How a travel eSIM works

An eSIM is a SIM card written into your phone instead of pushed into a tray. Nothing to post, nothing to lose.

1. Buy before you fly

Pick the destination and the amount of data you expect to use. The profile is generated the moment the order settles and reaches you by email as a QR code.

2. Install over Wi-Fi

Open your phone's mobile data settings, choose to add an eSIM, and scan the code. The profile sits dormant alongside your normal SIM until it first connects abroad.

3. Land and switch over

Turn on data roaming for the travel profile and leave your home line on for calls and SMS. Your own number keeps working; only the data path changes.

What it does not do

These are data-only profiles unless a plan says otherwise, so they do not give you a local phone number for banking SMS. Your handset also has to be carrier-unlocked.