eSIMs for a family trip: one per phone or one for everyone
When several people travel together, there are two ways to get everyone online: an eSIM in each phone, or one eSIM whose data is shared from a single phone. Both work; what changes is how free each person is and how much depends on one phone.
See the eSIM packsOne eSIM per phone
Each person has their own data and their own connection. Teenagers can go off on their own for an afternoon, nobody uses up anyone else's data, and if one phone runs flat the rest stay online. Each eSIM can also be sized to its owner: a small pack for someone who only uses maps and messages, a bigger one for whoever posts the most.
The cost of that freedom is a little setup: one eSIM to install on each phone, and every phone has to support eSIM.
One eSIM for 33 European countries
Several countries on one trip? Same eSIM, same data, no swapping lines at the border.
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For one to two weeks of maps, messaging and the odd video.
Buy up to 180 days before you fly: the plan only starts when the eSIM connects at your destination.
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Will it work on my phone?
On iPhone: Settings → General → About, and scroll to EID. If there is an EID, your phone takes eSIMs. Every iPhone from the XS (2018) onwards does.
On Android: Settings → About phone → Status, and look for EID. If there is an EID, your phone takes eSIMs. Most Galaxy S20, Pixel 3 and later do.
It also has to be carrier-unlocked. If you bought it outright or your contract is over, it almost certainly is.
Not sure about your model? Ask us before you pay and we will tell you — a person answers within 24 hours.
How it works
- 1Choose and payCard, Apple Pay or Google Pay. No account.
- 2Install it at homeThe QR arrives by email. Scan it on wifi in a minute.
- 3Connect when you landTurn on data roaming for the eSIM and you are online.
One eSIM shared through the hotspot
The hotspot is allowed, so one phone with an eSIM can share its data with the others over Wi-Fi. It is the simplest option when only one phone in the family takes an eSIM, or when you spend the whole day together.
The trade-offs are real, though. Everyone draws from the same data, so one person watching video can use up what the rest needed. The others are only online while they stay near the phone sharing it, so splitting up means some of you go without. And the hotspot drains that phone's battery faster, so a power bank is a good idea.
Several eSIMs in one purchase
One purchase can include up to 10 eSIMs, one per person, each with its own QR. You pay once, by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay, and the purchase comes with an invoice.
Each QR is for one phone: once installed, the eSIM stays on that phone and cannot be moved. Decide which QR goes to which phone before you scan, and do not delete an eSIM during the trip, because a deleted eSIM cannot be installed again. If someone runs out of data, that eSIM can be topped up without reinstalling anything.
Children's phones
A child's phone can have its own eSIM as long as it supports eSIM and is not locked to a carrier. Phones handed down in the family are sometimes older models, so check yours on the compatibility page, or look in its settings: if there is an option to add an eSIM or a data plan, it is fine.
If a child's phone cannot take an eSIM, it can still join a parent's hotspot over Wi-Fi while you are together.
Install everything at home, on Wi-Fi
- Open each QR on another screen, such as a computer or a printed sheet, and scan it from the settings of the phone it belongs to.
- On each phone, set the eSIM as the line for mobile data.
- Leave data roaming off on everyone's usual line, and turn it on for the eSIM when you arrive.
Installing at home does not start the plan: it starts at the first connection in the destination, and you can buy up to 180 days ahead. Doing it calmly on your own Wi-Fi beats setting up four phones in a row at the airport. The installation guide has the steps for each type of phone.
Do we need one eSIM each, or can we share one?
Either works. One each gives everyone their own data and the freedom to split up; sharing one through the hotspot is simpler, but everyone uses the same data and has to stay near that phone.
Can I buy eSIMs for the whole family at once?
Yes, up to 10 in one purchase, each with its own QR to install on a different phone.
Can my child's phone use an eSIM?
Yes, if it supports eSIM and is not locked to a carrier. Check the model on the compatibility page.
Can we install the eSIMs before we travel?
Yes, and it is the best way: at home, on Wi-Fi. Installing does not start the plan; the first connection in the destination does.
Get your eSIM before you fly: the QR arrives by email in minutes and the plan only starts when you connect at your destination.
See the eSIM packs