Travel eSIM: the best eSIM for travel and how to install it

Updated 11 October 2026 · Advinne editorial team

A travel eSIM gives your phone local mobile data abroad without a plastic SIM card or a big roaming bill. You buy a data plan online, scan a QR code and you are connected when you land. This guide explains how it works, which phones support it and how to choose a provider.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a SIM chip built into your phone's hardware. Instead of swapping plastic cards, you download a mobile plan as a digital profile. One phone can store several eSIM profiles and switch between them in settings.

A travel eSIM is simply a data plan for another country or region that you download to that chip. You keep your normal number on your home SIM or eSIM, and add the travel plan for data while you are away.

How travel eSIMs work

1. Choose a destination and plan, such as 5 GB for 7 days in Japan, or unlimited data in Europe for 10 days.
2. Pay online or in the provider's app. You receive a QR code or an install button.
3. Install the eSIM in your phone's settings. It takes about a minute.
4. Arrive and connect. The eSIM joins a partner network at your destination. Turn on data roaming for the travel eSIM only.
5. Top up in the app if you run low.

Travel eSIM providers partner with local mobile networks, so you get local data speeds without paying your home carrier's roaming rates.

Which phones support eSIM?

Most recent flagship and many mid-range phones support eSIM. Common examples include:

• iPhone: iPhone XS, XR and every newer model. US models from iPhone 14 onwards are eSIM-only.
• Google Pixel: Pixel 3 and newer (some early regional models excluded).
• Samsung Galaxy: many S-series models from the S20 onwards, plus recent Z Fold and Z Flip models; support varies by region.
• Others: many recent Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo and Sony phones, and many iPads and Android tablets.

How to check if your phone supports eSIM

• iPhone: Settings > General > About. If you see "Digital SIM" or an EID number, your iPhone supports eSIM. You can also look for "Add eSIM" in Settings > Cellular.
• Android: Settings > About phone > Status, and look for an EID. Or check Settings > Network & internet > SIMs for an "Add eSIM" or "Download a SIM" option.
• Any phone: dial *#06#. If an EID number appears, your phone has an eSIM chip.

Your phone must also be carrier-unlocked. Phones bought on some contracts are locked to one network; ask your carrier to unlock it before you travel.

How to install an eSIM on iPhone

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Open Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Add eSIM.
3. Choose Use QR Code and scan the code from your provider, or tap the install button in the provider's app.
4. Label the new plan (for example, "Travel") so you can tell it apart from your home line.
5. Choose your home line for calls and texts, and the travel eSIM for Cellular Data.
6. Turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching if you do not want your home line to use data.
7. When you land, open the travel eSIM's settings and turn on Data Roaming.

How to install an eSIM on Android

Menu names vary by brand, but the steps are similar:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs (Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM manager).
3. Tap Add eSIM or Download a SIM instead? and scan the QR code.
4. Name the eSIM and confirm.
5. Set the travel eSIM as your mobile data SIM.
6. On arrival, turn on Roaming for the travel eSIM.

How to activate an eSIM

Installing and activating are often different steps. Many travel plans start counting days when the eSIM first connects to a network at your destination, not when you install it. Check your plan's activation policy, install early on Wi-Fi and switch data on after you land.

eSIM vs physical SIM vs roaming vs pocket Wi-Fi

eSIM vs physical SIM: pros and cons

• eSIM pros: buy before you fly, no shop queue, no tiny card to lose, several plans on one phone.
• eSIM cons: needs a compatible, unlocked phone; most travel plans are data-only.
• Physical SIM pros: works in older phones, often includes a local number.
• Physical SIM cons: you must find a shop, and you remove your home SIM on single-SIM phones.

How much data do you need?

If you are unsure, choose a mid-size plan with top-ups, or an unlimited plan for heavy use.

Data tips for travellers

• Download offline maps and playlists on Wi-Fi before you go.
• Turn off auto-updates and cloud photo backup on mobile data.
• Keep your home SIM's data roaming off to avoid surprise charges.
• Use Wi-Fi calling or internet calls for long conversations.
• Check hotspot rules if you want to share data with a laptop.

Travel eSIM providers compared

Prices come only from official websites, checked 11 October 2026. Click a heading to sort.

How to choose a travel eSIM

• Destination coverage: single country, regional (for example Europe or Asia) or global.
• Data amount and validity: match gigabytes and days to your trip.
• Unlimited vs fixed data: unlimited suits heavy users; fixed data is often cheaper for light use.
• Speed: check whether 5G is included at your destination.
• Extras: hotspot support, top-ups, a phone number or calls, and support hours.

Calling home a lot? See our guide to cheap international calls.

Frequently asked questions

Travel eSIM prices depend on destination, data amount and validity. We list only prices shown on official websites on the checked date. Some links may earn us a commission at no cost to you (affiliate disclosure).