What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built permanently into your phone, tablet, or smartwatch. Unlike a physical SIM card, it cannot be removed or swapped — instead, you download a carrier's plan over the internet. You can store multiple plans and switch between them in Settings.
How does eSIM work?
When you buy an eSIM plan, the provider sends you a QR code by email. You scan the QR code in your phone's Settings → Cellular (iPhone) or Settings → Network (Android), and the carrier's profile downloads directly onto your phone's built-in eSIM chip. The process takes under 60 seconds and requires only a Wi-Fi connection. Once installed, the eSIM works exactly like a physical SIM card — connecting to local towers for calls and data.
eSIM vs physical SIM card
| Feature | eSIM | Physical SIM |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Download by QR code — no visit to a store | Buy in-store or by post; insert physically |
| Switching carriers | Switch in Settings in seconds | Requires physical swap |
| Travel use | Buy before you fly; activate when you land | Must find a local shop on arrival |
| Number of plans | Store multiple plans simultaneously | One plan per SIM slot |
| Lost/damaged risk | None — chip is built in | Risk of losing or damaging the card |
| Data-only (travel) | Yes — most travel eSIMs are data-only | Yes — many travel SIMs are data-only |
eSIM pros and cons
- Pro: Instant activation — no waiting for a SIM to arrive or a store to open.
- Pro: Dual SIM without two slots — keep your home number active alongside a travel data plan.
- Pro: No SIM to lose — the chip is soldered into the device.
- Pro: Easier travel data — buy a local plan from home before you fly.
- Con: Not removable — if you want to sell your phone and remove the carrier profile, you do it in software (easy but different from pulling a SIM).
- Con: Not all phones support it — older phones, some budget Androids, and certain regional models lack eSIM.
- Con: Some carriers still don't support eSIM — especially in less-developed markets.
- Con: eSIM profiles can only be transferred, not copied — moving to a new phone requires re-downloading the plan.
Which phones support eSIM?
| Brand | Models with eSIM support |
|---|---|
| Apple iPhone | iPhone XS and newer (2018+). US iPhone 14/15/16 are eSIM-only — no physical SIM slot. |
| Samsung Galaxy | Galaxy S20 and newer, Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series, Galaxy Note 20+ |
| Google Pixel | Pixel 3 and newer (Pixel 3a excluded) |
| OnePlus | OnePlus 12 global model (CPH2583). Chinese models do not support eSIM. |
| Motorola | Motorola Razr series, Edge+ 2022 and newer |
| Sony | Xperia 10 III and newer in select markets |
Using eSIM for international travel
Travel eSIM is the most popular use case for eSIM technology. Instead of paying $10–$15/day for international roaming, or finding a local SIM shop after landing, you buy a local data plan before your trip and activate it the moment your plane touches down. Travel eSIMs are data-only (no calls from a local number), which is fine for most travelers who use WhatsApp, iMessage, or FaceTime Audio. Your home SIM stays active in the background for calls and texts from your home number.
How much does a travel eSIM cost?
| Destination | Flysimio price | Typical roaming charge |
|---|---|---|
| Japan (5 GB / 30 days) | $5.00 | $150–$450/month roaming |
| Europe (5 GB / 30 days) | $8.00 | $10–$15/day roaming |
| USA (5 GB / 30 days) | $7.00 | $10–$15/day roaming |
| Thailand (5 GB / 30 days) | $4.50 | $10/day+ roaming |
| Australia (5 GB / 30 days) | $9.00 | $10–$15/day roaming |
Does an eSIM give you a phone number?
It depends on the type of eSIM plan. Travel eSIMs from providers like Flysimio are data-only — you get internet access but no new phone number. Your home number (on your physical SIM or home eSIM profile) remains active for calls and texts. Some eSIM plans from domestic carriers do include a phone number — these are for people switching their primary line, not travel data add-ons.
Frequently asked questions
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into your phone. You download carrier plans by scanning a QR code — no physical card needed. You can store multiple eSIM profiles and switch between them in Settings.
What is the downside of eSIM?
eSIM is not removable (by design), not all phones support it, and some carriers in developing countries don't offer eSIM yet. For travel, the main limitation is that most travel eSIMs are data-only — you keep your home number for calls. eSIM profiles also can't be copied, only transferred, which matters when switching phones.
Does eSIM work on any phone?
No. eSIM requires hardware support. Most flagship phones since 2018 support eSIM — iPhone XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer. Budget phones and regional variants of some Android models may not have eSIM.
How much does a travel eSIM cost?
Travel eSIM plans cost much less than roaming. Flysimio prices start at $1.75 for small plans and range from $4–$15 for a 5 GB / 30-day plan depending on the country. Compare this to $10–$15/day for most international roaming plans.
Do eSIMs give you a phone number?
Travel eSIMs are data-only and do not give you a new local phone number. Your home SIM number stays active. Domestic carrier eSIMs (when you sign up for a new phone plan) do include a phone number.
Can I use eSIM on an older iPhone?
eSIM is supported from iPhone XS (2018) onwards. iPhone X, 8, 7, and older models do not support eSIM. iPhone SE (2nd gen, 2020) and iPhone SE (3rd gen, 2022) both support eSIM.