What is eSIM? A Complete Guide for Travelers

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a small chip built directly into your smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. Unlike a traditional SIM card that you insert and remove, an eSIM is soldered onto the device’s motherboard during manufacturing. It stores your mobile subscription digitally, which means you can activate a cellular plan without handling a physical card.

Key takeaways:

• An eSIM is a chip built into your phone — no physical card needed.
• You can install an eSIM profile by scanning a QR code in about 2 minutes; mobile data also requires the service conditions to be complete.
• Most phones sold from 2018 onward support eSIM (iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+).
• With Rivio, one balance works across 150+ countries and never expires.

The technology behind eSIM is called eUICC (embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card). It follows a standard defined by the GSMA, the global association of mobile network operators. This standard ensures that any eSIM-compatible device can download and install carrier profiles from any participating operator worldwide.

Key fact: As of early 2026, more than 200 mobile operators in over 100 countries support eSIM activation. According to the GSMA Mobile Economy report, eSIM-enabled devices will exceed 6 billion units globally by 2028.

How Does an eSIM Work?

An eSIM works through a process called Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP). Here is how it happens, step by step:

1. You choose a provider and pricing model. Some providers sell a fixed data package; with Rivio, you choose one of the balance amounts shown in the app and complete payment before profile installation.
2. You receive a QR code or activation link. This code contains the address of a secure server called the SM-DP+ (Subscription Manager Data Preparation).
3. Your device downloads the profile. When you scan the QR code, your phone’s Local Profile Assistant (LPA) contacts the SM-DP+ server and securely downloads the eSIM profile.
4. The profile is installed on the eUICC chip. The profile includes all the information your device needs to connect to the mobile network: operator credentials, authentication keys, and network configuration.
5. You use mobile data. With Rivio, the device can register when there is available balance, the correct data-line and roaming settings, and supported partner coverage.

Profile download and installation typically takes about two minutes and requires Wi-Fi or an existing cellular connection for the initial download. This timing is not a guarantee of network registration.

Multiple Profiles on One Device

One of the most practical advantages of eSIM technology is the ability to store multiple carrier profiles on a single device. Most modern smartphones support 8 to 10 eSIM profiles simultaneously, though only one or two can be active at any given time.

For travelers, this means you can:

• Keep your home carrier profile for calls and SMS
• Add a travel data profile for your destination
• Switch between profiles without removing anything

Benefits of eSIM for Travelers

1. Digital Setup

There is no need to visit a store, wait for delivery, or swap tiny plastic cards. With Rivio, you can add balance and install the eSIM before departure. At your destination, select Rivio for mobile data and enable roaming for that line; the device can register when a supported partner network is available.

2. Keep Your Home Number Active

With a dual-SIM setup (your physical SIM for your home number and an eSIM for travel data), you stay reachable on your regular number while using affordable local data rates abroad. Incoming calls and verification codes still come through on your primary line.

3. No Roaming Surprises

International roaming charges from traditional carriers can be severe. A single day of data roaming in some countries can cost more than an entire month of local data through an eSIM provider.

Payment and validity models vary by provider. Rivio uses account balance rather than a fixed package: choose one of the amounts shown in the app, complete payment, and usage is deducted at the destination rate. Check our FAQ for common questions about pricing and billing.

4. Better for the Environment

Physical SIM cards are made of plastic and require packaging, shipping, and in-store distribution. eSIM eliminates all of that.

One less piece of single-use plastic per traveler may seem small, but at scale it makes a measurable difference. The GSMA estimates that widespread eSIM adoption could eliminate over 20,000 tons of plastic waste annually from the telecommunications industry.

5. Travel with Multiple Devices

If you carry a phone, a tablet, and a smartwatch, eSIM lets you manage connectivity for all of them from a single account. Many eSIM providers, including Rivio, support family or multi-device profiles that share a single balance.

How to Check if Your Phone Supports eSIM

Not every phone has eSIM capability. For a complete list of tested models, see our compatible devices guide. Here is how to check for the most common devices:

iPhone

All iPhones from the iPhone XS (2018) onward support eSIM. This includes:

• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 series (all models)
• iPhone 13 series (all models)
• iPhone 14 series (all models) — US models are eSIM-only with no physical SIM tray
• iPhone 15 series (all models)
• iPhone 16 series (all models)
• iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

How to verify on iPhone: Go to Settings > General > About and look for an “Available SIM” or “EID” field. If you see an EID number, your device supports eSIM.

Android (Samsung, Google Pixel, and Others)

eSIM support on Android varies by manufacturer and model:

• Samsung: Galaxy S20 and newer, Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series, Galaxy A54 and newer
• Google Pixel: Pixel 2 and newer (Pixel 2 was one of the first eSIM phones)
• Huawei: P40 series, Mate 40 series
• Xiaomi: 12T Pro, 13 series and newer
• OnePlus: 11 and newer
• Oppo: Find X5 Pro and newer

How to verify on Android: Go to Settings > About Phone and look for an EID (Embedded Identity Document) number. Alternatively, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs and check if “Add eSIM” or “Download SIM” appears as an option.

Quick Compatibility Test

The fastest way to check is to dial *#06# on your phone. If the result displays an EID (a 32-digit number) alongside your IMEI, your device has an eSIM chip.

How to Set Up an eSIM for Travel

Setting up an eSIM is straightforward. Here is the typical process using a travel eSIM provider:

Step 1: Choose Your Provider and Pricing Model

Compare travel eSIM providers based on:

• Coverage: Does the provider cover your destination?
• Pricing model: Is it a fixed data package or pay-as-you-go account balance?
• Validity: Does the package, profile, or balance have a time limit?
• Price: Compare the per-GB cost across providers.

Step 2: Complete Payment and Receive Your eSIM Details

The flow varies by provider: fixed-package services sell a package, while Rivio asks you to choose one of the balance amounts shown in the app and complete payment before profile installation. You will then receive one of these setup methods:

• A QR code displayed on screen or sent via email
• An activation link that opens directly in your phone’s settings
• An SM-DP+ address and activation code for manual entry

Step 3: Install the eSIM Profile

On iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
2. Tap Use QR Code and scan the code
3. Wait for the profile to download (usually 10-30 seconds)
4. Label the plan (e.g., “Travel Data”) for easy identification

On Android:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs
2. Tap Add SIM or Download SIM
3. Scan the QR code or enter the activation details manually
4. Wait for the download to complete

Step 4: Configure Your Dual-SIM Settings

After installation, configure which SIM handles what:

• Calls and SMS: Your primary (physical) SIM
• Cellular data: Your new eSIM travel plan
• Data roaming: Enable for the eSIM line, disable for your primary SIM to avoid roaming charges

Step 5: Configure the Data Line at Your Destination

Service readiness varies by provider. With Rivio, complete the balance top-up and profile installation before travel; at your destination select Rivio for mobile data, enable roaming only on that line, and connect within supported partner coverage.

Pro tip: Add balance and install your eSIM before you travel, while you still have reliable Wi-Fi. At your destination, select the eSIM for mobile data and enable roaming for that line; network coverage is also required.

eSIM vs. Physical SIM: A Detailed Comparison

Feature	eSIM	Physical SIM
Activation time	Under 2 minutes, fully digital	Requires store visit or postal delivery
Swapping plans	Tap to switch between stored profiles	Physically remove and insert cards
Risk of loss	None — embedded in device	Easy to lose the tiny card or adapter
Multiple plans	Store 8-10 profiles on one device	One card per SIM slot
Environmental impact	No plastic, no packaging	Plastic card + packaging + shipping
Availability	Growing; 200+ carriers worldwide	Universal; available everywhere
Device compatibility	Requires eSIM-capable device (2018+)	Works with virtually all phones
Security	Profile cannot be physically removed	Card can be stolen if device is accessed
Cost for travel	Typically lower per-GB rates	Varies; local SIMs can be cheap but require store visits

When Physical SIM Still Makes Sense

Physical SIM cards remain relevant in a few scenarios:

• Older devices that do not support eSIM
• Countries where eSIM activation requires in-person identity verification
• Long-term stays (6+ months) where a local physical SIM with a local number may be more practical

For trips lasting a few days to a few weeks, eSIM is almost always the more convenient and cost-effective option.

Common Questions About eSIM

Can I use eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time?

Yes. Most eSIM-capable phones support dual-SIM operation: one physical SIM slot and one or more eSIM profiles. You can use your physical SIM for calls and your eSIM for data simultaneously.

Will my phone number change with an eSIM?

Only if you want it to. Travel eSIM plans are typically data-only, meaning your existing phone number stays active on your physical SIM. The eSIM simply provides internet access.

Can I share my eSIM data with other devices?

Yes, through your phone’s hotspot feature. Enable the personal hotspot and other devices (laptops, tablets, other phones) can connect through your eSIM data connection.

What happens to my eSIM when I get a new phone?

The move-to-a-new-device method depends on the carrier, phone manufacturer, operating system, and profile; device-level eSIM transfer does not support every carrier profile. Before deleting or attempting to move a Rivio profile, ask in-app support to confirm the account-specific steps. Remove the old profile only if support explicitly directs you.

Is eSIM secure?

eSIM profiles are protected by the same level of encryption used in physical SIM cards. The eUICC chip is a certified secure element, and profiles are downloaded over encrypted channels. Because the eSIM cannot be physically removed, it actually provides an additional layer of security compared to removable SIM cards.

Can I use eSIM for voice calls?

It depends on the plan. Travel eSIM plans are usually data-only, which means voice calls go through apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Zoom. Some domestic carrier eSIM plans include voice and SMS.

Getting Started with eSIM

If you are planning a trip and want to avoid roaming charges, an eSIM is a practical option. Profile installation takes a few minutes on many devices; network registration still depends on the correct settings and supported coverage. A data eSIM can let you keep your home number active on the primary line.

With Rivio, you add balance in the app and then install one global eSIM for use across more than 150 countries. You pay only for the data you use, and your unused PAYG account balance carries over to your next trip. It does not expire. Curious about how 5G works with eSIM? Read our 5G and eSIM travel guide for the latest coverage data. Want to see how Rivio stacks up against the competition? Check our eSIM provider comparison.

Check if your phone supports eSIM, download Rivio, add balance and then complete the eSIM installation over reliable Wi-Fi.