travel sim how to activate

A beginner’s guide to travel eSIMs: How to use eSIMs for travel

Table of contents, what is a travel esim, and why do i need one.

One of the latest innovations in travel tech, eSIMs are digital SIM cards embedded directly into the processors of mobile devices. Compatible devices come pre-equipped with an eSIM, so there’s no need to buy and install a card manually.

While eSIMs can be used at home, there are notable advantages to using eSIMs for travel. It’s super easy to switch between carriers and plans, which minimizes service interruptions while you’re globetrotting.

Additionally, there’s no need to visit a store in person to get a new SIM card or buy online and wait for it to be shipped to your home. eSIM cards can be purchased online and activated immediately using a QR from your carrier. Plus, there’s a huge range of plans offered by many different providers, giving you plenty of control over how much you pay based on the travel data you think you’ll need.

Are there any drawbacks to using an eSIM for travel?

Not all carriers support eSIMs, and not all devices are eSIM compatible. However, eSIM usage is growing dramatically, so mobile users can expect to see these limitations decline in the coming years.

Where can I buy a travel eSIM?

• Airalo (200+ countries, regional plans available)
• Flexiroam (200+ countries and territories, regional plans available)
• Nomad (165+ countries, regional plans available)
• GlobaleSIM (150+ countries, regional plans available)
• Ubigi (200+ countries)
• Maya Mobile (190+ countries, regional plans available)
• BNESIM (200+ countries, regional plans available)
• eSIM2Fly (100+ countries, regional plans available)
• GigSky (190+ countries, regional plans available)
• RedteaGO (100+ countries, regional plans available)

How to deactivate your regular SIM and activate your eSIM for travel

Before activating your new eSIM card, deactivate your regular SIM card. This will protect your personal data and help you avoid getting hit with unnecessary roaming charges.

Deactivating a SIM card is pretty easy. Here’s how it works:

• Back up your phone, including contacts, messages, and any other data.
• Notify your mobile carrier about your travel plans and ask that your SIM card be temporarily deactivated. Your carrier will guide you through the process.
• Once deactivated, remove your SIM card from your phone and store it in a safe place.

Activating an eSIM for travel is even easier than activating/deactivating a physical SIM card. Usually, you’ll need to contact your travel plan carrier and get a QR code. Scan this into your phone to activate the eSIM.

The following tips may help if you’re having trouble knowing how to use an eSIM when traveling:

• Make sure your device is eSIM compatible
• Check your wireless connection. Restart your phone if necessary.
• Re-scan your carrier’s QR code
• Contacting your carrier for help

Check your network coverage and device compatibility

With travel eSIMs, you can stay connected almost anywhere in the world. Many new cell phone models are eSIM compatible. If you have an old phone, you may need to upgrade to a newer model to begin using eSIMs for travel. Check out a list of eSIM-compatible devices here .

eSIM plans piggyback on domestic carriers’ networks. To find out where you can get service in a given country, visit the network provider’s website or contact the network provider directly. If you’ve already landed, apps like OpenSignal (Android and iOS), LTE Discovery (Android), and Network Cell Info Lite (Android) provide info on network strength in your area and surrounding areas.

How much travel data do I need?

To get the most out of your travel eSIM, you’ll want to strategically plan your data usage. Up to 5GB of data is good if you don’t use your device often, while moderate users might want to be safe and go for a 10GB travel data plan. Look for higher data plans if you’re an active online gamer or stream a lot of high-quality videos.

Here are a few tips for minimizing your data usage while traveling:

• Connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible (airports, hotels, cafes, etc.). But consider using a VPN to prevent unauthorized access to your device and data.
• Disable automatic device updates and limit the number of apps that run in the background. Many phones make it easy to do this with data-saving mode.
• Don’t stream much music or video, or download files in advance to avoid streaming while you travel.
• Use data compression apps to reduce the size of web pages and images.
• Disable data roaming to avoid automatically using foreign networks.
• Go on airplane mode when you’re not using your device.

How to stay safe when using a travel eSIM

Compared to physical SIM cards, eSIM cards are much harder to hack because you can’t simply remove the card from a device.

Even though eSIMs reduce the risk of your SIM card getting lost or stolen, it’s still important to safeguard your personal data while abroad. One of the best ways to protect your personal data while using Wi-Fi is with a virtual private network (VPN). VPNs create a tunnel of sorts through which you can access the internet without your personal data being visible to others using the same Wi-Fi network.

Another great way to stay safe while using public Wi-Fi is to disable file sharing and AirDrop. Doing so makes it harder for nearby devices to access your files. Also, avoid accessing non-secured websites. Look for “https://” in the URL, which indicates that data is encrypted when being transferred between your device and the server.

Can I use an eSIM internationally?

Yes. Some eSIM plans offer service in multiple countries or regions (USA & Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, etc.). Others are country specific. Before you buy an eSIM, make sure it supports your destination country.

Can I get a global eSIM?

You can’t buy an eSIM card that works in every country, but you can buy an eSIM that offers service in multiple countries or regions. If you’re planning a trip around the world (sounds exciting!), you might need to get multiple eSIM plans and activate them separately as you travel.

Can I get a travel data plan on an eSIM card?

Yes, it’s possible to buy and activate a data-only eSIM travel plan on your phone. Although, if you want to do more than just access the internet on your device, you’ll need a full-service eSIM plan that also lets you text and make calls.

Why settle with a physical SIM card, when you can get a digital SIM card that you don’t have to stand in line at a store to buy and that you can activate and manage remotely? Use an eSIM to avoid the hassle of interrupted mobile service when traveling internationally.

You can’t yet use a travel eSIM with all phones and providers. But more and more eSIM options are popping up on the market, so stay ahead of the trends and start riding the wave.

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Attention, Travelers: Now Is the Best Time to Switch to eSIM

The digital version of the SIM card, included on many newer phones, is set to become prevalent. It also offers affordable cellular data abroad.

By Brian X. Chen

Brian X. Chen is The Times’s lead consumer technology writer and the author of Tech Fix , a column about the social implications of the tech we use.

As vacation season looms, now is as good a time as ever to bite the bullet and become familiar with a smartphone feature that many of us have ignored for years: the eSIM, the digital version of the SIM card that carries your phone number.

Among many benefits, eSIM technology is a boon for travelers, and pretty soon we will all be using it because the physical SIM card will be no more. Let me explain.

Last year, Apple eliminated the SIM card tray from the iPhone 14 to free up space. That means the SIM card, which acts as a key that connects your phone with cellular networks, is being phased out for Apple phones.

Where Apple leads, others typically follow, so you can expect handset makers like Samsung and Google to also go all-in on eSIM — a digitized SIM card embedded into the phone’s computer chip that you can activate with any cellular network’s service plan.

“Whether we like it or not, it’s coming,” Roger Entner, a telecom expert and founder of the research firm Recon Analytics, said about eSIM technology.

But this move isn’t really all about Apple. The Federal Communications Commission also favors eSIM technology , because it makes it easier for people to switch to a different carrier by using software instead of going to a store for a physical SIM card. And the technology has security benefits: If your phone is stolen, thieves can’t remove an eSIM to hijack your phone number and commit identity theft, as they could with a physical SIM card.

Most important, the experience of using eSIM data plans for travel has greatly improved. About five years ago, eSIM data plans for international roaming were overpriced, and cell service was sometimes unreliable. But in the last year, I’ve tested a few eSIM services when I left the country and found them to be cost-effective and zippy.

As is always the case with new technology, there are downsides. Activating a data plan on a foreign network with an eSIM is not as straightforward as sticking a different SIM card into your phone. The process is especially challenging for those who are less familiar with technology, putting the onus on more tech savvy companions to help them make the switch.

There are also privacy concerns. Many eSIM service providers offer apps that collect your data for tracking purposes.

You can use my experience as a template for navigating the inevitable transition to eSIM. Recently, I tried eSIM data plans when traveling with several members of my family and acted as their tech sherpa through the switch.

Step 1: Pick an eSIM

The main reason to use eSIM services for travel is to save money. The big U.S. carriers, like AT&T and Verizon, offer international roaming options, including $10 day passes for using your phone in foreign countries. The costs quickly add up for a two-week trip with family.

In contrast, an eSIM data package that can be used for the entirety of your trip costs a few dollars. The tricky part is choosing an eSIM service provider because there are many, and most are unfamiliar brands like Airalo, GigSky and Flexiroam. (Apple provides a list of eSIM service providers on its website.)

For a recent weeklong trip to Montreal, I researched travel blogs and picked Nomad , which offered a gigabyte of data that could be used for seven days in Canada for $7. I had the option to activate the plan with Nomad’s app or by following setup instructions on the company’s website. The app had high reviews in the App Store, so I clicked the download button.

Step 2: Activate the eSIM Service

A nice thing about eSIM is that you can buy a plan and set up the service on your phone well in advance of a trip, then activate it when you arrive at your destination. After you buy a plan, the eSIM service provider sends you a list of instructions.

The Nomad app showed a list of steps. In the iPhone’s settings app, I clicked on the cellular menu, clicked “Add eSIM” and typed in an activation code. As I crossed the border into Canada, I went back into the cellular settings, selected the Nomad phone line and toggled on the option for “Turn on this line.”

(If you still use a physical SIM card for your domestic phone line, you need not remove it. In the phone’s cellular settings, you just switch off the service for your primary line to avoid roaming charges.)

After I picked this eSIM plan, I shared the Nomad app with my wife and brother-in-law, who each followed the instructions to set it up by themselves. I didn’t know how to advise my mother-in-law, who never downloads apps, how to set up the plan, so I did it for her.

Herein lies the real problem: Less tech-inclined folks are probably not going to know how to use eSIM services. When my mother-in-law went on a trip to Hong Kong alone and I wasn’t nearby to set up the service for her, I told her to pay for AT&T’s international roaming plan and find a store later to buy a SIM card from a Hong Kong phone carrier.

Terry Guo, a chief product officer of LotusFlare, the company that developed Nomad, agreed that the main demographic of travelers using eSIM service plans comprised younger, more tech-savvy people.

“We are doing a lot of work in the app to make this simpler,” he said.

Optional (but Important) Step: Protect Your Privacy

Another downside to eSIM services is privacy-related. All the eSIM service providers I researched in Apple’s App Store said in their app descriptions that they did some tracking of users across different apps and websites.

Toni Toikka, the chief executive of Alekstra, a company that helps businesses reduce their wireless bills, underlined the importance of safeguarding personal information from eSIM providers. He said many of these companies, known as mobile virtual network operators, had struggled to generate profit.

“One way they think they’ll make money is selling your information,” Mr. Toikka said. “That’s why you should always opt out of any tracking. You shouldn’t sell yourself for pennies on a dollar.”

Mr. Guo said that the Nomad app contained Google’s analytics technology to see how people were using the app, and that people who logged into the app with their Facebook accounts could also be tracked by Facebook.

A simple workaround to data collection is to avoid logging into an app with third-party sites like Facebook and Google. Apple users can also click “Ask app not to track” when opening an eSIM app for the first time.

Android users don’t have the option to ask apps not to track them, so their best option is to buy the eSIM plan from the company’s website and set up the service without downloading the app.

Bottom Line

Overall, the pros of eSIM outweigh the cons. Traveling with a smartphone with SIM cards wasn’t relaxing because you needed to carry a pin to eject the card tray; plus you had to make sure not to lose the tiny SIM card.

When returning from a trip using eSIM services, all you have to do is go back into the phone’s settings app and switch your domestic phone line back on. That simplicity and peace of mind make eSIM worth the hassle.

Brian X. Chen is the lead consumer technology writer for The Times. He reviews products and writes Tech Fix , a column about the social implications of the tech we use. Before joining The Times in 2011, he reported on Apple and the wireless industry for Wired. More about Brian X. Chen

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How to Activate Your Travel Physical SIM Card?

Traveling abroad can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. One moment, you’re sipping espresso in a charming Parisian café, and the next, you’re desperately trying to find Wi-Fi to upload that perfect shot of the Eiffel Tower. The solution? A travel physical SIM card. In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about activating your travel physical SIM card.

Table of Contents

Why choose a physical sim card for travel, preparing for activation, check compatibility, purchase your sim card, installing the sim card, power off your device, locate the sim slot, insert the sim card, activating the sim card, power on your device, enter the activation code, configure apn settings, troubleshooting common issues, no network signal, incorrect apn settings, sim card not recognized, maximizing your travel sim card experience, monitor your usage, stay secure, can i use my travel sim card in multiple countries, how long does it take to activate a travel sim card, can i keep my original sim card while using a travel sim card, what should i do if my sim card is lost or stolen.

When it comes to staying connected abroad, not all options are created equal. Sure, you could rely on spotty hotel Wi-Fi or pay exorbitant roaming fees, but why put yourself through that? A physical SIM card offers several advantages:

• Reliable Connectivity: Unlike Wi-Fi, which can be as unpredictable as the plot twists in a Christopher Nolan film, a physical SIM card provides a consistent and secure connection.
• Cost-Effective: Often, travel SIM cards are more affordable than paying your home carrier’s roaming charges. Think of it as getting champagne service on a beer budget.
• Ease of Use: Installing and activating a SIM card is straightforward, ensuring you spend more time enjoying your trip and less time fiddling with tech.

Before you even think about installing your SIM card, there are a few preliminary steps you need to take. Consider this your pre-flight checklist.

Device Compatibility: First, ensure your device is unlocked. An unlocked phone can accept SIM cards from different carriers, making it a must for international travel. You can usually check this by inserting a SIM card from another carrier and seeing if it works. If not, you might need to contact your carrier to unlock your phone.

Network Compatibility: Verify that your travel SIM card works with the local networks in your destination country. Most travel SIM cards will list the countries they support. For instance, Simify offers SIM cards that work across multiple countries, so you don’t have to play a guessing game.

Buy in Advance: Don’t wait until you land to buy a SIM card. Purchase your travel SIM card before your trip to avoid the hassle of finding a local vendor in a foreign country. Simify, for example, allows you to buy and have the card delivered to your home, so you’re ready to go as soon as you step off the plane.

Choose the Right Plan: Analyze your data, call, and text needs. Are you a social media junkie who needs a hefty data plan, or do you just need the basics to keep in touch with family? Simify offers a variety of plans to suit different needs, so choose wisely.

Now that you have your travel SIM card, it’s time for the main event: installation. Don’t worry, it’s easier than assembling IKEA furniture.

Turning off your phone before inserting the SIM card is crucial. This simple step can prevent any potential damage to your phone or SIM card during installation.

Most smartphones have a SIM card slot on the side, marked by a small hole. Use the SIM ejector tool that came with your phone, or a straightened paperclip if you’re in a pinch, to gently push into the hole and eject the SIM tray.

Correct Orientation: Place the SIM card in the tray with the gold contacts facing down. The card should fit snugly into the tray.

Securely Close the Tray: Carefully push the tray back into your phone until it clicks into place. Make sure it’s firmly seated to avoid any connectivity issues.

With your SIM card installed, the next step is activation. This process can vary depending on your provider, but here’s a general overview.

Turn your phone back on and wait for it to recognize the new SIM card. You should see a notification indicating that a new SIM card has been detected.

Activation Instructions: Follow the specific instructions provided by Simify or your SIM card provider. This often involves entering an activation code. These instructions are typically included in the packaging or sent via email.

Online Activation: Many providers, including Simify, offer online activation through their website or mobile app. This can streamline the process, allowing you to activate your SIM card with just a few clicks.

Access Point Names (APN): To enable data services, you might need to configure APN settings. These settings are crucial for your phone to connect to the internet and use data services. The APN settings can usually be found in your device’s network settings menu.

• Go to Settings: Open the settings menu on your phone.
• Network & Internet: Select the 'Network & Internet' option.
• Mobile Network: Tap on 'Mobile Network' and then 'Advanced.'
• Access Point Names: Find and select 'Access Point Names' (APN).
• New APN: Enter the APN details provided by your SIM card provider.
• Save Settings: Save the settings and select the new APN as active.

Even the best-laid plans can encounter hiccups. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common issues you might face.

Check Coverage: Ensure you’re in an area with network coverage. If you’re in a remote location, you might need to move closer to a populated area.

Restart Your Device: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve connectivity issues. Turn your phone off and on again to see if it picks up the signal.

Re-enter APN Settings: Double-check the APN settings provided by your SIM card provider and re-enter them if necessary. Incorrect settings can prevent your phone from connecting to the internet.

Re-insert the SIM Card: Remove the SIM card and reinsert it to ensure it’s properly seated. Sometimes, a poorly seated SIM card can cause connectivity issues.

Try Another Device: If possible, test the SIM card in another unlocked device. This can help determine if the issue is with the SIM card or your phone.

Now that your SIM card is up and running, let’s make the most of it.

Data Management: Keep an eye on your data usage to avoid overage charges. Most providers offer apps or online portals where you can track your usage.

Top-Up Options: Know how to add more data or extend your plan if needed. Simify offers convenient top-up options, so you’re never left without connectivity.

Use a VPN: Protect your data by using a VPN when accessing public Wi-Fi networks. This adds an extra layer of security, ensuring your information stays private.

Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Be cautious about sharing sensitive information over the phone or online, especially when using public networks.

Many travel SIM cards offer multi-country coverage. Check with Simify for specific country lists. Some cards automatically connect to the local network in each country, making your travel seamless.

Activation times can vary but typically take a few minutes to an hour. However, it's always a good idea to activate it as soon as you land to avoid any delays.

Yes, you can keep your original SIM card, but you'll need to swap it out with the travel SIM card when needed. Make sure to store your original SIM card in a safe place to avoid losing it.

Contact Simify immediately to suspend the service and prevent unauthorized use. Many providers offer replacement cards, so you can stay connected without much hassle.

Activating your travel physical SIM card is a straightforward process that ensures you stay connected during your travels. By following this comprehensive guide, you can enjoy seamless connectivity, making your trip more enjoyable and stress-free. For more information and to purchase your travel SIM card, visit Simify .

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Why we need activation dates.

• We need these dates to activate your SIM card so you can use them when you’re ready to travel.
• If you don’t give us an activation date, your SIM card will not work when you plug them into your phone.

Not sure on your dates yet?

• You can add in an estimated date for your SIM. Your SIM’s data & validity won’t start until you plug it into your device.
• Once you know your exact dates, please let us know via our live chat or at [email protected] so we can activate it for you at the right time. 

What if you need to change the dates?

• You can reach out to us via our live chat or at [email protected] with your SIM number so we can change it for you.

• Delivery Options

Yes, in order to receive or make a call (while you are abroad) you need to have enough credit (THB) in your TRAVEL SIM.The TRAVEL SIM default does not have any credit. You will need to top up before you travel to make and receive call.

Receiving SMS is free of charge while roaming abroad. So you do not need to have credit. Sending SMS is not free of charge, therefore you will need enough credits to send a message.

IOS: APN is automatically set up

Android : Setting => Wireless and network => Mobile Network => Access Point Name => New APN => please input value as follows:

Travel SIM Topup Packages

• TRAVEL SIM Asia 1 GB 3 days (150 THB) : USSD : *115*150#
• TRAVEL SIM World 1 GB 3 days (300 THB) : USSD : *115*300#
• TRAVEL SIM Asia Non-Stop 4 GB 8 days (299 THB) : USSD : *115*299#
• TRAVEL SIM World Non-Stop 4 GB 15 days (799 THB) : USSD : *115*799#

How to use TravelSIM

Activate sim.

After purchasing, add your TravelSIM number to your personal account

Book data package

*146*941* Paket-Code #

or do it in your Account

Check data usage

Check balance, activate your sim card right after receiving it.

The balance you booked will be stored in your account until activation and will not be credited to a specific number.

Two steps to activate your SIM card: 1. Your new TravelSIM number is on the packaging of the SIM-card and starts with 372. 2. Enter this number under the new SIM card in your account, press "Activate" and confirm with the SMS code you received.

Et voilá! Your new SIM card is ready for the upcoming trip.

You can check your balance at any time with *146*099# or in your account.

Book the data package before you start your journey

You can book a data package before you start your trip or during the trip:

• Find a suitable package in your account and click on "Book package" or "Book tariff".
• Enter *146*941*PACKAGE_NUMBER# directly on your smartphone without internet using the USSD code. Most data packages have a 30-day term. Note that some packages only work in certain countries. E.g. with an Asia package you would not get internet access in Germany.

You will be notified when 90% data usage is reached. Dial *146*942# to check the package status and the remaining usage volume.

Now quickly top up the credit, book a suitable data package and off you go!

If a package expires or data volume is used up, you can simply book a new package. However, sufficient credit must be available for this.

The TravelSIM card must have at least one paid action per year or the credit must be topped up; otherwise it may be temporarily blocked.

Calls and SMS are not included in the data packages

Calls are billed by the minute according to the national tariff. The costs will be deducted from the balance on the TravelSIM card. It is advisable to top up the credit a little extra. Incoming calls are free in most countries.

Messenger calls are allowed and are charged as internet usage.

Calls from TravelSIM to TravelSIM cost € 0.19, incoming calls are free.

Known errors

Sim card does not register at the local provider.

Some devices do not support an automatic connection, in this case please enter the APN parameters manually and select the network.

Message: “SIM not valid” or "Insert SIM”

Your device appears to be locked by a certain provider. TravelSIM only works with approved devices.

If you have a dual SIM smartphone, please insert the SIM card into slot 1.

Click here to see our tariffs and data packages

Tariffs and data packages

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Download the ios app.

Why travSIM?

Experience staying connected while traveling abroad with our international travel SIM cards for students, business executives, group travelers, teams, seafarers & families

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• National voice minutes & SMS's with every prepaid international SIM card

Frequently Asked Questions

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How it works

1. Order your Travel SIM

Find a SIM that suits your travels from our online store - we have data coverage in over 100 destinations worldwide!

Select your delivery method - we dispatch orders daily with Express and Standard shipping options.

2. Receive & Fly

Receive your SIM and get ready to fly! Our SIMs come with everything you need to get started when you touch down at your destination.

Don't forget to download your SIM Quick Guide so you have everything you need to know.

3. Land & Activate

Land at your destination and activate your SIM. All of our SIMs are easy to use with no ID registration needed. Simply plug and play.

Travel connected. You'll be able to navigate, share and connect every step of the way!

Still have questions? Message us.

Chat with us on  Live Chat .

Talk with us on  Facebook .

Leave a message with us here.

We are active from 10AM to 6PM AEST.

Who should use SimsDirect?

Aussie travellers! We are here to help Aussies travel connected.

Our travel SIMs are perfect for Aussies who are going on holiday, visiting friends and family or working abroad.

Check out what our customers have to say about us :)

How do I get started?

Simply find a SIM and order it online. We will be with you every step of the way so if you run into any trouble, just message us and we will be with you as fast as humanly possible!

What are our products?

Our SIMs are local prepaid SIMs from other countries. We import them here to Australia to help Aussies find, buy and use SIM cards while travelling. We source our products from the biggest and best Telco's overseas to ensure our customers have a good experience while travelling.

Can I use these SIMs with my phone?

As long as your phone is unlocked then you can use our SIMs.

Simply take out your Aussie SIM (keep it safe!) and replace it with your new SIM from SimsDirect. When you return home simply dispose of your travel SIM and switch back to your Aussie SIM.

Any of our SIMs that have special phone requirements will have it clearly described in the product descriptions, you can also chat with us to make sure your device is supported.

Can these SIMs be topped up or recharged?

Some of our products are rechargeable but most are not. Seeing as they are SIMs from other countries they usually are too difficult to top up or simply don't allow top up at all. Make sure to read all the details of your SIM before you purchase.

All our SIMs store no personal information so we offer our products with 'multi-SIM' discounts if you need more than 1 SIM. Simply dispose of your SIM and replace it with another prepaid SIM to extend your duration/data usage.

Are there any hidden roaming charges?

Nope. We are here to help you save on your roaming fees . With our prepaid SIMs you get exactly what you pay for with no additional fees or costs. For as little as $2 a day, we offer the best way to travel connected.

How does delivery work?

We ship all orders with Australia Post via Registered (5-7 business days) or Express postage (1-2 business days). We take orders up to 3PM and dispatch orders every day at 4PM from our office in Sydney, NSW.

Tracking is provided with all orders once we have dispatched the order from our office.

If you are concerned there is not enough time then reach out to us and we can try organise someting for you.

Do you have a pick-up location?

We don't do pick-ups generally, but if you are in Sydney and in need of a SIM desperately before you go. Reach out to us and we can try our best to organise a pick-up from our office in Pyrmont. No guarantees as we aren't always available.

What if my SIM doesn't work?

Our SIMs generally have no issues, however, nothing is a guarantee. Sometimes, SIMs have unforseen technical issues that will need some fiddling around to fix.

If you land and your SIM does not work as expected then you will need to:

1. Ensure you have followed all steps in your SIM's digital PDF guide.

2. Reach out to us for support via our live chat, facebook or email us at [email protected]

3. If our technical support can't solve your issues then you will be entitled to our Money Back Guarantee and we will help you find the best local option for the rest of your trip. Please read the terms and conditions of our Money Back Guarantee.

Why is the activation date important?

• We need these dates to activate your SIM card so you can use  it when the SIM is inserted into your device.
• For a seamless experience, make sure the date you insert at checkout is the exact date you want to start using the SIM, not earlier or later.
• Activation can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours.

Not sure on your dates yet?

• You can add in an estimated date for your SIM. Your SIM’s data & validity won’t start until you plug it into your device.
• Once you know your exact dates, please let us know via our live chat or at [email protected] so we can activate it for you at the right time. 

What if you need to change the dates?

• You can reach out to us via our live chat or at [email protected] with your order number so we can change it for you.

About eSIM on iPhone

Learn what an eSIM is, how to set up an eSIM on your iPhone, and how to transfer a physical SIM to an eSIM.

What is eSIM on iPhone?

An eSIM is an industry-standard digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without having to use a physical SIM. You can install eight or more eSIMs on an iPhone and use two phone numbers at the same time.

What you need

An iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later

A wireless carrier or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM

Your new iPhone needs to be connected to a Wi-Fi network.*

eSIM on iPhone is not offered in China mainland. In Hong Kong and Macao, some iPhone models feature eSIM. Learn about using Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards in China mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao . For travelers visiting China mainland who wish to use an eSIM for prepaid data plans, these are offered by many worldwide service providers .

* iPhone 14 models and later that are eSIM only can activate without a Wi-Fi network.

How to set up an eSIM on iPhone

Setting up your eSIM is usually just a matter of turning on your new iPhone and following the onscreen instructions.

You can activate your eSIM while you're setting up your iPhone if your carrier supports eSIM Carrier Activation or eSIM Quick Transfer. With eSIM Carrier Activation, your carrier assigns an eSIM to your iPhone when you purchase it. With eSIM Quick Transfer, you transfer the SIM from your previous iPhone to your new iPhone without contacting your carrier. With either method, to activate your eSIM during setup, turn on your iPhone and follow the instructions.

Some carriers support transferring a phone number from your previous iPhone to your new iPhone without needing to contact them. Make sure that you’re signed in with your Apple ID on both devices, or make sure that your previous iPhone is unlocked, nearby with Bluetooth turned on, and using iOS 16 or later.

You can also use these options later to add or transfer an eSIM. If these options aren't available, contact your carrier to activate your eSIM using a QR code or your carrier's iPhone app.

If you purchased an iPhone 14 model or later in the United States, your iPhone activates with an eSIM. To activate your eSIM using eSIM Carrier Activation, eSIM Quick Transfer, or another activation method, turn on your iPhone and follow the instructions.

Use eSIM Carrier Activation on iPhone

Some carriers and worldwide service providers can assign a new eSIM to your iPhone, making setup easy. This usually happens when you purchase from a carrier and you provide your cellular-plan details. If an eSIM was assigned to your iPhone when you bought it, turn on your iPhone and follow the instructions to activate your eSIM.

If you're switching to iPhone (from an Android phone, for example), contact your carrier to transfer your phone number to your iPhone through eSIM Carrier Activation or by scanning a QR code from your carrier.

If you contacted your carrier for an eSIM after you set up your iPhone, and they set up eSIM Carrier Activation, follow these steps:

When a notification appears that says Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed, tap it.

In the Settings app, tap Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed.

Tap Continue at the bottom of the screen.

Make a call on your iPhone to check its cellular connectivity. If you can't make a call, contact your carrier.

If the plan you activated replaces the plan on your physical SIM, remove your physical SIM. Then restart your iPhone.

Use eSIM Quick Transfer on iPhone

Some carriers support SIM transfers from your previous iPhone to your new iPhone without needing to contact them. You can also convert your current physical SIM card to an eSIM.

If you don't have access to your current iPhone, contact your carrier to transfer your eSIM.

While you're setting up your iPhone, if you're asked to transfer your SIM, follow the onscreen instructions to transfer your physical SIM or eSIM. If you need to transfer more than one SIM to your new iPhone, transfer your additional SIMs following the steps below.

Transfer a physical SIM or eSIM on your previous iPhone to an eSIM on your new iPhone after setup

On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.

Choose a cellular plan to transfer from another iPhone. If you don't see a list of numbers, tap Transfer From Another iPhone. This requires both devices to have iOS 16 or later.

Check for instructions on your previous iPhone to confirm the transfer. To confirm, tap Transfer or, if asked for a verification code, enter the code that's displayed on your new iPhone.

Wait for the cellular plan to activate on your new iPhone. Your previous SIM is deactivated when the cellular plan on your new iPhone activates.

If a banner appears on your new iPhone that says Finish Setting Up Your Carrier's Cellular Plan, tap it. You will be redirected to your carrier's webpage to transfer your eSIM. If you need help, contact your carrier.

Convert a physical SIM to an eSIM on the same iPhone

You can convert a physical SIM to an eSIM on the same iPhone, if your carrier supports it. Follow these steps:

On your iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular.

Tap Convert to eSIM. If you don't see Convert to eSIM, your carrier doesn't support this option. Contact your carrier to move your phone number from your physical SIM to an eSIM using eSIM Carrier Activation or by scanning a QR code.

Tap Convert Cellular Plan.

Tap Convert to eSIM.

Wait for your eSIM to activate. Your previous SIM card is deactivated when the cellular plan on your iPhone activates.

Remove the physical SIM from your iPhone. Then restart your iPhone.

Use a QR code

You can use a QR code from your carrier to set up eSIM on your iPhone.

To activate your eSIM while setting up your iPhone:

When you get to the Set Up Cellular screen, tap Use QR code.

Follow the onscreen instructions.

To activate your eSIM after you set up your iPhone, contact your carrier to get a QR code. Then follow these steps:

Open the Camera app and scan your QR code. When the Cellular Plan Detected notification appears, tap it.

If you’re using an iPhone with iOS 17.4 or later and you receive a QR code from your carrier in an email, or from the carrier webpage, touch and hold the QR code, then tap Add eSIM.

Tap Add Cellular Plan.

If you’re asked to enter a confirmation code to activate your eSIM, enter the number that your carrier provided.

Other eSIM activation methods

Some carriers may send you a link instead of a QR code to download your eSIM.

On your iPhone with iOS 17.4 or later, tap the link to set up your eSIM.

When the Activate New eSIM notification appears, tap Allow.

If your carrier supports activating eSIM using an app, download your carrier’s app from the App Store and follow the instructions.

Enter the eSIM information manually if necessary

Contact your carrier to get the eSIM details you need to enter.

Go to Settings.

Tap either Cellular or Mobile Data.

Tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom of your iPhone screen.

If you can't set up an eSIM .

If necessary, erase your eSIM .

Learn how to use Dual SIM with eSIM .

Find wireless carriers and worldwide services providers that offer eSIM service .

Use eSIM while traveling abroad with your iPhone .

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