If you’ve ever found yourself having to use a pin or a paperclip to change over your SIM card while traveling and not lose your existing SIM card, then an eSIM could be just the thing you need. You can easily set up an eSIM from anywhere, allowing you to stay connected at all times.
Our guide below will take you through all the information you need to know about eSIM use and steps for how to set them up when traveling on both iPhones and Android devices. eSIM’s are about to make your life a whole lot easier whilst traveling.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM works exactly the same as a traditional SIM card that you already have in your phone. However, you can think of an eSIM as being a virtual service, which means you don’t need to rely on a new physical SIM card (ie, an extra piece of plastic).
eSIM’s are essentially a small piece of technology, or chip that is already built into your phone, and when activated, allows you to connect to different mobile networks via cellular plans.
This is fantastic for travel. Most modern devices have the option to contain a physical SIM card and a number of virtual (eSIMs) which means you don’t need to take out or change your usual, physical SIM card whilst traveling.
How do eSIMs Work for Travel?
Using an eSIM is great for travel as it saves the time of having to visit a physical store to buy a new SIM and removes the worry of losing your usual SIM card.
Most providers (we’re going to focus on Saily for this article because that is the eSIM provider we know and use ourselves) will either direct you through an app to install your new eSIM or provide you with a code to enter to activate it. This will tell your phone which local network it needs to connect to.
What’s Better, an eSIM or Physical SIM Card?
One of the only real advantages we’ve found from physical SIM cards for travel is if your battery dies, you can just swap out to another phone. Though as phone batteries get better and better, we find this less and less of an issue.
We personally find that eSIMs really do make things easier whilst on the go. You remove the worry of losing a SIM card and it also means you can have access to the internet as soon as you arrive – meaning it’s easier to get to where you’re going with no hassle!
We usually pick a plan an activate it straight away. So that once we arrive, we’re good to go.
Can You Make International Calls With an eSIM?
It is possible to make international calls with an eSIM, but this may not be possible with all packages, so you will need to check with your provider. If this is important to you, we’d recommend checking your plan in detail to find this out before committing to a package.
Most eSIMs are usually data only, so focus on internet connectivity, rather than voice connectivity. However, you can of course use Voice over IP (VoIP) like WhatsApp, Facetime, Skype etc.
This lets you use your data plan and makes calls over the internet rather than using cellular voice coverage as you likely would at home.
How to Use an eSIM for Travel
In this section, we’ll show you how to set up an eSIM for travel with both iPhone and Android phones. We’ll set this up using Saily as this is the provider that we recommend and use.
Why do we recommend Saily? We find their plans are well and competitively priced, and we’ve also found their coverage is generally better than many other providers we’ve used in the past.
To use an eSIM, you’ll usually need to download an app first. For Saily, you can download either the iOS or Android app. You’ll then be prompted to add your payment information before selecting the type of plan and length you require.
How to Activate and Use an eSIM on an iPhone
Which iPhones Use eSIMs?
Here is the current list of iPhones that use eSIMs. There are some models (older) that do not have a built-in chip to allow you to use them.
If you have one of these then you’ll still need to buy a physical SIM card whilst traveling. However, if you have one of the models below, then you’ll be able to use an eSIM for travel:
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14
- iPhone SE 3 (2022)
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone SE 2 (2020)
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XR
How Many eSIMs Can be Used on an iPhone at One Time?
You can only use one eSIM at a time on most iPhone models, however, your phone can store (currently) 20 eSIMs in its memory.
There are some iPhone models that offer a dual SIM feature, which will let you use your physical SIM card and an eSIM at the same time. This lets you use two numbers at once, great if you still need to receive calls to your usual number whilst away.
Another thing we like about Saily is that you only need one eSIM usage, and this transfers location depending on where you have your plan set up for.
Setting up an eSIM on an iPhone
With Saily, this is very simple, once you’ve purchased your eSIM through the app, you’ll see a screen that says ‘activate eSIM’. Click this and you’ll be easily connected through to the next steps and completion is very quick (one reason we love them).
There are two other methods you can use if your carrier is different:
1: Using a QR Code
- Go to your Settings app
- Click Cellular/Mobile Service and then choose Add Cellular Plan/Add eSIM
- You will then be prompted to scan the QR code that the data provider has given you
- Finish setting up according to on screen prompts
2: Using an Activation Code
- Repeat steps one and two above
- First click Use QR code, and then when the new screen opens, click the Enter Details Manually option
- Enter the activation code that your supplier will have provided
- Finish setting up according to on screen prompts
How do you Know if an eSIM is Activated on an iPhone?
There are some simple steps you can take to see if your eSIM is activated on your iPhone:
- Go to your Settings app
- Click Cellular/Mobile Service
- In the SIMs category, you will see the SIMs you have installed, primary and various other.
- If your eSIM is not active, it will either show up as ‘No Service’ or ‘Off’
- You can then go into this SIM and decide whether you want this to be primary or secondary and to turn on or off the line
- You can also choose to delete the eSIM too through this setting
How to Activate and Use an eSIM on Android
Which Android Phones Use eSIMs?
You’ll find that a lot of Android phones like Google Pixel phones and Samsung Galaxy devices will support eSIM usage. However, Android is open source and because of the fact that makers can make changes, you may find that you might not actually be able to use an eSIM.
Due to this fact, there is no definitive list of Android devices that support eSIM’s, and you’re best checking with your manufacturer, your carrier or place of purchase.
However, if you’re using a Samsung device, you can check to see if you’re able to use an eSIM pretty easily using the following steps:
- Go to your Settings and then click Connections
- Then click on SIM Card Manager
- If there is an option there to ‘Add eSIM’ you will be able to use an eSIM with that device
- Some devices in the US do not allow this option, so you may find that you need to buy a physical SIM in this case
How Many eSIMs Can be Used on Android at One Time?
The Android option can actually store a lot less than an iPhone – this is around five to seven, dependent on your device. However, like an iPhone, it can only use one at a time.
You may find that your Android device has something called Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) which will allow you to use two numbers at once. Handy if you need to use data and still take calls on your usual number whilst travelling.
Setting up an eSIM on Android
As outlined above, with Saily, setting up your eSIM is very simple. Once you’ve bought your eSIM through the app, you will see a screen that says ‘Activate eSIM’. Click this and then you’ll be transferred through the next steps easily and quickly.
If this or a similar option is not offered in app by your provider (most offer an app) then there are generally two other methods you can use for how to set up an eSIM on Android:
1: Using a QR Code
- Click Settings and then go to Network & Internet, then Mobile Network
- Click the option to Download a SIM or eSIM Manager – this will be dependent on your device
- You can then scan the QR code you’ve received, or add this from your camera roll
- You then need to follow the rest of the information and prompts to complete set up
2: Using an Activation Code
- Repeat steps one and two above
- Select the Enter Details Manually option
- Enter the activation code that your supplier will have provided
- Finish setting up according to on screen prompts
How do you Know if an eSIM is Activated on Android?
There are some simple steps you can take to see if your eSIM is activated on your Android device:
- Go to your Settings app and then Connections
- Click SIM Manager
- In here you will be able to see all the networks you have access to. If your eSIM is active you will see the toggle to on. If inactive, it may show ‘no service’ or off
- To turn it on if not working click the on off toggle or tap Activate or Deactivate
- This allows you to choose which is your Preferred SIM or Secondary SIM
Using eSIMS for Travel: What are the Benefits?
An eSIM gives you the great option of being able to keep connected on the go for very little extra cost. This means no turning your phone to Airplane mode the whole time and waiting for WiFi to catch up.
What we love about eSIMs is they make things quick and easy. No needing to go and buy a physical SIM when you arrive in your destination. No losing your usual SIM whilst traveling.
It’s possible with the provider we use (Saily) to set up data for over 180 countries and territories. They also offer flexible plans to suit the length of your trip. Set up is also extremely quick and easy too.
It also means that you can choose to purchase your data plan whilst still at home before you go or on the road. So that you can activate it when you arrive and be connected right away.
We’ve found eSIMs a vital addition to our travel essentials and make things so much easier to keep connected. We hope this article has given you all the information you need to get your new eSIM set up for your next trip!