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
01什么是 eSIM，它是如何工作的？
eSIM 是内置于手机中的数字 SIM 卡——你只需扫描二维码即可安装数据套餐，无需更换实体卡。它与你原有的 SIM 卡并行使用，因此在境外使用当地数据时仍可保留原号码接打电话和收发短信。
02我多快能收到 eSIM？
即时。付款确认后，二维码和分步安装指南会立即通过电子邮件发送给你——通常只需几秒钟。
03我的手机支持 eSIM 吗？
2018 年及以后发布的大多数手机都支持 eSIM——包括 iPhone XS 及更新机型、Google Pixel 3 及更新机型，以及近期的三星 Galaxy 机型。购买前请在设置中查找“添加 eSIM”选项。
04我应该什么时候安装 eSIM？
出行前通过 Wi-Fi 安装即可。大多数套餐会在你抵达目的地并连接当地网络后自动激活数据。
05数据用完后可以充值吗？
可以。创建免费账户即可管理你的 eSIM 并随时增购数据，无需安装新的二维码。
06如果 eSIM 出现问题怎么办？
我们的支持团队全天候待命。如果你的 eSIM 无法安装，我们会按退款政策为你重新签发或退款。