Frequently Asked Questions
It’s like your physical SIM card except that it is stored virtually in your device. It allows travelers to easily connect to local mobile networks without the need for a physical SIM card.
eSIMfree provides Free data eSIMs, allowing travelers to enjoy free mobile data while roaming globally.
No catch, No contract, No hidden charges, and No credit card details.
Traditionally roaming data has been exorbitantly priced by telecom companies. We want to democratize roaming data and make it available for free for anyone, anywhere.
Once you have used up this free data, our hope is that you recharge with one of our data packs at very competitive prices, to cover our costs. But if 1 GB is sufficient for you, you have no obligation to recharge. Just help us spread the good karma and the word. Our promise is 1 GB of free mobile data.
Most smartphones and tablets built after 2018 support eSIM. You can search your device on our list of eSIM compatible devices (we update the list every month).
You can manually check if your device supports eSIM by dialing *#06# If your device is eSIM compatible, you should see your device's eSIM unique identification number (EID) displayed on the screen.
If your device is eSIM compatible and carrier-unlocked, then good news - you are now ready to order, activate and use our services.
eSIMfree enables travellers to access local mobile networks by providing a free virtual SIM card (eSIM) and free mobile data.
eSIMfree offers coverage in 200+ countries on the best 4G/5G mobile networks, making it a convenient option for international travellers. Click here to check the list of supported countries.
Most e-SIM compatible smartphones allow you to use your existing Physical SIM and an e-SIM simultaneously. You don't have to remove your existing physical SIM card, avoiding the risk of loss.
And you can utilise data from a new eSIM while travelling without losing your original number for voice and SMS
(note that roaming charges may apply for voice and SMS services, so be sure to check carefully).
eSIM compatible phones allow you to install multiple eSIMs. This means you can have one physical SIM card and up to 10 eSIMs installed.
While only one eSIM data plan can be active at any time, it takes only a few seconds to switch between them.
Yes, eSIMfree allows you to keep your home country number while enjoying local data rates in the country you are visiting. You can use your local number to receive SMS/calls/ Whatsapp, Messenger/ Telegram/ Viber, etc.
Please note that outgoing/incoming call and outgoing SMS are charged as roaming by your home country provider / operator. We recommend disabling roaming on your home country number.
Our travel eSIM phone plans are designed for data-only solutions and do not come with a mobile phone number. However, you can still call via WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram, Viber, Skype, etc.
And you can still receive Calls and SMS on your existing Local mobile number.
Cobira and Data2Go are the perfect partners for eSIMfree when it comes to mobile communications and provide the best in the world mobile network partnerships and the technical background.
Together we want to democratise travel mobile data and make it available to anyone anywhere.
Yes, you can use your existing local number to receive SMS/calls/ Whatsapp, Messenger/ Telegram/ Viber, etc.
You can easily share your mobile data with other devices by using the Personal Hotspot / Tethering feature of your smartphone.
Yes, you can use eSIMfree for long-term travel and it can also be used as your primary mobile service abroad or in your home country.
eSIMfree is one eSIM for all countries. You can install it once and use it forever by recharging any country pack for your travel.
This way you can have the best connectivity at the best prices while recharging easily and securely on our website.
We’ve made this simple.
Just go to our homepage, choose your destination country, and fill in some details.
Within minutes you will get your eSIM QR code in your email, along with the simple instructions on how to install and start surfing within minutes.
Currently, we only provide eSIMs because a physical SIM is associated with a higher production cost, and transportation cost (postage) and is made of non-sustainable plastic.
We can’t subsidize this higher cost associated with physical SIM cards. But if you need a physical travel SIM, please send us a message here.
We spread good karma by providing Free eSIM data. This involves a cost that we bear with the hope that once you have used your free 1 GB roaming data, you will recharge (no obligation).
To prevent misuse, we limit a Free eSIM to one eSIM per user.
Activation times may vary, but it typically takes 2 minutes. Follow the instructions provided in the email you receive after ordering your eSIMfree eSIM.
We recommend installing your eSIM a few days before your travel and activating your eSIM only when you have arrived in your destination country as the validity of the eSIM starts the moment you activate your eSIM.
Do not worry, we will send you a reminder email on the day of your travel.
Keep in mind that you need a stable Wi-fi connection to install your eSIM.
Once you have checked your phone is eSIM compatible and unlocked, and you have ordered your eSIM with eSIMfree, you will immediately receive an email with your eSIM QR code and instructions for installation and activation.
We recommend installing your eSIM a few days before your travel. You need a stable internet connection to install your eSIM.
For activation, we recommend activating your eSIM once you have arrived in your destination country, because as the validity of the eSIM starts the moment you activate your eSIM.
Do not worry, we will send you a reminder email on the day of your travel.
Keep in mind that you need a stable Wi-fi connection to install your eSIM.
The email will contain all the setup instructions, but you can also read the installation instructions in our blog post here.
The eSIM data plan begins the moment you activate the eSIM. Remember that once you activate the eSIM, the number of days remaining on the plan will start to decrease. That's why we recommend doing it once you land in your destination country, and not before.
And don’t worry, before your trip starts we will send you a reminder email to activate your eSIM !
No, you cannot install the same eSIM on multiple devices. Your eSIM can only be installed on one device, and only once. This means that once you remove the eSIM from your device, it will not be possible to install it again.
If you use up all your data before the end of the days of validity included in your plan, your eSIM won't work anymore. If you need more data, the best option is to buy another eSIM or recharge yours.
If you would like to remove an eSIM that is no longer required, this article walks you through the steps on how to do so.
Link to blog post: How to remove a Used Up eSIM from Your Mobile Phone
If the Internet isn't working and you have a 5G phone, you must deactivate 5G in your eSIM options and select 4G and or LTE.
- Is the roaming switch ON?
To ensure you are connected you must switch your roaming switch ON when travelling.You can find the Roaming Switch in your iPhone Settings.
For certain smartphones you might need to check your APN settings. These details on how to set your APN are included in the eSIM installation instructions you receive after purchasing your eSIM.
- Do You Have Coverage?
If you find yourself in an area with limited mobile coverage, or no coverage at all, you will find it difficult to access the internet.
Try switching locations and make sure you have enough signal bars to connect to 3G or 4G/LTE.
If you are in good coverage and tried everything else, you can always try a full power-down restart and see if that helps.
- Have you selected the right network?
For best use, it is advisable to deactivate the automatic network search and to be notified of the network indicated on your QRCode.
- This error appears either when the QR code is not properly scanned or if the eSIM has already been installed.
- Sometimes due to poor connection, QR codes are partially scanned. Try rescanning after ensuring you have good network strength.
- To check if your eSIM has already been installed:
- Go To Settings > General > About
- Scroll down and you should be able to see the ICCID and one extra digit if your eSIM is 'on' in your phone's Cellular Plans. Please note that most eSIMs can only be installed once so if you're attempting to reinstall a removed eSIM, that will not work. Check your eSIM app/website for more details.
The speed of mobile data can be affected by many factors, such as the type of smartphone you are using, the available network technology, the websites or applications you are accessing, the time of day, network congestion, other factors in the transmission path, and the cell tower's or area's data usage. Additionally, the download and upload speeds depend on the country's network infrastructure and broadband connection type. Low internet speed is usually caused by a mobile operator's poor coverage and can be remedied by rebooting your phone.