What is an eSIM, and how do you use one abroad?
An eSIM is a SIM card built into your phone. Here is how it works, how to check if your phone has one, and how it saves you money on roaming.
If you have ever come home from a trip to a roaming bill bigger than you expected, this guide is for you. An eSIM is the simplest way to have internet abroad without paying your carrier's roaming prices, and most phones sold in the last few years already have one.
What an eSIM is
A SIM card is what connects your phone to a mobile network. For years it was a small plastic chip that you slotted into the side of the phone.
An eSIM does the same job, but it is built into the phone. There is nothing to insert: instead of receiving a chip, you download a profile, usually by scanning a QR code or tapping a button in an app. The phone treats it like a second SIM card.
Why it helps when you travel
When you use your phone abroad with your usual SIM, you are roaming: your carrier at home pays a foreign network to connect you, and passes the cost on to you. Depending on your carrier and where you go, that can be very expensive.
With a travel eSIM you buy data directly for the country you are visiting:
- You pay once, in advance. You know the price before you leave, and there is no surprise bill when you come back.
- You keep your number. Your usual SIM stays in the phone for calls and texts, and the eSIM handles the data.
- Nothing to find on arrival. No shop at the airport, no queue, no need to show your passport to buy a local SIM.
Does my phone support eSIM?
The quickest check works on almost every phone: open the phone app and dial *#06#. If you see a line called EID, your phone supports eSIM.
You can also look in the settings:
- iPhone: Settings, then Mobile Data (or Cellular). If you see Add eSIM, you are ready. Every iPhone from the XS and XR onwards supports it.
- Android: Settings, then Network or Connections, then SIM cards. Look for Add eSIM or Download a SIM. Recent Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones support it.
One more thing to check: the phone must be unlocked, meaning it is not tied to a single carrier. If you bought it outright, it almost certainly is.
How to use one, step by step
- Buy a plan for the country you are visiting, before you leave.
- Install it at home, on Wi-Fi. The installation needs an internet connection.
- When you land, go to your phone's settings, choose the eSIM as the line for mobile data, and turn on data roaming for it.
- Leave data roaming off on your usual SIM, so it cannot use data abroad by mistake.
Quick answers
Can I use WhatsApp with an eSIM?
Yes. WhatsApp is linked to your phone number, not to the SIM that gives you data, so it keeps working as usual.
Can I make normal phone calls?
Travel eSIMs are usually data only. For calls, use WhatsApp, FaceTime or any other app that calls over the internet.
Can I use it in several countries?
Yes, with a regional plan that covers a group of countries, for example Europe or the Gulf.
What happens when my data runs out?
With Wigoo you top up the same eSIM from the app, without installing anything new.