How to install a travel eSIM, step by step
Installing a data eSIM takes about two minutes and needs no app. Do it at home over Wi-Fi a day or two before you fly: the plan does not start until your phone connects in your destination.
Check if my phone is compatibleBefore you start
- Your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked (not tied to one carrier). Check your model on the compatibility page.
- Connect to Wi-Fi.
- Open the QR code from the email on another screen (laptop, tablet or printed), because the phone scanning it cannot also display it. On iPhone with iOS 17.4 or later you can use the one-tap install link instead.
- Do not delete the eSIM after installing it: it cannot be reinstalled from the same QR code.
One eSIM for 33 European countries
Several countries on one trip? Same eSIM, same data, no swapping lines at the border.
Choose your data
For one to two weeks of maps, messaging and the odd video.
Nothing is charged now · When we are done improving, we will email you 30% off
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.
iPhone (iOS 17 and 18)
- Open Settings > Mobile Service (called Mobile Data or Cellular on some versions).
- Tap Add eSIM > Use QR Code, and scan the code.
- Give the new line a label, for example "Travel".
- When asked which line to use for mobile data, choose the travel eSIM. Keep your usual line for calls and iMessage if you like.
- Open the travel line and switch Data Roaming on. It will not cost anything extra: the plan is already paid for.
Samsung Galaxy (One UI)
- Open Settings > Connections > SIM manager.
- Tap Add eSIM > Scan QR code from service provider, and scan the code.
- In SIM manager, set Mobile data to the new eSIM.
- Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks and switch Data roaming on for that line.
Google Pixel
- Open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
- Tap Add SIM (or the + sign), then choose to download a SIM / use an eSIM, and scan the code.
- Open the new eSIM, switch Mobile data on and turn Roaming on.
- If you keep your usual SIM, set its mobile data off during the trip so it does not roam by accident.
After landing: no internet?
- Check that Data Roaming is on for the travel eSIM line.
- Check that mobile data is set to the travel eSIM, not your usual line.
- Restart the phone.
- Switch Airplane mode on and off, or pick a network manually in the network selection menu.
Still nothing? Write to us from the help page with your order email.
Travelling later?
We remind you before your trip
Tell us the day you leave. We email you a week before and the day before with the steps to install the eSIM on Wi-Fi at home. Nothing else.
We only write about this trip, and every email has a one-click unsubscribe. Privacy policy
Do I need an app to install the eSIM?
No. It installs from the phone settings with the QR code, or with the one-tap link on iPhone with iOS 17.4 or later.
Does installing the eSIM start the plan?
No. The plan starts when your phone first connects to a network in the destination, so you can install it days before.
Can I keep using my WhatsApp and my number?
Yes. Your usual line stays in the phone for calls and SMS, and WhatsApp keeps working with your number over the eSIM data.
Why do I have to turn on data roaming?
Because the eSIM connects to local networks abroad, which the phone treats as roaming. The plan already covers it, so it costs nothing extra.
Get your eSIM before you fly: the QR arrives by email in minutes and the plan only starts when you connect at your destination.
Check if my phone is compatible