All about your eSIM, no doubts asked

An eSIM is a digital SIM integrated into your phone that replaces the physical card. It allows you to have a data plan without changing cards: you activate it with a QR code and it's perfect for traveling with internet without paying roaming charges, while keeping your usual number.

A regular SIM is a plastic card you insert and remove; an eSIM is a built-in chip you download via software. An eSIM can't be lost, lets you have several lines at once, and activates online in minutes, without going to a store.

Yes, they're different names for the same thing: that digital SIM you install with a QR. At PuraSIM we sell prepaid data eSIMs for travel, with no contract or commitment.

No. The PuraSIM eSIM is added as a second data-only line (Dual SIM). Your number, your calls, your SMS and your WhatsApp keep working with your usual SIM.

eSIM stands for embedded SIM (a built-in or integrated SIM). The chip comes soldered inside the phone, so you don't need a physical card: you download the carrier's profile via software by scanning a QR, and that's it.

Your PuraSIM travel eSIM is a new data-only line; it doesn't change your number. If what you want is to move YOUR number from your physical SIM to an eSIM, that's an "eSIM transfer" handled by your carrier, not by us.

The fastest way is to dial *#06# on your phone's keypad: if a 32-digit EID code appears, your phone supports eSIM. You can also check in Settings, by looking for the "Add eSIM" or "Mobile plan" option.

Almost all since 2018: iPhone XS, XR and later; Samsung Galaxy S20 onward, Z Flip and Z Fold; Google Pixel 3+; many recent Xiaomi and Motorola phones, and over 500 models. The phone must be carrier-unlocked.

Yes. Every iPhone since the iPhone XS and XR (2018), including the 2020 and 2022 SE. iPhones sold in the U.S. from the iPhone 14 onward work with eSIM only.

Yes. To use an eSIM from another provider, the phone must be unlocked, with no carrier lock.

Connect to Wi-Fi, open Settings, add the eSIM and scan the QR code we sent you via email. On iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM. On Android: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM.

From the first time you use data at your destination, not from the purchase date. That's why you can install the eSIM at your leisure before traveling, and it only activates when you arrive.

Yes, you need WiFi or data to download the profile when scanning the QR. That's why it's best to install it at home before traveling; at your destination you just turn on the data.

When you land, go into your mobile data settings, select the PuraSIM line and turn on data roaming for that eSIM. In less than a minute you'll be online.

Converting YOUR physical SIM line to an eSIM is done by your carrier (it's an eSIM transfer). To travel you don't need to convert anything: you simply add the PuraSIM travel eSIM as a second data line and keep your usual SIM.

Yes: on the plane you can turn on in-flight WiFi with the eSIM off, and when you land you switch off airplane mode and turn on the eSIM's data. The eSIM doesn't use data until you activate it at your destination.

The plan is data-only. Nevertheless, you can call and send messages at no extra cost via WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram, or your preferred app, using your eSIM's data.

Yes, all our plans include hotspot (internet sharing). You can connect your laptop, tablet, or your travel companion's phone without paying extra.

You can top up or buy another plan from the website in seconds, without changing your eSIM. We let you know when you're low on data so you don't get left without a connection.

With roaming, a trip can shoot up to 50-60 € in surprise charges. With PuraSIM you pay once, a fixed price for your data, with no commitment or hidden fees.

Roaming is using your home country's mobile service outside of your home country. Within the European Union, it is usually included, but outside (USA, Asia, UK, Switzerland, Andorra...) your operator charges very high rates, from €10 to €20 per day. A travel eSIM avoids this cost with a fixed, low price.

Within the European Union, yes ("roam like at home"). Outside the EU, every carrier (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, Yoigo, Digi, Lowi…) charges expensive roaming. For those destinations, a travel eSIM works out much cheaper.

Yes, and it costs you: the UK left the EU (Brexit) and Switzerland and Andorra were never in it, so your plan doesn't include free roaming there. These are classic surprise-bill destinations where an eSIM saves you a lot.

On iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Options → Data Roaming (turn it off). On Android: Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Roaming (turn it off). Then use only the travel eSIM for your data.

You can buy it whenever you want and install it calmly at home, with Wi-Fi, days before traveling. The data doesn't start counting until you activate it at your destination, so you don't lose anything by doing it in advance.

It depends on your usage: for maps, social media and messaging, 1-2 GB per week is usually enough; if you upload lots of photos or videos or make video calls, go for 5 GB or more. You can always top up if you run short.

Yes, if you installed it beforehand: on arrival you just turn on the eSIM's data and roaming and you connect to the local networks in under a minute, no need to hunt for airport WiFi.

You have a refund guarantee and 24/7 support in English. If something goes wrong, we help you until you're connected or we give you your money back. Message us and we'll sort it out right away.