Guide
An eSIM is a digital SIM that lets you activate a cellular plan without inserting a physical SIM card. The SIM is downloaded into a secure part of your device that can be permanently embedded inside it. Its role stays the same: it identifies your device to the mobile network.
For travel, you can buy a prepaid eSIM plan and activate it digitally. You do not need to obtain, carry, or swap a SIM card. You still need a compatible phone, an eSIM-supporting provider, and a service plan.
Checked Oct 2026 against official pages
A physical SIM is removable and can be moved between devices. An eSIM uses a digital profile downloaded into your device's secure hardware. You change the plan digitally rather than by inserting a different card.
The GSMA says eSIM offers an equivalent level of security and protection to a removable SIM. Apple also points out that an eSIM cannot be removed if your iPhone is lost or stolen.
You can store multiple operator profiles on a device and switch between them. Storing a profile is different from having it active: supported iPhone models can have two eSIMs active at the same time.
A travel eSIM gives you a way to activate a cellular plan for use abroad without swapping a physical card. Apple lists prepaid plans from carriers and data-only eSIM plans available through apps on your iPhone.
You can purchase a prepaid plan through a carrier's website or app before you travel. Carrier plans can also be purchased in person after arrival, including at an airport kiosk or carrier store.
Activation depends on the provider. The options described by Apple include scanning a QR code, using a carrier app, and having a carrier assign the eSIM digitally. Follow the activation instructions supplied with your plan.
Data-only describes the service plan, not the eSIM technology. An eSIM is the digital SIM used to activate a plan; Apple separately identifies apps that offer data-only travel plans. Do not read the word 'eSIM' as a description of everything included in the service.
The provider pages we checked do not state what calls or text messages those data-only plans support, or give their data allowances, validity periods, hotspot rules, or speed caps. Check the specific plan's terms before you buy rather than assuming those features are included.
You do not have to use a travel eSIM as your only line. Apple's travel guidance says you can use it by itself or as a secondary line. Supported iPhone models allow two active eSIM plans.
If your iPhone has a SIM tray, Apple says you can use a physical SIM and an eSIM while traveling internationally. That gives you an option to keep your home SIM in the phone while using a travel eSIM.
Keeping your home line is separate from checking its roaming terms. Apple advises checking whether your carrier includes international roaming in your plan or offers a travel pass. Roaming with an eSIM works the same as roaming with a physical SIM.
Check your phone and the provider's activation method before choosing a plan. Apple's setup guidance lists iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later, along with an eSIM-supporting carrier or worldwide service provider. To use another carrier abroad, your iPhone must not be locked to your home carrier.
"From" is the lowest price we found on the provider's own destination pages (checked Oct 2026). Links go through our /go/ redirect; we may earn a commission.
No. An eSIM lets you activate a cellular plan digitally without a physical SIM card. If your iPhone has a SIM tray, you can also use a physical SIM alongside an eSIM while traveling.
Yes, on supported devices. Apple says supported iPhone models can have two active eSIMs, and an iPhone with a SIM tray can use a physical SIM and an eSIM. Check your home carrier's roaming terms separately.
Yes. Apple says you can purchase a prepaid plan through a carrier's website or app before travel. The carrier supplies digital activation instructions, such as a QR code or an app.
To use another carrier while traveling internationally, Apple says your iPhone cannot be carrier-locked. On an unlocked iPhone, 'No SIM Restrictions' appears next to Carrier Lock.