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What is an eSIM and how does it work for travel

Updated 2026-10-19 · 2 min read

An eSIM is a SIM card built into your phone. Instead of plastic you download a carrier profile — and in a minute you have mobile data in the country you need.

What is an eSIM

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a chip built into modern smartphones. It works like a regular SIM card, but the carrier data is written to it over the air: via a QR code, a link or an activation code. The standard comes from the GSMA, so eSIM works the same way on iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel and other phones.

One phone can keep several eSIM profiles and switch between them in settings — say, your home number and travel data.

How it differs from a regular SIM

No store visit. You buy an eSIM online and install it in a minute — no shops, no airport queues.
Your main SIM stays in. Calls and texts to your number arrive as usual, while data goes through the eSIM.
Nothing to lose or break. No tiny plastic to drop together with the SIM pin.
No documents. A Tutu travel eSIM only needs an e-mail.

How a travel eSIM works

A travel eSIM gives you mobile data only, in the chosen country or region. You buy a plan (for example, 5 GB for 30 days), install the eSIM at home, and after landing your phone connects to a local partner network.

The plan usually starts when you first connect to a network at your destination, not when you buy it. In settings, choose the eSIM for mobile data and turn on Data Roaming for it — that's free, the price is already in the plan.

How much it costs

The price depends on the country and the amount of data. For example, at Tutu an eSIM for Turkey starts at $2.99, 5 GB for 30 days is $7.99, and a week of unlimited data is $14.49. Europe 5 GB is $8.99, Thailand $6.49. All prices are in US dollars with no hidden fees.

Does my phone support eSIM

Most smartphones released after 2019 have eSIM: iPhone XS/XR and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer. The quickest check is to dial *#06#: if you see an EID line, your phone supports eSIM. The full list is on the “Compatible devices” page. Important: the phone must not be locked to one carrier.

Limits worth knowing

A travel eSIM is data only, with no phone number. Call through messengers.
The profile installs once: don't delete the eSIM until the trip is over.
Some phone versions for mainland China and Hong Kong have no eSIM.

How to get an eSIM in a minute

Pick a country on the countries page.
Choose a plan and pay — with crypto on the website or Telegram Stars in the bot.
Tap “Install eSIM” on the order page or scan the QR code. Details are in the installation guide.