How to get an eSIM online

1. Use an eSIM-compatible device

So what’s your first step in getting an eSIM? It’s to make sure your device supports it. An eSIM will only work on an eSIM-compatible phone or another eSIM-compatible device, like a laptop, tablet, or smartwatch. 

To check if your phone supports eSIMs, simply go to its settings and look for “Add eSIM,” “Multiple SIMs,” or a similar option. Still not sure? Head to the manufacturer’s website and look up your phone model — eSIM compatibility will be mentioned in its specs. 

Luckily, the latest iOS and Android phones support eSIMs and multiple carriers so you can easily connect to different cellular networks around the world. Some phones even have a dual SIM capability, so you can keep your physical SIM card with your current mobile plan and add an eSIM for mobile data for when you travel. 

2. Choose a carrier

You will have to do some browsing to find the best carrier for you. Though eSIMs are the future, some carriers still don’t support them and only offer physical SIM cards. Naturally, you should look for eSIM-friendly carriers. 

But if you’re already set with a carrier and a cellular plan, check if your existing carrier supports eSIMs. If it does, just get an eSIM from your carrier. If it doesn’t, or if you think it’s trying to rip you off, you’ll have to look for a different carrier or eSIM service provider.

Let’s say your carrier doesn’t support eSIMs or offers poor conditions. How do you choose a different carrier? You look up eSIM carriers online, making sure the one you choose: 

• Offers eSIMs.

• Provides coverage in the location you’ll be visiting.

• Offers affordable plans.

Choose the eSIM service provider that ticks all the boxes!

3. Download the eSIM app

Once you’ve selected a carrier, you’re halfway there! Your next step is to download the eSIM app. Since eSIMs are digital SIM cards, downloading and installing them on your phone is a piece of cake. Simply go to the eSIM provider’s website or to an online store (either the Apple App Store or Google Play) and download the app. 

If you’re getting an eSIM from your carrier, follow its instructions. These vary from carrier to carrier. 

4. Choose an eSIM plan

Once you’ve installed the eSIM app on your device, next comes the fun part of choosing a plan. 

A quick search will tell you that you have prepaid, postpaid, and data-only plans to choose from:

• Prepaid plans typically come without a contract because you pay in advance and top up your plan as you go. These plans are best for short trips or if you're country hopping.

• Postpaid plans usually involve a contract and monthly billing. You might also get bundled services and benefits with these plans. They are great when you have consistent monthly usage.

• Data-only plans include only mobile data, no voice or text services. They are ideal for when you need data abroad but don’t need to change your phone number.  

We recommend getting a prepaid data-only plan for the time while you’re abroad. It requires very little commitment, and you can still call your friends using messaging apps or FaceTime. 

To make the right choice, think about how long you’ll need the data and what you’ll be using it for. For example, Saily offers data-only plans in over 150 countries that start at 1 GB and go up to 3, 5, 10, and 20 GB. The 1 GB plan is best for short escapes when you need mobile data for up to seven days. Plans with more data give you 30 days to use up the data, so it makes sense to get them for longer trips.  

Let’s say you’re going to Japan for a couple weeks. You’ve never been there, so you’ll be using online maps at every turn. Plus, you’re obsessed with fashion, so you’re planning on posting pics from every shop in the Harajuku district that you pop into. A 5 GB plan would probably be enough for you. But don’t worry if you use up all the data — you can top up anytime!

5. Complete your eSIM purchase

Now comes the less fun part — paying for your eSIM plan. But hey, it’s better than spending a fortune on international data roaming.

To buy an eSIM plan, follow the steps on your phone screen. As with all online shopping, these steps usually involve typing in your personal information, payment details, and billing address. 

6. Install the eSIM on your device

You’re nearly there! The last thing you have to do is install your new eSIM on your phone. The way to do so on Android phones and iPhones is a little different.

Install the eSIM on your Android phone

If you’re downloading an eSIM app from Google Play, the process will be super easy — just follow the steps on screen to install the eSIM, then find the “Add eSIM” (or similar) option in your phone’s settings and toggle on the new eSIM.

You can also add an eSIM to your Android device by using a QR code. You have to find the same “Add eSIM” option and scan the QR code. Then simply follow the steps on screen. If that sounds like a lot, check out our guide on how to install an eSIM on your Android.

Install the eSIM on your iPhone

Once you’ve downloaded the eSIM app, it will prompt you to install the new eSIM and complete your mobile plan setup. Simply follow the steps on screen to activate the new eSIM. Go ahead and use our step-by-step guide on how to install an eSIM on your iPhone.

7. Use your new eSIM

Congrats! Your eSIM plan is ready to be used. You can activate your data package in your eSIM app to get the data flowing. 

Just make sure to get the eSIM and activate it before your journey begins because you need steady internet connection for that. For example, get an eSIM while packing for the trip and activate the data plan at the airport before departure, so that you can start using the internet as soon as you land.

Some phones support multiple eSIM profiles that you can switch on and off in your phone’s settings depending on your location. For instance, if you’re traveling in Europe and spending a few days in each country, you can switch between different eSIM profiles in each one. So get an eSIM online and have a great trip!