Travel eSIM FAQ

Intended to answer the most common questions regarding travel eSIMs

Updated over a week ago

What is a travel eSIM?

  • A travel eSIM is a digital SIM that works like a physical SIM card, and is intended to be used while traveling in place of your regular SIM. eSIM stands for “embedded SIM”, and unlike the traditional plastic SIM card, an eSIM does not need to be inserted into your device. Instead, it can be downloaded directly onto your phone.

Can I use my travel eSIM at home?

  • Ultimately it will depend on the restrictions that have been put in place by your provider, but typically a travel eSIM can only be used while you are traveling.

What are the restrictions to my travel eSIM?

  • Restrictions on your travel eSIM can vary depending on what your provider has put in place. These restrictions can be anything from service offerings, country restrictions, and usage caps. For details of your particular travel eSIM plan, you will want to reach out to your provider to find out more.

How do I install my travel eSIM?

  • Please see instructions on how to install your eSIM here.

  • You will also likely want to toggle off your primary SIM to avoid getting charged for roaming.

Is my device eSIM compatible?

  • You can check your device's eSIM compatibility per the instructions found here.

Can I reinstall my travel eSIM if I accidentally delete it?

  • If you have already installed your eSIM and you accidentally delete it, you will not be able to reinstall the same eSIM as eSIMs can only be installed one time. Instead, you will need to get a new eSIM to install.

Can I install my travel eSIM on multiple devices?

  • No. An eSIM can only be installed once, and on one device.

Will my travel eSIM subscription renew?

  • Most travel eSIMs will not be on a renewable plan. However, please check with your provider to confirm whether or not your travel eSIM is on a renewable plan if this is something you're uncertain about.

Do I need to have roaming turned on in order to use my travel eSIM?

  • Yes, you will need to have roaming turned on in order to install and use your travel eSIM.

  • You will also likely want to toggle off your primary SIM to avoid getting charged for roaming.

What carrier network will I be connected to?

  • Travel eSIMs tend to go off of the nearest and best tower they are contractually allowed to use. This means that while you are traveling, you will possibly see the carrier you're connected to change if your SIM connects to another carrier's tower.

My travel eSIM isn't activating, what should I do?

  • If your travel eSIM isn't activating, please follow these troubleshooting steps:

    1. Turn your device off then on again

    2. Toggle airplane mode on then off again

    3. Toggle roaming off then on again

    4. Confirm you're connected to working Wifi

    5. Check with your provider on any restrictions that may be affecting your travel eSIMs activation

My travel eSIM doesn't have service, what should I do?

  • If your travel eSIM has already been activated but is having trouble with its service, please follow these troubleshooting steps:

    1. Turn your device off then on again

    2. Toggle airplane mode on then off

    3. Turn roaming off then on again

    4. Confirm you have not reached your usage limit

    5. Check with your provider on any restrictions that may be affecting your travel eSIMs activation

Did this answer your question?