What Is an eSIM? Complete Guide for Travelers (2026)
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone. You can't physically remove it — and you don't need to.
The "e" stands for embedded. The technology itself isn't new; it's been in smartwatches and tablets for years. But as it's spread to iPhones and Android phones over the last few years, it's changed how international travel works for anyone who used to spend their first hour abroad hunting for a local SIM card.
How Is It Different from a Physical SIM?
A physical SIM still works fine. But getting a local SIM abroad means finding a shop at the airport, queuing, handing over your passport, and usually paying inflated prices. With an eSIM, none of that happens.
| Physical SIM | eSIM | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Need the physical card in hand | App or QR code, done in minutes |
| Cost | Airport prices are inflated, hard to compare | Shop and compare plans before you travel |
| Risk of loss | Yes, easy to lose in transit | None, built into the phone |
| Multi-country trips | New card needed in each country | One plan can cover dozens of countries |
| On arrival | Shop, queue, activate | Load before you fly, connected when you land |
The one limitation is device compatibility. Most phones released after 2018 support eSIM, but it's worth checking before you buy.
How Does an eSIM Work?
Inside your phone is a small chip that can store multiple carrier profiles at once. When you buy an eSIM plan, that carrier's profile gets loaded onto the chip. Your phone then uses this profile to find a signal, exactly like it would with a physical SIM, just without the plastic.
The setup process with Globy works like this:
- Choose a plan for your destination in the Globy app or on the website.
- After payment, go to the "My eSIMs" screen.
- Start the installation from there. The steps are shown on screen and take about 1-2 minutes.
- Once installed, your data connection is ready to use abroad.
Which Phones Support eSIM?
eSIM support is now widespread. If your phone launched after 2018, there's a good chance it's compatible.
iPhone
All iPhones from the XS onwards support eSIM. From iPhone 14 onwards, Apple removed the physical SIM slot in many markets entirely — these phones run exclusively on eSIM. On iPhone 13, 12, 11, and XS, both physical SIM and eSIM can run at the same time.
Samsung
Galaxy S20 and later, the Z Fold and Z Flip foldable series, and the Note 20 series all support eSIM. Most budget A-series models don't — worth checking before you buy a plan.
Google Pixel
Pixel 3 and all subsequent models support eSIM.
Other brands
Current flagship models from Motorola, Sony, and OnePlus generally support eSIM. Huawei removed eSIM support following its separation from Google services.
Not sure if your phone supports eSIM? Go to Settings → General → About. If you see "Available eSIM" or an EID number, you're good to go.
The Advantages of eSIM
No airport SIM queue. The classic arrival experience: tired from the flight, bags collected, and now you need to find a phone shop before you can call anyone or navigate anywhere. With an eSIM loaded before you fly, you step off the plane already connected.
Multi-country trips, one phone. Some eSIM plans cover dozens of countries. No more buying a new SIM in every city or carrying a handful of cards.
Nothing to lose or break. No tiny card to drop, snap, or accidentally leave in a hotel room. The profile lives inside the phone.
Check Before You Buy
The only real limitation of eSIM is device compatibility. Older or budget phones may not support it. Check whether your phone is compatible before purchasing a plan.
How to Use an eSIM Abroad
Once the plan is installed, it's mostly straightforward. A few things worth knowing:
- After installing, make sure data roaming is turned on in your phone settings. Without it, the connection won't work.
- If you have multiple lines, tell your phone which one to use for data: Settings → Mobile Data → Use for Data.
- Track your usage in the Globy app in real time so there are no surprises.
- If you run low, top up through Globy without needing to find a shop or swap any cards.
Browse Globy eSIM plans for your destination →
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my phone need to be unlocked to use an eSIM?
Yes. Carrier-locked phones typically won't accept eSIM profiles from other providers. Most phones sold unlocked by default — but if you're not sure, check with your carrier.
How many eSIMs can I have on one phone?
It depends on the model. Most iPhones can store up to 8 eSIM profiles, though only one can be active at a time. Samsung works similarly.
Can I reuse an eSIM after deleting it?
It depends on the plan. If your Globy plan still has data or time remaining, contact customer support to check whether it can be restored.
Can I install an eSIM on the plane?
No. eSIM installation requires an internet connection. Install your plan before you board — if you wait until landing, you'll need to use Wi-Fi or roaming data to complete it.
How do I activate a Globy eSIM?
Choose a plan in the Globy app or on the website and complete payment. Then go to the "My eSIMs" screen and follow the installation steps shown on screen. The whole process takes about 2 minutes.
