This guide is designed for anyone over 60 to use an eSIM on their next trip, step-by-step, without skipping any details. You don't need to be a tech expert. You just need a compatible phone and to follow these steps.
Step 1: Is an eSIM for you?
An eSIM is the right option if:
- You're traveling outside of Spain and don't want to pay expensive operator roaming fees
- Your phone is from 2019 or newer (it almost certainly has an eSIM)
- You want to keep your Spanish number (for family to call you)
- You prefer to set everything up from home before you leave
| Do I have...? | eSIM compatibility |
|---|---|
| iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 | ✅ Compatible |
| iPhone XS or XR (2018) | ✅ Compatible |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer | ✅ Compatible |
| Samsung Galaxy A54, A55 | ✅ Compatible |
| Huawei with HarmonyOS (without Google) | ❌ Not compatible |
| Phone from 2017 or older | ⚠️ Probably not |
Step 2: Check your phone
The easiest way to know if your phone has an eSIM:
- Go to your phone's Settings
- Look for 'Mobile', 'SIM' or 'Mobile Data'
- If you see an option 'Add plan' or 'Add eSIM', you have an eSIM
On iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → Add Data Plan → if the QR option appears, you have an eSIM.
Step 3: Purchase the plan on PuraSIM
- Open purasim.com in your phone or computer browser
- Choose your destination country
- Select the number of days you'll be away and the plan size (we recommend 10 GB for 7–10 days)
- Pay by card or PayPal
- You will receive an email with the QR code
Step 4: Install the eSIM from the QR
Do it at home, calmly, with Wi-Fi:
- iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → Add Plan → Scan QR Code → point the camera at the QR code in the email → Confirm
- Android (Samsung): Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add data plan → Scan
Tip: If the QR code is in the email on your computer, use your phone to scan it directly from the computer screen. No need to print it.
Step 5: Activate at destination
Upon arrival at your destination airport:
- Settings → Mobile Data → select the PuraSIM eSIM as the data line
- Activate 'Data Roaming' on the eSIM
- Wait 1–2 minutes — you should see the local operator's signal
You're now connected!
Common problems and solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Camera doesn't detect the QR code | More light, more distance, or try moving closer/further away |
| Installed eSIM has no signal at destination | Activate 'Data Roaming' in Settings → eSIM |
| Plan shows 'No service' | Wait 2–3 minutes. If not, restart your phone |
| I forgot which line is for data | Settings → Mobile Data → select the PuraSIM plan |
| I used all my data | Purchase an additional plan from the PuraSIM app or website |
Conclusion
Installing and using an eSIM involves 5 simple steps that don't require any special technical knowledge. The first time might seem complicated, but once you do it once, the process is simpler than buying and activating a credit card. And the savings on your next trip can be €50–200.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I make a mistake during installation?
Nothing serious happens. You can cancel the installation and try again. If the QR has already been scanned, contact PuraSIM support to generate a new one for you.
Can I uninstall the eSIM after the trip?
Yes. In Settings → Mobile Data → select the eSIM → Delete plan. Your Spanish SIM remains intact.
Does the eSIM consume extra battery?
Minimally. Having a second active line consumes marginally more battery, but the impact is practically imperceptible.
What happens if I change phones?
The eSIM is linked to the device, not the card. If you change phones, you would need a new QR code to install the eSIM on the new device. For future trips, you buy a new plan — each plan is affordable.
Can someone help me by phone during installation?
Yes. PuraSIM support is available in Spanish and can guide you step-by-step via video call or chat if you need it.
