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Basics
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into modern phones. Instead of inserting a plastic card, you scan a QR code and your phone activates a new mobile line. Most phones made after 2019 support it.
There's nothing physical to swap. You can hold up to 8 eSIMs on most iPhones and switch between them with a tap. Your home SIM keeps working alongside the eSIM, so you stay reachable on your normal number while using gosimless data abroad.
Two minutes on average. You scan the QR we email you, choose "use as data line", and the eSIM connects to a local partner network the moment you arrive at your destination.
Yes. Install at home over WiFi, then enable the line when you land. That way you're online the second airplane mode comes off — without needing data to install.
Compatibility
Yes if your phone is iPhone XS or newer, Pixel 3 or newer, Galaxy S20 or newer, or any unlocked phone made after 2019 that lists eSIM support. Locked carrier phones may need to be unlocked first — most carriers do this for free.
You'll need to unlock it first. Most carriers unlock phones for free if your contract is in good standing — check with your provider before traveling.
On eSIM-capable iPads and Galaxy Tabs, yes. Apple Watch and Pixel Watch support eSIM but for a phone-paired number, not for travel data — that goes on your phone.
Pricing & refunds
gosimless is often cheaper per gigabyte than household-name eSIM apps for the same destination and same local carrier networks. You can see current side-by-side prices on the eSIMs page.
No. Every eSIM is one-off. You buy what you need and the eSIM ends when the data is used or the validity expires. No surprise charges.
If your eSIM doesn't activate or doesn't work as advertised, contact support within 30 days for a full refund. We don't refund used data, but unused eSIMs are refundable.
The validity countdown starts when you first connect to a network at your destination — not when you buy the eSIM. So if your flight gets pushed back, you're still fine.
Using your eSIM
Yes. Your home SIM stays active for calls and SMS while the gosimless eSIM handles your data. Your bank's 2FA codes still arrive on your normal number.
Yes. All our eSIMs support hotspot/tethering at no extra cost. Share data with your laptop, tablet, or travel buddy.
You get the same 4G/5G speeds the local carrier offers — usually faster than hotel WiFi. We partner with first-tier networks like NTT Docomo, AT&T, Vodafone, Telstra, and Airtel.
Most eSIMs are data-only, which is what travelers actually use. For calls, use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Google Voice over the data line.
Yes. You can install as many gosimless eSIMs as your phone allows (8 on most iPhones, up to 5 on Pixel/Samsung). Switch between them in Settings as you cross borders. You can also purchase regional eSIMs. These eSIMs cover more than one country
Privacy
No. We don't inspect your traffic — the local carrier handles your packets, not us. We don't sell or share your data with advertisers or partners. We're GDPR-native and built in the EU.
Yes, from a single screen in your account settings. We delete your data within 30 days as required by GDPR.