Como funcionam os eSIM em viagem

Partner links: LarkTours compares options from partners and may earn a commission if you book through some links, at no extra cost to you. LarkTours is not the seller. Prices and availability are set by each provider, so check details on their site before you book.

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone. Instead of buying a plastic SIM card on arrival, you install a data plan by scanning a QR code or tapping a link in an app. For travellers, the main appeal is having mobile data the moment you land.

Does my phone support it?

Many recent iPhones, Google Pixels and Samsung Galaxy phones support eSIM, but not every model or regional version does. Your phone must also be carrier-unlocked. Check your phone's settings, or your manufacturer's compatibility list, before you buy.

How it works

1. Choose a plan for your destination or region, with a set amount of data and validity period.
2. Install the eSIM while you are still on Wi-Fi, ideally before you travel. Some plans only start their validity when they first connect at the destination. Check the plan terms.
3. On arrival, switch mobile data to the eSIM line and turn on data roaming for that line.
4. Keep your home SIM active for calls and texts if you need them, but turn off its data roaming to avoid charges.

Things to know

• Most travel eSIMs are data-only. Calls and SMS may not be included, so use internet calling apps instead.
• Don't delete an eSIM you still need. Many can't be reinstalled once removed.
• Regional plans can cover several countries on one trip.
• Speeds and coverage depend on the local network partner. Check which networks a plan uses.

eSIM vs roaming vs local SIM

Home-carrier roaming is easy but can be expensive outside bundled zones. A local SIM can be the cheapest option for long stays but needs a shop visit, and sometimes ID registration. A travel eSIM sits in between: convenient and set up in advance.

Step-by-step on iPhone and Android

Menu names vary by version, but the flow is similar:

• iPhone: Settings, then Mobile/Cellular, then Add eSIM. Scan the QR code or use the app link, and label the line, for example "Travel".
• Android: Settings, then Network & internet (or Connections), then SIMs, then Add eSIM or download a SIM.

Then set the travel line as your mobile data line. Keep your home line for calls and texts if you need them.

Choosing a plan

• Single country or regional: regional plans are handy for multi-country trips, such as Southeast Asia or Europe.
• Data amount: maps and messaging use little data. Video calls, streaming and hotspotting use much more.
• Validity: plans expire after a set period. Check whether validity starts on purchase, on install, or on first connection.
• Top-ups: check whether you can add data to the same eSIM rather than installing a new one.
• Hotspot: confirm it's allowed if you plan to share data with a laptop.

Troubleshooting

• No connection on arrival: check that data roaming is on for the eSIM line, and that the line is selected for mobile data.
• Still nothing: try restarting the phone, or manually selecting a supported network.
• Need to check the APN: some plans require a specific APN setting. It's in the plan instructions.
• Keep your two-factor codes working: if your bank sends SMS codes to your home number, keep that line active for SMS.

Security and privacy

Using mobile data instead of open hotel or café Wi-Fi reduces some risks. Using the data of a plan provider still means trusting that provider and its network partners, as with any mobile service.

When an eSIM isn't the best choice

eSIMs are convenient, but they aren't always the best answer. If you need a local phone number, for example for messaging apps used by local businesses or for some bank verifications, a local physical SIM may be more practical. On a long stay, local prepaid plans can also work out better value.

Before you buy, check how long the plan lasts once activated, whether it can be topped up, and whether hotspot use is allowed. Delete eSIMs you no longer need from your phone's settings, but only after you're sure you won't top them up again.

Check for an EID

A quick way to check whether a phone has eSIM hardware is to look in its settings, under About or Status, for an EID: a long identifier for the embedded SIM. If there's an EID, the phone has an eSIM chip, though it must still be unlocked to use another provider's plan. The GSMA, the mobile industry body, explains how eSIM works and which devices support it.

Checklist

• Check that your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM.
• Choose a plan that covers every country you'll visit.
• Install the eSIM over Wi-Fi before departure.
• Turn on data roaming for the eSIM line only after you arrive.
• Keep your home SIM active for SMS codes if needed.

FAQ

Can I keep WhatsApp on my home number?

Yes. WhatsApp is tied to your account and phone number, not to which SIM provides data.

Browse plans by destination on Airalo (partner).