eSIM Outside Europe

When traveling outside Europe, staying online can be both difficult and expensive. With an eSIM, you can easily access the internet without high roaming charges or the hassle of buying a local SIM card. Additionally, you can install and activate your eSIM before departure, ensuring that you are online as soon as you arrive and can inform your family or friends that you have landed safely. On this page, we will explain everything about eSIM and answer the most frequently asked questions.

eSIM Providers

You can request an eSIM from any provider, but if you are traveling abroad, it is wise to purchase an eSIM specifically for that country. This saves you both hassle and money. One of the largest eSIM providers is Breeze eSIM. This provider offers eSIMs for almost every country in the world. For just a few euros (often prepaid), you can make calls abroad with ease—especially useful when traveling outside the EU.

What is an eSIM?

Outside Europe, roaming fees are often much higher and are not included in your regular mobile plan. An eSIM provides a great solution. An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that you install on your phone, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. You can activate your eSIM before departure, ensuring you have internet access as soon as you arrive at your destination. Additionally, an eSIM is more sustainable than a traditional SIM card, as it eliminates the need for plastic.

How Does an eSIM Work?

First, choose a suitable data plan from a provider, such as BreezeSim. You can opt for a bundle for a specific country or an entire region if you are traveling across multiple countries. Make sure to check in which countries your eSIM will work. Then, select the duration and data amount that best suits your needs. After purchasing, you will receive a QR code, which you scan to install and activate your eSIM. Ensure you are connected to Wi-Fi during installation.

Do not activate the eSIM too far in advance, as the validity of your data bundle starts once you enable data roaming for your eSIM. If you want to install the eSIM well ahead of time, you can simply disable roaming to prevent the bundle from starting prematurely. When you arrive, enable data roaming to start using the internet. If an eSIM is not activated within 12 months of purchase, it will expire.

You cannot use an eSIM for calls or text messaging, as it only provides data. Calls and texts will still go through your regular SIM card. However, apps that use data (such as WhatsApp, iMessage, and FaceTime) will work with your eSIM. To avoid accidentally using your regular SIM card abroad (which could result in high roaming costs), disable data roaming for your regular SIM card. Depending on your device, you can have multiple eSIMs at the same time. This is possible on iPhones from 2018 onward and many newer Android devices, though availability may vary by region.

eSIM FAQ

• What is an eSIM?
  eSIM stands for embedded SIM. It is a digital SIM card that you install on your phone via software, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards.
• Can any phone use an eSIM?
  eSIMs work on iPhones released after 2018 and most newer Android models. Check your device specifications to be sure.
• Can I make calls and send texts with an eSIM?
  No, an eSIM provides data only. Calls and texts will go through your regular SIM card. Communication apps that use data (such as WhatsApp and iMessage) will work with the eSIM.
• How do I ensure I’m using my eSIM data instead of my regular SIM card?
  On your phone, go to “Mobile Data” (iPhone) or “SIM Cards & Mobile Networks” (Android). Disable data roaming for your regular SIM and ensure it is enabled for your eSIM.
• How far in advance should I install my eSIM?
  An eSIM expires 12 months after purchase if unused. The data bundle only activates when you turn on data roaming. You can install an eSIM up to 11.5 months in advance and activate it later by enabling data roaming when you actually travel.
• Can I use both my regular SIM card and an eSIM at the same time?
  If your phone supports dual SIM functionality, yes. You can configure your settings to use one SIM for data and the other for calls. However, keep in mind that using two SIM cards simultaneously may drain your battery faster.
• Can I have multiple eSIMs on my phone?
  This is possible on all iPhones from 2018 onward. On Android devices, availability depends on the region and model.
• How can I save data on my eSIM?
  On Apple devices, enable “Low Data Mode,” and on Android, activate “Data Saver Mode” to reduce data usage.
• When can I remove an eSIM from my phone?
  You can remove your eSIM at any time. Go to “Mobile Data” (iPhone) or the corresponding settings on Android, select the eSIM, and choose to delete it.