How to use an eSIM when traveling abroad? The complete guide

Are you planning a trip abroad and considering subscribing to an international eSIM for your communications? Want to know more about this technology and how to use it during your stay? Operation, installation, activation… Our experts answer all your questions about using a travel eSIM.

What is an eSIM?

The term eSIM is short for embedded SIM, which means “embedded SIM card.” It refers to a technology that allows operators’ SIM cards to be dematerialized via a universal SIM directly embedded in device components, especially smartphones.

This dematerialized SIM card can be configured for any operator network by downloading an eSIM profile. It can therefore fully replace physical SIM cards or allow for multiple uses—or even multiple eSIMs. You can use up to two phone numbers simultaneously, as well as multiple mobile data plans. It's the ideal solution when you need to communicate from several countries or want both a professional and a personal line!

eSIM technology allows you to instantly subscribe to a mobile plan without needing to go to a store or wait to receive a SIM card to insert into your phone. It's also practical in everyday life when you want to change plans or need a quick internet connection abroad!

How does a travel eSIM work?

eSIM technology has enabled the emergence of new operators specializing in international eSIMs, such as UPeSIM. They offer internet packages usable from a specific country or region, with varying amounts of data and validity periods, allowing users to save on roaming charges typically billed by local operators when using a phone abroad.

These international plans result from commercial agreements between eSIM providers and local operators in various countries: providers buy data volumes from each country’s operators to offer them to their customers at preferential prices. At UPeSIM, we’ve negotiated exclusive rates with operators in nearly 200 countries!

Thanks to these agreements, operators like UPeSIM can offer eSIMs that work like local SIM cards. Specifically configured for the mobile network of your chosen destination, they connect automatically to the local network once detected. The user then accesses the local operator's 4G network just like a resident subscriber.

Where to buy an international eSIM?

Travel eSIMs are available only online, through e-commerce sites and/or mobile apps of operators. At UPeSIM, you can subscribe on both platforms for convenience. You can purchase your international eSIM plan on our website and install it on your device, or buy and download it directly to your smartphone.

Before purchasing, we recommend checking your device’s compatibility with eSIM technology. While it’s available on most modern smartphones, it’s best to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

There are many international eSIM providers today, giving you plenty of choices! To help you find the best eSIM for your trip, we compared our offer with those of many competitors — feel free to review them to form your own opinion!

How to install a travel eSIM?

Installing a travel eSIM is quick and simple, with the process depending on the platform where you subscribed. In any case, you'll be guided through every step!

For an eSIM purchased through a website

After selecting your destination and plan, you can add your eSIM to your cart and complete the purchase. You’ll receive a confirmation email with an installation QR code. Simply scan the QR code using the smartphone you want to use with the eSIM to begin installation.

For an eSIM purchased via a mobile app

You make the purchase and install the eSIM directly through the operator’s app. After purchase, simply select the eSIM you want to install to begin configuration—no QR code needed.

How to activate a travel eSIM?

A travel eSIM connects automatically to the configured network as soon as you cross the border or exit the plane.

How long does it take to activate an eSIM?

eSIM activation takes just a few minutes—or even seconds. For most operators, activation happens automatically after installation. This is the case with UPeSIM eSIMs! You can enjoy internet access abroad in just a few minutes with our plans.

When should I activate my eSIM abroad?

We recommend installing and activating your eSIM the day before or the day of your departure so you’re connected as soon as you arrive. This prevents out-of-plan data usage and ensures you have a connection for tasks like contacting loved ones or using GPS upon landing. Handy for booking an airport taxi!

Activating your eSIM ahead of time also lets you verify everything works properly before you leave, reducing stress and avoiding surprise charges abroad.

How can I check if my eSIM is activated?

To check if your eSIM is active, go to your phone’s network settings and review your cellular data settings. If everything is fine, your eSIM will appear in the available networks list. You’ll be able to view its status and manage its options.

Can I still use my SIM card after activating an eSIM?

You can use up to two lines at once and download up to five data plans. So yes, you can absolutely use an eSIM and a SIM card at the same time—as long as you stay within these limits. You can have a traditional SIM and a virtual SIM for two phone numbers, or a physical SIM and multiple virtual SIMs for separate calls and data use.

Learn more: Can I have an eSIM and a SIM at the same time?

How to configure network settings to use my eSIM?

When you install a travel eSIM on your smartphone, you're prompted to set a primary and secondary network. Just select your regular network as the primary and the eSIM’s network as secondary. This lets you continue using your phone number for calls/SMS while using the international plan for internet.

To make sure your eSIM works abroad, enable data roaming for that line. Also, allow hotspot sharing if you want to connect other devices. For safety, disable these options on your main line to avoid unexpected charges.

How can I use an eSIM to communicate abroad?

A travel eSIM connects you to local 3G, 4G, or 5G networks so you can use your smartphone as usual. You get a personal, secure internet connection for everything—social media, streaming, GPS, messaging apps… Use all your usual apps freely, within your plan’s data limit.

Remember, eSIM plans only include mobile data. Calls and SMS from abroad will be billed as roaming on your regular line, so we recommend minimizing these and using apps like WhatsApp or Signal for communication. Use your mobile line only if necessary!