Tired of sky-high roaming charges when you travel abroad? With the advent of eSIM technology, your phone becomes a passport to hassle-free communication overseas, without breaking the bank. This innovative technology could be your ultimate travel hack, and this blog is your guide to unlocking its potential.
We'll explore what eSIMs are, how they work, and how to check if your phone supports eSIM. We'll also delve into specific instructions for popular brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google, making sure you're equipped to activate your eSIM and stay connected on your next adventure. So, pack your bags, ditch the roaming fees, and get ready to embrace the freedom of eSIM travel!
We'll cover:
- What is an eSIM and how does it work for travel?
- How to check if my phone supports eSIM?
- iPhones that support eSIM
- Samsung phones that support eSIM
- Google Pixel phones that support eSIM
- Can I use eSimmer on my Microsoft Surface?
- Why Choose eSimmer?
- Frequently Asked Questions About eSIMs
eSIM Phones: What They Are and How to Use Them for Travel?
Imagine travelling the world without paying for expensive roaming fees. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, with an eSIM compatible phone, this could be your reality for your next overseas adventure.
Firstly, what exactly is an eSIM? Well, the SIM technology in our phones has improved a lot in the last decade. Today, eSIMs (digital SIMs) are built into your phone, and you can use two SIMs at the same time. Unlike a physical SIM card, you don’t need to change it when you switch telco networks. You can download and install an extra eSIM data plan, which gives you more flexibility for your mobile data service.
Firstly, what exactly is an eSIM? Well, the SIM technology in our phones has improved a lot in the last decade. Today, eSIMs (digital SIMs) are built into your phone, and you can use two SIMs at the same time. You can also download multiple data eSIMs to your phone, which gives you much greater flexibility in terms of choosing and switching between telcos for your mobile data service.
eSIMs are great for travel. You can keep your home SIM for incoming calls and texts, and use an additional eSIM for data roaming. You can also make calls over the internet with apps like WhatsApp or Facetime, and avoid paying extra for international calls.
While eSIMs offer many benefits for travel, there are a few things to think about before using them. You will need to research whether your phone is eSIM compatible and unlocked. Additionally, it's a good idea to learn how to toggle your settings to use dual SIMs on your phone. As you can see, eSIM phones have a lot of benefits for travellers, but there is also a quick learning curve to get across.
How to Check If My Phone Supports eSIM?
Before you pack your bags and hit the road, you’ll need to make sure your phone supports eSIM technology. Most phones made since 2018 can use eSIM, regardless of type. However, there are some exceptions, so you should check before you try to install an eSIM. You can use our comprehensive list of eSIM compatible devices to find out.
Or, you can use this even quicker way to check, by looking for the EID (Embedded Identity Document Number). This is a unique number that matches the eSIM inside your phone, regardless of whether you have an Apple or Android phone.
To find your EID number, use this quick method:
- Go to your Keypad.
- Dial *#06# and press call.
If your phone is eSIM compatible, you’ll see your EID number on the screen. That’s it!
If you don’t see an EID number, don’t worry. There are other ways to check if your phone supports eSIM, depending on the brand. Below, we’ll show you the settings for the most popular phone brands, along with how to tell if your phone is unlocked.
eSIM with iPhone: Check, Connect, Travel.
Apple released its first eSIM compatible iPhone when it launched the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR in 2018. If your iPhone is an even newer model, it comes ready with the eSIM technology you need. However, it does depend on where you bought your iPhone. For example, iPhones sold from mainland China do not have eSIM functionality.
All iPhones that support eSIM also support Dual SIM functionality, allowing you to use two SIMs at the same time. For example, you can keep your home SIM for calls and texts, and use a travel eSIM for your mobile data.
A travel eSIM is a data-only SIM that helps you avoid expensive roaming charges and enables you to stay online with your apps and services. You can install up to 8 eSIMs on your iPhone, switching between travel eSIMs based on your destination.
For your final check, you need to make sure that your phone is unlocked. This means your iPhone is not tied to a specific telco contract or plan. To check if your iPhone is unlocked, you can follow these steps:
- Go to Settings
> General, then tap About. - Scroll down to Service Provider Lock.
- If you see a message that says “No SIM restrictions”, your iPhone is unlocked for eSIM.
eSIM with Samsung: Check, Connect, Travel.
Samsung is one of the leading brands with eSIM support on their smartphones. Several Samsung phone lines support eSIM, including the Galaxy Z range, the current Galaxy S series, as well as the latest Galaxy Note20 Ultra, and the recent Galaxy A54 and A34 models. However, some specific models do not support eSIM, such as the Galaxy S20 FE. You can check the eSIM compatibility of your Samsung phone.
Alternatively, within your Samsung’s phone Settings, follow these steps to see if your phone is eSIM compatible:
- Go to Settings > Connections.
- Tap SIM Card Manager.
- If ‘Add Mobile Plan’ is available, your Samsung supports eSIM!
If you are looking for the ideal phone to accompany you on your travels, look no further than the Samsung Galaxy S23. In addition to installing multiple eSIMs, it has a long battery life, water and dust resistance, and four cameras. One of the cameras has a telephoto lens for zooming into faraway subjects (handy if you spot a wild animal) or simply for capturing local foods you might be enjoying. Within the Galaxy S23, the features for travelers are endless.
Not sure if your Samsung phone is Locked? Follow these steps:
- Go To Settings > Connections.
- Tap Mobile Networks > Then Tap Network Operators.
- Scan to see if other telcos come up. If a list of available networks show up, your phone is likely to be unlocked.
eSIM with Google Pixel: Check, Connect, Travel.
Google Pixel phones are among the best eSIM supported phones. The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4XL and all later Pixels have an eSIM and offer dual-SIM functionality, which means that you can use both a physical SIM and an eSIM at the same time.
If you want to check if your Google Pixel phone supports eSIM technology, you can easily do this within your phone settings. Just follow these simple steps:
- Go to Settings > Network and Internet.
- Tap SIMs.
- If the ‘Connect to a mobile network’ screen has the “Download a SIM instead?” option, your device is eSIM-compatible.
No more travel anxiety about losing battery life while travelling! Google Pixel phones offer extended battery life, exceeding 24 hours on the Pixel 7 Pro for moderate usage. And if you need to extend your battery life even more, you can use the Extreme Battery Saver mode, which limits your apps and features to the essentials. This way, you can save your battery for the things that matter most, such as staying connected with your travel eSIM.
Can I use eSimmer on my Microsoft Surface?
Microsoft Surface Duo and Duo 2 are the perfect devices for working on the go. They combine the productivity of a laptop with the portability of a tablet. They also run on the Google Android operating system, which gives you access to a wide range of apps and features. One of the features that you can enjoy on your Microsoft Surface Duo or Duo 2 is our eSimmer eSIM technology. No matter where your work takes you, with eSimmer, you can easily switch between mobile networks and maintain an uninterrupted data connection.
Why Choose eSimmer?
An eSimmer eSIM has many perks. Here are some of them!
- eSIMs for All Types of Travellers: Choose the best travel eSIM for you! We have different plans to suit your data requirements, your destination, and your duration of stay.
- Full Refund Policy: If your Travel eSIM has any problems with installation or connection abroad, we’ll do our best to fix it on the spot. But if we can’t, don’t worry! As long as you’ve followed our guidelines, you’ll get a full refund from us.
- 24/7 Customer Service: Need assistance with eSIM setup, activation overseas, or data roaming? Don’t worry! Our customer service team is ready to help you anytime.
By now, you’re equipped with the knowledge to answer the question, “Is my phone eSIM compatible?” and ready to check your phone’s unlocked status. Remember, eSIMs offer a world of benefits for travellers, from avoiding expensive roaming charges to switching data plans seamlessly across borders. Embrace the convenience and freedom. Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions About eSIMs
Do you need an unlocked phone to use eSIM?
Yes, you need an unlocked phone to use eSIM. If your phone is locked, ask your telco for the terms for unlocking your phone. After you unlock your phone, you can install and activate an eSIM.
How do I get a travel eSIM in australia?
All you need is an eSIM compatible phone. To buy a travel eSIM, just review our eSimmer plans and pick one that matches your data needs, destination, and length of stay. We will email you an eSIM QR code right away with steps to set it up on your phone. You can start using your eSIM data as soon as you reach your overseas destination.
