[Beginner Guide] What is an eSIM? How it works, Pros & Cons for Tourists

Get to know an overview about eSIM, from what is an eSIM, how it works, its pros and cons for tourists, how many types of eSIM are available, to top eSIM carriers and providers, how to install and use an eSIM, and how to buy eSIM for the best value.

The last decade, SIM cards have dominated our way of accessing the Internet, but now, the new king is eSIM. However, there is still controversy about eSIM. While some say this is a new era of mobile connectivity for travelers, others still warn about it being too early to switch. So, what is an eSIM? How does it benefit users? What advantages does it have over a physical SIM card? How to use it?

Let’s delve into eSIM with us!

What is an esim card? Understanding eSIM terms

Here we uncover and explain all basic terms related to eSIM, namely what is an esim, eSIM technology, eSIM profile, QR code for eSIM, eSIM data plan, etc.

1. What is an eSIM? Size and Types

eSIM, standing for Embedded Subscriber Identity Module, is a digital Sim card embedded in a mobile device and can connect you to any operator offering eSIM services. You cannot remove it and insert it to another device. 

It is physically connected (soldered) to the motherboard. You could activate it by setting up the “eSIM profile”, a new operator. 

The information on an eSIM is rewritable, so you can switch your network without having to remove your SIM and insert another.

At the moment, eSIM are more commonly used as the second SIM in a dual-SIM device.

👉 Good to know: eSIM is sometimes called virtual sim or eUICC (Embedded Universal Circuit Card). It plays an important role in the Internet of Things (IoT) since the technology is already embedded in wearables, cars, industrial machines, home appliances,….

The size of an eSIM: An eSIM module is super tiny. 

• Width: 5.0mm
• Height: 6.0mm
• Thickness: 0.67mm

Types of eSIM: There are 02 types of eSIM, which are:

• Data eSIM, and
• Voice, SMS, and Data eSIM.

👉 Good to know: DATA ESIM is currently preferred by a lot of travelers.

2. What is an eSIM profile?

An eSIM profile is the software that you have to download to your eSIM-compatible device to access the carrier’s mobile network. 

eSIM profile is different from conventional SIM Card which is physically inserted into a device and is removable.

👉 Good to know: 

• A device can store multiple eSIM profiles, but you can only have one eSIM profile active at any given time. 
• Because the chip is physically connected inside the handset’s motherboard, we cannot do anything with the eSIM chip, but the eSIM profile. In most eSIM-related documents, people often mention an eSIM in the meaning of an eSIM profile. So here we apply the same to help you follow easily. 

3. What is an eSIM data plan?

An eSIM data plan is a prepaid data-only plan that you could download directly to your eSIM-ready device. In simple terms, think of it as a lightweight prepaid plan for a random local carrier available in the country you are currently residing.

👉 Pro Tip: When buying an eSIM data plan, please check with your service provider (who sells the eSIM data plan to you) to know whether or not the eSIM data plan is accompanied with a phone number. With some eSIM data plans, there are no phone numbers attached while some others offer.

4. What is the QR code for eSIM from the carrier?

A QR code for an esim is a code specific to your service plan provided by your carrier. If you do not have one, contact your carrier and ask them for one.

eSIM for travel and tourists

Staying connected while traveling may be on your list of priorities. The main problem is the cost. Travel internet is rather expensive because of data roaming fees. This is where eSIM shines. No need to swap your SIM cards to use the web when you need, you can save it on an international eSIM. 

If you decide to use an eSIM card, then you just need to buy a data plan in the country where you are traveling. You can use a QR code sent by the carrier to activate that plan via the eSIM card on your device. After that, you can use your own phone or the like which is eSIM-supported like anyone else in a foreign country.

Pros and Cons of eSIM for tourism professionals

Here are noticeable benefits and drawbacks of an eSIM for the device itself and the user.

1. Advantages of eSIM

• Very convenient. No need to look for a store or wait for your SIM to be delivered by mail. 
• Cost-saving. No shipping cost to get a sim Card. No roaming charges.
• Ideal for frequent travelers. Stay connected anytime, anywhere, regardless of frequency or sudden change.
• Instant connectivity. You can get immediate connectivity wherever you are after receiving your QR activation code through email.
• Switch networks easily. It is much easier to switch mobile networks with esim. No need to order a new SIM, wait for its arrival, then insert into your phone, you can switch to another network online or with just a click. Of course, it is not necessary to hunt for a SIM ejector tool to remove the SIM card from your device.
• Allows you to have more than one SIM/phone number. eSIMs have the same advantage like dual-SIM phones with two traditional plastic SIMs slots. You can have two phone numbers on one device. Like using a phone with dual SIM slots, using an eSIM allows you to have multiple phone numbers. 
• Takes up less space. eSIM is super small, so smartphone manufacturers can potentially make use of this space for other purposes, like increasing the battery size, or adding more useful features to the device. It does not need to be near the phone’s edge, making protection from dust and moisture even better. This space advantage has much value on wearable devices like smartwatches.
• Secure. eSIM cannot be duplicated.
• Store multiple cellular profiles. A number of profiles could be stored within a virtual sim card so you can easily toggle to choose which carrier you want to use.
• Easy to locate. It is easy to find your device if it is stolen or lost because network providers can control the eSIM remotely (but this is also a disadvantage as well. See below)

2. Disadvantages of an eSIM

There are a few potential disadvantages of an eSIM, though.

• Relatively new. eSIM is only available in recent phone models and some selected carriers.
• More difficult to transfer. For a traditional SIM card, you can stop your handset, remove the SIM and put it in another phone, still keep your number as well as contact information (if your contacts are stored on the SIM). For an eSIM, it will be a little bit trickier. You need to retrieve and download your eSIM profile from the cloud – more time-consuming than transferring into a new handset. 
• Easily be tracked by network providers. You cannot remove an eSIM from a device. This provokes a concern whether or not your movements are tracked and this is considered a drawback of an eSIM.
• Hard to define the cause of a network issue. If you have a problem related to connection, it is easy to test with a traditional sim card by moving it to a different phone to check. But, you will not be able to do that with an eSIM.

3. Physical sim card vs. eSIM – A brief comparison

Here, we give a brief comparison between a physical sim card and an eSIM.

👉 Good to know: To be fair, some advantages can be disadvantages in certain cases. 

Who can benefit from an eSIM?

Having an eSIM is helpful for travelers, but those are not the only people who can take advantage of them. An eSIM is great for:

• People who want a secondary prepaid line. Some eSIM carriers allow you to have a secondary prepaid line for your device. Check with your primary carrier to see if they allow it. 
• People who need short-term plans. Normally, prepaid plans of a traditional SIM card require customers to buy at least one-month service. eSIM data plans are more flexible and various. You can select the plan for 1-2 weeks, meaning you will not overpay for the service you do not use. 
• People who want cheap data. Traditional data plan costs about $10/GB while a typical eSIM plan just costs $9/4G (for the iTel network).
• People who need immediate data. If for a certain reason, you cannot access a physical SIM card or top up your current plan, eSIM data plan could keep you connected with a click.

How much does an eSIM cost?

Keep in mind that:

• There are no fees to activate an eSIM. The technology itself likely already lives on your device.
• The only eSIM cost is actually the DATA PLAN itself.

When buying eSIMs, you may not want to get stuck paying the same amount that you would pay for a traditional SIM card. 

So how to save cost on eSIMs?

To avoid paying high costs:

• Always do your research and vet multiple options. It is recommended to use a handy tool like esims.io or Gigago.io, which will show in a neat table all the eSIMs available in some popular countries, sorted by lowest to highest price.

But, do not consider the price alone. 

• Always check who the partner carrier is as well. There are always reasons why some carriers have lower prices than others (less reliable, slower speeds, throttling, etc.). 
• Consider data plan size. When visiting a different country as a tourist or a business traveler, it is important to know your data needs and plan accordingly. Most eSIM providers offer a wide range of plans from 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB and the like. What works for one user may be too much (data) for another user, so why would you pay good money for something you won’t use?
• Take advantage of volume buying. For frequent travelers or ones traveling in groups, they may want larger plans and to be able to reap some benefits from volume buying. Luckily, at Gigago, we have a cool referral program for this. 
• Select a plan that fits your speed requirements. You can download an app (Nomad app, for example) to check what speeds you can expect when traveling to the U.S and more than 100 destinations all over the world.

How does an eSIM work?

The eSIM is basically a physical SIM card gone digital, so it works the same way as the traditional SIM card.

Instead of inserting an actual SIM, your eSIM-compatible phone provides one for you physically and your mobile phone network provides it virtually. 

To help you understand how an eSIM works easily, below we explain how an eSIM is connected and make a brief comparison with how a SIM is connected as well:

How an eSIM is connected

1. Buy an eSIM-compatible device
2. Choose and buy a plan from a certain carrier
3. Receive the QR code from the carrier (instead of visiting their store to get the SIM)
4. Scan the code and activate the plan
5. Receive the eSIM profile (the same data stored in the physical SIM) into an eSIM (chip) in the phone

What devices support eSIM? List of eSIM-compatible devices (updated)

To take advantage of the new eSIM technology, you must have an eSIM-supported phone or device.  Please make sure that devices which are SIM locked cannot be used.

1. Where can eSIM be used?

The adoption of eSIM is expanding. iOS and Android devices which are eSIM-compatible and unlocked can be used with eSIM, including:

• Cell phones. 
• Laptops
• Tablets
• Smart watches
• Connected cars
• Fitness trackers
• Portable modems
• IoT gadgets or handheld POS (Point of Sales) systems
• Home security devices

In the future, when the adoption of this technology grows, there will be even more innovative applications, from item tracking, transportation to the field of smart agriculture and the like. 

2. Which devices use eSIMs?

A shortlist of some eSIM phones and devices available on the market today include – keep updating:

👉 Notes: 

• iPhones purchased from China or Hong Kong are dual sim, with no eSIM.
• The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G or 5G is not compatible with eSIM.
• Samsung Galaxy S20 Hybrid Dual SIM – Samsung produces both eSIM and no eSIM versions.
• Huawei P40 Pro+ has no eSIM support.
• Phone locked normally cannot use eSIM. If your phone is locked then you will get an error message when setting up an eSIM service. 

How to check if your device is eSIM compatible

There are some ways to check whether or not your phone is capable:

• Google search of your mobile device to see if it has eSIM support (see guidelines to check your phone’s name and module below)
• Reviewing our eSIM supported device list above.

In case you cannot find the answer, you will need to take a deep dive into the settings of your phone. Here is the guide:

1. Check if your iPhone is eSIM compatible

Here is steps to check the name and model number of your iPhone:

• Go to Settings > General > About. 
• Find your device’s model name right at the right side of Model name. 
• Look up in the table of eSIM-supported devices above. If it fits, then congratulations, go to the next step. 

2. Check if your Android Devices is eSIM compatible

• Go to Settings, check the About Phone section
• You will see the Model Name of your device.
• Look up in the table of eSIM-ready devices above

3. Check if your Window system is eSIM ready

► Check your System model number

• Open Start.
• Search for System Information and click the top result to open the app.
• Click on System Summary.
• Under the System Model field, you’ll find the model number of your device

► Then, determine if your system has an eSIM or not

• Select the Start button, then select Settings  > Network & Internet  > Cellular.
• On the Cellular screen, look for a link near the bottom of the page that says Manage eSIM profiles. If that link appears, your PC has an eSIM.

List of eSIMcarriers and providers in the world

What carriers support eSIM?

In fact, not all carriers support eSIMs, but it is just a matter of time before eSIM support becomes the standard. There are more than 100 carriers in over 50 countries that offer support for eSIM. 

Below we represents an overview of eSIM carriers in the world, classified by region, that help you get an overall outlook:

1. Europe: Top eSIM carriers in European countries:

These are carriers offering virtual card support in Europe, where eSIM technology is widespread:

• Austria: T-Mobile, Three.
• Germany: Telekom and Vodafone.
• United Kingdom: USA.
• France: Orange
• Netherlands: T-Mobile
• Luxembourg: MTX Connect, POST
• Greece: Cosmote
• Spain: Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, Pepephone, Yoigo, O2, Jazztel.
• Croatia: Hrvatski Telekom.
• Czech Republic: T-Mobile.
• Hungary: Magyar Telekom.
• Latvia: LMT
• Italy: TIM
• Switzerland: Salt, Sunrise, Swisscom
• Sweden: Three, Tele2, Telenor, Telia
• Finland: Telia.
• Slovakia: Orange.
• Estonia: Telia.
• Denmark: Three.
• Romania: Orange.
• Portugal: MEO, NOS.
• Poland: Orange.
• Norway: Telenor, Telia.
• Belgium:
• Belarus: A1

More useful information about eSIM for Europe countries

2. Asia: Best eSIM carriers in Asian countries

The operators supporting eSIM card in Asia include:

• India: Airtel and Reliance Jio.
• United Arab Emirates: du, Etisalat, Virgin Mobile
• Jordan: Orange, Zain.
• Hong Kong: 1O1O,Three, csl, China Mobile, SmarTone
• Vietnam: Viettel.
• Kuwait: Ooredoo, Viva, Zain
• Kazakhstan: Kcell.
• Thailand: AIS, dtac, TrueMove
• Taiwan: APT, Chunghwa Telecom, FarEasTone, Taiwan Mobile
• Sri Lanka: Dialog.
• Singapore: M1, Starhub.
• Saudi Arabia: Mobily, STC, Zain
• Qatar: Ooredoo, Vodafone
• Philippines: Globe
• Cambodia: Smart Axiata
• Oman: Omantel, Ooredoo
• Bahrain: Batelco, Viva, Zain.
• Malaysia: Celcom, Digi, Maxis, U Mobile
• Armenia: Ucom.
• Lebanon: Alpha

3. The Americas: eSIM carriers in North and South America

Popular operators that provide virtual card support in the Americas are:

• Canada: Bell, Fido, Freedom, Koodo, Lucky Mobile, Rogers, Telus and Virgin.
• United States: AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
• Mexico: AT&T, Telcel, Movistar
• Colombia: Movistar, Claro (Comcel).
• Argentina: Personal, Movistar, Claro
• Brazil: Claro, Vivo, TIM
• Chile: Movistar, Entel
• Uruguay: Antel, Movistar
• Ecuador: Movistar

4. Africa: Carriers support eSIM

Africa is the least developed region in the world  in terms of virtual card technology. Up to now, there is just one operate having support for eSIM: 

South Africa: Vodacom (Vodafone)

5. Oceania: Top eSIM providers and carriers

There are 4 providers that support virtual technology on this continent:

• Australia: Vodafone
• Guam: iConnect, IT&E
• New Zealand: Spark

Installing an eSIM – When and how to install an eSIM (profile)?

1. When to install an eSIM

The eSIM can be installed as soon as you make the purchase because the validity period will not start until you connect to the specified network for the first time. 

For the best, install the eSIM profile on your device before departure, then right after landing at your destination country, your eSIM will automatically connect to the network. 

👉 Good to know: Most eSIMs can only be installed once, so do not remove it from your handset once installed (of course until you are done using it). 

2. How to install an eSIM (on different operating systems)

To install an eSIM, you need to have the QR Code – activation code. This can be gained after buying the eSIM, you may receive an “Activation code” and a QR code from the eSIM carrier through email. 

You can use either the activation code or the QR code to install and activate your eSIM profile on your device. It just takes a few minutes to complete the process.

👉 Pro Tip: For those who have one device, get a printed copy of the QR code to be scanned, or take the photo of the QR code with a second device. In case you have two devices, open the QR code from the second device to scan. 

Now, with the QR code, you can start installing. 

But, before starting the eSIM installation, make sure that:

• You will need an internet connection to do all the steps below, so get your mobile set up before you leave home
• Your device is connected to WiFi, so you can get the QR code sent by the carrier (be it through email or message,…)
• Your primary sim data should be turned off when your data eSIM is in use (you probably don’t want to pay roaming fee).
• Name or label your various eSIM so you can tell which is for which country, or which is from which provider.
• The validity of your eSIM starts from the moment you activate it, so do not turn it on until you arrive at your destination.

👉 Note: Depending on your device and whether you bought it with a cellular plan or added your plan separately. If you buy the plan separately, you will get a QR code (working as eSIM activation key) that you need to scan on your phone.

The way to install eSIM profile is up to the device you use. Now, let’s see what you need to do to add an eSIM for travel:

1. How to install eSIM on iPhone (iOS)

• Go to Settings > Cellular Data
• Tap Add Data/Cellular Plan
• Scan the QR code
• Enter the Confirmation code if required. This is optional. If in case, the code will be included in the email confirmation you have received from the carrier as well.
• Add the data plan to your phone
• Name your eSIM, then Continue
• Select the named eSIM as the default line, then Continue
• Select the named eSIM as the default mobile data line and Done

👉 Note: For the best, it is recommended to turn your eSIM off after installation, turn it on when you arrive at your destination.

2. How to install eSIM on Android devices

• Go to Settings, select Network & internet
• Click on the ‘+’  beside Mobile Network
• Select Don’t have a SIM Card? in case your phone has no other SIM card or Download a SIM instead? In case one SIM card is available on your phone.
• Select Next. button
• Your device’s camera will open up on screen. Use the camera to scan the QR code.
• Select Continue to add this data plan to your phone.
• Turn off your eSIM (and turn it on when you arrive at your destination).

Please be informed that the steps above may vary a bit depending on the smartphone model & carrier. If you encounter any issues or have questions on how to install and activate the eSIM, please contact our customer support.

Samsung phones eSIM installation guide

Google pixel phones eSIM installation guide

3. How to install an eSIM on Windows system

• Search for and open Settings.
• Click Cellular.
• From the Cellular screen, click Manage eSIM profiles.

👉 Pro Tip: If you see a profile for your organization’s mobile provider in the list of eSIM profiles, skip the rest of these steps and go to Connecting to cellular data using an eSIM profile.

• Click Add a new profile.
• If the mobile carrier issued an activation code, do the following steps. Otherwise, skip to the next step.
  • Select Let me enter an activation code I have from my mobile operator and then click Next.
  • If the activation code is a QR code, use the camera on your PC and scan the QR code.
  • The activation code is displayed in the Activation code box, click Next
  • When the Do you want to download this profile window opens, enter
  • Click Close.
• To search for available profiles, do the following steps:
  • Select Search for available profiles and then click Next.
  • Select a profile and enter the confirmation code provided by your mobile operator in the corresponding box, and then click Download.
  • After installing the downloaded profile, click Continue. To install more profiles, repeat this process.
  • Click Close after all your profiles are downloaded.
• To rename a profile, select the profile, click Edit name, type a name (such as Business or Home), and then click Save.

How to switch between SIM and eSIM?

This depends on your handset. Sometimes, it takes just a simple scan of a QR code to switch between SIM and eSIM. But other times, you may need to import the data manually and obtain the information from your carrier. 

Here is guide to switch between a SIM and an eSIM for each type of device:

1. Switch between SIM and eSIM for iOS:

• Select Settings, 
• Select either Cellular or Mobile Data,
• Select the plan you want to use. Then tap Turn On This Line.

2. Switch between SIM and eSIM for Android:

• Go to Settings
• Select Network & Internet Mobile Network. Advanced
• Tap the Name of the Carrier. 
• Select Switch.

You can also switch between eSIM profiles, so you can optimize the profile basing on the destination and benefit from the best coverage and rates.

Buying an eSIM – The beginner guide

1. Where to buy an eSIM?

You can buy eSIM online, right at your home in residing country. Just simply search for: eSIM + “your destination country” and choose one of the providers showed on the result page. Check their products and services carefully so you can choose the most suitable data plan for your needs.

Note: GIGAGO is one of the new but prestige eSIM carrier in the world that offer so much promotions and support for customers. Consider it!

2. How to buy an eSIM

It is very easy to buy an eSIM. It can be done online, with just a few simple steps:

1. Choose your suitable data plan, make an order and pay

2. Check your email to get the QR code from the carrier/provider

3. Scan the QR code to setup and activate your eSIM

4. Activate and Ready to travel

3. Tips on purchasing an eSIM

• Choose your destination country and the amount of cell data required. Most carriers/providers offer pay-per-use data plans. 
• If you travel to multiple countries during one holiday, you should buy a data package covering a broader range of destinations, such as Europe or Asia.

Frequently Asked Questions