aloSIM provides eSIM data plans in 200+ destinations with simple setup and transparent pricing. Plans are available on a pay-per-GB basis, so you only pay for what you use.
Every plan includes:
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card added directly into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical plastic SIM card, you install an eSIM in about 90 seconds (either by tapping a button or scanning a QR code) and it’s yours to keep forever.
How does an eSIM work? Well, if your phone is eSIM compatible, you can connect to mobile networks without visiting a store or swapping hardware. Travellers use eSIMs to buy local data plans in 200+ countries and avoid expensive roaming charges on their regular phone bill.
This guide explains what is eSIM, how does eSIM work, which devices support it, how to set it up, and what to look for in a travel eSIM provider.
aloSIM works in 200+ destinations and includes a free international phone number from Hushed with every plan
An eSIM and a physical SIM card do the same job — they connect your phone to a carrier network. The difference is how they are installed and used. An eSIM is added to your phone and activated digitally, while a physical SIM card must be inserted manually.
| Factor | eSIM | Physical SIM |
|---|---|---|
| Activation | One-touch installation QR code installation, activates automatically when you arrive at your destination | Insert physical SIM card, manual setup required, limits access to regular SIM |
| Setup timing | Before departure or on arrival | Must obtain in person or by mail |
| Multiple plans | Store multiple profiles | One per slot |
| Cost | Pay-per-GB plans | Carrier-dependent |
| Availability | 200+ countries | Depends on carrier |
| Phone number | Data-only — aloSIM includes free Hushed number | Included |
| Environmental impact | No plastic | Plastic waste |
An eSIM removes the need for physical hardware while giving you more flexibility. You can switch plans without swapping cards and store multiple carrier profiles on one device.
An eSIM works by downloading a carrier profile onto your phone’s embedded SIM chip. This profile connects your device to a mobile network, just like a physical SIM.
Buy a plan online at alosim.com or in the free aloSIM app
Tap ‘Install Now’ to begin installation (or scan the provided QR code)
Your phone downloads the carrier profile and connects instantly when you arrive at your destination. Modern smartphones can store multiple eSIM profiles, so you can switch between plans without removing anything. Keep your eSIM to reuse it on future trips to the same destination.
Automatic installation:
In your aloSIM app, tap ‘Install eSIM’ to begin the installation process immediately. This takes about 60 seconds from start to finish.
QR code installation:
In your aloSIM app, tap ‘Install eSIM. Share the QR code to another device so you can scan it off the screen, and the installation process will take about 60 seconds.
Manual installation:
In your aloSIM app, tap ‘Install eSIM’ and select ‘Manual’ to locate your activation codes. On your iPhone, go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code → Enter Details Manually. Paste in the provided activation codes to kick-start your 60-second installation.
iPhone XR and newer models support eSIM. iPhone 14 (US models) uses eSIM only, with no physical SIM slot. You can run dual SIM, keeping your home number active while using your eSIM for travel data.
Automatic installation:
In your aloSIM app, tap ‘Install eSIM’ to begin the installation process immediately. Your eSIM will install on your Samsung phone in less than 60 seconds.
QR code installation:
In your aloSIM app, tap ‘Install eSIM’ and select ‘QR code.’ Save the QR code to upload under Settings/Connections/SIM manager, or share the QR code to another device so you can scan it off the screen. The installation process will take about 60 seconds.
Manual installation:
In your aloSIM app, tap ‘Install eSIM’ and select ‘Manual’ to copy your activation code. On your Samsung, go to Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM. Select the QR code option, and then tap ‘Enter activation code’ to paste the code you copied. The installation will take under 60 seconds.
Automatic installation:
In your aloSIM app, tap ‘Install eSIM’ to begin the installation process immediately. Your eSIM will install on your Samsung phone in less than 60 seconds.
QR code installation:
In your aloSIM app, tap ‘Install eSIM’ and select ‘QR code.’ Save the QR code to upload under Settings/Network & Internet/SIMs, or share the QR code to another device so you can scan it off the screen. The installation process will take about 60 seconds.
Manual installation:
In your aloSIM app, tap ‘Install eSIM’ and select ‘Manual’ to copy your activation code. On your Google Pixel, go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM. Select the QR code option, and then tap ‘Enter activation code’ to paste the code you copied. The installation will take under 60 seconds.
In your aloSIM app, tap ‘Install eSIM’ and choose from Automatic, QR code, or Manual installation options. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Most Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3+, and newer Android devices support eSIM. Menu names may vary slightly by manufacturer, but the process is similar.
Most phones released after 2018 support eSIM if they are carrier-unlocked.
Compatible devices include:
If your phone is locked to a carrier, you need to unlock it before using a third-party eSIM. Sometimes phones on payment plans will be prohibited from accessing other networks, even on vacation.
Setting up an eSIM takes 2–3 minutes and requires no technical expertise.
Data plans activate instantly if you’re already located in the correct destination. If you’re setting up your eSIM prior to travel, your eSIM will remain in the ‘Ready to use’ state until you arrive.
Walkthrough guide: How to install an eSIM on iPhone
When choosing an eSIM provider, focus on practical factors that affect your experience.
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of a physical SIM card built into your phone. An eSIM enables you to install and activate different data plans by scanning a QR code (or tapping a button) instead of inserting a physical card. Most modern smartphones support eSIM technology.
An eSIM works by downloading a carrier profile onto your phone. After scanning a QR code, your phone connects to a mobile network just like a physical SIM, but without hardware.
Yes. eSIM uses the same carrier-level encryption as physical SIM cards. It cannot be physically removed, which reduces the risk of theft or SIM swapping.
Yes. Most modern phones have dual SIM functionality, allowing you to use your regular SIM card for calls/texts and an eSIM for data.
eSIM availability depends on the provider. aloSIM offers plans in 200+ destinations around the globe, with coverage varying by location.
Differences include pricing, coverage, network quality, and features. aloSIM includes a free Hushed phone number, while many competitors offer data-only plans.
Yes. Your phone must be carrier-unlocked to use a third-party eSIM. Check with your carrier if you are unsure whether your phone is unlocked prior to purchasing an eSIM.
Setup takes around 2-3 minutes. After purchase, scan the QR code (or use the free aloSIM app for a one-touch installation). Your eSIM installs immediately, and your data plan activates automatically upon arrival.
An eSIM is a downloadable SIM card. With the free aloSIM app, you can purchase prepaid data in 200+ countries and never pay roaming charges.
Buy a prepaid
data package
Choose from 200+ countries and regions worldwide.
Download a
SIM card (eSIM)
Most newer phones and tablets can already accept eSIMs.
Activate your
data package
Arrive in your destination and activate your data package.
Enjoy steady
mobile data
You’ll have a prepaid internet connection anywhere you go.
Most newer phones already support eSIMs (downloadable SIM cards). Your device must be unlocked, and free to join new networks.
Not sure if your phone can use eSIM? Use our free eSIM compatibility checker to answer a few questions, and we’ll tell you.
Everyone’s data usage is different, especially when you’re on vacation. Try our travel data calculator to estimate how much data you’ll want, based on your usual online activities.
It’s no problem if you run out of data! You can top up your eSIM with a new data package anytime, but wi-Fi or data will be required to complete the purchase.
Yes! You have plenty of options when it comes to calling and texting with eSIM. Depending on your carrier, you may be able to use your regular phone number, but many aloSIM users find it cheaper to pair their eSIM with an internet phone number from our partner app, Hushed.
Anytime you’re travelling internationally, it’s important to understand how to prevent your phone carrier back home from adding roaming charges to your next bill. We’ll walk you through how to make sure this doesn’t happen.
Depending on your device, you might be able to have a travel eSIM active alongside your primary SIM. We’ll show you how to switch between different SIMs so you can stay in control over which SIMs are active on vacation.
