eSIMs for Travelling - FAQ
Check if your phone supports eSIM
- Dial *#06# on your phone
- If your phone supports eSIM you should be able to see eSIM unique identification number (EID).
*#06#is a special code that can be dialed on a phone to display the phone's unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number, eSIM unique identification number (EID) and other details. The IMEI is a unique 15-digit number that is assigned to each mobile device and is used to identify the device on the network. The EID is used by carriers to provision and manage eSIMs on their network, and is typically stored securely within the device's hardware. Dialing *#06# on your phone will display the IMEI and EID on the screen. This code works on most phones, including both smartphones and feature phones, regardless of the manufacturer or operating system.
If these instructions did not help you can also follow steps below for iOS or Android phones.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad
- Tap on "Mobile Data"
- If you see an option for "Add Data Plan" (or "Add eSIM"), your device is likely eSIM compatible
- You can tap on "Add Data Plan" (or "Add eSIM") and follow the prompts to set up an eSIM plan
You can also dial *#06# on your iPhone and if EID number is displayed this would mean that your iPhone is eSIM compatible.
Additionally you can check the list of eSIM-enabled iPhone models below.
Dial *#06# on your Android phone and if you see EID number displayed this means that your Android supports eSIM.
Additionally for Samsung phones you can follow these steps:- Go to Settings
- If you see a search bar: type in "IMEI", and the option "IMEI information" (or similar) should show up
- If you don't see a search bar: go to About phone → Status
- Tap "IMEI information"
- If you see "IMEI (eSIM)" it means that your device supports eSIM.
You can also check the list of eSIM-enabled Android models below.
General Questions
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that is embedded directly into a device's hardware, as opposed to a physical SIM card that can be removed and replaced. An eSIM serves the same purpose as a physical SIM card, which is to identify and authenticate a device on a mobile network, but it does so using digital technology rather than physical hardware.
eSIMs can be provisioned and managed remotely, which can be more convenient than physical SIM cards that need to be physically replaced. eSIMs are becoming increasingly common in smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, and they are also used in some smartwatches and other wearables.
eSIMs offer several benefits over traditional SIM cards, including the ability to switch carriers or plans without needing to physically replace a SIM card, and the ability to activate a device remotely without needing to visit a carrier store. eSIMs are also more secure than physical SIM cards, as they cannot be easily removed or swapped by unauthorized users.
There are several reasons why you might want to use an eSIM when traveling:
- Convenience: eSIMs allow you to add a local data plan to your phone without needing to purchase and physically insert a new SIM card. This can save you time and hassle, especially if you are traveling to multiple countries and need to switch between different networks. You can install eSIM before arriving to your destaintion, so you will have mobile data within a few minutes after landing.
- Cost: Local data plans can often be more affordable than using your home carrier's international roaming service. With an eSIM, you can easily purchase a local data plan that fits your needs and budget. eSIM plans start from as little as $4.50 which is often cheaper than any physical SIM card.
- Flexibility: eSIMs allow you to switch carriers or plans easily and quickly, which can be especially useful when traveling to a new country. You can easily switch to a new plan without needing to purchase and install a new physical SIM card.
- Security: Using a local data plan with an eSIM can be more secure than using public Wi-Fi or relying on your home carrier's international roaming service. A local data plan with an eSIM ensures that your data is encrypted and transmitted securely over a cellular network.
- Privacy: You won't need to give your passport passport details to employees of mobile carrier in every country you visit, keeping your details safe.
- Coverage: eSIMs are available for 190+ countries, meaning that once you set up your eSIM provider app you will be covered nearly everywhere on the planet, taking you only a few clicks to get a eSIM for a new country. Some eSIM providers (like Airalo, Nomad, Holafly, aloSIM) support region-based plans, meaning you can get one eSIM which will cover many countries at once (e.g. Eastern Europe, Carribean Islands, Middle East), greatly simplifying international travel.
Overall, using an eSIM when traveling can be a convenient, cost-effective, and secure way to stay connected while on the go.
There are several eSIM apps you can install on your phone to buy and manage your eSIMs (all apps are available for both iOS and Android):
- Airalo: prepaid eSIMs for 200+ countries, trusted by over 1,000,000 people worldwide
- Nomad: prepaid eSIMs for 100+ countries
- Holafly: prepaid eSIMs for 160+ countries
- aloSIM: prepaid eSIMs for 130+ countries
Not sure what to choose? We personally used Airalo eSIMs in countries like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Brunei, Vietnam, Singapore and many others. We also used Nomad eSIMs in Singapore. Both apps worked great for us - so we can definitely recommend them for a start!
In order to install an eSIM please follow the instructions in the app. Each app will have different instructions.
Phone EID (eSIM ID) stands for "Embedded SIM ID" and is a unique identifier assigned to an eSIM (embedded SIM) that is installed on a phone or other mobile device. An eSIM is a digital SIM that is embedded directly into a device's hardware, as opposed to a physical SIM card that can be removed and replaced.
The EID is a unique 32-character code that is assigned to each eSIM and is used to identify the eSIM on the network. The EID is not the same as the device's IMEI number, which is a unique identifier assigned to the physical hardware of the device itself.
Carriers use the EID to manage and set up eSIMs on their network. The EID is usually stored securely within the hardware of the device. The EID can be displayed on the device by dialing a special code, such as *#06# on an iPhone, or by checking the device's settings. Knowing your phone's EID can be useful if you need to activate or manage an eSIM, or if you are switching carriers or plans.
Devices which support eSIM
- iPhone 14 (incl. Pro, Pro Max, Plus)
- iPhone 13 (incl. Pro, Pro Max, Mini)
- iPhone 12 (incl. Pro, Pro Max, Mini)
- iPhone 11 (incl. Pro, Pro Max)
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS and XS Max
- iPhone SE (2020, 2022)
- iPad (7th, 8th, 9th, 10th generations)
- iPad Mini (5th, 6th generations)
- iPad Air (3rd, 4th, 5th generations)
- iPad Pro 12.9" (3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th generations)
- iPad Pro 11" (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th generations)
- Galaxy A54
- Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra
- Galaxy S22 5G, S22+ 5G, S22 Ultra 5G
- Galaxy S21 5G, S21+ 5G, S21 Ultra 5G
- Galaxy S20 5G, S20+ 5G, S20 Ultra 5G
- Galaxy Z Flip, Z Flip3 5G, Z Flip4
- Galaxy Z Fold, Z Fold2, Z Fold3, Z Fold4
- Note 20, Note 20+, Note 20 Ultra
- Pixel 7, 7 Pro
- Pixel 6, 6a, 6 Pro
- Pixel 5
- Pixel 4, 4a, 4 XL
- Oppo Find: X3, X3 Pro, X5, X5 Pro, N2 Flip
- Oppo Reno: 5 A, 6 Pro 5G
- Oppo A55s