How to Use an eSIM When Travelling Abroad

Travelling abroad used to mean hunting for a local SIM card the moment you landed, or paying eye-watering roaming charges on your home plan. eSIM technology changes all of that.

What Is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone. Instead of swapping a physical card, you download a data plan over Wi-Fi before you even leave home. Your existing number stays active — you simply add a second, travel-only data line.

Step 1: Check Your Phone Is Compatible

Most smartphones released after 2018 support eSIM. This includes iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, and many others. Check the full compatibility list if you're unsure.

Your phone must also be carrier-unlocked. If you bought your phone directly (outright, not on a contract), it's almost certainly unlocked. If it came with a carrier contract, contact them to unlock it.

Step 2: Choose Your Destination and Plan

Browse by country at Roamaly Destinations. Select the data amount and number of days you need. Day Pass plans let you customise exactly what you need — no wasted data.

Step 3: Complete Checkout

Pay via Stripe. Your eSIM is provisioned in seconds. You'll receive an email with a QR code and, for iPhone users, a direct install link.

Step 4: Install Before You Travel

Install your eSIM at home while connected to Wi-Fi. The plan stays dormant until you activate it at your destination — so there's no risk of it running down early.

iPhone: Tap the direct install link in your email, or go to Settings → Mobile Service → Add eSIM → scan the QR code.

Samsung/Android: Save the QR code image to your gallery, then scan it from Settings → Connections → SIM Manager.

Step 5: Enable When You Arrive

Land at your destination, switch on the Roamaly eSIM as your data line, and enable Data Roaming. You're online within seconds — no airport kiosk queue, no SIM card fumbling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my home number active while using the travel eSIM?

Yes. Your primary SIM stays active for calls and texts. The travel eSIM handles data only. You can receive calls and messages on your home number the whole time.

What happens when my data runs out?

You can purchase a new eSIM plan from Roamaly and install it the same way. For supported plans, top-ups are also available from your dashboard.

Does the eSIM work in multiple countries?

Some plans cover multiple countries (regional plans). Check the plan details page to see exactly which countries are included.