An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a small chip built into your phone that does the same job as a plastic SIM card — but you activate it by scanning a QR code or tapping a button in an app, with nothing to post, collect or swap. For travellers, that means you can buy a local or regional data plan before you fly and be online the moment you land.
How an eSIM actually works
Instead of storing your mobile subscription on a removable card, an eSIM stores it in a secure chip soldered into the device. A provider like Saily, Airalo or Holafly sends you an eSIM “profile” — you install it, choose a data plan for your destination, and your phone connects to a local partner network exactly as a physical SIM would. You can keep your normal SIM active at the same time, so your usual number still receives calls and texts while the eSIM handles cheap local data.
Why travellers switch to eSIMs
- No roaming bills. A travel eSIM charges local-style prices instead of your home carrier’s roaming rates.
- Instant setup. Buy and install in minutes — no queuing at an airport kiosk or finding a shop that sells tourist SIMs.
- Keep your number. Your home SIM stays in the phone for calls and 2-factor codes.
- Nothing to lose. There’s no tiny card to drop, and you can store several plans at once.
Is my phone eSIM-compatible?
Most phones from the last few years support eSIM: iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy S, Note, Z Fold and Z Flip models. The quickest check is to look for Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM (iPhone) or Settings → Connections → SIM manager (Samsung). Your phone must also be carrier-unlocked. If you can add an eSIM there, any travel provider will work.
Which eSIM should I buy?
For most trips we recommend Saily — it pairs local-network coverage in 190+ countries with clear pricing and a genuinely simple app, and it’s backed by the security team behind NordVPN. Once you know your destination, open our country and city guides to see the best plan for exactly where you’re going.
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