Everything you need to know about travel eSIM
Heading abroad and fed up with juggling SIM cards and unpredictable roaming charges? eSIM is for you. This quietly brilliant little technology changes the way you stay connected on the road. Simpler, more flexible, more affordable.
Let's look at how it works and why it might just become your new travel essential.
eSIM in a nutshell
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone. No physical card to insert. You download your plan by scanning a QR code, and you're online. In a matter of minutes.
Why does it matter? You cross a border, you switch plans. Right from your seat. No hunting for a phone shop. No card lost somewhere in your luggage.
Why eSIM changes the game for travellers
You travel lighter
Remember the ritual? Hunt for a pin, pop out your SIM, tuck it somewhere "safe" (then spend two hours looking for it), and start over at every border. With eSIM, that's all gone. Everything is digital. Everything lives in your phone.
You stay in control
You land in Bangkok. Your eSIM connects to the local network straight away. You book your taxi, message your family, check your itinerary. No waiting, no stress.
Classic roaming? Almost always means a nasty bill at the end. eSIM lets you pick exactly what you need: the right plan, for the right country, at the right price.
You get real flexibility
Travelling through Southeast Asia for a month? Activate a regional plan. Heading from Europe to the US? Switch between profiles in a few taps. You can even keep your home number active to take the calls that matter.
Travel tip: Activate your eSIM before you fly. The moment you land, you're good to go. No queues, no airport panic.
The real day-to-day benefits of eSIM
Instant activation
Buy your plan online. Get a QR code by email. Scan it. Done. The whole thing takes under 5 minutes.
Worldwide coverage
With Roamance, you have access to more than 140 destinations. Whether you're heading to Patagonia or Japan, there's a plan waiting for you.
Multiple profiles on one device
Keep your home SIM active for calls. Use a local eSIM for data. Or store several profiles and flip between them as you go. One for Europe, one for Asia, one for the Americas.
Real savings
Local plans regularly cost 3 to 5 times less than international roaming. You stay in control of your spending. No unpleasant surprises.
Better for the planet
No plastic. No shipping. No waste. eSIM is 100% digital. A small choice that makes travel a little more responsible.
How to buy and set up your eSIM
Step 1: Check compatibility
Most recent smartphones support eSIM. Here's how to find out:
iPhone: Settings > Cellular Data > Add a Data Plan
Android: Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager
Your phone also needs to be unlocked. If you can see the eSIM option in your settings, you're all set.
Compatible devices: iPhone XS and later, Google Pixel 3 and above, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and most high-end models released after 2019.
Step 2: Choose your plan
With Roamance, pick:
- Your destination (or destinations if you're travelling to several countries)
- How long you'll be away
- How much data you actually need (streaming, browsing, emails)
Everything is upfront. No hidden fees.
Step 3: Receive and install
- Order your plan online
- Get a QR code instantly by email
- Scan the code from your phone's settings
- Activate your eSIM
Installation takes under 5 minutes. Stuck at any point? Our support team walks you through it.
→ See the full installation guide
Step 4: Test before you leave
Activate your eSIM before you travel. Make sure everything works at home. That way you land stress-free.
How to pick the right eSIM for you
Think about your itinerary
Visiting a single country? Go with a dedicated local plan. Moving through several destinations? A regional or global plan will serve you better.
Work out how much data you need
- Light use (emails, messages, maps): 1 to 3 GB is usually enough
- Moderate use (social media, photos): 5 to 10 GB is a safe bet
- Heavy use (streaming, video calls, sharing photos and videos): 15 GB or more
Check the network coverage
With Roamance, you connect to the best local operators in each country. You get the same 4G/5G experience as locals, not a patchy backup connection.
Look at what's included
Some plans include:
- Calls and SMS
- Hotspot sharing
- 5G in select areas
- 24/7 customer support
Tips for the best experience
✓ Activate your eSIM before you leave
You skip the stress of setting it up at the airport. And you know everything is working before you walk out the door.
✓ Keep your main line active
Most phones handle two lines at once. Use your physical SIM for calls, your eSIM for data. Best of both worlds.
✓ Keep an eye on your usage
With the Roamance app, you track your data in real time. You always know where you stand. And if you need more, topping up takes seconds.
✓ Save your eSIM details
Screenshot your QR code and save your login details. If you switch devices or run into a problem, reinstalling is straightforward.
✓ Check for local restrictions
In some countries, access to certain services may be limited. A quick check before departure saves you from finding out the hard way.
Security: your data is protected
eSIM uses advanced encryption. Your personal data stays secure. You travel connected without putting your privacy at risk.
Unlike public Wi-Fi networks at airports, cafes or hotels, which are often poorly secured, your eSIM connection stays private and encrypted. A real advantage for business travellers and anyone handling sensitive information.