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Guide

What is an eSIM and how does it work when travelling?

An eSIM takes the hassle out of mobile internet abroad. No swapping plastic cards, no hunting for an airport shop, no roaming bill that spoils the trip afterwards. This guide explains what an eSIM is, which devices support it, how to activate one and why it costs less than classic roaming.

All destinationsGo to the activation guide

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card built into your device. Where a classic SIM is a small plastic card you slide into the phone, an eSIM works with a profile you install. That profile holds the same details as a normal SIM: a phone number or data plan, an operator and the matching settings.

For everyday use nothing really changes. You call, you text, you browse. For a traveller an eSIM makes a big difference: you can activate a local or regional data plan before you even board, while your usual number stays reachable on the same phone.

Does my phone support eSIM?

Most recent smartphones support eSIM. Important: your device must also be SIM lock free. Phones bought from an operator can be locked to that network. When in doubt, ask your operator to unlock it.

iPhone

iPhone XR, XS and every newer model support eSIM. Since the iPhone 14, models sold in the United States are eSIM only, without a physical SIM tray.

Android

Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 through S24 including Ultra and Plus, the Galaxy Z Flip and Fold series, and most recent OPPO, Motorola and Honor devices. Older Android phones rarely have eSIM.

Tablets and smartwatches

iPad Pro, Air and mini with cellular, Apple Watch with cellular, and a growing number of Android tablets support eSIM.

Quick check: open Settings, Mobile network or Mobile data. Do you see Add eSIM or Add mobile plan? Then your device is ready.

How do you activate an eSIM, step by step?

Activation runs through a QR code from your provider. With Netcom Travel you receive that code by email right after your order, together with a direct install link.

Tip: follow the full interactive walkthrough on our activation page. Pick your device and get the exact steps for it.

iPhone

  1. Open Settings, Mobile network.
  2. Choose Add eSIM, then Use QR code.
  3. Scan the QR code from your email.
  4. Name the profile, for example Trip Spain.
  5. Set mobile data to this eSIM once abroad and switch on data roaming for the profile.

Android

  1. Open Settings, Connections or Network and internet.
  2. Choose SIM manager or Mobile network, then Add mobile plan.
  3. Scan the QR code.
  4. Confirm the profile installation.
  5. Select the eSIM as default for mobile data while travelling.

Install your eSIM at home over wifi. The plan only starts counting when you actually connect to a network in the destination country, so you lose no days.

eSIM versus roaming: where the savings are

Inside the European Union roam like at home applies, so your normal plan is usually fine. Outside the EU it gets expensive fast. Standard roaming rates often sit between 5 and 15 euro a day, or several euro per megabyte without a day pass.

A travel eSIM works differently. You buy a fixed data bundle up front, for example 5 GB for 15 days, and pay exactly that. No surprise on your bill, and you can top up during the trip if you need more.

What you actually save

  • Turkey, two week holiday: a day pass from your home operator quickly costs 100 euro or more. A eSIM Turkey with 10 GB costs a fraction of that.
  • United States, business trip: video calls and navigation eat data. An eSIM United States keeps the cost predictable.
  • Round the world: a eSIM world works in dozens of countries without switching.

Benefits at a glance

  • Active right after purchase, no waiting or shipping.
  • Your usual number stays reachable on the same phone.
  • Fixed price, no roaming surprises.
  • No physical card to lose or forget.
  • Multiple profiles, ideal for frequent travellers.

What to watch out for

  • Check that your device supports eSIM and is SIM lock free.
  • Pick a bundle that matches your usage. Streaming and video calls need more than messaging and maps.
  • Switch on data roaming for the eSIM profile, even though it is not classic roaming. Your phone uses that toggle.
  • Some eSIMs are data only, so without a phone number. You call through WhatsApp, Signal or FaceTime.

eSIM per destination

Curious what a travel eSIM costs for your next trip? Check the bundles for our most popular destinations:

Ready to go?

Browse our destinations and pick a bundle for your next trip. Installation takes under five minutes and you are online the moment you land.

Populaire eSIM bestemmingen

Kies uw land en bekijk meteen de prijs, de geldigheid en het lokale netwerk.