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Home > What is an eSIM?

What is an eSIM?

4.6/5
From thousands of reviews
Trusted by over 1 million users
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a built-in SIM card that's integrated into your mobile device's motherboard.
Unlike traditional SIM cards, an eSIM is non-removable, meaning you can’t lose it or accidentally leave it in the wrong device.
The technology is relatively new, but it's rapidly gaining traction across the globe, especially with the increasing popularity of smart devices and the gradual obsolescence of physical SIM cards in today's high-end phones.

The Future of Mobile Connectivity

As the world becomes more connected and mobile, the need for seamless and convenient data and voice connectivity is paramount. In the past, this involved the tricky process of swapping out SIM cards, juggling different devices, or managing various international data packages.
But what exactly is an eSIM, and how does it change the game for travelers, digital nomads, and tech enthusiasts? In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the intricacies of eSIM technology, its benefits, and how it stands to transform the world of mobile connectivity.

Benefits of eSIM

eSIM technology brings the possibility of simpler, more flexible, and secure mobile connectivity. The elimination of physical cards and the convenience of managing profiles electronically make it a game-changer, particularly for those leading a mobile lifestyle. Whether you want local rates on a trip or the convenience of a second phone line, an eSIM makes it all possible.

If you're a frequent traveler, a tech enthusiast keen on staying at the cutting edge, or simply someone who values ease of use and security in their mobile experience, it‘s time to consider the switch to eSIM.

Unlock the world of possibilities that eSIM technology presents, and take the first step toward a more connected tomorrow.

Customer Reviews

See what our users have to say.
Suki N: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
“I purchased an eSim data plan for the first time and it was a smooth experience.”
Joshua H: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
“Great service and excellent technical support when needed. Makes traveling easy.”
Eduardo H: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
“I successfully located 5G service as I hopped through multiple countries in the region.”
Best Experienced in our GigSky Mobile App. Scan to Download.
Download GigSky to start using

Customer Reviews

See what our users have to say.
Teodoro Lima
:
5
/5
Easy to use, worked well for me while staying for one week in the Bahamas. Took the free 100mb to confirm if it worked on my mobile and the 7day 1 Gb thereafter. Much cheaper and easier than buying a Sim card.
Mariana Sola
:
5
/5
It was a great service and easy to use and install. I would use it again.
Нес
:
5
/5
Have used GigSky with several devices in the Dominican Rep. and it has worked great each time.
Bluepeak
:
5
/5
Installation is easy with the provided instructions. Once you have set up the eSIM, you don't have to reinstall it when you buy future packages. Just make sure to not delete the GigSky eSIM, or you have to ask them to re-enable it. For me the big difference with other eSIMs is that GigSky will use any available provider. Other companies have a contract with only one provider, often one of the cheaper ones that may not provide coverage in rural areas. So far, GigSky worked very well in rural Bolivia and Argentinian Patagonia. One day, two providers went down in Ushuaia, but GigSky didn't miss a beat, as they just switched to the last working provider. Highly recommended if you travel to off the beaten path areas!
Mr Maarco
:
5
/5
I've tried other E-Sims and they just don't compete. I always get great strong/fast service. They price is already affordable AND on top of that they promotions and coupons AND every time you purchase data, you receive credit towards your next purchase (further lowering cost). Thank you Gigsky for making my travels so smooth!
Kath
:
5
/5
I have used GigSky for a number of international trips including India, Vietnam and Europe. While other travellers had trouble with reliability of their eSim company, I did not experience any issues with GigSky. The "Europe" package allowed seamless access between countries. Tip is to turn off roaming for apps that you don't access while travelling to ensure data isn't used unnecessarily. Easy to install.
Vanessa
:
4
/5
Purchased to use in Bali. I had previously purchased with another esim provider which failed to work. Not one problem with GigSky.
Claudia Dengler
:
5
/5
Used Gig Sky on a recent trip to Cuba and it worked well.
gaw
:
5
/5
Easy set up. Instructions were easy to follow. Worked flawlessly for 60 days in Dominican Republic
Kelly
:
5
/5
Excellent service while cruising across the Atlantic. And excellent customer service before my trip!! I would highly recommend GigSky!!
Cavan Gallagher
:
5
/5
I was having trouble with Airalo so opted for Gigsky as an alternative. The eSIM was simple to set up (though I would consider myself reasonably tech-savvy; may be harder for people of an older generation) and worked great for a few days. After 3 days or so my connection just dropped out and despite lots of tech support articles online, I was unable to fix the issue myself so reached out to the support team at Gigsky. They replied nearly immediately via email and within a couple of hours they had it working again. If I need an eSIM in future I will be sticking to Gigsky.
Eric Lovinger
:
5
/5
GigSky was easy to use and we went to several countries and was very helpful providing internet access wherever we went. I will use it again on my next visit to Europe.
See More Reviews +
See Less Reviews -
Download GigSky to start using

Customer Reviews

See what our users have to say.
Teodoro Lima
:
5
/5
Easy to use, worked well for me while staying for one week in the Bahamas. Took the free 100mb to confirm if it worked on my mobile and the 7day 1 Gb thereafter. Much cheaper and easier than buying a Sim card.
Mariana Sola
:
5
/5
It was a great service and easy to use and install. I would use it again.
Нес
:
5
/5
Have used GigSky with several devices in the Dominican Rep. and it has worked great each time.
Bluepeak
:
5
/5
Installation is easy with the provided instructions. Once you have set up the eSIM, you don't have to reinstall it when you buy future packages. Just make sure to not delete the GigSky eSIM, or you have to ask them to re-enable it. For me the big difference with other eSIMs is that GigSky will use any available provider. Other companies have a contract with only one provider, often one of the cheaper ones that may not provide coverage in rural areas. So far, GigSky worked very well in rural Bolivia and Argentinian Patagonia. One day, two providers went down in Ushuaia, but GigSky didn't miss a beat, as they just switched to the last working provider. Highly recommended if you travel to off the beaten path areas!
Mr Maarco
:
5
/5
I've tried other E-Sims and they just don't compete. I always get great strong/fast service. They price is already affordable AND on top of that they promotions and coupons AND every time you purchase data, you receive credit towards your next purchase (further lowering cost). Thank you Gigsky for making my travels so smooth!
Kath
:
5
/5
I have used GigSky for a number of international trips including India, Vietnam and Europe. While other travellers had trouble with reliability of their eSim company, I did not experience any issues with GigSky. The "Europe" package allowed seamless access between countries. Tip is to turn off roaming for apps that you don't access while travelling to ensure data isn't used unnecessarily. Easy to install.
Vanessa
:
4
/5
Purchased to use in Bali. I had previously purchased with another esim provider which failed to work. Not one problem with GigSky.
Claudia Dengler
:
5
/5
Used Gig Sky on a recent trip to Cuba and it worked well.
gaw
:
5
/5
Easy set up. Instructions were easy to follow. Worked flawlessly for 60 days in Dominican Republic
Kelly
:
5
/5
Excellent service while cruising across the Atlantic. And excellent customer service before my trip!! I would highly recommend GigSky!!
Cavan Gallagher
:
5
/5
I was having trouble with Airalo so opted for Gigsky as an alternative. The eSIM was simple to set up (though I would consider myself reasonably tech-savvy; may be harder for people of an older generation) and worked great for a few days. After 3 days or so my connection just dropped out and despite lots of tech support articles online, I was unable to fix the issue myself so reached out to the support team at Gigsky. They replied nearly immediately via email and within a couple of hours they had it working again. If I need an eSIM in future I will be sticking to Gigsky.
Eric Lovinger
:
5
/5
GigSky was easy to use and we went to several countries and was very helpful providing internet access wherever we went. I will use it again on my next visit to Europe.
See More Reviews +
See Less Reviews -
Best Experienced in our GigSky Mobile App. Scan to Download.

FAQs About eSIMs

Is My Phone Compatible with eSIM?

The first step to adopting eSIM technology is to ensure your phone is compatible. Although eSIM adoption is growing, not all devices support this feature.

How Do I Transfer My Existing Number to an eSIM?

The great news about using a GigSky data plan is that you don’t have to worry about transferring your existing number! GigSky plans are all data-only, which means you won’t be able to make traditional phone calls or send SMS text messages. This means there’s no new phone number to remember and you don’t have to transfer your phone number from your carrier.

If you need to receive calls or texts while on your trip, your phone number will still be able to do so – though some fees may apply. If this doesn’t apply to you, the best way to make sure you're not roaming on your domestic service when traveling is to turn off or remove your domestic carrier's SIM/eSIM.

Where Can I Get eSIM Plans?

GigSky is your one-stop-shop for eSIM plans. Whether you’re headed to a single country, off to explore a particular region or are jet-setting around the world, there’s a plan for you. Plans start as low as $3.99 and offer a variety of data options and validity lengths.

Explore GigSky eSIM Plans

Apple Compatibility

For the best user experience, always use the latest version of iOS and carrier settings. Please also ensure that your device is not locked by your current carrier. This is most common with financed phones on a prepaid contract.
iPhone
  • iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and later

NOTE: eSIM on iPhone is not offered in China mainland. In Hong Kong and Macao, some iPhone models feature eSIM. An iPhone supports eSIM if you see the “Add eSIM” option in the Settings > Cellular screen.

NOTE: An iPhone is unlocked if it says “No SIM restrictions” in the “Carrier Lock” section of the Settings > General > About screen.

iPad
  • iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) Wi-Fi + Cellular*
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd through 6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) Wi-Fi + Cellular*
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st through 4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
  • iPad Air 13-inch (M2) Wi-Fi + Cellular*
  • iPad Air 11-inch (M2) Wi-Fi + Cellular*
  • iPad Air (3rd through 5th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
  • iPad mini (5th and 6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
  • iPad (7th through 10th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular

* iPad Pro (M4) Wi-Fi + Cellular and iPad Air (M2) Wi-Fi + Cellular models are activated with an eSIM and do not have a physical SIM card.

Samsung Compatibility

Please ensure that your device is not locked by your current carrier. This is most common with financed phones on a prepaid contract.

Your device is eSIM-capable if you can see "Add eSIM” in Settings > Connections > SIM manager

  • Galaxy S25 / S25+ / S25 Ultra, Galaxy S24 / S24+ / S24 Ultra, Galaxy S23, S23FE / S23+ / S23 Ultra, Galaxy S22 / S22+ / S22 Ultra, Galaxy S21 / S21+ / S21 Ultra, Galaxy S20 / S20+ / S20 Ultra
  • Galaxy Z Fold7 / Flip 7, Galaxy Z Fold6 / Flip6, Galaxy Z Fold5 / Z Flip5, Galaxy Z Fold4 / Flip4, Galaxy Z Fold3 / Flip3, Galaxy Z Fold2, Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Fold
  • Galaxy A56 5G, A55 (All regions), A54 (Only Europe, North America, Korea, Japan), A36 5G, A35 (Only Europe, North America, Korea), Xcover7 (All regions)
  • Galaxy Note20 / Note20 Ultra
  • Galaxy Tab S10+ / S10 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S9 / S9+ / S9 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S9 FE / S9 FE+, Galaxy Tab Active5

NOTE: Depending on the country of origin, eSIM may not be supported even if your device is listed above. Please check with the manufacturer if your device supports this feature in your location.

Google Pixel Compatibility

Please ensure that your device is not locked by your current carrier. This is most common with financed phones on a prepaid contract.

A Google Pixel is eSIM-capable if you see the “Download a SIM instead?” Option after tapping Settings > Network & internet > SIMs +.

  • Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold
  • Pixel 9, 9a, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold
  • Pixel 8, 8a, 8 Pro
  • Pixel 7, 7a, 7 Pro
  • Pixel Fold
  • Pixel 6, 6a, 6 Pro
  • Pixel 5, 5a
  • Pixel 4, 4a, 4 XL
  • Pixel 3a, 3a XL (Pixel 3a from South East Asia, Japan, and Verizon US are not compatible with eSIM.)
  • Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL (Pixel 3 from Australia, Japan, and Taiwan, or bought from US or Canadian carriers other than Sprint and Google Fi, do not work with eSIM.)
  • Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL (only phones bought with Google Fi service)

NOTE: Pixel 3 from Australia, Japan, and Taiwan, or bought from US or Canadian carriers other than Sprint and Google Fi, do not work with eSIM.

NOTE: Pixel 3a from South East Asia, Japan, and Verizon US are not compatible with eSIM.

Other Device Compatibility

Please ensure that your device is not locked by your current carrier. This is most common with financed phones on a prepaid contract.

DOOGEE V30 Support ESIM
Fairphone 4
Honor Magic 4 Pro
Microsoft Surface Pro X
Motorola Razr 2019, Razr 5G
Planet Astro Slide
Planet Cosmo Communicator
Planet Gemini PDA - 4G+WiFi
Rakuten Mini, Big, Big-S, Hand, Hand 5G
Sharp Aquos Sense6s, Aquos Wish
Sony Xperia 1 IV, Xperia 10 III Lite, Xperia 10 IV
Xiaomi MI 12T Pro

Check Your Device

Most modern smartphones and tablets support eSIM - but it’s always good to double-check.See if your device is on the list below before getting started.
Apple
Samsung
Google Pixel
Other

4 EASY STEPS

How GigSky Works in Four Easy Steps Global connectivity - without the SIM swap.

1
Choose Your Destination
Open the app or visit our site to find the perfect data plan for where you’re headed.
2
Install Your eSIM
Follow our simple setup instructions. No physical SIM needed - just download and go.
3
Activate When You Travel
Turn on your plan when you’re ready to use it. Stay connected from the moment you arrive.
4
Top Up Anytime
Need more data? Add a new plan to your existing GigSky eSIM - no reinstall required.
1
Choose your destination and data package from over 200 countries, regions or cruises.
2
Upon completion of your purchase, you’ll be guided step-by-step on how to install your eSIM.
3
Prior to your trip, you’ll be able to easily activate your eSIM and turn off your home carrier to prevent roaming charges.
4
Upon arrival, simply turn on your phone. It'll automatically connect and be ready to use!

Why 1,000,000+ Travelers Chose GigSky

Lightning-Fast Setup – Activate in minutes, no physical SIM required.
Rated 4.6 stars by travelers on Apple and Google.
No contracts. No unexpected roaming fees. Just seamless, high-speed data.
Lightning-Fast Setup – Activate in minutes, no physical SIM required.
Rated 4.7 stars by travelers on Apple and Google.
No contracts. No unexpected roaming fees. Just seamless, high-speed data.
Best Experienced in our GigSky Mobile App. Scan to Download.