Answers to your frequently asked questions about our physical SIM cards, eSIM profiles, and much more.
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We recommend that you download and install your eSIM on your departure day, and when you have a Wi-Fi connection.
Each of our operators have slightly different activation rules, so please check your plan details to understand the validity period (start/end dates) of your eSIM to ensure you get the most out of it.
Sim Local has stores and kiosks at many major airports if you need guidance.
Sim Local accepts:
All credit/debit card transactions on simlocal.com are processed securely by Stripe, to keep your information safe.
Yes! You can have multiple active plans (usually up to 10) on your phone and instantly switch between them depending on where you are and the plan you wish to use. However, some devices will limit the number of eSIMs you can store on your phone. You may need to remove an old eSIM to activate a new one.
You can have several plans on your smartphone and switch between them instantly, depending on where you are and the plan you wish to use. Some devices support a dual-eSIM configuration, but usually you cannot use more than two at the same time. Check your device manufacturer guidelines for more information.
Yes! Your eSIM is associated with your smartphone rather than your operator plan or phone number.
Validity refers to the number of days a plan can be used for.
The validity period will start when you install your plan or when you arrive at your destination, depending on the provider. Your plan details will state when the validity period starts.
When you return home, it only takes a few seconds to switch back to your existing plan. Simply go to your phone settings and select your primary SIM card.
Yes! An eSIM uses the same security protocols as physical SIM cards, including encryption to protect your data. And since an eSIM is embedded—it cannot be removed from your device, so is safer than a traditional SIM card.
You can top up your eSIM plan, depending on the provider (*Smartroam only). Download the Sim Local app to check your data balance* and top up in seconds*.
Yes, most modern smartphones support dual SIM functionality, allowing you to receive calls from your regular SIM card and access data on your eSIM simultaneously.
After purchasing a plan from Sim Local, simply follow the guided instructions to get connected. We recommend that you download and install your eSIM on your departure day, and when you have a Wi-Fi connection.
Most devices support eSIM technology nowadays, but it’s not guaranteed. You can check if your smartphone or tablet is eSIM compatible with our compatibility checker.
A travel eSIM from Sim Local connects you to trusted local networks in 150+ countries to provide data, calls, and texts at affordable rates. When you purchase a plan from Sim Local, we’ll send you a QR code and instructions to install your eSIM.
Ready to start? Visit our Find My Plan tool to find the right plan in seconds!
A travel eSIM is a digital SIM that connects you to a mobile network in any country without needing a physical SIM card. It can be activated with a few changes in your phone settings, giving you access to mobile data, calls, and texts almost anywhere.
By downloading a travel eSIM from Sim Local, you avoid international roaming charges and connect directly to a local network with an affordable prepaid plan.
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You may wish to turn your eSIM off when you return home or on a trip. If you have data and the eSIM is still valid, you can switch it back on when needed.
On IOS:
- Go to settings.
- Select 'Cellular' or 'Mobile data'.
- Select the eSIM line and turn off.
On Android:
- Go to Settings.
- Select 'Connections'.
- Select Mobile Network.
- Turn off the eSIM.
Unfortunately, we cannot help with this but please contact your Network Operator directly for assistance.
To change your Access Point Name (APN) settings, go to your 'devices settings', locate the network or cellular settings and then find the APN section.
Enter the new APN details provided by your mobile carrier and save the changes. If you are unsure about this, contact your carrier for more specific instructions.
Yes, Dual SIM technology makes this possible.
You can purchase an eSIM plan from Sim Local and use this alongside your regular SIM when you travel.
This enables you to run two lines – one for work and one for home or one for travel and one for family.
You can also select one line for calls and another for data or however you choose to configure your options.
Dual SIM technology allows you to use multiple eSIMs or a physical SIM and an eSIM at the same time, allowing you to select which functionality you want from each.
If you want to use both an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time, follow these simple steps:
1. Ensure you label your plans and give each a name that help you easily identify which is which
On IOS:
- Go to phone settings.
- Tap Cellular or Mobile data.
- Tap your eSIM plan and enter the name and save.
On Android:
- Go to phone settings.
- Select Network & Internet or Connections.
- Select SIM Card.
- Select eSIM plan and enter the name & save.
2. When you land in your eSIM destination, activate it to use the local network
On IOS:
- Go to settings.
- Select Cellular or mobile.
- Select your eSIM line.
- Select ‘turn on this line’ and turn on data roaming.
On Android:
- Go to settings.
- Select Network & Internet or Connections.
- Choose mobile network.
- Turn on your eSIM.
- Turn on mobile data and data roaming.
3. Set up your Voice Line
This will be used for calls and texts. If your eSIM is data only you will want to use your physical SIM but please note you will be subject to data roaming charges.
On IOS:
- Go to settings.
- Select Cellular or mobile data.
- Select default Voice line and select your SIM or eSIM.
On Android:
- Go to settings.
- Select Network & Internet or Connections.
- Select SIM card.
- Select calls and your SIM or eSIM line.
- Select texts and select your SIM or eSIM line.
4. Choose your data line (Note: Only one of your lines can use data).
On IOS:
- Go to settings.
- Select Cellular or mobile data.
- Select default Voice line and select your SIM or eSIM line.
On Android:
- Go to settings.
- Select Network & Internet or Connections.
- Select SIM card.
- Choose Data Service Network.
- Select your SIM or eSIM line.
When you return home or wish to switch back you can go to your settings at any time and switch back to the plan you would like to use.
You can check if your phone is unlocked by contacting your network provider. Networks can unlock phones on request, but this may be subject to the terms and conditions of your network agreement.
Phone Unlocking
Yes, you can use iMessage with your data only eSIM however, you need to ensure it is configured properly in your settings.
iMessage uses data rather than traditional SMS, so having a data connection is essential.
When you download your new eSIM, your phone will prompt you to set this up in settings to ensure it remains active.
On your iPhone:
- Go to settings
- Go to messages
- Turn iMessage off
- Turn iMessage back on
- Select Send and Receive
- Uncheck your phone number and select your email address (this ensures you use your data).
You can reverse these steps and select your phone number when you return home to stop using your eSIM.
If your eSIM is data-only, don't panic! You can still keep in touch with friends and family.
Here are three ways to make a phone call with a data-only eSIM:
1. Use an Internet-Based Calling App
The best way to make a phone call with a data-only eSIM is with an internet-based calling app like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype.
These free services allow you to place and receive calls over the internet and they help you avoid costly roaming charges as they'll use your eSIM data to connect.
Most of these apps will automatically sync your contacts, making it easy to stay connected with your friends and family, however the person you are calling must also have the app downloaded.
It’s a good idea to download one of these options before you start your trip and share it with your friends and family, so they know how to reach you.
2. Make Calls via Social Media
Facebook Messenger and Instagram DMs both have calling features.
You will need to ensure that your contacts also use this method of connection but please ensure data roaming is switched off for your primary SIM line to avoid charges.
3. Use Your Primary Number
You can continue to use your primary SIM line for voice and text when you travel.
However, this will use your home plan (not your eSIM data plan), and roaming fees may apply.
It's a good idea to first check in with your carrier about their roaming rates to avoid large bills when you return!
To use your primary line to place calls, you'll need to turn it on and enable it for calls and/or texts (you can do this in your phone settings).
Your phone will continue to use your eSIM to access data and switch to your home line when you want to place a call.
Each unique QR code is one time use only. Therefore, once the QR code has been successfully scanned once it cannot be rescanned to download the same profile.
If you are unable to locate the QR code and the manual instructions, please contact Customer Support with the order number and our team will reshare this information.
Each unique QR code is one time use only. Therefore, once the QR code has been successfully scanned once, it cannot be rescanned to download the same profile. Contact our customer support team if you have accidentally reset your eSIM.
No, the eSIM cannot be accidentally removed unless the eSIM is deleted in error.
If your eSIM profile fails to download, you should contact Customer Support with the order number of the eSIM accompanied by any supporting images of the error for this to be investigated further.
Yes, but you will need to purchase a new eSIM with the new network.
It can take between 1-10 minutes for the eSIM to activate.
Unfortunately, we are unable to help with this, but you should contact your Network Operator directly to discuss next steps.
Unfortunately, we are unable to help with this, but you should contact your Network Operator directly to find out more.
Yes, you will be able to select whether you use your eSIM or SIM card for data, calls and texts, depending on the plan you selected.
To remove an eSIM from your device, click into:
- Travel line (settings > mobile data) and at the bottom there is a button, to `Delete eSIM’.
- When you click this, you will get a pop-up message stating the eSIM will be deleted from your phone, however your mobile data plan will not be cancelled. It will also advise you to contact your network provider to obtain a new eSIM or cancel your plan.
- If you’re happy to delete the eSIM, press `Delete eSIM’.
- A final warning message will appear to ensure you definitely want to remove the eSIM as this can’t be undone. If you still want to delete the eSIM, press `Delete eSIM’.
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If you try to install an eSIM but you are not yet in the destination country, it will not be able to complete activation, as it cannot connect to the destination’s local network.
However, if your eSIM is installed on your device, you do not need to complete activation until you arrive. Once you get to your destination, your eSIM will be able to connect to the local network and you can start using it.
If you are still having issues, please contact our Customer Support team, providing your order number, the plan you purchased and screenshots of any screens that show issues.
There may be a few causes for this:
Are you trying to use your eSIM in your home country?
If you have bought a plan for another destination, it may not work successfully until you are in your destination country.
Have you turned on 'Data Roaming'?
You may not have Data Roaming enabled for your eSIM. You can do this via your eSIM settings on iPhone and Android devices or by going to Connections > Mobile Network settings on Samsung. (Connections may also be called SIM Manager).
Have you set your eSIM to use data?
In your eSIM settings, make sure that the eSIM is switched on, data settings are enabled, and that Data Roaming is enabled.
If the above steps do not help, please try resetting your network settings*:
If none of the above applies or works, please contact our Customer Support team.
Please contact our Customer Support team who will be able to assist you. Please have your order number to hand to help make the process as quick as possible.
Please contact our Customer Support team who will be able to assist you. Please include your order number.
You can also choose Manual activation. Please go to your eSIM details on My eSIM for more instructions.
Confirm your eSIM has been installed or not with the following steps:
If the eSIM profile fails to download, please contact Customer Support with the order number of the eSIM along with any screenshots of the error you have experienced.
Unfortunately, we are unable to help with this, but you should contact your Network Operator directly to discuss next steps.
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