What is an eSIM, and how do you set one up?
An eSIM is a digital SIM already inside your phone. Instead of swapping a plastic card, you install a mobile plan by scanning a QR code, so you can land in a new country with working data in about two minutes, keep your normal number, and skip roaming charges entirely.
Setting up a travel eSIM in 4 steps
- Step 1
Buy your plan
Pick your destination and data amount and pay. Your eSIM is issued instantly as a QR code. No waiting, no shipping.
- Step 2
Scan the QR code
On the phone you’ll travel with, open Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Service) → Add eSIM, and scan the code. Or install it straight from the SimKit app. Some regions label the menu Mobile Service or Mobile Data instead of Cellular.
- Step 3
Label it
Name the line (e.g. “Travel”) and keep your home SIM as your default for calls and texts.
- Step 4
Turn it on when you land
Switch the travel line on for data, enable data roaming for that line, and you’re online. No local SIM, no roaming bill.
Which phones support eSIM?
Most phones from 2018 onward support eSIM and must be carrier-unlocked. The quickest check: if your phone’s settings show an “Add eSIM” option, you’re compatible.
- iPhone
- iPhone XS, XR and every model since (including SE 2020 and later).
- Google Pixel
- Pixel 3 and later (Pixel 3 excluding some carrier variants).
- Samsung Galaxy
- Galaxy S20 and later, Note 20, Z Fold/Z Flip series, and newer A-series.
- Other Android
- Many recent Motorola, Oppo, Huawei, Sony and Honor models. Check Settings for “Add eSIM”.
eSIM questions, answered
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone. Instead of inserting a plastic SIM card, you install a mobile plan by scanning a QR code. Your phone can hold several eSIMs and switch between them, so you can add a travel data plan without removing your home SIM.
How do I install and activate a travel eSIM?
After you buy, you get a QR code. Open your phone’s cellular settings, choose “Add eSIM”, and scan it. It takes about two minutes. Activate the line and turn on data roaming for it when you arrive at your destination.
Will an eSIM work on my phone?
Most phones released since 2018 support eSIM and must be carrier-unlocked. That includes iPhone XS and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, and recent Samsung Galaxy S, Note, Z Fold and Z Flip models. If your settings show an “Add eSIM” option, you’re good to go.
Do I keep my normal phone number?
Yes. A travel eSIM runs alongside your existing SIM. You keep your number for calls and texts on your home line and use the eSIM just for data, so there are no roaming charges.
When does my plan start?
Validity typically begins when the eSIM first connects to a network in your destination, so you can buy and install before you travel, and it starts counting when you arrive.
Can I run out of data, and can I add more?
You can. Keep an eye on your remaining data in the SimKit app, and where a plan supports top-ups you can add more data to the same eSIM without buying a new one or changing your number.
