Frequently Asked Questions

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a programmable chip built into your device. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, you download a carrier profile digitally via QR code. The profile contains all the authentication credentials needed to connect to the carrier's network. You can store multiple profiles and switch between them without handling any hardware.

Yes, and this is highly recommended for nomads. Purchase your plan, scan the QR code over home Wi-Fi, and the profile is installed. Most plans activate on first use in the destination country. You arrive connected from the moment you land — no searching for carrier stores or airport SIM kiosks.

Keep your home SIM for calls and SMS (maintaining your home number for clients). Set the eSIM as your default data line. Enable data roaming on the eSIM. On iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Default Data Line → select eSIM. On Android: Settings → Network → SIM cards → set eSIM as preferred data SIM. This configuration lets you receive calls on your home number while using local data rates.

Contact your eSIM provider immediately to suspend the profile. Unlike a physical SIM, an eSIM cannot be physically removed and used in another device — it is tied to your device's EID. When you get a new device, contact your provider about profile transfer options. Keep your provider's support contact details backed up separately from your phone.

Usage varies by work type. Email and Slack: 1–3GB/month. Regular video calls (1 hour/day): 10–15GB/month. Heavy video calls and streaming: 20–30GB/month. Hotspot for laptop as primary internet: 30–50GB/month. Most nomads who use co-working spaces as their primary work environment need 10–20GB/month on eSIM.

Yes, via hotspot/tethering. Enable hotspot on your phone and connect your laptop. eSIM hotspot works identically to physical SIM hotspot. For work requiring consistent high speeds, ensure your plan explicitly supports tethering and has sufficient data. For video calls and file uploads, 4G LTE speeds (20–50 Mbps) are generally adequate.

Regional plans cover a defined list of countries — typically 30–40 European destinations. Always verify the specific country list before purchasing. Most plans cover all EU member states plus Switzerland, Norway, and the UK. Some extend to Turkey and Balkan countries. Check coverage for any non-EU destinations on your itinerary.

Behavior depends on your plan. Most plans either stop data service (you can top up or purchase a new plan) or throttle to very slow speeds (2G/128kbps). Some plans automatically renew. Monitor usage in your device settings to avoid unexpected cutoffs during important work sessions.

All iPhones from XS and XR (2018) onwards support eSIM. This includes iPhone XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 series, and iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation). The iPhone 14 US model is eSIM-only with no physical SIM tray.

Samsung Galaxy S20 and later flagship models support eSIM, as do Z Fold and Z Flip foldables. However, some regional variants have eSIM disabled. Check Settings → Network → SIM cards for an "Add eSIM" option. If absent, your device may be carrier-locked or a regional variant without eSIM.

Most likely your device is carrier-locked. Contact your home carrier to request an unlock. This is usually free after your contract period ends. Some carriers unlock immediately upon request. Once unlocked, eSIM should become available. If the device remains locked, consider purchasing an unlocked device for nomadic use.

1. Restart your device. 2. Check Settings to ensure eSIM is set as active data line. 3. Enable data roaming on the eSIM profile. 4. Toggle airplane mode on/off. 5. Manually select network (Settings → Carrier → Manual). 6. Contact your provider to verify profile activation status on their end.

Yes. Factory reset removes all eSIM profiles. Before resetting, contact your provider about re-download options. Keep your QR code email backed up. Some providers allow profile recovery within 24–48 hours. For nomads, always back up your provider's support contact before any device maintenance.

Check: remaining high-speed data allocation, network type (2G/3G/4G/5G indicator), signal strength, and whether you are in a known weak coverage area. Run a speed test and compare against plan specifications. If speeds are consistently below expectations, contact your provider — some plans route through distant servers, adding latency.