How to use an eSIM when traveling across multiple countries?

Planning a road trip across Europe? Heading to the US and thinking about a detour to Mexico or Canada? Dreaming of discovering Asia or exploring the heart of Africa? Whatever your travel plans, traveling between several countries will require some extra organization… including how to stay connected to the internet!

If you’ve already looked into travel eSIMs, you probably know they’re the best solution for using your smartphone abroad. But can they connect to mobile networks in multiple countries? Do you need multiple eSIMs to travel between countries? How do you manage border crossings? Don’t worry—UPeSIM experts answer all your questions.

What is an eSIM?

Before we explore how to use an international eSIM when traveling across countries, let’s first understand what this technology is.

The eSIM: a dematerialized SIM card

eSIM stands for embedded SIM, or integrated SIM card. More than a virtual or digital SIM card, it’s a SIM chip embedded directly into the hardware of your device (smartphone, tablet, smartwatch), replacing the traditional plastic chip.

How an eSIM works

Because it's part of the device, an eSIM is a universal SIM card that can be configured with any operator’s settings to connect to their mobile network. You just need to download the operator’s “eSIM profile” to install and activate your eSIM and the associated mobile line.

You can instantly subscribe to any data or phone plan. Just visit an operator’s website, choose a plan, confirm your purchase, and receive a QR code to install the eSIM immediately on your device.

Most smartphones support up to 5 installed eSIMs, allowing you to switch between 5 different plans. However, only two lines can be active simultaneously—just like with dual-SIM phones. If you want to activate a third line, you’ll need to deactivate one of the two active ones.

The benefits of eSIMs

eSIMs offer many advantages, starting with lower production costs and a smaller environmental footprint compared to traditional plastic-and-metal SIM cards. Because they’re digital, there’s no need to wait for shipping or activation delays—connect to a new network instantly. And as noted above, you can use multiple lines for different needs, whether for calls or mobile data. This is where eSIMs really shine for staying connected while traveling!

How does an international eSIM work?

While traditional mobile providers offer eSIMs as a replacement for plastic SIMs, other companies have built specialized services around the technology—such as travel eSIM providers like UPeSIM. These operators offer mobile data plans accessible in multiple countries, catering to both tourists and long-term travelers.

These plans typically last 1 to 30 days to match the average length of an international trip. They come with limited data and allow access to local mobile networks for a 4G or 5G connection—just like a local SIM card.

Travel eSIM plans rely on partnerships between providers and local operators who “lend” their antennas to travelers. At UPeSIM, we’ve negotiated special rates with major carriers in over 200 countries to help you save on roaming fees wherever you go!

Also read: How to use an eSIM for international travel?

What eSIM plans are available for travel across one or more countries?

Many travel eSIM providers now offer various types of plans to meet all traveler needs.

Country-specific eSIM plans

The most common eSIMs are single-destination plans that connect you to one country’s mobile network. They work as soon as they detect the relevant local network, and stop working once you leave that country. These plans may work in border areas but are not usable outside the predefined country.

Regional eSIM plans

In addition to national eSIMs, most providers like UPeSIM offer multi-country regional plans that connect you within an entire region: America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Oceania… Some target specific sub-regions, such as Northern or Eastern Europe.

UPeSIM offers 5 regional eSIMs, valid for 7 to 30 days:

• Latin America eSIM: Valid in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, and Uruguay.
• Africa eSIM: Valid in Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, and Uganda.
• Europe eSIM: Valid in all EU countries (except Poland) and the UK.
• Asia eSIM – 7 countries: Valid in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macao, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand.
• Asia eSIM – 15 countries + China: Includes the above plus China, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Sri Lanka, and India.

Good to know: Some operators also offer global eSIMs, often at a high price. That’s why we prefer regional eSIMs you can switch between while traveling the world.

Traveling between countries: one eSIM or several?

Now that you understand the different eSIM options, here are some practical tips to help during your trip.

Can I use one eSIM in multiple countries?

As mentioned, you can use one eSIM in multiple countries if you choose a regional plan. This type of eSIM is preconfigured to connect to various networks and will automatically switch networks when you cross borders—no manual action needed!

If you're using a single-country eSIM and want to visit a neighboring country, it won’t work once you leave the original destination. Fortunately, it only takes a few clicks to purchase a new eSIM for the next country—right from your phone! It will activate as soon as it's installed, though you may need to adjust one or two settings.

How to configure your eSIM when switching countries?

When adding a new eSIM, whether or not you have one already active, you need to ensure it's properly set up in your active line list. Go to your smartphone’s network settings, under cellular data. You’ll see your list of active eSIMs and their priority order. When switching, make sure the new one is enabled. Important: do not delete your first eSIM if you plan to return to that country—removal is permanent! Just disable it instead.

What’s the best multi-country eSIM plan for travel?

The best multi-country eSIM plan depends on your travel itinerary! That may be a regional plan or a combination of local eSIMs, which offer more flexibility.

Your decision between regional vs. local eSIMs depends on the countries you plan to visit. If you're traveling across Europe, for example, a Europe eSIM covering the whole EU makes perfect sense. In other areas, especially if visiting just two or three countries, it may be more practical to buy individual local eSIMs—especially for long-term travel.

For example, if you spend 10 days each in China, Japan, and Thailand, it might cost the same to get three 10-day local eSIMs as one regional plan. But if you're only staying a few days in each country, a 10- or 30-day Asia eSIM may be a better deal.

And if you’re mainly in one country with short visits to neighbors, the best solution is to get a 10- or 30-day eSIM plus a 7-day eSIM for your side trip. Build your trip à la carte!

Also read: How many GB do I need for a trip?