Google Pixel 10 Goes eSIM Only in USA

Google has just launched the Pixel 10 and confirmed a bold move: the U.S. versions of the phone will ship without a physical SIM card slot. Instead, they’ll rely entirely on eSIM.

Apple made the same change with the iPhone 14 in the U.S., and now Google is following suit. With two of the world’s biggest smartphone makers committed to eSIM-only devices, the shift away from physical SIM cards looks set to accelerate.

For travellers, this change could make it easier than ever to get connected abroad but it also raises new questions.

For many people, eSIM-only is a big win for convenience. Instead of searching for a SIM card shop after landing, you can simply download a local plan in minutes and be connected straight away. That means less hassle and often much cheaper data than roaming with your home provider.

As our CEO, Sarah McGarr, notes, there are still some limitations to be aware of:

“Going eSIM-only makes it faster and easier to connect to a network. You can download a plan in minutes without fiddling with a tiny SIM card, which is a huge win for convenience. But the truth is not every mobile network is ready yet. The ability to use an eSIM is not so much country-dependent as it is device-dependent and network dependent.”

In other words, while eSIM adoption is growing fast, it’s not universal so travellers still need to plan ahead.

Yes, the Pixel 10 supports eSIM globally, not just in the U.S. So if your phone is unlocked from your network and you find an eSIM plan provider (like Sim Local) offering eSIM plans for your destination, you’ll be able to download a plan and connect just like you would at home.

One of the great advantages of eSIM is that it allows you to have multiple plans on one device. For example, you can keep your home number active for calls and texts while using a local eSIM for affordable data.

The Pixel 10 supports Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS), meaning you can use two plans at once even if both are eSIM profiles. That’s a major plus for frequent travellers who want to avoid swapping SIMs or carrying two phones.

The good news is you don’t need to worry. Even if local operators in your destination aren’t offering eSIM directly, you can still stay connected thanks to providers like us at Sim Local.

We offer eSIM plans for 200+ destinations worldwide, which means you can download a plan in advance and be online the moment you land so no searching for a SIM card shop, no relying on expensive roaming, and no concerns about whether local networks are fully up to speed yet.

Wherever you’re heading, we’ll already have a plan that keeps you covered.

To avoid surprises, here are three practical steps to take before you travel with an eSIM-only device like the Pixel 10:

1. Check device compatibility
   Make sure your Pixel 10 is unlocked from your network so you can use an eSIM plan for your destination.
2. Research eSIM Providers
   Look up which eSIM providers offer eSIM plans for your destination.
3. Download an eSIM in advance
   The easiest option is to buy a plan online before you fly. That way, you’ll land with instant connectivity so no queues, no shops, no roaming surprises.

As Our CEO Sarah McGarr puts it:

“Nobody wants to land in a new country and waste time hunting down a SIM card. You want to turn on your phone and be connected straight away. With a local eSIM plan you can do exactly that. Google’s eSIM move will only make more people expect this kind of convenience, and it’s up to the industry to make sure travellers can always find easy and affordable ways to stay connected.”

With both Apple and Google pushing their flagship phones to eSIM-only in the U.S., physical SIM cards are quickly becoming a thing of the past. For travellers, that’s mostly good news: faster, cheaper, and more flexible connectivity options are on the horizon.

But it also means planning ahead is more important than ever. If you’re travelling with the Pixel 10 (or any eSIM-only phone), checking your options before you go is key to staying connected without the headache of high roaming charges.

At Sim Local, we make that process simple. With eSIM plans available for 200+ destinations, you can browse options, buy online, and download your plan before you travel so you’re connected the moment you land.

The Pixel 10’s move to eSIM-only in the U.S. shows just how quickly the mobile industry is changing. For travellers, it’s a sign of more convenience ahead, but also a reminder to do a little homework before you fly.

As eSIM adoption grows, staying connected overseas will only get easier and we’ll be here to help you find the best plan wherever you’re headed.

Does the Pixel 10 support multiple eSIMs?
Yes. The Pixel 10 supports Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS), which means you can have two active lines at once. For example, keeping your home number while using a local eSIM for data abroad. You can also store multiple eSIM profiles on the device and switch between them when needed.

Can I still use the Pixel 10 in countries where networks are yet to support eSIM?
Yes, thanks to providers like Sim Local. Even if local operators in your destination don’t yet offer eSIM, you can purchase one of our eSIM plans covering 200+ destinations worldwide, download it before you travel, and stay connected as soon as you land.

What happens if I lose my eSIM profile while travelling?
If you delete or lose your eSIM accidentally, you can usually re-download it from the provider you purchased it from or purchase a new plan from an eSIM provider. At Sim Local, we offer 24/7 customer service via WhatsApp so we are here to help throughout your eSIM experience.

Is eSIM more expensive than a physical SIM?
Not at all, eSIM plans costs vary depending on the plan type, offering and validity. It just depends on what kind of plan you want or need. You have so much choice when it comes to finding an eSIM plan for you. eSIM also saves you time, as you can set your plan up before you fly and skip the hassle of finding a SIM card shop after landing.

Can I roam with my Pixel 10 eSIM?
Yes. You can choose to roam with your home operator, but this is often more expensive. The better option is to download a local or regional eSIM plan from Sim Local so you get local rates and the same high-quality service as residents in that country.