Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected while traveling?
You’ve probably heard of the term “eSIM” popping up more when it comes to travel essentials, alongside must-haves like travel insurance. It stands for embedded Subscriber Identity Module — fancy jargon, but what is an eSIM exactly?
In this eSIM guide, we’ll explain what an eSIM is, how it works, the differences between eSIM and a regular SIM, the advantages of eSIM, and a list of devices that are eSIM- compatible.
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What is an eSIM card?
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, functions similarly to a traditional SIM card — providing mobile data but without the physical form. This technology enables our devices like smartphones and tablets to connect to cellular networks without the need to swap out your physical SIM card!
Travelers can activate cellular plans directly from their devices, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. This means you don’t have to waste time looking for SIM card shops upon landing in a new country or deal with physical SIM swaps — so there’s no risk of losing your original SIM card!
eSIM vs. traditional SIM card for travel
![[Global] Benefits of Klook eSIM](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_1000/v1716256352/bahyz6uh6lxogmqndsch.jpg)
A traditional physical SIM card is a removable chip that's inserted into your device to connect to a mobile network. Unlike removable SIM cards, an eSIM is integrated directly into newer smartphones during manufacturing, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card.
A key advantage of eSIMs over physical SIM cards is convenience. With an eSIM, users can switch between mobile networks seamlessly without the hassle of swapping removable SIM cards.
This is especially beneficial for travelers or individuals who frequently switch between different network providers. You won’t face the issue of potentially losing your main SIM card while traveling — which can be a pain to replace — plus eSIMs are more environmentally-friendly since they are not disposable like single-use physical SIM cards!
Where can I purchase an eSIM for my next trip?
You can purchase an eSIM for your upcoming trip on Klook! Klook offers a wide range of affordable high-speed 4G/5G eSIMs that cover multiple destinations starting from just USD$0.59.
Choose between 1 to 30 days of validity (depending on the duration of your trip) and the amount of data required. After purchasing, you can activate your eSIM directly on the Klook app, eliminating the hassle of scanning a QR code.
![[Global] Klook eSIM Countries Available](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_1000/v1716257727/f9igkjcqjiqsyhhwpwvo.jpg)
Country eSIM Plans
If you plan to visit only one country, local eSIMs are sufficient:
- Singapore (from USD$0.79)
- Malaysia (from USD$0.59)
- Thailand (from USD$0.85)
- Indonesia (from USD$1.09)
- India (from USD$3.79)
- South Korea (from USD$1.15)
- Japan (from USD$1.50)
- Australia (from USD$1.49)
- New Zealand (from USD$1.99)
- United States (from USD$2.19)
- Canada (from USD$5.89)
Regional eSIM Plans
If you plan to visit multiple countries, these regional eSIM plans are a better choice:
- Europe: Covers 36 countries, including Turkey (from USD$2.49)
- United Kingdom: Covers England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (from USD$2.49)
- North America: Covers USA, Canada, and Mexico (from USD$5.80)
With a wide range of affordable plans, seamless activation, and round-the-clock support, eSIM services ensure you stay connected wherever your wanderlust takes you!
Unsure about what eSIM plan to get? Check out our eSIM for International Travel Guide to determine if you'll need a data per day or total data plan, and how much data to get.
![[Global] Staying Online with Klook eSIM](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_550,h_356/v1716266296/mqjzsuei6zdjytatmt11.jpg)
Which phones support eSIM?
Before purchasing an eSIM for your trip, it’s important to check whether your device is eSIM compatible.
Most iPhone models after the iPhone 11 line are eSIM-compatible. This includes the iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12 iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and iPhone XS/XR. Note that eSIM on iPhone is not offered in Mainland China and Hong Kong.
Apart from iPhones, several Android smartphones also support eSIM technology. These include Google Pixel devices, Samsung Galaxy series, Huawei, Motorola, Xiaomi, and Oppo.
You can see the full list of eSIM-compatible phones here.
![[Global] eSIM Compatible Devices](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_550,h_356/v1716259670/ckyu0xbi1p5ayp26fcir.jpg)
If you check the eSIM package directly on the Klook app, you’ll be able to see if your device is compatible.
![[Global] Klook eSIM Device Compatibility](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_1000/v1716260029/p2zyrdnawnifrow6iafk.jpg)
How do I set up an eSIM on my device?
After purchasing your eSIM on Klook, it'll only take a few steps to install and activate it.
1. Find your purchased eSIM order under “My Orders”
2. Before your trip, install the eSIM by scanning a QR code provided in the booking details OR activate it directly on the Klook app
![[Global] Activating the Klook eSIM (Pre-trip)](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_1000/v1716258219/cxvzdpiwzf6updw3296q.jpg)
3. When you arrive at your destination, head to your phone settings and switch to your eSIM. The eSIM is only activated after you connect to the local network.
![[Global] Activating the Klook eSIM (Upon Arrival)](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_1000/v1716258256/pky8hsyn59x2sf7uxjoi.jpg)
The eSIM is valid for your selected duration after activation on a 24-hour basis. For example, if you purchased a 3-day eSIM and activated it on 1 Oct at 9PM, it will be valid until 4 Oct 9PM.
Once activated, you can switch between different networks without needing to physically insert a new SIM card. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for frequent travelers or individuals who require multiple network options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are eSIMs better than SIM cards?
For travelers, eSIMs offer greater convenience than traditional SIM cards. They can be easily installed beforehand, which allows you to enjoy internet connection the moment you land in a new country.
Furthermore, you won’t have to worry about losing your physical SIM card since there is no need to swap out SIM cards.
How many eSIMs can I have on my device?
Most smartphones allow you to store multiple eSIMs.
You can store 8 or more eSIMs on compatible iPhones and use two phone numbers at the same time. iPhone 14 and 15 can have two eSIMs activated at the same time.
Most Android devices allow between 5 to 7 eSIMs installed, with one active at a time.
Where can I buy eSIMs?
You can purchase eSIMs on the Klook app and the Klook website.
What's the price of an eSIM?
The price of eSIMs differs depending on the country you’re visiting and the number of days you will use it.
Local eSIM high-speed Internet plans start at just USD$0.59 (varies from country to country). Regional eSIM high-speed Internet plans start at just USD$2.49 (varies from region to region).
How to use an eSIM?
If you book an eSIM via the Klook app, you can activate directly in-app.
Alternatively, if you book through the Klook website, activate the eSIM by scanning a QR code provided in your booking details. Simply scan the QR code, and follow the prompts to add a cellular plan.
Once activated, you'll enjoy high-speed internet connection!
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