Find answers to common questions about our eSIM service.
General
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built into your device. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, you simply scan a QR code or enter an activation code to download your mobile data plan directly to your phone. It works just like a regular SIM — but without the plastic card.
Which devices support eSIM?
Most modern smartphones released after 2018 support eSIM, including iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, and many other Android devices. To check if your phone supports eSIM, go to Settings → General → About and look for an EID number, or dial *#06# to see if an EID is listed. You can also check your device manufacturer's website for eSIM compatibility.
Can I keep my current phone number while using a travel eSIM?
Yes! Your travel eSIM works alongside your existing SIM or eSIM using your phone's dual-SIM capability. Your original phone number stays active for receiving calls and texts, while your travel eSIM handles mobile data at local rates. Simply set the travel eSIM as your default data line in your phone settings.
What is the difference between an eSIM and a physical SIM card?
A physical SIM is a small plastic card you insert into your phone, while an eSIM is a chip permanently built into your device. With eSIM, there's no card to lose, no SIM tray to open, and no need to visit a shop. You activate it digitally by scanning a QR code. eSIM also allows you to store multiple data plans on one device and switch between them instantly — perfect for travellers visiting multiple countries.
Can I use an eSIM on my tablet or iPad?
Yes, many tablets support eSIM, including iPad Pro (3rd generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad (7th generation and later) and iPad mini (5th generation and later). Some Android tablets also support eSIM. Check your tablet's specifications to confirm eSIM compatibility before purchasing a plan.
Is a travel eSIM data-only? Can I make calls and send texts?
Yes, our travel eSIMs are data-only plans. They do not include a local phone number for traditional voice calls or SMS. However, you can use any internet-based communication app (such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype) over your eSIM data connection to make voice and video calls, send messages, and more. Your original phone number remains active on your primary SIM for receiving calls and texts.
Billing & Payments
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Payments are processed securely through Stripe, a PCI-compliant payment processor. All transactions are encrypted and your card details are never stored on our servers.
Can I get a refund for my eSIM?
Refunds are available for eSIMs that have not yet been installed or activated. Once an eSIM profile has been downloaded and installed on your device, it cannot be refunded as the digital product has been delivered. If you experience technical issues with an installed eSIM, please contact our support team — we'll do our best to resolve the problem or find an alternative solution.
What happens to unused data when my plan expires?
When your plan's validity period ends, any unused data will expire and cannot be recovered or transferred. We recommend choosing a plan that matches your expected usage. If you run out of data before your plan expires, you can easily purchase a top-up to add more data to your existing eSIM without needing to install a new one.
Are there any hidden fees or extra charges?
No. The price you see is the price you pay. There are no hidden fees, activation charges, or surprise costs. Your purchase includes the full data allowance for the specified validity period. We believe in transparent pricing — what's listed on the product page is exactly what you'll be charged at checkout.
How does eSIM pricing compare to traditional roaming?
Travel eSIMs are typically 50-90% cheaper than traditional mobile roaming charges. With roaming, your home carrier charges premium rates for data used abroad — often £5-15 per MB. With a travel eSIM, you get a fixed amount of data at a predictable price, with no bill shock when you return home. For example, a 5GB travel eSIM plan can cost as little as a few pounds, while the same amount of roaming data could cost hundreds.
eSIM Setup
How do I install my eSIM?
After purchasing your eSIM, you'll receive a QR code via email. To install:
1. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network
2. Open your phone's Settings
3. For iPhone: Go to Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM → Use QR Code
4. For Android: Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM
5. Scan the QR code from your email
6. Wait for the eSIM profile to download and install
7. Label it (e.g., "Travel Data") so you can easily identify it
The entire process takes about 2-3 minutes.
When should I install my eSIM — before or during my trip?
We recommend installing your eSIM the day before your trip while you still have a stable Wi-Fi connection. Installation requires an internet connection to download the eSIM profile. However, do not activate it (turn on data roaming) until you arrive at your destination. This way, your data plan won't start counting down until you're ready to use it.
When does my data plan start?
Your data plan validity period begins when the eSIM first connects to a mobile network at your destination. Simply installing the eSIM on your device does not start the plan. This means you can safely install your eSIM before your trip and it won't start using your data allowance until you arrive and enable it.
Can I transfer my eSIM to another device?
In most cases, an eSIM profile cannot be transferred between devices once installed. Each QR code is typically single-use — once scanned and installed on a device, it cannot be used on another. If you need to use your data plan on a different device, please contact our support team before deleting the eSIM from your current device. We may be able to issue a new QR code depending on the plan status.
Do I need to configure APN settings manually?
In most cases, no. APN (Access Point Name) settings are automatically configured when your eSIM profile is installed. Your phone should connect to the network without any manual setup. If your data isn't working after activation, try these steps:
1. Turn Aeroplane Mode on and off
2. Restart your device
3. Ensure Data Roaming is enabled for the eSIM
4. Make sure the eSIM is set as your default data line
If the issue persists, contact our support team for APN details specific to your destination.
Troubleshooting
My eSIM is not connecting to the network. What should I do?
If your eSIM isn't connecting, try these steps in order:
1. Enable Data Roaming: Go to Settings → Mobile Data → select your eSIM → turn on Data Roaming
2. Toggle Aeroplane Mode: Turn it on, wait 10 seconds, then turn it off
3. Restart your device: A full restart often resolves connectivity issues
4. Check your data line: Make sure the eSIM is set as your default data line (not your primary SIM)
5. Select network manually: Go to Settings → Mobile Data → your eSIM → Network Selection → switch from Automatic to Manual and select an available network
If none of these steps work, please contact our support team with your order number.
My QR code isn't scanning. What can I do?
If your QR code isn't scanning properly, try the following:
1. Display the QR code on a different screen (computer monitor, another phone, or tablet) rather than scanning from a printed copy
2. Ensure the QR code is displayed clearly without glare or obstruction
3. Adjust the brightness on the screen displaying the QR code
4. Try scanning from a greater distance — sometimes holding too close causes focus issues
5. Clean your phone's camera lens
6. If scanning still fails, you can try entering the activation code manually. Check your purchase confirmation email for a manual activation code
If the problem continues, contact our support team for assistance.
Can I use hotspot / tethering with my travel eSIM?
Most of our eSIM plans support hotspot (tethering), allowing you to share your mobile data with other devices like laptops and tablets. To enable it, go to Settings → Personal Hotspot and turn it on. Make sure your travel eSIM is selected as the data source. Please note that hotspot usage consumes data from your plan at the same rate as regular usage — there are no additional charges, but it does use your data allowance faster when multiple devices are connected.
I can't see my eSIM in device settings. What should I do?
If your eSIM isn't visible in your device settings after installation:
1. Restart your device — this often reveals newly installed eSIM profiles
2. Check the correct location:
- iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → SIMs
- Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
3. Ensure you completed the installation process fully (the QR code scan should have shown a confirmation)
4. Check if your device has reached its eSIM limit — most devices support 5-8 eSIM profiles simultaneously
5. If you have many eSIM profiles, try removing an old unused one to make room
If the eSIM still doesn't appear, you may need to reinstall it. Contact our support team for a replacement QR code.
My data speed is slow. How can I improve it?
Slow data speeds can be caused by several factors. Try these solutions:
1. Check network signal: Move to an area with better mobile coverage (outdoors or near a window)
2. Switch network manually: Settings → Mobile Data → your eSIM → Network Selection → try a different available network
3. Toggle Aeroplane Mode: Turn on, wait 10 seconds, turn off — this forces a fresh network connection
4. Disable VPN: If you're using a VPN, try turning it off as it can reduce speeds
5. Check data usage: You may have used most of your data allowance — heavily used plans may experience throttling near the limit
6. Time of day: Network congestion during peak hours (evenings, public events) can affect speeds
Remember that speeds can vary depending on your location and the local network infrastructure. Our eSIMs connect to the best available local networks in each country.
Still need help?
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