What is an eSIM?
A straightforward guide to the SIM card that lives inside your phone.
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a SIM that is already part of your phone and is switched on with a QR code, so no physical card is involved. Abroad, you add a local data plan, get online at once and your French number keeps running alongside. Phones from the iPhone XS, Galaxy S20 and Pixel 3 onwards are compatible.
What is an eSIM?
The "e" stands for embedded: an eSIM is a SIM that sits inside the phone itself. Nothing small needs to be slotted in; instead, a digital profile goes straight onto the handset, and a QR code makes that happen within seconds. Most big phone makers have supported the technology since 2018, and it is becoming the norm for mobile connectivity.
How an eSIM works
Like a normal SIM, an eSIM identifies you to a mobile network, only there is no physical chip. Phones with this feature contain a built-in eSIM component able to store profiles from different mobile operators. Pay for your plan and a QR code is emailed to you; point your phone at it and the profile installs itself. With data roaming enabled, the phone attaches to the network of the country you are in.
Comparing eSIM with a physical SIM
The core distinction is that an eSIM is software and a standard SIM is a card. A card has to be bought, pushed into the slot and replaced when necessary. An eSIM is simply downloaded: no tools and no swapping. A phone can keep several eSIM profiles, and you move between them when you wish. Your main SIM stays active, so your French number is unaffected and the eSIM only serves your data abroad.
eSIM, physical SIM and pocket Wi-Fi compared
| eSIM | Physical SIM card | Portable Wi-Fi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Immediate (digital) | Delivery or in-store pickup | Airport pickup |
| Installation | Scan a QR code | Insert the card | Switch the device on |
| Extra device | No | No | Yes (Wi-Fi hotspot) |
| Return required | No | No | Yes |
| Keep your number | Yes | No (second SIM) | Yes |
| Price | From €0.99 | From €10 | From €5 / day |
| Several countries | Yes (regional eSIM) | No (per country) | No |
Which devices are compatible with eSIM?
Phones from 2018 onwards mostly support eSIM, provided they are not locked to one carrier.
Apple
iPhone XS, XR and the 11 to 17 ranges onward, plus every iPhone SE from the 2nd generation up.
Samsung
Galaxy S20 to S25 and anything newer, all Z Flip and Z Fold generations, and the Galaxy A54 and A55.
Pixel 3 and 3a, 4 and 4a, 5 and 5a, 6 and 6a, 7 and 7a, 8 and 8a, 9 and later models.
Others
Huawei from the P40 up, Motorola Razr, OnePlus 12, Xiaomi 13 and later, OPPO Find X5 and later.
To see whether your phone supports eSIM, look for the Add eSIM entry in the Mobile Data settings.
Five steps to get your eSIM running
- 1
Buy an eSIM plan
Choose a destination and a data plan that fits, then pay. An email containing the QR code reaches you straight away.
- 2
Scan the QR code
Aim the Camera app at the QR code in your email, or choose Add eSIM in the Mobile Data settings and use it from there.
- 3
Confirm the eSIM profile
Respond to the prompts shown and the profile is put on your phone in a few seconds.
- 4
Turn on data roaming
Enable data roaming for the eSIM in your settings, ideally at home while on Wi-Fi.
- 5
Connect at your destination
Once you arrive, the phone joins the local network on its own and you can begin browsing.
The benefits of eSIM for travellers
Save up to 90% against roaming
Save compared with your operator's roaming plans. Transparent prices, no hidden fees.
Available instantly
No delivery wait and no airport queue: your eSIM is ready in 2 minutes.
Keep your phone number
Your French number stays active. You stay reachable by call and text.
No commitment, no cancellation
You choose the amount of data. There is no minimum period and nothing renews on its own.
Eco-friendly
No plastic card, packaging or postage. Completely digital.
Frequently asked questions
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