What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a SIM that’s built into your phone. Instead of putting in a card, you download a plan onto it.
A SIM without the card
A phone needs a SIM to use a mobile network. The SIM tells the network which account the phone belongs to. For years that meant a small plastic card in a tray on the side of the phone.
An eSIM does the same job from a chip fixed inside the phone. The “e” stands for embedded. You add a plan to it by downloading a profile, usually by scanning a QR code, and the chip can hold more than one profile. That’s how one phone can carry your home line and a travel plan at the same time.
eSIM, SIM card or roaming
Three common ways to get mobile data abroad, compared.
Roaming on your own SIM
- Getting it
- Nothing to buy. Your SIM works abroad if your carrier allows it.
- Your own number
- Works as usual.
- What you pay
- Your carrier’s roaming rates, which depend on the carrier and the country.
A local SIM card
- Getting it
- Bought after you arrive, from a shop or kiosk, and put in your phone’s SIM tray.
- Your own number
- On a phone with one SIM tray, your own card comes out, so your number is off until you put it back.
- What you pay
- The local network’s prices.
A travel eSIM
- Getting it
- Bought online and installed by scanning a code.
- Your own number
- Your own SIM stays in the phone. Our plans are data only and have no number of their own.
- What you pay
- The price of the plan, which you know before you buy.
Your number and dual SIM
A travel eSIM for data is a second line beside your usual one, which is what dual SIM means. On a phone that keeps both lines on at once, your usual SIM keeps your number for calls and texts while the eSIM carries the mobile data. You choose which line uses data in the phone’s settings.
Your usual line is still roaming while you’re away, so your own carrier’s prices for calls and texts abroad still apply to it. Leave data roaming off on that line and turn it on only for the eSIM, so your data comes from the plan you bought.
Some phones keep only one line on at a time. On those, switching to the eSIM turns your usual number off until you switch back.
What you need to use one
A phone that supports eSIM and isn’t locked to the carrier that sold it, and an internet connection when you install the plan.
Find a plan for where you’re going
Search for a country or region and compare its plans, priced in the currency you choose.
Browse destinations