What is an eSIM and
how does it work?

It's easy!

First, make sure your device supports eSIM technology. Check compatibility in the home. If it does, follow these steps to get an eSIM for international travel:

• Select your destination where you'll need unlimited internet.
• Choose the number of days for your plan.
• Buy the eSIM and receive it instantly via email and the Holafly app.
• Install the eSIM on your phone. It's automatic for iOS 17+, or use the QR code or manual instructions for other devices.
• Keep the eSIM turned off until you reach your destination. Once you're there, turn it on and enjoy a seamless connection!

Whether or not an eSIM changes your phone number depends on you and your plan. If the plan you chose offers a phone number you’ll have to activate this option while installing the eSIM.
Don’t worry, we ask you during the process.

Yes, if you have a SIM card and an eSIM installed, you can switch between a physical SIM and eSIM card directly in settings. This makes it possible to store both a physical SIM for your home mobile plan and the Holafly travel eSIM.

Remember to check your device’s capability with eSIM technology.

Most modern phones support eSIMs. This includes the iPhone XR and later, and the Samsung Galaxy S20 and later.

To ensure your phone supports eSIM technology, check out our list of eSIM-compatible phones. The list is updated monthly with new phone models.

Your physical SIM will still work after installing an eSIM, unless it has been directly deactivated. Whether removed from your device or still in your SIM card slot, your physical SIM will remain idle until it is selected as your active plan in the device settings or you get back home from your trip.

With most eSIM providers, activation is automatic. This means the installation and activation are part of the same process, as long as your eSIM is turned on in your device settings your data plan will begin as soon as it finds an available network, either in your current location or at your destination.

At Holafly, we recommend keeping your eSIM turned off until you reach your travel destination. This is especially important for regional plans.

How to turn your eSIM on and off:

For iPhone:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data, or Mobile Service).
3. You will see your cellular plans. Your eSIM will be labeled as "Holafly," "Secondary," or with the name you gave it.
4. Tap the eSIM to open its options. Then, simply toggle the switch on or off.

For Android:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on Connections, Network & Internet, or Mobile Networks.
3. On some devices, you will see the eSIM listed here. If not, tap SIM Manager, Mobile Network, or Manage eSIM.
4. Choose the eSIM labeled as "Holafly," "Secondary," or with the name you gave it.
5. Turn the eSIM on or off.

Remember to turn on the eSIM as soon as you land at your destination, and you will be connected to the closest local network.

Mobile phones aren’t the only devices that have an embedded SIM. Many tablets, smartwatches, and laptops have this capability, enabling you to connect your device to an eSIM data plan instead of relying on WiFi hotspots when you’re on the go.

eSIMs are free. However, you’ll need to buy a data plan to use them. The price of the plan for one Holafly eSIM depends on the number of days you’ll need Unlimited Data in the destination you travel.

Our unlimited data plans can reach as low as $1.55/day.

Not particularly. Your signal strength depends on the mobile network you are connected to. Both physical and digital SIM cards will connect to local networks, which dictates the signal strength.