eSIM Explained: The Complete Guide

From the basics of embedded SIM technology to activation, compatible devices, and choosing a plan for your trip — here is everything you need to know.

Instant activation No physical SIM Dual SIM support Works in 190+ countries

Browse eSIM plans How to install

All eSIM guides

All you need to know about eSIM — whether it's your first time or you're a seasoned traveller.

eSIM or Physical SIM?

A clear comparison of convenience, cost, and availability.

Top eSIM Providers for Travel

Providers ranked by coverage, price, and how easy they are to set up.TPG Mobile ranked #1.

Understanding eSIM Data Plans

Prepaid vs postpaid, data-only vs calls — how to choose what fits.

Setting Up Dual SIM with eSIM

Use eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time. Managing both lines made simple.

Fixing eSIM Issues

Troubleshooting: activation failures, no signal, QR codes that won't scan.

eSIM Coverage by Country

Find out which countries and carriers support eSIM. Quick reference.

Transfer eSIM to New Phone

Move your eSIM when upgrading — step by step. What to check.

How eSIM Works

Remote provisioning, QR activation, profiles — explained simply.

How to Install eSIM

Step-by-step installation for iPhone and Android — takes 5 minutes.

eSIM Facts

25 verified facts about eSIM — device compatibility, activation speed, cost savings, and security advantages.

The basics 1

An eSIM is a SIM built into your device

A physical SIM is a removable plastic card you slot into your phone. An eSIM — embedded SIM — is a chip soldered directly onto the motherboard. You activate it by scanning a QR code or entering an activation code — no physical card needed, no store visit required. For a full comparison, see eSIM vs physical SIM.

Built into the hardware

The eSIM chip is permanently part of your device — it cannot be removed or lost.

Activated by QR code

Point your camera at the QR code from your provider and the plan installs in moments.

Supports multiple profiles

An iPhone can hold up to 8 eSIM profiles — flip between them in Settings.

Switch networks in a tap

No swapping cards needed. Change your data provider straight from your phone's settings.

Why switch 2

Why more travellers choose eSIM

eSIM is more than a handy upgrade — for travellers it removes a whole layer of hassle from every journey. If you need data for streaming or want to combine your eSIM with a VPN, check our guides on eSIM data plans and eSIM with VPN.

Activate in minutes

Buy a plan and get it running in minutes — from anywhere. No shop visit, no waiting for a parcel.

No card to swap

No more hunting for a SIM pin over the bathroom sink. Your eSIM stays inside your phone.

Dual SIM

Your usual number stays active on the physical SIM while the eSIM provides affordable local data.

Fewer dropped calls

A physical SIM can be bent, lost, or slip down a drain. An eSIM cannot.

Eco-friendly

No plastic packaging, no plastic card, no courier delivery. Kinder to the environment.

Quick compare 3

eSIM vs Physical SIM — a glance

A quick reference for the main differences. For the full details, see our complete eSIM vs physical SIM comparison.

Feature

eSIM

Physical SIM

Activation

Instant (QR code)

Visit store or wait for delivery

Switching

Instant, software

Physical swap

Dual SIM

Yes (eSIM + nano)

Depends on phone

Lost/damaged

Cannot lose it

Risk of loss or damage

Availability

iPhone XR+, most flagship

Universal

Travel use

Ideal

Needs unlocked phone + local SIM

Full comparison →

Start in 3 simple steps

Ready to switch? Here's everything you need to do.

Check your phone

Not sure if your phone supports eSIM? Most models released after 2019 do. Use our compatibility guide to confirm before you travel.

Check compatibility →

Pick a plan

Browse TPG MobileFind plans by country or region. Choose the data allowance that fits how long you'll be away.

Browse plans →

Scan & connect

Scan the QR code in your order confirmation and your eSIM activates instantly. You\'re connected.

Installation guide →

Common questions

Yes — most modern smartphones support Dual SIM, so you can run an eSIM alongside your physical SIM at the same time. Keep your home number on your physical SIM and add a TPG Mobile eSIM for mobile data while travelling. Read the complete <a href="/esim/esim-dual-sim-setup" style="color:var(--brand-text, var(--brand-primary));font-weight:600;">dual SIM setup guide</a> for step-by-step instructions.

Yes — eSIM is just as secure as a physical SIM, and in some ways more so. The profile is encrypted during provisioning and tied to your specific device hardware. It cannot be physically removed or lost.

Yes — eSIM and physical SIM work independently. You can turn off your eSIM and switch to your physical SIM whenever you need. Having an eSIM doesn\'t disable the physical SIM slot.

If you switch phones, your eSIM plan can be reactivated. Just contact your eSIM provider with your order details and they will send a new QR code. Physical SIMs, on the other hand, cannot be reissued remotely.

eSIM Explained: The Complete Guide

All eSIM guides

An eSIM is a SIM built into your device

Why more travellers choose eSIM

eSIM vs Physical SIM — a glance

Start in 3 simple steps

Common questions

Can I keep my regular SIM in the phone and use eSIM at the same time?

Is eSIM secure?

Can I switch back to a physical SIM?

What if I lose my phone?

Give eSIM a try?