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eSIM basics

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone. No plastic to swap - you install your plan with a tap or a QR code, and your data works abroad without roaming fees.

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eSIM, in plain language

eSIM stands for embedded SIM. It does exactly what a regular SIM card does - it identifies your phone to a mobile network so you can use data, calls, and texts - but it is a small chip soldered inside the device rather than a card you insert.

Because the hardware is already in your phone, getting connected is just a download. A provider sends you an eSIM digitally, your phone installs it in about 90 seconds, and it appears as a new line in your settings alongside your regular SIM. Most phones can store several eSIMs at once, which is what makes them so useful for travel: one plan per trip, no plastic, nothing to lose.

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How does an eSIM work?

It's already in your phone

The eSIM chip is built into the device at the factory. There is no card to insert and nothing physical to buy - your phone just needs to support it.

Plans install digitally

You buy a plan online and your phone downloads it in about 90 seconds, with a one-tap install or by scanning a QR code. No store visit, no SIM tool, no tray.

Then it works like any SIM

Once installed, the eSIM connects to mobile networks exactly like a physical SIM - on 5G or 4G LTE where available - and shows up as a second line in your settings.

eSIM vs physical SIM card

Same job, very different experience - especially when you are traveling.

eSIMPhysical SIM
How you get itDelivered online in secondsBought in a store or shipped to you
SetupOne-tap install or QR scan, about 90 secondsFind a SIM tool, open the tray, swap cards
Your own numberStays active - your regular SIM never leaves the phoneGoes offline while the card is out
Losing itNothing to lose - it lives in the phoneTiny plastic card, easy to misplace mid-trip
Buying for a tripSet up at home before you flyUsually bought after you arrive
Multiple plansStore several eSIMs and switch in settingsOne card per slot

Ready to get your travel data sorted?

Choose a travel eSIM, install before you fly, and start your plan when you connect at your destination.

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Why travelers use eSIMs

The two things an eSIM really fixes: surprise roaming bills, and the scramble to get connected in a new country.

No roaming bill shock

A travel eSIM is prepaid. You know the full cost before you fly, and there is nothing to accidentally run up.

Set up before you fly

Install at home with an internet connection. A Pelesim plan only starts when you connect at your destination, not when you install it.

Keep your number and WhatsApp

Your physical SIM stays in the phone for calls and texts while the eSIM handles data, so WhatsApp and your number keep working as usual.

Delivered instantly

The eSIM arrives by email and in your dashboard right after checkout - even if you buy it at the departure gate.

One phone, every trip

Phones can store several eSIMs, so you can keep a plan per destination and switch between them in settings.

Top up instead of re-buying

Running low mid-trip? Add data to the same eSIM from your dashboard in a few taps - no store, no new setup.

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Prepaid eSIM plans for 200+ destinations, delivered instantly.

United Statesfrom $1.80Italyfrom $1.40United Kingdomfrom $1.40Francefrom $1.60Spainfrom $1.40Japanfrom $1.70Thailandfrom $1.90200+ more
Will My Phone Work?Most phones from recent years support eSIM, as long as they are carrier-unlocked. Search your exact model before you buy.Check device compatibilityHow Much Data Do You Need?Answer a few quick questions about your trip and get a plan size recommendation in under a minute.Try the data calculator

How do you install an eSIM?

With Pelesim it takes about 90 seconds with an internet connection: open the install details from your email or dashboard, add the eSIM with a one-tap install or by scanning the QR code, and label the new line so it is easy to spot later. Your plan does not start until you connect at your destination, so install it at home while you have time to finish the setup.

We keep step-by-step guides for every platform: iPhone, iPad, and Android. And if you want the full journey from checkout to connected, see how Pelesim works.

eSIM questions, answered

Will I lose my phone number if I use an eSIM?
No. Your physical SIM stays in the phone and your number stays active. The eSIM is added as a second line that handles data, so calls and texts to your regular number still reach you.
Can I still use WhatsApp abroad with a travel eSIM?
Yes. WhatsApp is tied to your account, not to whichever SIM provides the data, so it keeps working with your existing number while the eSIM supplies the internet connection.
Which phones support eSIM?
Most phones released in recent years do, including iPhone XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and Google Pixel 3 and newer. The phone also needs to be carrier-unlocked. The quickest way to be sure is our device compatibility checker.
Is an eSIM better than a physical SIM for travel?
For most trips, yes. You can buy and install it before you fly, it cannot be lost or damaged, and your own SIM stays in the phone so your number keeps working. A local physical SIM can make sense for long stays where you want a local number.
Can I have more than one eSIM on my phone?
Yes. Most eSIM phones can store several profiles and keep two lines active at once - typically your regular SIM plus a travel eSIM. You choose which line handles data in your phone settings.
When does a travel eSIM plan start?
Every Pelesim plan starts on first use: validity begins when the eSIM first connects to a network at your destination, not when you install it. You can set everything up days before the trip without losing a single day of your plan.
How much does a travel eSIM cost?
Plans are priced per destination by data amount and validity days, and a typical trip's plan often costs less than a single day of carrier roaming. Not sure how much data you need? Our data calculator gives you an estimate from how you actually use your phone.
What happens when my data runs out?
You top up the same eSIM from your Pelesim dashboard in a few taps, and we email you before you run out so it never comes as a surprise.
Still have a question? Contact us

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