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What is an eSIM? In plain language

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone. It connects you to a mobile network just like a physical SIM, without needing a plastic card.

Your eSIM is delivered digitally and installs in about 90 seconds. It appears as another mobile line alongside your regular SIM, so you can keep your usual number while using travel data.

  • No physical SIMNothing to swap or lose.
  • Installs digitallyReady in about 90 seconds.
  • Keep your SIMUse both side by side, whenever you need.
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Pele the Pelesim pelican tossing away a plastic SIM card while an eSIM glows above his phone

How an eSIM works

  1. 1

    Built into your phone

    Your device already includes eSIM hardware. No plastic SIM needed.

  2. 2

    Downloaded digitally

    Your carrier sends an eSIM profile to your device securely.

  3. 3

    Added as a mobile line

    The profile is installed and appears in your phone's settings.

  4. 4

    Connect when you need it

    At your destination, select the eSIM for data and you're connected.

eSIMs are secure and encrypted. You can store multiple eSIMs and switch between them anytime.

From purchase to connected

  1. 1

    Pick your destination

    Choose your country or region and find the plan that fits.

  2. 2

    Buy your plan

    Checkout securely and get your eSIM instantly by email.

  3. 3

    Install before you fly

    Follow the simple steps to install your eSIM in just a few minutes.

  4. 4

    Turn on when you arrive

    Activate the eSIM, choose it for data, and enjoy instant internet.

Install before your tripNo Wi-Fi at your destination? Install while you're in a Wi-Fi connection.Learn more

eSIM vs physical SIM: what's the difference?

The short version: an eSIM is a digital profile inside your phone, while a SIM is a removable plastic chip. Here is how the two compare for travel.

Format
eSIMA digital profile built into your phone
Physical SIMA small plastic chip you slot in
Getting one
eSIMBought online and delivered instantly
Physical SIMBought in a store or shipped to you
Setup
eSIMInstall with a tap or QR code in about 90 seconds
Physical SIMInsert the card, then activate it
Stored plans
eSIMKeep several profiles and switch in settings
Physical SIMOne card per SIM slot
Using abroad
eSIMBuy a local data plan before you fly
Physical SIMRoaming charges, or a local SIM on arrival
Keeping your number
eSIMAdded as a second line, so your number stays active
Physical SIMYour number lives on the card you remove
If it goes wrong
eSIMNothing physical to lose or damage
Physical SIMCan be lost, damaged, or left behind
Device support
eSIMRecent, carrier-unlocked phones
Physical SIMAlmost all phones, old and new

For most short trips an eSIM wins on convenience - you buy and install it before you fly and keep your regular SIM in place. A local physical SIM still fits a long stay where you want a local number.

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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Try one on your next trip

Prepaid eSIM plans for 200+ destinations, delivered instantly.

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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?

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 a QR code, and you are set. Your plan only starts when you connect at your destination, so install it at home while you have time.

iPhoneInstall guideiPadInstall guideAndroidInstall guide

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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