Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend installing the eSIM profile before departure while connected to WiFi. However, you can choose whether to activate (enable) it before or upon arrival. Some plans start their validity period upon first use of data, while others start from the moment of activation. Check your specific plan's terms. Installing before departure ensures you have connectivity the moment you land.

Try these steps: ensure good lighting, increase screen brightness on the device displaying the QR code, clean your camera lens, and hold the phone steady 15–20cm from the code. If scanning still fails, most providers offer a manual entry option — look for "Enter Details Manually" in your eSIM settings. You'll need the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your provider.

eSIM profiles are downloaded over the internet, so you need either a WiFi connection or an active cellular data connection to install them. We strongly recommend installing over WiFi before your trip. If you need to install at your destination, use the airport WiFi or your hotel's connection.

The technical process of downloading and installing an eSIM profile typically takes 1–3 minutes over a good WiFi connection. After installation, connecting to the network in your destination country usually takes an additional 30–60 seconds as your device searches for and authenticates with the local network.

All iPhones from the iPhone XS (2018) onward support eSIM. This includes the XS, XS Max, XR, all iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 models. The iPhone 14 and later (US models) are eSIM-only with no physical SIM tray. International models retain a physical SIM slot. See our devices page for the complete list.

Samsung Galaxy S20 and later models generally support eSIM, as do recent Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip models. However, eSIM availability varies by region and carrier variant — some carrier-branded Samsung devices have eSIM disabled. To check, go to Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager and look for an "Add Mobile Plan" option.

A carrier-locked device can only use SIM profiles from the carrier it's locked to. You must unlock your device first. Contact your carrier to request an unlock — most will unlock after your contract ends or upon request if you've paid off the device. In the EU, carriers are legally required to unlock devices upon request after the contract period.

Yes, most modern smartphones support Dual SIM operation — one physical SIM and one eSIM active simultaneously. This is ideal for travelers: keep your home SIM for calls and texts while using the eSIM for data. You can configure which line handles calls, texts, and data independently in your phone's settings.

Storage capacity varies by device. Recent iPhones (15 and 16 series) can store up to 8 eSIM profiles. Most Android devices can store 5–10 profiles. However, only 1–2 profiles can be active simultaneously. You can switch between stored profiles in settings without needing to re-scan QR codes.

Many eSIM providers offer regional European plans covering 30–50+ countries. These typically include all EU member states and often extend to non-EU European countries like Switzerland, Norway, and the UK. Coverage varies by provider, so always check the specific country list before purchasing. EU roaming regulations also mean that EU-based plans often include roaming across all EU states.

Yes, your eSIM will work on high-speed trains across Europe. Coverage quality varies — above-ground sections of TGV and ICE routes generally have good 4G connectivity. The Channel Tunnel section of the Eurostar has no cellular coverage (you're underground). Some high-speed trains offer onboard WiFi as a supplement.

Yes. The Schengen Area comprises 27 European countries with open borders. Most European eSIM plans cover Schengen countries. Note that the Schengen Area and the EU are not identical — some EU members (like Ireland and Romania) are not in Schengen, and some non-EU countries (like Switzerland and Norway) are in Schengen. Always check your plan's specific country list.

When you return home, simply switch back to your home SIM or home eSIM profile. Your travel eSIM profile remains stored on your device. If it still has data or validity remaining, you can reactivate it on your next trip. If the plan has expired, you may be able to top it up or purchase a new plan that downloads to the same profile.

Most eSIM plans allow hotspot (tethering) use, but some plans restrict or throttle hotspot speeds. Check your plan's terms before relying on hotspot for laptop work. Hotspot usage consumes data much faster than phone-only use — a video call over hotspot can use 1–2GB per hour. Consider purchasing a higher-data plan if you plan to use hotspot regularly.

Generally, yes. Airport SIM kiosks typically charge premium prices due to their captive audience location. eSIM plans purchased online in advance are usually more competitively priced. Additionally, eSIM plans designed for multi-country European travel often provide better value than buying separate local SIMs in each country you visit.

In major European cities, 4G LTE speeds typically range from 20–100 Mbps download, which is more than sufficient for streaming, video calls, and general browsing. 5G speeds in cities like Amsterdam, Paris, and Berlin can exceed 200 Mbps. Rural areas may offer 10–30 Mbps on 4G. Some travel eSIM plans cap speeds at 5–10 Mbps — check your plan's speed specifications.

Yes, eSIM technology is compatible with 5G networks. Whether you access 5G depends on: (1) your device supporting 5G, (2) your eSIM plan including 5G access, and (3) 5G coverage being available at your location. Many travel eSIM plans are 4G/LTE only to ensure broader compatibility. Check your plan specifications if 5G speed is important to you.

When your data allowance is exhausted, most plans either stop data access entirely or throttle speeds to a very slow rate (typically 128 kbps or less). You can usually purchase a top-up from the same provider. Some plans offer automatic top-ups. We recommend monitoring your data usage in your phone's settings and setting up usage alerts.

Coverage in remote areas varies significantly. Popular tourist areas within national parks (visitor centers, main trails) usually have coverage. Remote wilderness areas, deep valleys, and high mountain terrain often do not. We strongly recommend downloading offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me, or AllTrails) before entering areas with potential coverage gaps.

Try these steps in order: (1) Toggle airplane mode on and off. (2) Restart your device. (3) Check that the eSIM is selected as the active data line in settings. (4) Ensure "Data Roaming" is enabled for the eSIM line. (5) Try manually selecting a network operator in your cellular settings. (6) If still failing, contact your eSIM provider's support — they can often remotely diagnose profile issues.

Once an eSIM profile is deleted, the original QR code becomes invalid (for security reasons, each QR code can only be used once). Contact your eSIM provider immediately — most can issue a new QR code for the same plan. This is why we recommend saving a screenshot of your QR code in a secure location before scanning it.

Several factors can cause slow speeds despite good signal: network congestion in tourist areas (especially in summer), your plan may have speed caps, you may have exceeded a fair use threshold that triggers throttling, or you may be connected to a congested network band. Try toggling airplane mode to reconnect to a potentially less congested cell tower. Also check if your plan has speed limitations in its terms.

eSIM profiles are tied to the device hardware and cannot be directly transferred. If you get a new phone, you'll need to contact your eSIM provider to have the profile reissued for the new device. Some providers offer this as a free service; others charge a small fee. Apple's eSIM transfer feature (available on iPhone 14 and later) allows transfer between iPhones during device setup.

This is usually caused by the "Automatic SIM Selection" or "Smart SIM" feature. Go to your cellular settings and manually set which SIM handles data. On iPhone, go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data and select your eSIM. On Samsung, go to Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager and set the preferred data SIM. Disable any automatic switching features.