What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a SIM built into your iPhone. Instead of a plastic card, you install a mobile plan as a download.
How a travel eSIM works
A travel eSIM is a prepaid data plan for the country or region you're visiting. You buy it in the Simaya app, install it on your iPhone over Wi-Fi before you leave, and turn its line on when you land. Your iPhone then uses it for mobile data while your usual line keeps your number.
eSIM or a local SIM card?
With an eSIM there's no shop to find at the airport and no card to swap, and you keep your usual SIM in place. A local SIM card can come with a local phone number, which a data only eSIM doesn't include.
eSIM or roaming?
Roaming uses your own plan abroad, at your carrier's rates and terms. A prepaid eSIM has a fixed price you see before you buy, and it ends when its data or days run out, so there's nothing more to pay.
Local, regional or global plans
A local plan covers one country. A regional plan covers several on one eSIM, such as Europe or Asia. A global plan covers more than a hundred destinations for long trips. Simaya has plans for 204 countries and territories.
What you need
- An iPhone that supports eSIM and isn't locked to one carrier. See compatible iPhones.
- Wi-Fi to install the eSIM, ideally a few days before you travel.
- Data Roaming turned on for the travel line once you arrive.
Get Simaya on your iPhone
Simaya is getting ready for its App Store launch. Plans are sold in the app and paid through your Apple Account.