International SIM cards for iPhones: A comprehensive guide for traveling abroad

What is an international SIM card?

An international SIM card is a physical SIM card you buy and insert into your iPhone (or any other compatible smartphone). An international SIM card is a lifesaver when you travel overseas because it helps you avoid overpriced data roaming charges and surprise data fees.

International SIM cards are super convenient because you don’t have to switch cards, phone numbers, or data plans as you travel from country to country. 

How do international SIM cards for iPhones work?

With an international SIM card, you can use your iPhone in different countries without changing your SIM card. It works by connecting to local networks in each country you visit. This means you can make calls, send texts, and use data without paying high roaming fees.

How much you will spend on phone services will depend on the plan you select when you buy the SIM card. You might want to choose a prepaid international SIM card though because you’ll know how much data you can use up during your trip so you won’t overspend.

To use an international SIM card, you need an iPhone that has a SIM slot. If you have one, you’re all set! But keep in mind that you can typically only buy international SIM cards online, so make sure to order one in advance so that it arrives before you take off. Once the international SIM card arrives, just pop it into your iPhone, and you’re good to go!

When you come back home, simply remove the international SIM card, and your iPhone will reconnect to your local network.

Can I use an iPhone with an international SIM together with an eSIM?

For sure! If you have an iPhone XR or a newer model, you can use an eSIM with an international SIM. This duo might help you save even more money on mobile data. eSIMs usually have lower data rates in some areas, so using them instead of your international SIM can save you some cash.

To use an international SIM card, you need an iPhone that has a SIM slot. If you have one, you’re all set!

If you have an iPhone XS or a newer model, you can download an eSIM app like Saily and manage it on your phone. After downloading the app, choose the country you’ll be visiting and the data plan that fits you best. You then get access to the great mobile data rates in each country without the risk of high roaming fees or other charges.

What’s the difference between eSIMs, local SIMs, and international SIM cards for iPhones?

If you’re new to SIM cards, the different types available can seem confusing. Let’s explore their differences so you know exactly which SIM option is right for you.

eSIMs

eSIMs are the newest type of SIM card, and they  can save you money when you use your iPhone abroad. An eSIM saves you the trouble of buying or inserting physical SIM cards. Instead, you download an eSIM app like Saily on your iPhone and start using the mobile data as soon as you arrive at your destination.

Basically, an eSIM is a virtual SIM card. You manage all of your data and plans right on the app. If you’re country hopping, you select a new country each time and choose the data plan you want. 

Local SIM cards

A local SIM is a physical SIM card you can buy when you arrive at your destination. You can get a local SIM card at an airport, from a convenience store, or even from a vending machine.

Local SIM cards have different data packages that you can buy in advance, and they usually only work in one country. If you travel to another country, you’ll have to get a new local SIM card. 

Local SIM cards can save you money, but managing the different cards and installing them can be a hassle if you’re busy sightseeing.

International SIM cards

International SIM cards are also physical SIM cards, so you have to insert them into your iPhone. The difference between a local SIM card and an international SIM card is that you can use the same international SIM card as you travel from country to country. You don’t need to remove and insert different SIM cards as you cross borders as would with local SIMs.

The downside of an international SIM is that you typically have to buy it before your trip. You also need an iPhone that has no carrier lock and accepts SIM cards. 

No matter what mobile data option you use, you can still access Wi-Fi to use an iPhone without charges while you’re abroad. Just make sure you set your phone to use Wi-Fi instead of your local, international, or eSIM mobile data.

Can I get an international SIM card for my iPhone?

Of course! If your iPhone has no carrier locks and accepts physical SIM cards, you can definitely use an international SIM card. You can check if your iPhone isn’t carrier locked by going to its “Settings,” then “General,” and tapping the “About” section.

If you see the words “no SIM restrictions,” you’re in luck — your iPhone is unlocked. However, if it shows your carrier’s name in that section, your iPhone is locked to the carrier. The easiest way to unlock your iPhone is to contact your carrier and ask it to unlock it. The same goes for eSIMs — ask your carrier to unlock an eSIM on your iPhone.

Your iPhone must also accept physical SIM cards to use an international SIM. If you have an iPhone 14 or newer that you bought in the United States, you can’t use a physical SIM card. For those phones, you must use an eSIM service, such as Saily, for international travel.

So before buying an international SIM, make sure to check that your iPhone is unlocked and can accept physical SIM cards.

How to get an international SIM card for an iPhone

Still not sure how to get an international SIM for your iPhone? You can get one online, so do some browsing and choose one that offers the best services and affordable plans in the regions you’re going to visit. Take your time and compare different data plans and prices.

But keep in mind that an international SIM card is a physical card, so its delivery will take some time. Order it in advance so it arrives in time before your trip. Don’t let a delayed shipment ruin that long-awaited vacation!

FAQ

Can you buy an international SIM card in the United States?

Yes, you can buy an international SIM card in the United States. Just keep in mind that you can only buy it online. This means no local store in the US will sell an international SIM to you. But you can order it to be delivered in the US if you have a place of residence  where the SIM can be shipped.

Meanwhile, a local SIM can be bought when you arrive at your destination. Local SIM cards are usually sold at airports or local shops in major cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York.

How do I get my iPhone to work internationally?

First, turn off your international roaming to avoid high roaming fees. To do so, open your iPhone settings and tap on “Cellular data,” then tap “Cellular data options.” For European iPhones, this setting is under “Mobile services.”

From there, you can manage your eSIM or SIM data options. Sometimes, you may already have an international roaming plan with your carrier. Check with your carrier first because roaming fees are expensive without a dedicated plan or SIM option.

Does an international SIM card change your phone number?

Yes. When you use an international SIM card, you’ll also get a new phone number for voice calls and text messages. All your incoming and outgoing calls and texts will go through the new phone number while using the international SIM. When you return home and remove the SIM card, you use your original SIM card and phone number.