. Open the email on your phone, tap the link, and the install starts. No scanning and no second screen.
LPA string
The long code that identifies your eSIM for manual installation. It is in your eSIM email. If scanning and tapping both fail, you paste this into your phone's Add eSIM screen.
SM-DP+ address
The server address your phone contacts to download the eSIM. It is included in your eSIM email for manual entry. You never need to know what it means.
Installing vs. activating
Installing puts the eSIM on your phone. Activating is when it first connects to a network in its coverage area and your plan starts running. You can install at home before you fly. The plan starts when it connects.
Data roaming
The phone setting that allows a line to use partner networks. A travel eSIM always connects through partner networks, so data roaming must be ON for the eSIM line. It costs nothing extra on a prepaid plan.
APN
A network setting that tells a SIM how to reach the internet. eSIMion eSIMs configure this automatically. You should never need to set or change an APN.
Carrier lock
A restriction some carriers put on phones bought through them. A locked phone refuses SIMs and eSIMs from anyone else. Your phone must be unlocked to use a travel eSIM.
Tethering / hotspot
Sharing your phone's data connection with other devices, like a laptop. It works on eSIMion plans. Shared data counts against your allowance.
Data allowance
The amount of data your plan includes, like 5 GB. When it is used up, data stops. Nothing gets charged, because plans are prepaid.
Validity period
How long your plan lasts, like 30 days. When it ends, data stops and nothing renews. Unused data does not carry over.
Top-up
Adding more data to an eSIM you already installed. Email trips@get.esimion.com and say "top up" to get a one-click refill link. No reinstall needed.
Local plan
A plan for one country. Usually the most data for your money when the whole trip stays in one place.
Regional plan
One plan covering a group of neighboring countries, like Europe or Southeast Asia. Cross borders without switching anything.
Global plan
One plan covering destinations across many regions. Built for multi-continent trips and cruises, where one eSIM for everything beats juggling several.