Instructions for setting up and using eSIM

eSIM Quick Guide: How to Install & Activate an eSIM

This guide helps you buy an eSIM, install it on your iPhone/Android, and optimize data usage while traveling.

Table of Contents
How to Buy an eSIM
How to Activate an eSIM
iPhone
Android
Recommendations for Use
Example (iPhone)
Connecting to the Internet After Activation
How to Buy an eSIM

First, choose an eSIM data plan for the country you will be visiting (or are currently in). You can view all eSIM options on the International Travel eSIM website.

After purchasing an eSIM, you will usually receive a QR code via email within 5 minutes.

How to Activate an eSIM

Activation is very simple. Follow the steps corresponding to your device:

iPhone
Tap and hold the eSIM QR code, select Add eSIM. Or open the Camera app to scan the QR code.

On the next screen, follow the instructions to set up the new data plan. You can keep the default options.

After adding the new data plan, go to Settings and make sure Data Roaming is ON for the eSIM.

Android
On the device you want to set up the eSIM on, open the Camera app.
Point the camera at the QR code. Tap the notification that appears (usually “Data Plan”).

On the next screen, follow the instructions to set up the new data plan. Keep the default options.

After adding the new data plan, go to Settings and make sure Data Roaming is ON for the eSIM.

Recommendation:
Turn off Data Roaming on your primary SIM to avoid roaming charges.

If you set up the eSIM before arriving, set the eSIM as the default data SIM upon arrival.

Important: Enable Low Data Mode (iPhone) or Data Saver (Android) to limit background data usage when using eSIM.

Example (iPhone)

Below are the steps with the correct settings to add and activate eSIM on an iPhone:

1) Add eSIM

In this step, you will add a secondary data plan to your phone using a QR code. (If you cannot use the camera to scan the QR code, use the “Add eSIM/Use QR Code” option in the mobile settings.)

2) Activate eSIM

In this step, you can name the label for the eSIM plan on your phone. For example, name it “Travel eSIM” or the name of the country you are visiting.

3) Choose default connection

In this step, choose the connection to use for Calls/SMS, iMessage, and Mobile Data. Typically, choose Primary for Calls/SMS/iMessage and use the travel eSIM for Data.

4) Enable Data Roaming

At this point, the eSIM is installed on your phone. You will see the new plan in Settings with the label you set. The final step is to ensure Data Roaming is enabled for the eSIM (and possibly disabled for the main SIM).

On this same screen, you can select Data Mode → enable Low Data Mode (iPhone) to save background data when using the eSIM.

Connect to the Internet

After successfully activating the eSIM, the device will automatically search for a signal. In most cases, data will be active immediately and you will see the 5G or 4G LTE icon on the status bar — meaning it's ready to use.

Rarely, the connection setup process may take up to 15 minutes. Please be patient, as multiple carriers and environmental factors can affect activation time.