What is an
eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone. Instead of inserting a plastic chip, you scan a QR code to download a mobile plan and connect to a network over the air.
Physical SIM
The old way
- ✕ Buy in a store or wait for delivery
- ✕ Swap chips at the airport
- ✕ Lose your home number temporarily
- ✕ One carrier at a time
eSIM
The smart way to travel
- ✓ Buy online in minutes, from anywhere
- ✓ Scan a QR code — instantly connected
- ✓ Keep your home number active
- ✓ Multiple profiles stored in one device
190+
Countries covered
Instant
eSIM delivery
0
SIM cards to carry
4G / 5G
Network speeds
What does eSIM stand for?
eSIM means embedded SIM: a GSMA-standard chip soldered into the device that stores carrier profiles digitally. You add a plan by QR code or carrier app, keep dual-SIM phones on two lines, and avoid swapping plastic cards when you travel.
Reviewed by VAYO eSIM · Read eSIM FAQs
eSIM basics at a glance
- Physical SIM vs eSIM
- A physical SIM is a removable card. An eSIM is programmed digitally and cannot be pulled out.
- Travel use
- Buy a data plan online, install it before you fly, and keep your home number on the other line.
- Compatibility
- iPhone XS and later, Pixel 3 and later, Galaxy S20 and later, plus many other unlocked phones.
- Activation
- Most VAYO installs take a few minutes on Wi-Fi using the QR code in your confirmation email.
The simple explanation
No technical jargon. Here's all you need to know.
Every mobile phone needs a SIM card to connect to a carrier's network. Traditionally, that meant a tiny plastic chip — nano SIM, micro SIM, or regular SIM — that you'd physically insert into your phone.
An eSIM (embedded SIM) does the same job, but it's a chip that is permanently soldered inside the device during manufacturing. You can't remove it, and you don't need to. Instead of swapping chips, you download a carrier profile wirelessly — usually by scanning a QR code — and your phone connects to that carrier's network.
The "e" stands for embedded. eSIM is an industry standard defined by the GSMA, the global association of mobile network operators. This means an eSIM from VAYO works the same way on an iPhone, a Samsung Galaxy, or a Google Pixel — the technology is universal.
How does an eSIM work?
From purchase to a live connection — in four simple steps.
Choose your plan
Browse plans by country, region, or global. Pick the data size and duration that fits your trip.
Enter your email
No account needed. We send your QR code straight to your inbox seconds after payment.
Scan the QR code
Open your phone settings, add a new eSIM, and scan the QR code. Takes about 2 minutes.
Arrive and connect
Land at your destination, enable the VAYO plan, and your data starts working. No store, no waiting.
Why travellers love eSIM
No more roaming shock or hunting for SIM cards at the airport.
Instant activation
Buy your plan anytime — even at the gate. Your eSIM is delivered instantly by email. No waiting, no shipping fees.
Keep your number
Your home SIM stays in your phone. Family and colleagues can still call and text you on your regular number.
190+ countries
Country, regional, and global plans mean you're covered almost everywhere — from a city break in Paris to a backpacking trip across Southeast Asia.
No roaming bills
You pay a fixed price upfront and know exactly what you're spending. No surprise charges at the end of your trip.
No physical SIM needed
Never scramble for a paperclip to open the SIM tray, drop a tiny chip, or misplace it. Your eSIM lives safely inside your phone.
Transparent pricing
All VAYO plans show exactly what you get — data size, validity, and covered countries. No hidden fees, ever.
Physical SIM vs eSIM
Side by side, the difference is clear.
| Physical SIM | eSIM | |
|---|---|---|
| How to get it | Buy in store or online delivery | Buy online, instant delivery |
| Activation time | Minutes to hours | Under 2 minutes |
| Physical installation | Insert chip into phone | Scan a QR code |
| Risk of losing it | Yes — it's a tiny chip | No — it's inside the phone |
| Multiple plans | One at a time | Multiple stored simultaneously |
| Keep home number | Only on dual-SIM phones | Yes, always |
| Works across countries | Roaming fees apply | Switch plans per country |
| Environment | Plastic waste | Zero plastic |
Which devices support eSIM?
eSIM is now standard on almost every flagship smartphone released since 2018. Here are some of the most popular eSIM-compatible devices:
Apple iPhone
iPhone XS and later (including all iPhone 14, 15 & 16 models)
Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S20 and later, Z Fold/Flip series, Galaxy A54 and above
Google Pixel
Pixel 3 and later, including Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series
Other brands
Motorola Razr, Sony Xperia, OPPO, OnePlus, Xiaomi (select models)
How to check if your device is eSIM-ready
On iPhone
Go to Settings → General → About and look for an EID number. If you see one, your iPhone supports eSIM.
On Android
Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIM cards (or Connections → SIM card manager on Samsung). If you see an option to add an eSIM, your device is compatible.
Note: Even if your device supports eSIM, make sure it is unlocked. Carrier-locked devices cannot use third-party eSIM profiles.
Common questions about eSIM
The most frequent questions we get from first-time eSIM users.
Can I use an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time?
Yes, on most modern smartphones. This is called Dual SIM. Your physical SIM handles your home number for calls and texts, while your VAYO eSIM provides data abroad. Both run simultaneously — you don't need to choose one or the other.
Does an eSIM work on prepaid plans?
VAYO eSIM plans are prepaid — you pay upfront for a fixed data allowance and validity period. There are no monthly contracts or credit checks. You simply buy what you need, when you need it.
Can I reuse my eSIM when I return to the same country?
Each VAYO plan is a single-use data package with a fixed expiry. If your plan is still active and you have data remaining when you return, you can continue using it. If the plan has expired or the data has run out, you'll need to purchase a new plan.
Is an eSIM less reliable than a physical SIM?
No. The technology works the same way — eSIM connects to exactly the same local carrier networks as a physical SIM. In fact, eSIM is more reliable in some ways since there's no physical card to get dirty, damaged, or lost.
What happens to my eSIM if I upgrade my phone?
eSIM profiles are tied to the device they're installed on and cannot be transferred to a new phone. If you upgrade your device, you'll need to purchase a new plan. You can install the eSIM profile on your new device before your trip.
Do I need to disable my home SIM to use a VAYO eSIM?
No. On dual-SIM devices, you can set VAYO as your data SIM while keeping your home SIM active for calls and SMS. You'll simply choose which SIM handles mobile data in your phone's settings.
Have more questions? Visit our full FAQ →
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