eSIM Services: Understanding Your Options
The eSIM market offers a wide spectrum of plan types, each suited to different travel patterns, budgets, and technical requirements. This guide categorises the main service types, explains their mechanics, and helps you identify which option best fits your journey. All terminology is defined in our Glossary.
Core Service Types
Single-Country eSIM
Designed for travel to one specific country. Typically offers the best value per GB and highest network priority. Ideal for holidays or business trips with a fixed destination.
Best for: Holidays, single-destination business travel, short stays (3–30 days).
Regional eSIM
Covers a group of countries (e.g., Europe, Southeast Asia, Americas). One plan, multiple countries — no need to switch profiles at each border.
Best for: Multi-country tours, backpacking, conference circuits.
Global eSIM
Single plan covering 100–190+ countries. Higher price per GB but unmatched flexibility. Suitable for frequent international travellers.
Best for: Digital nomads, frequent flyers, journalists, aid workers.
Data-Only vs. Voice+Data Plans
The majority of travel eSIM plans are data-only. This means they provide a mobile data connection but do not assign a local phone number. Voice calls and SMS are handled via internet-based apps (WhatsApp, Signal, FaceTime Audio, etc.) using your existing home number.
A small number of carriers offer voice+data eSIM plans, which assign a local number. These are more expensive and less widely available. For most leisure travellers, data-only plans are the practical and cost-effective choice.
Included / Not Included: Detailed Breakdown
| Feature | Single-Country | Regional | Global |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile data | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Local phone number | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| SMS | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Hotspot/tethering | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 4G LTE | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 5G access | Varies | Varies | ✗ |
| Unlimited data | Some plans | ✗ | ✗ |
| Auto top-up | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Refund for unused data | Carrier-dependent | ✗ | ✗ |
| Multi-device sharing | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Emergency calls | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Network priority | High | Medium | Low |
Activation Methods
eSIM activation follows one of three methods, depending on the carrier:
- QR Code: The most common method. Scan the QR code in your device's eSIM settings. Works on all eSIM-compatible devices.
- App-Based: Some carriers provide a dedicated app that installs the profile automatically. Requires downloading the app before travel.
- Manual Entry: Enter SM-DP+ server address and activation code manually. Used as a fallback when QR scanning fails.
Device Compatibility
eSIM support is now standard on most flagship smartphones released after 2018. However, compatibility varies by model, region, and carrier lock status. Key considerations:
- iPhones from XS/XR onwards support eSIM; iPhone 14 (US model) is eSIM-only.
- Samsung Galaxy S20 and later support eSIM in most markets.
- Google Pixel 3 and later support eSIM.
- Some budget Android devices do not include eSIM hardware.
- Carrier-locked devices may restrict eSIM to the locking carrier.
- Check your device's IMEI at our FAQ for verification steps.
Service Limitations and Exclusions
Key Terms
- eSIM
- An embedded SIM card built into your device that can be programmed remotely without a physical SIM swap.
- IMSI
- International Mobile Subscriber Identity — a unique number identifying a mobile subscriber.
- Roaming
- Using your mobile network while abroad, typically at higher rates unless a roaming plan is active.
- APN
- Access Point Name — the gateway between a mobile network and the internet, sometimes needing manual configuration.
- QR Code Activation
- The standard method to install an eSIM profile by scanning a QR code provided by the carrier.
- Dual SIM
- A device capability allowing two SIM profiles (physical + eSIM, or two eSIMs) to be active simultaneously.
- LPA
- Local Profile Assistant — the software on your device that manages eSIM profile downloads and activation.
- SM-DP+
- Subscription Manager Data Preparation — the server that securely delivers eSIM profiles to devices.
- Data-Only eSIM
- An eSIM plan that provides mobile data without a voice or SMS number, ideal for travellers using VoIP apps.
- Coverage Map
- A visual representation of geographic areas where a carrier's network signal is available.
For pricing information, visit our Pricing page. For the activation process, see Process.