If you're heading abroad and want to avoid expensive roaming charges, adding an eSIM is a great way to stay connected. Many providers around the world offer prepaid eSIM plans for travellers, which give you access to mobile data without needing to swap out your primary SIM card. This way, you'll be able to still receive calls on your current phone number while being able to use data through an eSIM for wherever you are travelling.

This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of setting up an eSIM on both iPhone and Android (Samsung Galaxy) devices.

Things to Know Before Getting an eSIM for Travel

• You won’t get a phone number – Most travel eSIMs only offer data, so you won’t be able to make calls or send texts through regular cellular service. You’ll need to use iMessage or apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Messenger for communication.
• You may need to configure APN settings manually – Some eSIMs won’t automatically configure the network settings needed for data to work. You might need to enter APN (Access Point Name) settings manually.
• Make sure your phone is unlocked – If your phone is locked to a carrier, you won’t be able to use an eSIM from another provider. Contact your carrier before your trip to check.
• Buy your eSIM in advance if possible – While you can purchase an eSIM at your destination, it’s often easier to set it up beforehand. Some providers let you activate it before you travel, while others require you to be in the destination country.

How to Add an eSIM for Travel on iPhone

Step 1: Check if Your iPhone Supports eSIM

Apple introduced eSIM support starting with the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR. If you have a newer model, you can use eSIM. Here’s a full list of compatible iPhones (as of 2025):

• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
• iPhone 11 series
• iPhone SE (2nd gen and later)
• iPhone 12 series
• iPhone 13 series
• iPhone 14 series
• iPhone 15 series
• iPhone 16 series

Step 2: Purchase an eSIM Plan

Find a provider that offers travel eSIMs for your destination. Some popular options include:

• Airalo
• Holafly
• Nomad

These companies allow you to purchase and activate an eSIM online before your trip.

Step 3: Add the eSIM to Your iPhone

Some eSIM providers automatically guide you through the process of adding your newly purchased eSIM right through their checkout flow. If not, the following instructions may help:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data).
3. Tap Add Cellular Plan.
4. You’ll be given two options:
   • Scan a QR Code – If your provider gave you a QR code, select this option and scan it with your camera.
   • Enter Details Manually – If your provider gave you activation details instead, select this option and enter the information.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate the eSIM.

Step 4: Set Up the eSIM for Data Use

1. Go back to Settings > Cellular.
2. You should now see two SIM options: your primary SIM and the new travel eSIM.
3. Tap the new eSIM plan and make sure "Turn On This Line" is enabled.
4. Under Cellular Data, select the travel eSIM as the preferred line for data.

Tip: for most eSIMs, you'll need to make sure that Data Roaming is turned on for the eSIM. You'll also want to make sure that Data Roaming is turned off for your home SIM card to make sure you don't get billed for roaming by accident. You'll also want to make sure that Cellular Data Switching is turned off to make sure that your phone doesn't choose to automatically switch back to your home SIM card for data if you experience connectivity issues.

Step 5: Check APN Settings (If Needed)

If your data isn't working:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Your eSIM > Cellular Data Network.
2. Enter the APN settings provided by your eSIM provider. This can usually be found in your confirmation email.
3. Restart your phone and test the connection.

How to Add an eSIM for Travel on Samsung Galaxy (Android)

Step 1: Check if Your Samsung Device Supports eSIM

Samsung has supported eSIM on select devices starting with the Galaxy S20 series. Here’s a list of compatible models:

• Galaxy S Series: S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25
• Galaxy Note Series: Note 20, Note 20 Ultra
• Galaxy Z Series: Z Flip, Z Flip3, Z Flip4, Z Flip5, Z Fold2, Z Fold3, Z Fold4, Z Fold5
• Galaxy A Series: A54 5G, A55 5G

Step 2: Purchase an eSIM Plan

Just like with iPhones, you’ll need to buy an eSIM from a travel provider like Airalo or another one before setting it up. 

Step 3: Add the eSIM to Your Samsung Galaxy

1. Open Settings on your Samsung phone.
2. Tap Connections > SIM Manager.
3. Tap Add Mobile Plan.
4. Choose Scan a QR Code or Enter Activation Details Manually.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the eSIM.

Step 4: Set Up the eSIM for Data Use

1. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager.
2. You should now see two SIMs listed: your primary SIM and the new travel eSIM.
3. Tap Preferred SIM for Mobile Data and select your travel eSIM.

Same as for an iPhone, you'll want to make sure that data is turned off for your home SIM card to make sure you don't accidentally get billed for roaming while abroad.

Step 5: Check APN Settings (If Needed)

If your data isn’t working:

1. Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names (APN).
2. Tap Add New APN and enter the settings provided by your eSIM provider.
3. Save and restart your phone.

Switching Back to Your Main SIM After Travel

Once you return home, you can switch back to your primary SIM:

• On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular and set your primary SIM as the default for data.
• On Samsung: Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager and set your main SIM as the preferred line.

If you no longer need the travel eSIM, you can delete it:

• On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Select the eSIM > Remove Cellular Plan.
• On Samsung: Settings > SIM Manager > Select the eSIM > Remove Plan.

Final Tips for Using a Travel eSIM

Turn off data roaming on your main SIM – To avoid accidental charges, disable roaming for your primary SIM in your phone’s settings.
Use WiFi whenever possible – If your eSIM has limited data, save it for when you really need it by using WiFi whenever available.
Check if hotspot/tethering is allowed – Some eSIM plans do not allow hotspot use. If you plan to share your connection, confirm this before purchasing.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to stay connected abroad without worrying about expensive roaming fees. Whether you’re traveling for work or vacation, an eSIM gives you an easy way to access mobile data hassle-free. Safe travels!