Frequently Asked Queries

An eSIM is an embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) permanently installed in your device. Unlike a physical SIM that stores a single carrier profile on a removable card, an eSIM can store multiple profiles and switch between them via software, following the GSMA SGP.22 specification.

Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code. Scan the provider's QR code. The LPA (Local Profile Assistant) connects to the SM-DP+ server, downloads and installs the profile. Requires Wi-Fi or existing cellular connection. Takes 5–15 minutes.

Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM. Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM. Scan QR code and follow prompts. Interface varies by Android version and manufacturer skin.

No. The profile download requires a connection to the SM-DP+ server. Use Wi-Fi at home before travel. Some providers support "push provisioning" that pre-stages the profile, but initial activation still requires connectivity.

The EID (eUICC Identifier) is a 32-digit number unique to your eSIM hardware. Some providers require it during purchase for device verification. Find it in Settings → General → About (iPhone) or Settings → About Phone (Android).

Check Settings for "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan" option. Alternatively, check the GSMA Device Registry or your device manufacturer's specifications page. Carrier-locked devices may show the option but restrict third-party eSIM usage.

Yes. A carrier-locked device will only accept eSIM profiles from the locking carrier. Request an unlock from your carrier — most will unlock after contract completion. In the EU, carriers are generally required to unlock devices upon request.

The GSMA specification supports up to 20+ profiles per eUICC, though device manufacturers may limit this. iPhone supports up to 20 profiles; Samsung varies by model. Only one profile (or two on dual-eSIM devices) can be active simultaneously.

eSIM profiles are cryptographically bound to the specific eUICC they were installed on. They cannot be transferred. When changing phones, you must obtain a new profile from your provider. Some providers allow this at no charge; others charge a re-issuance fee.

4G LTE: 20–150 Mbps download, 10–50 Mbps upload, 20–50ms latency. LTE-Advanced: up to 300 Mbps. 5G NR (sub-6GHz): 100–1000 Mbps. Actual speeds depend on network congestion, signal strength, and your plan's throttling policy.

eSIM works wherever there is network coverage. Long tunnels cause temporary signal loss. High-speed rail corridors (TGV, ICE, Thalys) typically have good coverage along the route. Underground metro systems vary — Paris Metro has good coverage; others less so.

Most travel eSIM plans permit hotspot/tethering, but verify before purchasing. Some plans throttle hotspot separately from direct device usage. For heavy laptop use, consider a dedicated MiFi device with its own data plan.

EU regulation 2015/2120 (effective 2017) requires EU mobile operators to allow customers to use their domestic plan in other EU member states at no extra charge, subject to fair use policies. This applies to EU residents with EU carrier plans, not to travel eSIM plans.

Switzerland and Norway are not EU members but are part of the Schengen Area. Many pan-European eSIM plans include them, but verify explicitly. Switzerland in particular is often excluded from budget plans due to higher roaming costs.

1) Verify eSIM is set as active data line. 2) Enable Data Roaming for the eSIM line. 3) Toggle Airplane Mode. 4) Manually select network in Settings → Cellular → Network Selection. 5) Restart device. 6) Contact provider if still failing.

Most providers offer a manual activation code (format: LPA:1$server$matching-id) as an alternative to QR scanning. Enter this in Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Enter Details Manually. Ensure you have a stable internet connection during the process.

Check: 1) Whether your high-speed data allowance is exhausted (throttling). 2) Network generation — are you on 4G or 3G? 3) Signal strength. 4) Network congestion (peak hours in tourist areas). 5) Whether your plan uses a lower-priority MVNO arrangement.