Published on: 07/01/2026
Updated on: 07/09/2026
Travel eSIM: the complete guide to staying connected abroad
A travel eSIM is the simplest way to get mobile internet abroad without hunting for a carrier's store at the airport, without swapping a physical SIM card and without suffering roaming rates. In just a few minutes, from your phone, you buy a data plan, scan a QR code and you're connected. This guide covers everything you need to know before you leave: compatibility, how it works, installation, comparisons and practical tips.
How a travel eSIM works abroad
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a SIM chip soldered directly into your phone. It can store several carrier profiles at the same time. In practice, when you buy a travel eSIM, a local carrier profile is downloaded remotely onto your device via a QR code or an app.
Once activated, your phone switches to the local network of your chosen destination, exactly as if you had inserted a local SIM card, but with no physical handling. Your main phone number stays reachable on your usual carrier's profile, while the travel data goes through the eSIM profile.
With UPeSIM, plans run on the 4G and 5G networks of local partner carriers in each covered country. After purchase, the QR code is available immediately on the website, in the app and by email. Activation usually takes less than two minutes.
Is my phone eSIM-compatible?
Before buying an eSIM, check whether your device is compatible. The vast majority of recent smartphones (released after 2018) include an eSIM, but it's not universal.
The main eSIM-compatible devices:
| Brand | Compatible models |
|---|---|
| Apple iPhone | iPhone XS and later (XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and Pro/Max) |
| Samsung Galaxy | S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25, S26 and Ultra/Plus models |
| Google Pixel | Pixel 3 and later |
| Huawei | P40, Mate 40 and later |
| Motorola | Razr, Edge+ and some G-series |
| Xiaomi | Mi 11 Ultra, 12T Pro and some recent models |
How to check compatibility from your phone:
- On iPhone: go to "Settings" > "Cellular" > "Add eSIM"
- On Android: go to "Settings" > "Network & internet" > "SIMs" > "Download a SIM"
The UPeSIM app also lets you test compatibility directly from the interface, which avoids any unpleasant surprise after purchase.
Note: some phones bought outside the European Union may be carrier-locked and refuse third-party eSIMs. Check this point before you leave.
How to install an eSIM on iPhone before a trip
Installing an eSIM on iPhone is quick, but it requires an internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data). Do it before you leave, from home, to avoid any hassle at the airport.
Installation steps on iPhone:
- Buy your eSIM plan on upesim.com or through the UPeSIM app.
- Get your QR code from the confirmation email, on the website or in the app.
- Go to "Settings" > "Cellular" > "Add eSIM".
- Select "Use QR Code" and scan the code you received.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to name your line (e.g. "USA Trip").
- Turn off mobile data on your main line and turn it on for your travel eSIM.
- Enable "Data only mode" if you want to keep your home number for calls and texts.
Prefer to follow these steps in video? Our iPhone installation tutorial guides you step by step in under two minutes:
On Samsung Galaxy and other Android devices, the process is almost identical: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM. Find the details in our Android tutorial:
To go further, see our complete installation guide, available for all compatible phone models.
One user wrote to us: "Excellent app, I highly recommend it. Activation time: 2 minutes." That's indeed the usual order of magnitude.
How many GB should you plan for a travel eSIM?
This is a question I asked myself before my first trip with an eSIM, and the answer depends on your actual usage.
Here's a practical guide based on common uses:
| Traveller profile | Typical use | Recommended data |
|---|---|---|
| Light tourist | Browsing, maps, Instagram photos | 3 to 5 GB / week |
| Connected traveller | Social media, music streaming, short videos | 10 to 15 GB / week |
| Remote worker / digital nomad | Video calls, file transfers, video streaming | 20 GB and more / week |
| Group traveller | Connection sharing (hotspot) for several devices | Unlimited plan recommended |
Personally, I went for a 15 GB plan for 15 days in the United States. I used 12 GB, mainly for Google Maps directions, a few video calls and some evening streaming. It was just enough. For a similar trip today, I'd go straight for the unlimited plan to avoid the stress of watching my usage.
The right habit: turn off automatic app syncing (iCloud, Google Photos, app updates) and use the hotel Wi-Fi for heavy downloads. You'll cut your usage by 30 to 40%.
