Travel

The Complete eSIM Guide

Device Verification

Before acquiring any eSIM plan, one must confirm that the device in question possesses both the necessary hardware and the freedom to use third-party carrier profiles.

On iPhone

Navigate to Settings → General → About. Scroll to locate the EID field. Its presence confirms eSIM hardware. Compatible models begin with the iPhone XS (2018) and all subsequent releases.

On Android

Navigate to Settings → About Phone. Locate the EID field. Compatible devices include Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, and numerous other modern Android handsets.

A Note on Carrier Lock

Even a device with confirmed eSIM hardware may be restricted by carrier lock — a firmware-level limitation preventing the use of third-party profiles. Contact your home carrier to confirm unlock status before purchasing any travel eSIM plan.

Selecting Your Plan

The ideal plan is determined by the duration of your journey and the nature of your connectivity requirements. We present a considered framework for selection.

JourneyDataValidityIdeal For
Weekend Escape3–5 GB7 daysNavigation, messaging, light browsing
Holiday Fortnight10–15 GB15–30 daysPhotography uploads, social media, streaming
Extended Journey20–50 GB30 daysExtended travel, video calls
Remote WorkingUnlimited*30 daysVideo conferencing, cloud work

*Unlimited plans typically apply speed restrictions after 20–50 GB of high-speed data.

Installation

Phone

iOS Installation

  1. I.Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan
  2. II.Position camera over the QR code
  3. III.Confirm and assign a label
  4. IV.Set as Default Data Line
  5. V.Enable Data Roaming

Android Installation

  1. I.Settings → Network → SIM Manager
  2. II.Select Add eSIM
  3. III.Scan the QR code
  4. IV.Confirm the installation
  5. V.Set as preferred data SIM

Expert Recommendation

Install your eSIM profile at home, on a reliable Wi-Fi connection, before the day of departure. This ensures you are connected the moment you step off the aircraft — without the inconvenience of airport Wi-Fi dependency.

Troubleshooting

No service upon arrival+

Toggle Airplane Mode off and on. Verify Data Roaming is enabled for the eSIM line. Confirm the eSIM is set as the default data source. Allow 2–3 minutes for network registration to complete.

QR code will not scan+

Ensure adequate lighting. Maintain a distance of 15–20 centimetres. If scanning proves impossible, most providers offer a manual activation code as an alternative.

Reduced data speeds+

Verify your high-speed data allocation has not been exhausted via your provider's application. Toggle the eSIM off and on to prompt network reselection. Consider relocating to an area with stronger signal coverage.