If you searched for "SIM to eSIM Claro," you likely have one of two questions: how to switch your physical card for an eSIM without losing your number, or how to use data in another country without paying for roaming. These are two distinct issues, and we will explain both here, including a real travel example.
What does switching from SIM to eSIM on Claro mean?
Switching from SIM to eSIM on Claro means exchanging your physical card for a digital profile stored on your phone, without changing your number or carrier. The process is done through your country's Claro app: your line, plan, and contacts remain the same; only the medium where your line resides changes.
The eSIM (embedded SIM) is not a Claro invention: it's a standard used by almost all carriers worldwide for several years. A programmable chip is soldered inside the phone, and instead of inserting a physical card, the carrier sends you a QR code or a profile that "activates" your line on that chip. For you, in your daily life, almost nothing changes: you still make calls, send messages, and use data exactly as before. What changes is that you no longer depend on a card that can be lost, bent, or damaged when changing phones.
However, this SIM to eSIM conversion offered by Claro is different from a travel eSIM, which is a separate data product you purchase from another provider for use when visiting another country. Later in this guide, we will explain the difference in detail, because confusing the two is the most common mistake for those looking into this topic for the first time.
How to switch from physical SIM to Claro eSIM, step-by-step?
The exact name of each button may change depending on the country where Claro operates and the app version—Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, and Peru manage their apps independently—but the typical process for switching from physical SIM to eSIM follows a similar logic in all cases:
- Confirm your phone is eSIM compatible. Not all models are; below we show you how to check.
- Open your country's official Claro app (Mi Claro or equivalent) and go to the line or SIM management section.
- Look for the option to switch to eSIM. It is usually found under "My Line," "SIM Settings," or a similar section.
- Verify your identity with the data requested by the app (line number, document, or a code sent via SMS).
- Receive the QR code or eSIM profile and follow the instructions to install it on your phone, usually from the cellular network settings.
- Activate the line and wait for confirmation. The carrier may take a few minutes to migrate your number to the new profile, and during that time, your physical SIM will be deactivated.
If at any step the app does not show you the option, or the process looks different from what we described, the most reliable thing is to contact Claro's official customer service channels in your country directly: each carrier's processes change over time and vary from one country to another, so they have the current version.
Can I transfer my current SIM card to an eSIM without losing my number?
Yes. Technically, it is not a "transfer" or a portability: it is a conversion of the same number and the same plan to a different digital medium. You do not lose your number, you do not lose your contacts saved on the line, and you do not need to notify anyone of a number change because there isn't one.
What you should be clear about before making the change is:
- WhatsApp and other messaging apps are linked to your number, not the SIM. As long as the number remains the same, you do not need to re-verify the account.
- You need an internet connection during the process (Wi-Fi or data from another source), because the eSIM profile is downloaded from the network.
- The physical SIM is deactivated upon completion of the migration. You cannot use both at the same time for the same line.
- Make the change in advance, not minutes before a trip or an important call, in case the carrier takes time to confirm activation.
How much does an eSIM cost on Claro?
We cannot give you a specific figure because the cost of switching from physical SIM to eSIM is defined by each local Claro —Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, or Peru— and can change with promotions or internal policies at any time. The most reliable way is to check directly in your country's official Claro app or inquire at a service center before performing the process, to get the current amount on the day you do it.
This cost, when it exists, is different from the price of a travel eSIM. A Claro eSIM provides data, calls, and SMS under your usual plan in your country; a travel eSIM is a data package that you buy separately, designed for use when you are abroad, and its price depends on how many gigabytes you need and your destination. You can see the current plans by country in the PuraSIM international eSIM collection when you need them, instead of relying on a number that may have changed by the time you read this.
Your carrier's eSIM vs. travel eSIM: they are not the same
Here's the point that most confuses those searching for "SIM to eSIM Claro" with travel in mind: converting your Claro line to an eSIM still leaves you with the same Claro plan, which in most cases only has full coverage within your country. If you travel abroad, that local eSIM might activate international roaming (with charges that depend on your carrier) or simply lose data signal, depending on the destination and the plan you have contracted.
A travel eSIM is a different product: it's an additional digital profile that you install alongside your Claro profile—not in its place—and that provides you with local or regional data in the country you are in, purchased in advance or from the moment you land. It does not replace your Claro line; it complements it.
A travel eSIM does not replace your number: it adds data from the country you are in, while your usual line continues to receive calls and text messages without you having to do anything different.
| Feature | Your carrier's eSIM (e.g., Claro) | Travel eSIM (e.g., PuraSIM) |
|---|---|---|
| What it's for | Your usual line: calls, SMS, and data in your country | Data for use in the country you visit |
| Your usual number | Yes, it's your main line | Does not come with its own number: uses app and WiFi/data for calls |
| Where it works | Mainly in your country; abroad, depending on the roaming plan | In over 200 destinations, depending on the plan you choose |
| Where it's activated | Claro app or store in your country | Purchased online and installed before or upon arrival at the destination |
| When it's convenient | Daily use in your country of residence | Travel, without relying on your carrier's roaming |
If your underlying question was "how do I avoid roaming when I travel?", the answer is not to convert your Claro SIM to an eSIM: it is to add a travel eSIM to your phone, in addition to the one you already have. You can read a more detailed comparison in eSIM vs. international roaming and in eSIM vs. physical SIM.
Real example: from Bogotá to Mexico City with a travel eSIM
Imagine you live in Bogotá and travel for a week to Mexico City. Your Claro Colombia line remains active on your phone as it is today: you don't need to touch it or convert it to an eSIM for this trip. What you do, a few days before flying, is purchase a travel eSIM for Mexico online with the amount of data you estimate you will use that week.
Before boarding, with airport Wi-Fi or from your home, you install the profile of that eSIM on your phone. You don't need to do anything else. Upon landing in Mexico City, you manually activate that data line—or it activates automatically, depending on the plan—and you already have local internet without looking for a SIM store at the airport or paying roaming per megabyte.
During the trip, your phone has two active lines simultaneously: your Claro Colombia line, which continues to receive your usual calls and SMS (and verification codes for WhatsApp or banking), and the travel eSIM, which you use for maps, social media, and everything that needs data. When you return to Bogotá, you simply stop using the travel eSIM; you don't have to cancel anything with Claro because you never touched it.
Which phones are compatible with eSIM?
Not all phones come with eSIM, and some models have it blocked depending on the country or carrier where they were originally sold, so the model name or year alone is not a guarantee. Before buying any eSIM—from your carrier or for travel—it's advisable to confirm it directly in your phone's settings.
| Brand | Where to check compatibility | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Apple (iPhone) | Settings > Cellular Data | "Add eSIM" or "Convert to eSIM" option |
| Samsung (Galaxy) | Settings > Connections > SIM card manager | A second card listed as "eSIM" |
| Google (Pixel) | Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs | Button to "Add eSIM" or "Download SIM" |
| Other brands | Phone settings search bar | Type "eSIM" and see if any option appears |
If no eSIM option appears in the settings, it is a sign that the model is not compatible. For a more detailed list by model, check eSIM compatible phones. And if you've never installed one before, it's worth starting from scratch with what an eSIM is.
How to install a travel eSIM in approximately one minute
Unlike switching from SIM to eSIM within your carrier—which can take minutes or hours while the network confirms the migration—installing a travel eSIM is almost instantaneous once you have the profile: the activation itself takes approximately 1 minute. The slow step, if any, is yours: choosing the right destination and data plan before purchasing.
Generally, the process is:
- You buy the plan for your destination and receive the profile by email.
- You install the profile with Wi-Fi, before traveling (so you don't depend on data at that moment).
- Upon arrival in the country, you activate the eSIM data line from your phone's settings.
If you've never done it before, the complete guide with screenshots by operating system is in how to install an eSIM. For any questions during the process, PuraSIM offers 24/7 support in all languages via email and WhatsApp, so you don't have to rely on finding a physical store at the airport.
Common errors when switching from SIM to eSIM (and how to avoid them)
Most problems when switching from SIM to eSIM, whether with your carrier or with a travel eSIM, arise from skipping any of these points:
- Not verifying phone compatibility before starting the process. Always check the settings, not just the model or purchase year.
- Installing the profile without a stable internet connection. If the Wi-Fi cuts out mid-download, the profile may be incomplete.
- Confusing your carrier's eSIM with a travel eSIM. They are distinct products, as we saw earlier, and serve different purposes.
- Deleting the eSIM profile thinking it can be reinstalled like a file. A deleted eSIM profile usually cannot be recovered as is: a new one must be requested.
- Deactivating the local line prematurely and losing reception of verification codes (2FA) for a few hours while the carrier confirms the change.
If something didn't go as expected, in common eSIM problems we review the most frequent cases with their solutions, one by one.
Frequently asked questions
How do I switch from physical SIM to Claro eSIM?
From your country's official Claro app, in the line or SIM management section, you look for the option to switch to eSIM, confirm your identity, and follow the instructions to install the profile sent to you. The exact name of each step varies by country and app version.
How do I transfer my SIM to eSIM?
It's not a transfer between two physical cards, but a conversion: your carrier deactivates the physical SIM and activates a digital profile with the same number and plan. The process is done from the app or at a carrier service center.
Can I transfer my current SIM card to an eSIM?
Yes, as long as your phone is eSIM compatible. You don't lose your number or contacts: only the medium where your line resides changes, from a physical card to a digital profile.
How much does an eSIM cost on Claro?
The cost of the change is defined by each local Claro and can vary depending on the country and current promotions, so the most reliable way is to consult it directly in your country's official Claro app before performing the process.
Do I need to remove my physical Claro SIM to use a travel eSIM?
No. A travel eSIM is installed alongside your Claro line, not in its place. Your phone will have both lines active: your usual one for calls and SMS, and the travel one for data at your destination.
Does a travel eSIM work the same as my local carrier's eSIM?
The technology is the same—a digital profile instead of a physical card—but the use is different: your carrier's eSIM is your primary line in your country, and a travel eSIM is an additional data package designed for use in another destination.
What if my phone is not eSIM compatible?
If your phone doesn't have an eSIM, you cannot convert your Claro line or install a travel eSIM; in that case, you will still rely on a physical card or your carrier's traditional roaming options.
Can I have both Claro eSIM and a travel eSIM at the same time?
Yes. Most eSIM-compatible phones support two active lines at once (one physical or eSIM plus another eSIM), which is precisely what allows you to use your usual number and travel data simultaneously.
Conclusion
If your goal was to switch your Claro line from physical SIM to eSIM, you now have the general process and what you should confirm directly with your carrier (phone compatibility, official channels, and current cost in your country). But if what you were actually looking for was to avoid paying roaming charges on your next trip, the solution is not to convert your Claro SIM: it's to add a separate travel eSIM, which coexists with your usual line without touching it.
For the second case, the simplest starting point is to review the available destinations and the data plan you need before traveling, with activation in approximately 1 minute once the profile is installed and up to 180 days from purchase to activate it when you need it. You can start with the definitive guide to eSIM for travel and then choose your destination in the international eSIM collection.
