What is an eSIM and how does it work?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Download a plan in minutes and you're online abroad — no plastic card, no expensive roaming.
- No plastic card
- Set up in minutes
- Keep your number
Cellular
Primary line
Calls & SMS
SkyeSIM
Mobile data
Connected · 5G
Local network · Italy
In short: a SIM card already in your phone
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a small chip built into your phone. It does the same job as a regular SIM, but you load the plan digitally. That means you can buy your travel data plan before you even leave home.
Your regular SIM can stay in your phone. Calls and texts keep going to your usual number, while your internet runs through the eSIM.
No plastic card
No card slot and no tiny card that can get lost.
Ready in minutes
You buy it, scan the QR code, and the eSIM is already on your phone.
Several eSIMs, one phone
Keep last trip's eSIM saved and add a new one for the next.
How does an eSIM work?
The eSIM chip is already in your phone. You just load a plan — an eSIM profile — that tells your phone which network to join.
You get a QR code
After purchase, we email you a QR code. It's your eSIM profile.
Your phone loads the profile
Scan the code in your phone settings. Your phone loads the plan onto its eSIM chip.
You connect to the local network
At your destination, your phone joins our partner's local mobile network and the internet works.
How to install an eSIM?
Pick your phone and follow the steps. The whole installation takes a couple of minutes.
- 1
Open Settings › Cellular
On older iOS versions the menu may be called "Mobile Data".
- 2
Tap "Add eSIM"
Choose "Use QR Code".
- 3
Scan the QR code
The code is in the email we sent you after purchase.
- 4
Turn on data roaming
Pick SkyeSIM as your data line and turn on "Data Roaming" for it.
Install the eSIM at home over Wi-Fi before you travel. Installing needs internet, but the plan only switches on at your destination.
During installation your phone may show our network partner's name (for example Orange France) instead of SkyeSIM. That's normal: at your destination the eSIM connects to a local network. When asked to name the new plan, call it for example "SkyeSIM".
Settings
eSIM or a physical SIM card?
Both connect you to a mobile network. The difference is how the plan reaches your phone.
Good to know: when an eSIM isn't right for you
Older phones don't support eSIM, and a carrier-locked phone won't let you use another provider's eSIM. If you switch phones, you'll need to install the eSIM again on the new one.
Why travel with an eSIM?
Less to worry about, smaller bills, and the internet works the moment your plane lands.
Avoid expensive roaming bills
You use the local network at your destination and pay a known price upfront.
Pay only for what you need
A week in Japan? Choose a weekly plan, not a full month.
Several eSIMs, one phone
Keep eSIMs from different trips on your phone and switch between them.
Can't be lost or broken
The eSIM lives inside your phone. It can't be lost or stolen.
Less plastic
No need to buy a new packaged SIM card for every trip.
Does your phone support eSIM?
Most phones from recent years do. We check the phone you're on automatically, or search for any model.
Your phone
Checking your phone…
Apple
iPhone XS, XR and all newer models
Samsung
Galaxy S21 and newer, Z Fold and Z Flip series
Pixel 3 and newer
Questions about eSIM
Yes. Your phone downloads the eSIM profile over the internet, so install it over Wi-Fi or mobile data. It's most convenient to do this at home before your trip.
Ready to try it?
Choose a destination, install the eSIM at home, and be online the moment you land.