iPhone
iPhone XS, XR, and every iPhone released after, including the iPhone 17 lineup, iPhone SE (2020 and 2022), and iPhone 16e.
A SIM card, without the card.
The plain-language guide to what an eSIM is, how it works, and why travelers are switching.
An eSIM (short for embedded SIM) is a small chip soldered directly into your phone's modem. Instead of slotting in a plastic SIM card, you load a carrier profile as software. One device. One chip. Multiple plans.
A physical SIM stores your carrier identity on a removable plastic chip you swap by hand. An eSIM stores the same identity as a digital profile you install in seconds (usually by scanning a QR code), and it can switch on or off without ever opening a SIM tray.
Step 01
Buy online
Pick a plan and pay. Your eSIM is created in seconds, no shipping.
Step 02
Scan QR code
Receive a QR by email. Scan with your phone's camera, install in 10 seconds.
Step 03
Connect on arrival
Land in your destination, your phone hops onto a local network automatically.
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Instant delivery
eSIM by email in ~1 min
How an eSIM works
- STEP 01
Pick a plan
Choose a destination, data amount, and validity period. Buy in under a minute.
- STEP 02
Scan the QR
We email a QR code right after checkout. Scan it once and your travel profile installs.
- STEP 03
Activate when ready
Switch your data line to the new plan before takeoff or right after landing. Your call.
- STEP 04
Switch back anytime
Your home network stays installed. Toggle back when the trip ends, with no re-activation needed.
eSIM vs physical SIM
eSIMPhysical SIM
- Activation
eSIM:Active in seconds, scanned from anywhere.
Physical SIM:Buy in person, wait for a kiosk, slot it in.
- Multiple plans
eSIM:Hold several profiles on one device, switch between them in settings.
Physical SIM:One card slot, one plan, swap to change.
- Loss and damage
eSIM:Stored in the phone's hardware. Nothing to lose, bend, or scratch.
Physical SIM:Easy to misplace; bent pins kill the card.
- International travel
eSIM:Buy a destination plan before you board, no kiosk needed.
Physical SIM:Hunt down a local SIM on arrival, often with a queue.
- Keeping your number
eSIM:Travel data runs alongside your regular number, so calls and texts still work.
Physical SIM:Pulling your home SIM means losing calls until you swap back.
- Switching providers
eSIM:Install a new profile, done. No shipping, no store visit.
Physical SIM:Wait for a card to arrive, or visit a store.
Compatible devices
Most flagship phones from the last several years support eSIM. If your device is on this list, you're set.
Google Pixel
Pixel 3 onwards, including the Pixel 10 series and the Pixel Fold.
Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S20 onwards, the Z Flip and Z Fold foldables, the Note20 series, and select A-series like A35, A55, and A56.
Other major brands
Sony Xperia 1, 5, and 10 series; Motorola Razr and Edge; Xiaomi 13, 14, and 15; OnePlus 11/12/13; Oppo Find X and N series; Honor Magic; Nokia X30/XR21; Huawei Pura 70 Pro; and Microsoft Surface Duo.
Common questions
Will I lose my regular number when I use a travel eSIM?
No. Your home SIM stays active. The travel eSIM runs as a second line, so calls and texts to your regular number still come through.
Can I use my eSIM and my physical SIM at the same time?
Yes. Most modern phones support dual-SIM, with the physical SIM for calls and the eSIM for data. You can set the default for each in your phone settings.
What happens if my phone is lost or stolen?
Because the eSIM is stored in the phone, it can't be physically removed and reused. You'll need to log into your account or contact support to manage the profile.
Do eSIMs work in every country?
Esim70 plans cover 150+ countries through trusted local networks. Coverage details for each plan are listed before you buy, so there's no guesswork.
Leave home planned. Land already online.
Compare country and regional plans in minutes, activate before your flight, and skip the airport SIM scramble entirely.
Instant QR deliveryCoverage in 150+ destinationsNo roaming surprises