eSIM basics
What is an eSIM and how does it work?
An eSIM is the simplest way to get online abroad — no plastic card, no roaming bill. Here's how it works and how to get set up.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a small chip built into your phone that does the job of a plastic SIM card — but you activate it digitally. Instead of receiving a card in the post and slotting it in, you install a data plan by scanning a QR code. Nothing physical changes hands, so an eSIM can be delivered and running within seconds of purchase.
How is an eSIM different from a physical SIM?
A physical SIM is a removable card tied to one carrier; swapping networks means swapping cards. An eSIM is reprogrammable, so a single phone can hold several eSIM profiles at once and switch between them in settings. Most modern phones run an eSIM alongside your usual SIM — a 'dual SIM' setup — so you keep your home number for calls and texts while a travel eSIM carries your data abroad.
How does an eSIM work when you travel?
When you buy a travel eSIM, you're buying prepaid data on partner networks at your destination. You install the eSIM over Wi-Fi before you leave, then enable data roaming on that line. The moment you land and your phone finds a local partner network, the plan connects automatically — no roaming bill from your home carrier and no queuing for a local SIM at the airport.
Which phones support eSIM?
Most phones released from 2018 onward — iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy models. Your phone also needs to be carrier-unlocked. See our eSIM compatibility guide to confirm your exact device before you buy.
How do you set one up?
Buy online, scan the QR code we email you, and turn on data roaming for the eSIM line. It takes about a minute over Wi-Fi. Our step-by-step install guide walks through it on both iPhone and Android, including installing from the same phone when it's your only device.
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Frequently asked questions
01¿Qué es un eSIM y cómo funciona?
Un eSIM es una SIM digital integrada en tu teléfono — instalas un plan de datos escaneando un código QR, sin cambiar una tarjeta física. Funciona junto con tu SIM habitual, así que conservas tu número para llamadas y mensajes mientras usas datos locales en el extranjero.
02¿Cuánto tardaré en recibir mi eSIM?
Al instante. En cuanto se confirma tu pago, tu código QR y una guía de instalación paso a paso se envían por correo electrónico — normalmente en segundos.
03¿Es mi teléfono compatible con eSIM?
La mayoría de los teléfonos lanzados a partir de 2018 son compatibles con eSIM — iPhone XS y posteriores, Google Pixel 3 y posteriores, y modelos Samsung Galaxy recientes. Busca la opción 'Añadir eSIM' en los ajustes antes de comprar.
04¿Cuándo debo instalar mi eSIM?
Instálalo antes de viajar con Wi-Fi. En la mayoría de los planes, los datos se activan automáticamente cuando llegas y te conectas a una red local en tu destino.
05¿Puedo recargar cuando se acaben mis datos?
Sí. Crea una cuenta gratuita para gestionar tus eSIM y añadir más datos en cualquier momento, sin instalar un nuevo código QR.
06¿Qué pasa si tengo un problema con mi eSIM?
Nuestro equipo de soporte está disponible las 24 horas. Si tu eSIM no se puede instalar, lo reemitimos o reembolsamos tu pedido según nuestra política de reembolsos.