How does eSIM work for travel?

A travel eSIM is the quick and easy way to stay connected while you’re abroad, without any nasty surprises. Instead of sticking to your home network and paying sky-high roaming fees, a travel eSIM connects you to local networks so you pay local rates. So how does it actually work? Let’s break it down.

An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone that connects you to a mobile network without needing a physical SIM card.

Yes, as long as your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM. You can download a plan before you fly or as soon as you land.

Travel eSIMs do the same job as normal SIM cards, letting your phone connect to a mobile network, but without a physical card.

Instead of swapping physical SIM cards, you download a plan straight to your device. The great news is that many phones, including Apple, Samsung, and now Google's Pixel 10, are eSIM compatible.

Buying an eSIM plan usually takes just a few minutes. Scan a QR code, follow a few steps, and you’re ready to connect.

eSIMs are perfect for anyone who wants to stay connected abroad without the hassle of swapping SIM cards or paying high roaming fees.

Here are the people who should use an eSIM while travelling.

Frequent flyers who travel often for pleasure can stay connected in multiple countries with a single eSIM, avoiding roaming charges and enjoying quality coverage wherever they go.

Digital nomads can hotspot their connection for laptops or other devices, making it easy to work on the go while using local networks at affordable rates.

Students abroad can easily stay in touch with family and friends via calls, texts, and data.

Business travellers heading to meetings or conferences can rely on high-speed data across countries, ensuring they never miss important calls or emails.

And you! Whether you’re planning a short or long trip, Sim Local makes travel simple.

With our eSIM plans, you can:

• Choose your eSIM plan with up to 5G speeds in over 200 countries
• Enjoy quality local eSIM plans for data, calls, and texts
• Choose from trusted big-name brands for reliable eSIM options
• If your plan doesn’t work or your travel plans change, we will refund you

Using an eSIM when you travel is easy and saves money. Roaming charges add up fast, but a local eSIM plan connects you directly to networks in the country you’re visiting, just like a local.

You can keep your primary SIM active to receive calls or texts from home and use your eSIM just for data, or switch fully to your travel plan. Plus, you can download multiple eSIM plans and switch between them, which is perfect if you’re visiting several countries.

Yes, eSIMs are great for international travel. For example, if you’re visiting France, Germany, and other EU countries, you can simply get a Europe eSIM plan that covers all of your destinations. This helps you avoid expensive roaming charges and makes it easy to stay connected.

1. Pay local prices
Don’t get hit with crazy roaming charges! Grab the data you need upfront, often at much better local rates.

2. No more SIM swapping
You can download your plan in minutes. No running around looking for a SIM card or struggling with tiny plastic trays.

3. Get connected as soon as you land
Activate your eSIM before you fly or while you're still at the airport. Get online the moment you arrive.

4. Get calls & texts
Some providers offer calls and texts, too. Or use your eSIM for data, but stay reachable on your usual number. The choice is yours.

5. Multiple plans for one phone
Most phones let you store several eSIMs. Switch between them easily, whether you're visiting one country or ten.

6. Easy to manage
Install via QR code or download button. Manage your plan directly from your phone settings or app.

7. One eSIM for global travel
Choose local, regional, or global coverage depending on where you're going. Some plans auto-connect as you cross borders.

Choosing the right eSIM plan depends on where you’ll be traveling and how many countries you’ll visit. Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide:

• Local plans cover one country. They’re great if you’re staying in one place.
• Regional plans work across multiple countries, like all of Europe.
• Global plans work in many countries, which is perfect if you’re traveling across Europe, for example, or taking a long trip with multiple stops. Some plans even switch to the right network automatically as you cross borders, so you don’t have to do anything.

The global eSIM plan below, is perfect for travellers visiting multiple countries. It gives you data, calls, and texts, works in over 153 countries, and is valid for 31 days.

20 GB eSIM

Global

153 countries

+Roaming

Orange FR

Duration

31 Days

Plan

Data/​Calls/​SMS

Speed

4G

Price

$32.00

Buy Now

Global Reach, Local Care

Not all eSIM plans are the same. Some give you direct access to the same local networks and 4G or 5G speeds that locals use. Others sell you roaming data that runs through a third-party provider. This can lead to slower speeds or lower priority when the network is busy.

Always check if your eSIM plan offers true local connectivity, because it can be the difference between streaming without interruptions or staring at a loading screen.

For example, Sim Local partners with the largest network providers in the UK, Thailand, Japan, etc. to provide you with the strongest possible coverage. You can even get calls and texts in popular destinations!

After checkout, you’ll get a QR code or a link to install the eSIM. Just scan the code or follow the steps in the app to add the plan to your phone.

Once it is installed, you will have a dual SIM setup with your regular SIM and your eSIM. You can decide which SIM to use for data, calls, and texts. For example, you might use your eSIM for data while keeping your home SIM active for calls and texts. Or you can switch everything to your eSIM if you want to go fully local. You can mix and match which makes it easy to stay reachable on your usual number while using affordable data abroad.

Activation is usually instant, but some plans let you set it to start on your travel dates.

Before you buy, make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible. Also, check for any activation deadlines in the fine print so you don't miss out.

• Download your eSIM plan before you travel because activation requires Wi-Fi, and it’s easier to set up before you fly.
• Check that your phone is unlocked.
• Make sure you know how to switch between SIMs in your phone settings. Most providers will send clear activation instructions so you can get set up in just a few minutes.
• Keep your QR code or plan details somewhere easy to access. And don’t worry about apps like WhatsApp your number stays linked to your home SIM even if your data comes from your eSIM.

Try our free 24-hour eSIM trial and get a taste of how easy travel connectivity can be. Download a plan in minutes and see how it works before committing to a plan!