What is an eSIM?
The short answer
An eSIM is a SIM card that is built into your phone. The "e" stands for embedded. It does the same job as the plastic SIM card you know, but it is installed with a tap instead of a tray and a paperclip.
Because it is software, you can add one from anywhere. You can be on your couch at home and install a data plan for a country you will not reach until next week.
How a travel eSIM works
A travel eSIM is a prepaid data plan for another country, delivered as an eSIM. You buy it before your trip and install it at home. It sleeps until you land.
When you arrive, the eSIM connects to a local network and your phone has data. No airport SIM kiosk. No roaming charges from your home carrier.
eSIMion delivers yours by email with a tap-to-install link and a QR code. Nothing to download, no app in the middle.
What happens to my normal SIM?
Nothing. Your home SIM stays in your phone and your number keeps working. Calls and texts to your number still reach you.
The travel eSIM only handles data. Your phone uses both at once. When you get home, you switch the travel eSIM off. Your phone is exactly as it was.
Why travelers switch to eSIMs
Roaming with your home carrier is easy but expensive. Daily roaming passes add up fast on a two-week trip.
A local SIM card is cheap but costs you time. You have to find a shop, show your passport in some countries, and swap cards while jet-lagged.
A travel eSIM gives you the local price without the errand. You set it up before you leave and it just works when you land.
Does my phone support eSIM?
Most phones sold since 2018 do. iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer all support eSIM.
The one big exception is phones bought in mainland China, where eSIM is usually disabled. Check our device compatibility page for the full picture and a one-minute test.
Ready to try one?
Forward your trip email to trips@get.esimion.com and we will reply with plans that fit your dates. Or browse plans by destination.