08.11.25
Best SIMs for International Travel
by Valeria
An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card that’s built directly into your device, eliminating the need for a physical card. The “e” stands for embedded, but it’s also known as a virtual SIM card or digital SIM card. This technology offers a faster, more secure solution while still storing your personal information like a traditional SIM card but in a more secure way. With an eSIM, you can switch phones seamlessly, store multiple eSIM profiles on a single device, and enjoy greater flexibility when traveling internationally.
Once activated, an eSIM functions just like a traditional SIM card, allowing you to connect to cellular networks, make calls, and use mobile data.
Counterpoint Research predicts that by 2028, more than half of smartphone connections will be eSIM-enabled.
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How do eSIMs work?
An eSIM is built into a device and is programmable remotely. They can be in phones, tablets, smartwatches, laptops, connected thermostats, cars, and more.
An eSIM offers more flexibility and ease for users to manage their devices and service plans. If your phone has an eSIM, you can easily add or remove phone plans and numbers and switch to different carriers without waiting to receive a physical SIM card. To activate an eSIM card, you just scan a QR code or use a link provided by the carrier.
Types of eSIMs: Data-Only vs. SMS, Voice, and Data
There are two main types of eSIM: Data-Only and SMS, Voice, and Data. Each serves a different purpose and is designed for specific users.
Data-Only eSIM: The Data-Only eSIM provides internet access only, without providing a phone number or letting you make phone calls or send SMS texts over a cell connection. (But once connected to the internet, you can use apps to make calls and send messages.) It offers full coverage around the world (such as if you're looking for an international SIM card for your travels). If you are looking for affordable global data on the go, without the need for calls or texts on a cellular network, a Data-Only eSIM is a good solution.
SMS, Voice, and Data eSIM: This is an all-in-one eSIM that provides full mobile communication features, including calls, texts, and data. It offers global roaming coverage and standard mobile services. This type of eSIM is more cost-efficient and flexible, to ensure you are connected. It's now commonly used by phone service providers, and if you're looking for the best eSIMs specifically for a smoother, faster activation, you can check out our full list of the best eSIMs in 2025.
| Feature | Data-Only eSIM | SMS, Voice & Data eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Best For |
|
|
| Data Usage | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Calls | Not Supported | Supported |
| Text Messaging (SMS) | Not Supported | Supported |
| Coverage | Local or global internet coverage | Local or global mobile coverage (data + calls + texts) |
| Cost Efficiency | More value for data only users | Move value for users needing full phone service |
| Device Compatibility | Mostly tablets and some mobile devices | All mobile devices |
How to use an eSIM
Step 1: Purchase a phone plan
Simply purchase an eSIM plan online from your carrier. There's no need to buy a physical SIM card or remove your physical SIM because eSIMs are remotely programmable. You can set up your eSIM and connect from anywhere in the world.
Step 2: Activate an eSIM
Once you pick the phone plan you want, contact that carrier to activate your eSIM. It will provide you with a QR code or setup link to scan and activate your eSIM on your device. (If you're getting a new number, check out steps you should take before changing your phone number.) Note that you'll need to be on Wi-Fi to activate the eSIM.
Step by step eSIM activation instructions
Request an eSIM from your carrier: Reach out to your carrier and ask for an eSIM. Technically, they will provide you with a QR code or setup link that lets you download the eSIM profile to your device.
Scan the provided QR code: Using the device where you want the eSIM activated, scan the code to activate.
iPhone: Open the Camera app or a QR code scanner to begin the activation process.
Android: Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager, then tap Add mobile plan or Scan QR code.
Follow the on-screen setup instructions: After scanning the QR code, your mobile device will prompt you to confirm or enter additional details. Once you complete all the steps, your eSIM will be ready to use.
Advantages of an eSIM
eSIM gives you the flexibility and convenience of having a second phone line for personal or work use. If your device is compatible with eSIM, you can have two or more lines without needing multiple phones.
For example, when traveling internationally, you would typically need to buy a second physical SIM card upon arrival and swap it with your existing SIM. With eSIM, there’s no need to remove your physical SIM or deal with that hassle. You can simply add an international plan directly to your device, and it will start working as soon as you arrive in another country. More benefits that eSIM provides:
Flexibility: You can easily activate your phone on any new carrier without having to physically obtain and then swap out a physical SIM card.
Convenience: You can easily activate your new carrier's service remotely with an eSIM and avoid the hassle of a physical SIM insertion process.
Eco-friendliness: eSIMs do away with the unnecessary packaging of a physical SIM and the emissions from shipping a physical SIM.
Good for travel: Purchase an international eSIM ahead of your trip abroad, and activate it on location to continue receiving service (cheaper than roaming!).
Disadvantages of an eSIM
Limited carrier support: Not all carriers support eSIM activation yet (TextNow does not currently support eSIM). Check directly with whatever carrier you're considering to ensure it has eSIM compatibility.
Limited to newer devices: Since eSIM is a relatively new technology, it's only supported by newer devices. For example, in 2022 Apple announced that all its phones, starting with the iPhone 14 model, would only support eSIM and have no physical SIM slots. According to Keepgo, 60% of all smartphone sales this year will be eSIM compatible.
No physical backup: While eSIMs can make your life easier, they can also create problems when your phone no longer works. If you have issues with connecting to a network, or your phone truly is dead or damaged and you need to switch to a new one, it's no longer as easy as taking out the physical SIM and swapping it over. It also limits your options for troubleshooting if you start having issues with the SIM.
What carrier is best for eSIM support?
The big 3 carriers in the U.S. support eSIM (Verizon, TMobile, and AT&T). We'recommend looking into their cheaper MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) carriers, like Visible and US Mobile, to find an affordable plan that can support eSIM. Orange and Vodafone are the main carriers that offer eSIM in Europe.
Can I use eSIM on any phone?
Since this is a newer technology (widely made more recognizable when Apple introduced their eSIM-only iPhone in 2022), only newer models –both iOS and Android – will be able to recognize and use eSIMs (over physical SIM cards).
How do I know if I have eSIM or SIM?
There are a variety of ways to know if your phone is eSIM compatible.
eSIM for iPhone
If you're using iPhone 14 or later in the U.S., your device is eSIM-only and has no physical SIM tray. Older models also support eSIM in a dual-SIM capacity, so those would be: iPhone XR, XS, iPhone 11, 12, and 13. To confirm your model:
Go to Settings > General > About
Look at Model Name and Model Number
You can also check by heading over to Apple's website to make sure the phone you currently have (or are looking to buy) supports it.
You can also:
Open the Settings app
Tap Cellular or Mobile Data
If you see an option for Add eSIM, Add Cellular Plan, or Convert to eSIM, your device supports eSIM.You might also see existing eSIM profiles listed under Cellular Plans.
Steps to check eSIM support on Android
Since there are so many more Android models than iPhones, listing them off by each model gets a little long but you can easily undertake a quick search on your phone's setting:
Open the Settings app
Navigate to Network & Internet or Connections.
Look for eSIM Options: If you see options like SIM Card Manager or Add eSIM, your phone supports eSIM.
You can, alternatively, head over to that manufacturer's website as well (Samsung, Google, Motorola, Huawei, etc) to confirm whether your model supports eSIM or not. Also, check out this comprehensive list of eSIM-compatible phones provided by Yesim.
Can I have dual eSIM on my phone, or a physical SIM and an eSIM?
Apple: Starting with iPhone 14 and newer (15, 16), they only support eSIM, so you will not have a physical SIM slot. The good news is that those phones support dual eSIM, so you can have two phone carriers providing you service, which can make travelling (without roaming) much easier. Older models (iPhone 13 – iPhone X) only have single eSIM support, but they do also come with a physical SIM slot, so you have more flexibility.
Android: The good news here is that Android is more flexible and available to be used with more carriers, and most eSIM-enabled phones do also come with a physical SIM slot, making them dual SIM phones (one eSIM, one physical).
How can I transfer an eSIM to another phone?
Some phone carriers let you transfer an eSIM to the new phone to continue your service on it, while others do not support it and require you to activate a new eSiM. Check with your carrier to find out if you can transfer the existing eSIM and specific instructions for doing so.
For an iPhone to iPhone transfer, you may be able to use eSIM Quick Transfer without contacting your service provider.
Similarly, Google is rolling out an eSIM transfer tool that supports moving eSIMs between some Android models (Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones in particular) on some networks during the set-up process. If that doesn't work, open Settings on the new phone and go to Network & Internet or Connections. Choose SIM Manager or Cellular Data, then tap Add eSIM to see if a Transfer eSIM option appears.
How can I delete an eSIM?
You might want to remove an eSIM if you've moved your plan to a new phone and are going to trade in, sell or give away the old phone. Here's how:
On an iPhone: Go to Settings then Cellular, and choose Delete eSIM if you just have one phone plan. If you have multiple plans, you'll have to tap on the one you want and then choose Delete Plan.
On an Android, go to Settings then Connections and choose SIM Manager, where you can select the eSIM and remove it.
eSIM vs. Physical SIM
The main difference between an eSIM and a physical SIM is the convenience of activation. An eSIM can be easily and quickly activated remotely, without having to walk through a step-by-step insertion and activation process. When it comes to the quality of service after activation, though, there is no difference.
| Feature | eSIM (Embedded SIM) | Physical SIM (Traditional SIM) |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Activated by scanning a QR code or clicking a setup link | Must be physically inserted into the device |
| Phone Number | Up to 2 | Up to 2 |
| Network Operators | Unlimited | Up to 2 |
| Removal | Deactivate the eSIM profile | Remove the physical SIM card |
| Convenience | Highly convenient | Less convenient |
| Carrier Switching | Done remotely and can support multiple profiles | Requires physical replacement of SIM |
| Device Compatibility | Limited to newer devices | Old and most new devices |
| Security | More secure; harder to steal or clone | Easier to physically steal or misuse if devicce is lost |
| Dual SIM | Can work with multiple eSIM or physical SIM | Requires dual SIM slot for two physical SIMs |
| Network Lock-in | Easier to unlock or change carriers | Tied to carrier and may require unlocking procedures |
| Best for | Great for travelers, dual-line or enterprise users, IoT (internet of things) connected devices | Traditional users, legacy devices, devices with no eSIM support |
| Usage Abroad | Affordable and easy to get data plan in different countries | Can be expensive due to roaming charges |
There are enough pros and cons to both that if you're looking for a new phone, we'd recommend finding a dual-SIM one that supports both eSIM and physical SIM. This gives you:
More flexibility when selecting a carrier or data plan.
The ability to use two numbers (e.g., personal and work, or home and travel).
Easier transitions between carriers or phones, without losing service.
