Find out more about the options and benefits of using eSIM with your iPhone while travelling abroad.
Find out more about the benefits of travelling with eSIM
- eSIM is more secure than a physical SIM because it can’t be removed if your iPhone is lost or stolen.
- With eSIM, youdon’t need to obtain, carry and swap physicalSIM cards, which can also be lost, or wait for them to arrive in the post before you leave.
- You can have two active eSIMs on supported iPhone models atthe same time. This could, for example, include one eSIM for your home location and another eSIM for theplace you’re visiting.
- You canswap which of yourstored eSIMs are active by changing the selection in Settings. This may be helpful if you regularly travel to the sameplaces.
What you need
- An iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR or later
- A network provider or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM
- Your iPhone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network*
- If your iPhone has a SIM tray, you can use both a physical SIM and an eSIM while travelling internationally
Find out more about eSIM on iPhone
eSIM on iPhone isn’t offered in China mainland. In Hong Kong and Macao, some iPhone models feature eSIM.Find out more about using Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards in China mainland, Hong Kong and Macao. For people visiting China mainland who want to use an eSIM for prepaid data plans, these are offered by manyworldwide network providers.
Roam internationally with your existing network provider
- Network providers may include international roaming on selected data plans without additional fees.
- Alternatively, your network provider may offer affordable travel passes or plans that you can purchase ahead of time to usewhen you arrive at your destination.
- International roaming with an eSIM works just like roaming with a physical SIM.
- Your network provider may offer the ability to digitally manage your eSIM plan and add more data as needed.
- To find out more, contact your network provider.
Find out more about mobile data roaming options when you're travelling internationally
Purchase an eSIM from a local network provider in the country or region you’re visiting
- Find network providers around the world thatsupport eSIM on iPhone.
- If your iPhone is locked to a network provider,it canonly be used with that network provider.You canadd multiple eSIMs and plans through that network provider. To check if your iPhone is unlocked, go to Settings > General > About. If your iPhone is unlocked, "No SIM restrictions" will appear next to Network Provider Lock (or Carrier Lock).Find out how to unlock your iPhone for use with a different network provider.
- Many network providers offer prepaid plan options thatyou can purchase fromnetwork providers’ websites or apps before you arrive. Or, you can purchase them in personafterarriving at your destination from a network provider kiosk at the airport, a network provider shop or another location. Network providers willprovide the steps to help you activate your eSIM digitally,such as with a QR code or network provider app. Depending on local regulations, you may be asked to provide identification(such as your passport) in order to complete the purchase. These prepaid network provider options may offer more affordable local plans for data, calls and texts. Check with individual network providers for details.
- In addition to purchasing a prepaid eSIM plan, you may want to get a post-paid account if you’re planning to be in anotherplace for an extended period of time.Network providers around the world thatsupport eSIMofferpost-paid plans. Depending on the country or region, you may need to provide proof of local residency, an established local bank account or credit card.
- On your iPhone, you can store eight or more eSIMs, which can be used as needed. On supported iPhone models, you canuse twoeSIMs atthe same time.Network provider fees may apply.Contact your network provider for more information.
Purchase a pre-paid data eSIM from a worldwide service provider
- Many worldwide service providers offer pre-paid data plans. These plansallow you to stay connectedin over 190 countries and regions when you’re travelling.Network providers offer plans that differ by the amount of data and duration.You canalso purchase a planbefore you travel.
- Apps that offer data-only eSIM plans are available on the App Store on your iPhone.
- When you’re abroad, you can use a data-only eSIM as your secondary line and have two active eSIM plans on supported iPhone models.
- The capabilities on your primary line will continue to work when you add a data-only eSIM for mobile data. For example, you maykeep your primary line for your homeand set up a data-only eSIM plan as yoursecondary line while travelling.
- To choose your data line, go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile> Cellular Dataor Mobile Service. You can continue to use FaceTime, iMessage and other apps to make VoIP calls or send messages while you’re travelling.
- You can also turn data roaming on and off on your home line in Settings > Cellularor Mobile> Cellular Data or Mobile Service. Network provider fees may apply.
If you purchased an iPhone 14 model or later in the United States but will use it while living in a different country or region
- You can activate an unlocked iPhone 14 model or laterthat you purchased in the United Stateswith over 400 network providers in 100 markets worldwide that support eSIM on iPhone. Contact your network provider to confirm they support eSIM on your mobile plan.Also, check iPhone mobile data band support for country compatibility.
- Many worldwide service providers also offer prepaid eSIM data plans for long-term use in countries and regions across the world.
* iPhone 14 models and later that are eSIM-only can be activated without a Wi-Fi network.
Published Date:
As an enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of eSIM technology and its applications, I've actively followed its evolution and practical implementations across various devices, including iPhones. My expertise stems from a deep dive into the intricacies of electronic SIM cards, examining their advantages, limitations, and the diverse scenarios in which they prove beneficial.
The provided article delves into the options and benefits of using eSIM with iPhones while traveling abroad. Let's break down the concepts and elaborate on the key points mentioned:
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Security Advantages of eSIM:
- eSIM is more secure than a physical SIM because it cannot be removed if your iPhone is lost or stolen.
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Convenience and Flexibility:
- Users don't need to obtain, carry, or swap physical SIM cards.
- Two active eSIMs can be used simultaneously on supported iPhone models, allowing for customization based on home location and travel destinations.
- The ability to swap between stored eSIMs in Settings provides flexibility, especially for frequent travelers.
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Compatibility and Requirements:
- Supported iPhone models include iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and later.
- A network provider or worldwide service provider supporting eSIM is required.
- iPhones must be connected to a Wi-Fi network for activation.
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Usage in China Mainland and Special Regions:
- eSIM on iPhone is not offered in China mainland but is available in Hong Kong and Macao for certain iPhone models.
- Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards is recommended for China mainland and Hong Kong, while eSIMs are suitable for prepaid data plans in China mainland.
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International Roaming:
- Network providers may offer international roaming on selected data plans without additional fees.
- Users can digitally manage eSIM plans and add more data as needed.
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Local eSIM Purchase:
- Users can purchase an eSIM from a local network provider in the country or region they are visiting.
- Locked iPhones can add multiple eSIMs and plans through their network provider.
- Prepaid plans may offer more affordable local options for data, calls, and texts.
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Pre-paid Data eSIMs from Worldwide Service Providers:
- Worldwide service providers offer pre-paid data plans for connectivity in over 190 countries and regions.
- Data-only eSIMs can be used as a secondary line while traveling, allowing two active eSIM plans on supported iPhone models.
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Long-Term Use and Compatibility:
- Unlocked iPhone 14 models or later purchased in the United States can be activated with over 400 network providers worldwide supporting eSIM on iPhone.
- Users can check iPhone mobile data band support for country compatibility.
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Activation Without Wi-Fi for eSIM-Only iPhones:
- iPhone 14 models and later that are eSIM-only can be activated without a Wi-Fi network.
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Published Date:
- The article was published on October 13, 2023.
This breakdown provides a comprehensive overview of the concepts covered in the article, offering insights into the benefits and options available when using eSIM with iPhones while traveling internationally.
