These are the 30 most common questions we receive about travel eSIMs. All answered honestly and directly.
How eSIM Works
Q1: What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical card, you scan a QR code to install a mobile plan. It works exactly like a physical SIM card — calls, texts, and data — but lives in your phone's chip.
Q2: How do I get an eSIM plan?
Buy a plan on our website, receive a QR code by email, scan it in your phone settings, and your eSIM activates when it detects the right network abroad. The whole process takes 2-3 minutes.
Q3: When should I install the eSIM?
Install it before you travel — at home or at the airport on WiFi. You can install it weeks before your trip. It only activates (and starts using data) when it connects to a network in the destination country.
Q4: Does the eSIM activate immediately?
The profile installs immediately. Data activation happens when your phone connects to a network in the country you bought the plan for. This typically happens 30-60 seconds after you turn off Airplane Mode on arrival.
Compatibility
Q5: Is my phone compatible with eSIM?
iPhones from XS (2018) onwards. Samsung Galaxy S20 onwards. Google Pixel 3 onwards. Most flagship Android phones from 2019+. Check by going to Settings > About Phone and looking for eSIM or Carrier settings.
Q6: Does my phone need to be unlocked?
Yes. Your phone must be unlocked to use a foreign eSIM. Contact your home carrier to unlock if needed — most carriers unlock for free after your contract is complete.
Q7: Will eSIM work on an iPad?
Yes, most iPad models with cellular (iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini with cellular) from 2017+ support eSIM. Setup is identical to iPhone.
China Specific
Q8: Will Google work on your China eSIM?
Yes. Our China eSIM uses international roaming infrastructure which routes around the Great Firewall. Google, Gmail, Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook all work without a VPN.
Q9: Will a local Chinese SIM work with Google?
No. Local Chinese SIMs are subject to the Great Firewall and block Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and most foreign social media. An international roaming eSIM is the only way to access these services in China without a VPN.
UAE Specific
Q10: Will WhatsApp calls work in Dubai?
WhatsApp calls are blocked on local UAE SIMs and most hotel WiFi. Our UAE eSIM uses international roaming which bypasses this restriction — WhatsApp calls, FaceTime, and Zoom all work normally.
Data and Plans
Q11: How much data do I need?
Light user (maps and messaging only): 3GB for 7 days. Normal user (maps, social media, photos): 5-10GB for 7 days. Heavy user (video calls, streaming): 20GB for 7 days.
Q12: Can I use eSIM as a hotspot?
Yes. All our eSIM plans support Personal Hotspot on iPhone and Mobile Hotspot on Android. Share your connection with a laptop or tablet.
Q13: What happens when my data runs out?
Your data stops working but the eSIM profile stays on your phone. Buy a new plan online and the new data activates within minutes — no new QR code scan needed for reactivation on the same account.
Q14: Does data expire?
Plans are valid for the number of days stated (7, 15, or 30 days) from first use — not from purchase date. A 30-day plan starts counting from the day your eSIM first connects to a network.
Dual SIM
Q15: Can I keep my home number while using a travel eSIM?
Yes. This is one of the biggest advantages of eSIM. Set your home SIM for calls and SMS, and your travel eSIM for data. Both active simultaneously. Family can still call your regular number.
Q16: How do I make sure my travel eSIM handles the data, not my home SIM?
iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > select travel eSIM. Android: SIM Manager > Mobile data > select travel eSIM. Also turn Data Roaming OFF on your home SIM.
Troubleshooting
Q17: My eSIM installed but I have no signal abroad. What do I do?
Check that Data Roaming is ON for your travel eSIM. Settings (iPhone): Cellular > travel eSIM > Data Roaming > ON. Android: SIM Manager > travel eSIM > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming > ON. This is the most common issue and fix.
Q18: The QR code will not scan. What do I do?
Increase the brightness of the device displaying the QR code. Try entering the activation code manually — your purchase email also contains a text code. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Enter Details Manually.
Q19: I deleted my eSIM. Can I reinstall?
Contact our support team. Most plans can be reissued. Keep your original QR code email archived.