An eSIM is simply a digital version of the physical SIM card in your mobile device that is used to connect that device to mobile networks.

If your device supports eSIM, then you will be able to download an eSIM and create a second line on your phone. Check device compatibility here.

When you purchase an Always Mobile travel data plan, we will send you a QR code link to download the eSIM to your device.

eSIMs enable a second line on your mobile device allowing data usage separate from your "Primary" line and your home country mobile carrier's data plan.

You can:

Add a local data plan when you travel outside of the country or region to avoid roaming charges..

Add a local data plan if you need extra data above and beyond your current monthly plan to avoid data overage charges.

Use eSIM for data and keep your voice line separate to save on monthly data costs.

iPhone: You must have iOS 12.1 or later. Check Device compatibility.

Android: Many Android devices support eSIMs. Check Device compatibility and scroll down to the section on Android.

Important: Your device must be "unlocked". When you buy a device with a contract from a mobile operator, it is common practice for them to lock the connectivity from any other supplier. In this case, your device will be considered "locked," at least until your contract expires. You can check with your operator to see if there is anything you can do to unlock the eSIM in your device.

Only data service is available. Voice Calls and SMS/Text Messaging is not available with our eSIMs.

For iPhone devices, iMessage and Facetime can be used with your eSIM. See the next 2 FAQs for instructions.

Many customers use their phone's WiFi calling feature or third party apps for messaging and voice call needs while using their eSIM data plan.

Here is some useful information to consider when deciding how much data you will need:

As a guide, 1GB of data would allow you to do the following:

• Stream roughly 8 hours of music
• Send or receive approximately 1,000 emails
• Send over 1.5 million text messages (without pictures or video)

A standard definition movie of approximately 2 hours in length will consume about 2GB of data.

A high definition (1080p) movie of approximately 2 hours in length will consume about 6GB of data.

To use iMessage with your eSIM, go to iPhone "Settings".

Scroll down and click on "Apps".

Scroll down and click on "Messages".

Click "Send & Receive".

Uncheck your telephone number and and check on "Use Apple Account for iMessage".

You can now send and receive messages with iMessage.

To use FaceTime with your eSIM, go to your iPhone "Settings".

Scroll down and click on "Apps".

Scroll down and click on "FaceTime".

Scroll down to the section "You Can Be Reached By FaceTIme At".

Uncheck your telephone number.

Then click on "Use your Apple Account for Facetime".

You will now be able to send a FaceTime call invite from the FaceTime app. The recipient will receive a link in iMessage to join the call.

During the store check-out process you will be asked to provide your email address.

After purchase you will receive two emails from Always Mobile. The first is your Order Confirmation (receipt). The second email contains installation instructions and usage tips for your eSIM. If you do not receive these emails within 2 minutes of your order, please check your email Spam/Junk folder.

Scan the QR code contained in the second email to begin the eSIM installation process and follow the iPhone Installation Guide or the Android Installation Guide.

If you are in your home country and you try to use your eSIM purchased for a international destination, your phone will display "Could not activate cellular data network". This message is normal as your eSIM will only activate once you reach the international destination covered by your eSIM data plan.

Upon arrival at your destination, if you are unable to connect to the local data network please review the following:

1. Ensure your phone is not set to Airplane Mode

2. Ensure your primary line is set to OFF.

3. Ensure your eSIM line is set to ON.

4. Ensure Data Roaming under your eSIM line is set to ON.

5. If you are unable to connect after following the above steps, some phones may require a reset of the APN Settings. To reset:

For iPhone users:

a. Click Settings>>Cellular

b. Click on the eSIM line and then Cellular Data Network.

Scroll to the bottom of this screen and click Reset Settings and then power cycle your phone OFF the ON again.

For Android users:

a. Go to Settings>>Network & Internet (note this may be labelled differently eg: "Connections" in different Android devices / versions)

b. Go to Mobile Network. Scroll down to Access Point Names and click on it.

c. Click on the three dot menu symbol in the upper right of your screen. Click on Reset to Default, then Reset. Then power cycle your phone OFF then ON again.

If the issue persists, you may need to manually enter the APN. The APN settings for your eSIM can be found by following the link contained in the email with the QR Code.

Please contact service@always-mobile.com if you need additional assistance.

A note for travelers to Japan: The APN for Japan is mobile.three.com.hk You may need to enter this value manually in the APN (and Hotspot APN) fields.

A note for travelers to Turkey or Georgia: The APN for these countries is: isp You may need to enter this value manually in the APN fields on your device.

Available speeds for each destination are listed on the product pages.

5G is available across many of our destinations and availability continues to expand all the time.

4G service is available in all our countries with the exception of The Dominican Republic which currently offers 3G speed only.

Local network speeds will vary according to the local network configuration. 

The actual usage time of data plans start according to your eSIM's first connection to the local network when you arrive at your destination.

It is a good idea to have you eSIM installed before you arrive at your destination.

To check your data usage and validity period, please follow the link in the email you received containing the QR Code for your eSIM (Subject line "Your new eSIM....").

For some orders, you cannot view the data usage. You can go to Settings > Cellular on your iPhone to find out how much cellular data you're using. 

Always Mobile provides all customers with Easy Top-Up.

Follow the link contained in the QR Code email. Then scroll down to the Top Up section to see options available.

Customers will also receive an email:

1. When they activate their eSIM on the destination network;

2. When they reach a low data balance of less than 100 MB of data remaining;

3. When they reach 1 day of validity remaining.

In these emails, customers can click the top-up option desired and proceed to check-out for purchase.

The data and date validity will be added to the customer's existing eSIM - so no need to go through the installation or activation process again.

Make sure that Data Roaming for your eSIM is set to "On".

Turn off Data Roaming on your "Primary" line.

Dual SIM on iPhone offers you the freedom to get separate voice/SMS and data plans. At this stage, only cellular data is available on our eSIM platform. Therefore, after you scan a QR code to add the eSIM, please label it "Secondary" on the "Cellular Plan Labels" page, and then go to the "Default Line" page, choose "Use [Secondary] for cellular data only." You will see a little pop-up "Uncertified Cellular Plan," just click "OK." For more questions about Dual SIM, please check the official document on Apple's website: Apple Dual SIM Support.

No, but the same device can rescan the same QR code.

Check your email for the original email from us containing the QR code or email us at service@always-mobile.com

Yes, your physical SIM can still work. We suggest turning off data roaming on your "Primary" line and turning on "WiFi Calling".

You can use your phone's delete eSIM function.

Yes! You can find more information about our Affiliate Program here.

To become an Affiliate please register here.