5G with eSIM is already a reality in much of the world, but not everywhere: on the same trip, you can go from 5G to 4G without realizing it. In this guide, you will see where 5G with eSIM works and where it doesn't yet, what depends on the mobile phone and what depends on the operator, and how to clear up any doubts before checking in.
Which countries have 5G with eSIM?
Today, commercial 5G with eSIM is available in most of Western Europe, the United States and Canada, much of East Asia (Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Emirates, Saudi Arabia), and the major cities of Australia. In contrast, in large areas of Africa, Central America, and inland Southeast Asia, you will still be on 4G, which is more than enough for travel.
The key is that "having 5G in the country" is not the same as "having 5G on your route." Many countries have only activated 5G in capitals and major urban centers, while the rest of the territory operates with 4G. If your trip is city-based, you will notice the difference; if it is rural or nature-based, you will almost certainly be on 4G most of the time. With a PuraSim eSIM, the connection relies on local operators with agreements, so you automatically connect to the best available network in each area without doing anything.
What determines whether you have real 5G
Whether you see the "5G" indicator at the top of your phone depends on three things that must all be met, not just the eSIM. These are the three ingredients:
- Your phone: it must be compatible with 5G and eSIM. An iPhone 12 or later, recent Galaxy S/Z models, or a modern Google Pixel will work; an older mid-range model may have eSIM but only 4G.
- The eSIM plan: the plan must include 5G in that destination. At PuraSim, when the country allows it, 5G is included at no extra cost.
- The local network: the operator you connect with must have 5G active at your location. If not, you automatically drop to 4G.
If any of the three fail, you won't see 5G. That's why sometimes a friend has 5G and you have 4G on the same street: different phone or different assigned network. The good news is that the eSIM manages itself and always picks the best available option.
5G coverage by region
To get a quick idea without memorizing 200 countries, think by region. Here's the map as of today:
- Europe: Mature 5G in cities across almost the entire continent. In towns and on roads, solid 4G. Ideal for a long trip through Europe.
- North America: US and Canada with very extended 5G in urban areas; in deserts and national parks, 4G or nothing.
- East Asia and the Gulf: Among the best in the world. Japan, Korea, Singapore, and the Emirates with fast and wide 5G.
- Latin America: Taking off. Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia are turning on 5G in capitals; the rest operates on 4G.
- Caribbean and Africa: Sporadic 5G in some capitals; 4G is still the norm, which is perfect for maps, WhatsApp, and social media.
For a traveler, good 4G is more than enough: maps, messaging, social media, and video run smoothly. 5G is an extra speed boost, not a requirement for staying connected.
In other words: don't choose your destination based on 5G. Choose the eSIM that gives you the best available network there, and enjoy 5G where it exists.
Table: 5G by highlighted country
An indicative overview of popular destinations. Urban coverage is much greater than rural coverage in all of them:
| Country | 5G with eSIM | Where, in practice |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | Yes, extensive | Cities and many tourist areas |
| USA | Yes, widespread | Urban areas; 4G in parks |
| Emirates (Dubai) | Yes, very good | Virtually the entire city |
| Spain / France / Italy | Yes | Capitals and large cities |
| Mexico / Brazil | Partial | Only major cities |
| Thailand / Vietnam | Partial | Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh; rest 4G |
| Morocco / Egypt | Very limited | 4G as standard |
Use it as a guide, not a guarantee: networks expand every month, and what is "partial" today could be "extensive" in a few months.
How to check if your eSIM provides 5G
Before assuming you don't have 5G, quickly review this list on your phone. Often, 5G is there, you just need to activate it:
- On iPhone: Settings > Mobile Data > (your eSIM) > Voice & Data and select 5G Auto.
- On Android: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network mode and activate 5G/4G/3G.
- Make sure the data eSIM is the active data line and not your home SIM card.
- Restart your phone upon arrival at your destination so it can reconnect to the local network.
If you're still on 4G after this, it's almost certain that 5G is not active at that specific location, not an eSIM fault. If you have any installation doubts, you can consult the how to activate eSIM guide step-by-step.
When 5G is not worth it
5G sounds good, but it doesn't always make a difference on a trip. It uses a bit more battery, and its real advantage (very high download speeds) is rarely noticeable if you only use maps, messaging, or social media. Where it truly shines is when uploading heavy videos, making long video calls, or sharing internet with your laptop.
Therefore, if you travel light and want to save battery, leaving your phone on 5G automatic is the best option: it uses 5G when available and switches to 4G only when necessary. If you also manage your data consumption during your trip, you won't have any surprises with either speed or GBs. What matters is not the number you see at the top, but having a stable connection at all times.
Frequently asked questions
Do all eSIMs include 5G?
No. Whether an eSIM supports 5G depends on the plan and the country. At PuraSim, when the destination has commercial 5G available, it's included at no extra cost; in countries where 5G is not yet available, the eSIM works on 4G, which performs perfectly for travel.
Why does my eSIM show 4G if the country has 5G?
This usually happens because there is no 5G antenna active at that specific location, even if the country has it in its capitals. It can also be due to phone settings: check that you have 5G automatic mode enabled and that the eSIM is your data line.
Do I need a special phone for 5G with eSIM?
You need a phone compatible with both 5G and eSIM: iPhone 12 or later, recent Galaxy S/Z models, modern Pixels, and many high-end Android phones. A phone with an eSIM but only 4G will connect without issue, but it won't get 5G.
Does 5G use more battery and data?
It uses slightly more battery, yes. It doesn't consume "more" data per se: you consume data based on what you do. What happens is that, being faster, it's easy to watch more video or upload large files, and that does consume GBs. Leave 5G on automatic to balance this.
Can I share 5G from my eSIM via hotspot?
Yes. If your plan and phone allow internet sharing, the hotspot will use the available network, whether 5G or 4G. It's a convenient way to provide internet to your laptop or another device while traveling, always keeping an eye on data consumption.
Conclusion
5G with eSIM is available in much of Europe, North America, and East Asia, especially in cities, while in many destinations you'll still be on 4G, which is more than sufficient for travel. The smart thing to do is not obsess over the indicator and stick with the eSIM that connects you to the best network at each point. Choose your PuraSim eSIM and get connected from minute one, with 5G where available and solid 4G where it's not yet.
