How to Buy an eSIM Online
There are a few common ways to purchase an eSIM online, all of which are fast and can be done from your phone or computer.
1. From a Dedicated eSIM Provider
Many eSIM companies let you buy and install a plan directly through our websites or mobile apps. The process is straightforward:
- Visit the provider’s site
- Choose a destination or regional plan (e.g. Global, Europe)
- Select the amount of data you need
- Pay securely
- Install your eSIM via QR code or in-app setup
2. Through Travel Booking Platforms
Some travel platforms bundle eSIMs with flights, hotel bookings, or activities. These can be convenient for package travelers but not all platforms offer eSIMs all-year round. It's often faster to go directly to the providers as we're always selling our eSIMs.
3. Via Your Mobile Carrier
Some mobile carriers offer international eSIM plans, but these are usually more expensive, limited to postpaid users, and may require contract activation. You may also encounter reduced data speeds or hidden roaming costs.
How to Choose the Best eSIM
Understand Your Data Needs
Estimate your daily usage and travel duration:
- Light users (messaging, email): 1GB per week
- Moderate (social media, maps): 2-3GB per week
- Heavy (video calls, streaming): 1-2GB per day
eSIM Validity and Start Time
Not all eSIMs handle start time the same way. With some providers, the validity period begins the moment you purchase or install the eSIM, even if you haven’t connected to a network yet. This can lead to wasted days if you buy your eSIM in advance but don’t use it immediately.
eSIM Expiration Clause
Most travel eSIMs expire as soon as your data plan runs out, even if you still have the eSIM installed on your device. This means once your plan ends, the eSIM becomes unusable, and you’ll need to reinstall a brand new one if you want to buy more data. This can be frustrating if you're mid-trip or switching between regions.
eSIM Reinstallation Limits
Many eSIM providers do not allow reinstallation and could charge a replacement fee. This could make it inconvenience you when you need to transfer your eSIM to another iPhone or Android phones.
eSIM Universal Usage
Some companies require you to install many eSIMs for different countries. That means a lot of manual configuration that could lead to activation issues. Eskimo eSIMs work with all our data plans. This allows you to get any data plan in our network coverage without installing multiple eSIMs.
How to Buy and Activate Your eSIM
Buying an eSIM takes under 5 minutes. Here’s the typical flow:
Step 1: Select a Provider and Plan
Go to your chosen provider (like Eskimo) and:
- Choose your country or region
- Pick a plan based on how much data you need
- Check the plan’s duration and whether it's renewable
Step 2: Create an Account
Some sites allow purchases using guest accounts, but most require you to create an account. For Eskimo, you can sign up or log in using your social media account, email or mobile number.
Step 3: Pay Securely
Most providers accept:
- Credit and debit cards
- Apple Pay and Google Pay
- PayPal
Step 4: Install Your eSIM
Once payment is complete, you’ll receive either:
- A QR code to activate your eSIM on your iPhone or Android
- With Eskimo, you can have a simpler activation process by using our Direct in-app install for your iPhone and Android
Step 5: Connect to a Network
Once at your destination, turn on mobile data and connect to a supported network. No need to configure anything manually.
Eskimo eSIMs work in 130+ countries on top-tier local carriers.
Why Buy Your eSIM from Eskimo?
Eskimo makes online eSIM shopping painless and flexible:
- Get free 500MB Global Data with your first signup; try before you buy
- 2-Year Validity on all plans. Keep your data without rush
- 5-Time Reinstallation, in case you need to switch phones
- Instant Data Transfers to friends via mobile number (only if they have an Eskimo eSIM)
- Data Rollover refreshes all your data plans validity back to 2 years when you top up
- One eSIM for All Countries means you just need to install once to use our eSIM in our coverage
- Cashback Perks from partners like Booking.com and Viator
- Refunds Available if you have not used your data plans, no questions asked.
All this makes Eskimo one of the most traveler-friendly eSIMs you can buy online.
FAQs
How do I know if my phone supports eSIM?
Go to Settings > About > and check for “Digital SIM” or “eSIM” in your phone settings. Or refer to our full guide on eSIM compatibility by device.
Can I install an eSIM before traveling?
Yes, with providers like Eskimo, you can install your eSIM anytime. Your plan only starts when you connect at your destination.
Do I need Wi-Fi to install an eSIM?
Yes, you must be online (via Wi-Fi or mobile data) to download and activate your eSIM.
Can I use multiple eSIMs?
Yes, modern phones support storing multiple eSIM profiles, with iPhones typically being able to have up to 8 eSIM profiles stored at once.
What happens if I run out of data?
For most companies, you'd need to buy a new data plans and often times, this means reinstalling a new eSIM. Eskimo allows you to top up your eSIM without reinstallation.
