Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected while traveling?

You’ve probably heard of the term “eSIM” popping up more when it comes to travel essentials, alongside must-haves like travel insurance. It stands for embedded Subscriber Identity Module — fancy jargon, but what is an eSIM exactly?

In this eSIM guide, we’ll explain what an eSIM is, how it works, the differences between eSIM and a regular SIM, the advantages of eSIM, and a list of devices that are eSIM- compatible.

What is an eSIM card?

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, functions similarly to a traditional SIM card — providing mobile data but without the physical form. This technology enables our devices like smartphones and tablets to connect to cellular networks without the need to swap out your physical SIM card!

Travelers can activate cellular plans directly from their devices, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. This means you don’t have to waste time looking for SIM card shops upon landing in a new country or deal with physical SIM swaps — so there’s no risk of losing your original SIM card!

eSIM vs. traditional SIM card for travel

A traditional physical SIM card is a removable chip that’s inserted into your device to connect to a mobile network. Unlike removable SIM cards, an eSIM is integrated directly into newer smartphones during manufacturing, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card.

A key advantage of eSIMs over physical SIM cards is convenience. With an eSIM, users can switch between mobile networks seamlessly without the hassle of swapping removable SIM cards. 

This is especially beneficial for travelers or individuals who frequently switch between different network providers. You won’t face the issue of potentially losing your main SIM card while traveling — which can be a pain to replace — plus eSIMs are more environmentally-friendly since they are not disposable like single-use physical SIM cards!

Which devices are eSIM compatible in 2025?

Most iPhone models after the iPhone 11 line are eSIM-compatible. This includes the iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12,  iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and iPhone XS/XR.

Beyond iPhones, several Android models also support eSIM technology. These include Google Pixel devices, the Samsung Galaxy series, as well as phones from Huawei, Motorola, and Oppo. 

Note that you can still purchase the product for other people or devices if your device is not compatible with eSIMs!

You can see the full list of eSIM-compatible devices below:

Apple devices

iPhones

Models starting from the iPhone XS onwards are eSIM-compatible. iPhone 14 and 15 can have two eSIMs activated at the same time.

• iPhone XR / XS / XS Max
• iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE 2 (2020)
• iPhone 12 / 12 Mini / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 / 13 Mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max
• iPhone SE 3 (2022)
• iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max

Note: iPhone devices purchased in China and Hong Kong are not eSIM-compatible.

iPads

• iPad Pro 11″ (model A2068, from 2020 1st generation)
• iPad Pro 12.9″ (model A2069, from 2020 3rd generation)
• iPad Air (model A2123, from 2019 iPad Air 3)
• iPad (model A2198, from 2019 iPad 7)
• iPad Mini (model A2124, from 20 iPad Mini 5)
• iPad 10th generation (model 2022)

Note: Only iPads that can use 4G data are eSIM compatible.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and other Samsung devices

• Samsung Galaxy S20 / S20+ / S20+ 5g / S20 Ultra / S20 Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S21 / S21+ 5G / S21+ Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S22 / S22+ / S22 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy S23 / S23+ / S23 Ultra / S23 FE (China and Hong Kong models don’t support eSIM)
• Samsung Galaxy S24 / S24+ / S24 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20 / Note 20 Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Fold
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G / Fold3 5G / Fold4 / Fold5 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip / Flip3 5G / Flip4 / Flip5 5G. The Flip Samsung Galaxy models stand out as notable examples of Samsung phones that support eSIM, showcasing the versatility and advanced technology of Samsung’s smartphone lineup.
• Samsung Galaxy A54 (SCG21 (Japanese Model), SC-53D (Japanese Model), SM-A546B/DS (International Model), SM-A546S (Korean Model), SM-A546U1 (International Model))

Note: Some Samsung devices purchased in the USA, South Korea, China, and Hong Kong are not eSIM compatible.

Google Pixel devices

• Google Pixel 2 XL
• Google Pixel 3 / 3 XL / 3a / 3a XL
• Google Pixel 4 / 4a / 4 XL
• Google Pixel 5 / 5a
• Google Pixel 6 / 6a / 6 Pro
• Google Pixel 7 / 7a / 7 Pro
• Google Pixel 8 / 8 Pro

Note: Some Google Pixel 3 devices purchased in Australia, Japan, Taiwan, and most devices using the US or Canadian carriers are incompatible with eSIM. Google Pixel 3a devices purchased in Japan, South East Asia, or from Verizon service are not compatible with eSIM.

Huawei phones

• Huawei P40 / P40 Pro
• Huawei Mate 40 Pro
• Huawei P50 / P50 Pro

Oppo phones

• Oppo Find X3 Pro / Find N2 Flip
• Oppo Reno 5A
• Oppo Reno 6 Pro 5G
• Oppo Reno 9A
• Oppo Find X5 / Find X5 Pro
• Oppo A55s 5G

eSIM Sony Xperia and other Sony devices

• Xperia 10 III Lite / 10 IV / 10V
• Xperia 1 IV / 1 V
• Xperia 5 IV / 5 V
• Xperia Ace III

Xiaomi phones

• Xiaomi 12T Pro
• Xiaomi 13 / 13 Lite / 13 Pro / 13T Pro

Motorola phones

• Motorola Razr 2019 / 5G / 40 / 40 Ultra
• Motorola Razr+
• Motorola Edge+
• Motorola Edge 40 / 40 Pro / 40 Neo
• Motorola G52J 5G / 5G Ⅱ
• Motorola G53J 5G
• Moto G54 5G
• Motorola G84

Sharp phones

• AQUOS sense4 lite
• AQUOS Sense 6s
• AQUOS sense 7 / 7 plus
• AQUOS wish
• AQUOS wish 2 SHG08
• AQUOS wish 3
• AQUOS zero 6
• Simple Sumaho 6
• AQUOS R7
• AQUOS R8 / R8 Pro

Rakuten phones

• Rakuten Mini
• Rakuten Big-S / Big
• Rakuten Hand / Hand 5G

Honor phones

• Honor Magic 4 Pro
• Honor Magic 5 Pro
• Honor 90
• Honor X8

Vivo devices

• Vivo X90 Pro
• Vivo V29 Lite 5G (Europe)
• Vivo X100 Pro

Nokia devices

• Nokia G60 5G
• Nokia XR21
• Nokia X30

Purchasing an esim for your next trip