Frequently Asked Questions

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a SIM card that is permanently soldered into your device's motherboard rather than being a removable physical card. The key difference is that an eSIM can be reprogrammed remotely — you can download a carrier's profile directly to the eSIM without needing to physically insert anything. For travelers, this means you can purchase and activate a local data plan before you even leave home, simply by scanning a QR code or using a provider's app.

eSIM support is now standard in most flagship smartphones. Apple's iPhone XS (2018) and later models all support eSIM. In the US, iPhone 14 and later are eSIM-only with no physical SIM slot. Google Pixel 2 and later support eSIM. Samsung Galaxy S20 and later flagship models support eSIM, though availability varies by region and carrier. Many mid-range Android devices now also include eSIM support. To check your device, look for an EID number in your device settings — its presence confirms eSIM hardware support.

Yes, most eSIM-capable devices can store multiple eSIM profiles simultaneously, though typically only one can be active at a time (some newer devices support dual-active eSIM). This means you can download a travel eSIM profile before departure while keeping your home carrier profile stored on the device. Switching between profiles is done through your device's settings. The number of profiles you can store varies by device — most support between 5 and 20 stored profiles.

The activation process varies by provider but typically involves: (1) purchasing a plan through the provider's website or app; (2) receiving a QR code via email; (3) scanning the QR code through your device's eSIM settings (Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data → Add eSIM on iPhone; Settings → Network → SIM → Add eSIM on Android). Some providers also offer app-based activation that eliminates the QR code step. Activation requires a Wi-Fi or data connection and should ideally be completed before departure.

eSIM profiles are tied to the device they are activated on and cannot be transferred directly. If you change phones, you will need to deactivate the profile on your old device and request a new activation from your provider for your new device. Most providers allow this process, though policies vary — some charge a fee for re-issuance, and some have limits on how many times a profile can be transferred. Always check your provider's transfer policy before purchasing.

The EU's Roam Like at Home regulation, which came into full effect in June 2017, eliminates roaming surcharges for EU/EEA citizens traveling within the EU/EEA zone. This means that if you have a mobile plan from an EU country, you can use your included data, calls, and texts in other EU/EEA countries at no extra charge, subject to fair use policies. The regulation does not apply to travelers from outside the EU, nor to UK travelers following Brexit. It also does not cover all data plans — very cheap plans may have restrictions.

International roaming costs reflect the wholesale agreements between carriers. When you use your home carrier's service abroad, your carrier must pay the foreign network for access. These wholesale rates, combined with retail markups, can result in very high per-MB or per-day charges. Outside of regulated zones like the EU, there is no cap on what carriers can charge for roaming. This is why dedicated travel SIM and eSIM solutions — which negotiate wholesale rates specifically for the travel market — can offer significantly better value for international travelers.

Data throttling refers to the practice of reducing connection speeds after a user has consumed a certain amount of high-speed data. Many travel data plans — including those marketed as "unlimited" — include a fair use threshold after which speeds are reduced, often to 128kbps or even lower. At 128kbps, basic messaging and some web browsing may still function, but streaming video, video calls, and many modern applications will be effectively unusable. Always check the throttling policy before purchasing a plan, particularly if you have high data requirements.

Data consumption varies significantly by activity. As a rough guide: Google Maps navigation uses approximately 5–10MB per hour. Messaging apps (WhatsApp, iMessage) use minimal data for text, but voice calls use approximately 1MB per minute. Standard-definition video streaming uses approximately 700MB per hour; HD streaming uses 3GB or more per hour. Video calls (Zoom, FaceTime) use approximately 600MB–1.5GB per hour depending on quality settings. Email and web browsing are relatively low-consumption activities. Travelers who primarily use navigation and messaging can typically manage on 1–2GB per week; remote workers relying on video calls may need 10GB or more per week.

Most travel eSIM plans are data-only — they provide mobile internet access but do not include a local phone number for traditional calls and texts. This is sufficient for most travelers who use internet-based communication apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, FaceTime, etc.) for voice and messaging. Some providers do offer plans that include a local number, but these are less common in the travel eSIM market. If you need a local phone number, a local physical SIM card may be a better option.

A carrier-locked phone is programmed to only work with SIM cards from a specific carrier. Phones purchased directly from carriers (rather than unlocked from manufacturers or retailers) are often locked, particularly in markets like the United States. A locked phone will typically reject SIM cards from other carriers, including international travel SIMs. eSIM functionality may also be restricted on locked devices. To use a travel SIM or eSIM, your device must be unlocked. Contact your home carrier to request an unlock — most carriers will unlock devices that have completed their contract period.

For most modern smartphones, band compatibility in Europe is not a significant concern. Flagship phones from Apple, Samsung, Google, and other major manufacturers are designed to support the frequency bands used across Europe. However, some budget devices and older models may have limited band support. The key European LTE bands are Band 3 (1800 MHz), Band 7 (2600 MHz), and Band 20 (800 MHz). Band 20 is particularly important for rural coverage. If you are using an older or budget device, verify its band specifications against the bands used by your intended provider in your destination country.

Yes, portable Wi-Fi devices (also called pocket hotspots or MiFi devices) are a viable connectivity solution, particularly for travelers with multiple devices or groups. These devices connect to a mobile network and create a personal Wi-Fi hotspot that multiple devices can connect to simultaneously. They require their own SIM card or data plan. The main trade-offs are battery life (most pocket hotspots need daily charging), the need to carry an additional device, and slightly higher latency compared to direct SIM connections. They are particularly useful for travelers with tablets or laptops that lack SIM card slots.

On most devices, you can keep your home carrier's SIM (physical or eSIM) active alongside a travel eSIM, with one set as the primary data line. This means your home number remains reachable for calls and texts while your travel eSIM handles data. The specific configuration depends on your device's dual-SIM capabilities. On iPhone, for example, you can set different lines as default for calls, texts, and data independently. Consult your device's manual for specific dual-SIM configuration instructions.

We recommend activating your eSIM profile before departure, ideally 24–48 hours before your flight. This allows you to troubleshoot any activation issues while you still have access to your home Wi-Fi and can contact customer support without urgency. Note that activating a profile is different from starting your data plan — most providers allow you to activate the profile (download it to your device) before departure, with the data plan only beginning when you first use it or when you arrive in the coverage area.

If your eSIM stops working, first try toggling airplane mode on and off, then manually selecting a network in your device's settings. If the issue persists, check whether your data allowance has been exhausted. Contact your provider's customer support — most offer chat support that works over Wi-Fi (available at hotels, cafes, and airports). As a backup, having a local physical SIM option in mind before departure is always prudent for extended trips.

Airport Wi-Fi is widely available across European airports and can serve as a useful supplement to mobile data, particularly for activating eSIMs or downloading offline maps before departure. However, it should not be relied upon as a primary connectivity solution. Airport Wi-Fi is often congested, speed-limited, and may require registration processes. Security considerations also apply — avoid accessing sensitive accounts or conducting financial transactions over public airport Wi-Fi without a VPN.

Most eSIM providers publish coverage maps on their websites. When reviewing these maps, look for information about which local network partners the provider uses in each country — this is more informative than a simple "covered/not covered" indicator. Ideally, the provider should partner with one of the top two or three networks in each country by market share, as these typically have the best coverage. User reviews on independent platforms can also provide useful real-world coverage feedback.

Budget-conscious travelers have several options. For single-country stays, local prepaid SIM cards often offer the best value — particularly in countries with competitive mobile markets like Poland, France, and the Netherlands. For multi-country travel, comparing several eSIM providers' prices for your specific itinerary can reveal significant differences. Using Wi-Fi wherever available and downloading offline content (maps, entertainment) before leaving Wi-Fi zones can also significantly reduce data consumption and therefore cost.

Digital nomads have specific connectivity requirements — high data allowances, consistent speeds for video calls, and the flexibility to move between countries without changing plans. Several providers have developed products specifically targeting this segment, offering monthly rolling plans with generous data allowances across multiple countries. Some nomads also maintain a home country SIM for their primary number while using local SIMs or eSIMs for data in each country they visit. Co-working spaces in major European nomad hubs (Lisbon, Barcelona, Prague, Berlin) typically offer excellent Wi-Fi as part of their membership.

A regional eSIM covers a specific geographic area — for example, a "Europe eSIM" might cover 30–40 European countries on a single plan. A global eSIM covers a much wider range of countries, potentially 100 or more. Regional plans typically offer better value and more consistent coverage within their target region. Global plans offer maximum flexibility for travelers who move between multiple world regions on a single trip. For travelers whose itinerary is confined to Europe, a regional European eSIM will generally offer better value than a global plan.

Top-up availability varies by provider. Some providers allow you to purchase additional data through their app or website, which is added to your existing plan. Others require you to purchase a new plan. Some plans automatically renew or offer auto top-up options. Check your provider's top-up policy before purchasing, particularly if you are planning an extended trip or have variable data needs. Having a backup connectivity option (such as hotel Wi-Fi or a local SIM) is always prudent for longer journeys.