Let’s be honest—eSIMs sound simple until you actually try to buy one. You think, “Oh cool, I’ll just grab an eSIM for my next trip,” and suddenly you’re comparing data plans in megabytes, deciphering weird QR codes, and wondering why 47 different providers are offering the same country.

Don’t worry. You’re not alone—and this guide is here to make buying an eSIM as easy (and human) as possible.

What Even Is an eSIM?

Let’s start with the basics. An eSIM (short for “embedded SIM”) is a digital version of the physical SIM card you’ve used for years. No plastic, no swapping trays, and no paper clips involved.

It’s built right into your phone or device—meaning you can activate a mobile plan instantly, just by scanning a QR code or entering a code.

Think of it like downloading an app… except it’s your phone number and data plan.

Step 1: Check if Your Phone Supports eSIM

Before you even think about buying an eSIM, you need to make sure your phone or tablet actually supports it.

Almost all new iPhones (from the XS and newer) do, along with most high-end Samsung, Google Pixel, and Huawei models. But if you’re using a budget Android or an older device, it’s worth double-checking.

Here’s the quick way to check:

• On iPhone → Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM. If you see that option, you’re good.
• On Android → Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM.

If you can’t find it, your device might not support eSIM — or your carrier may have locked it (which is another story).

Step 2: Choose the Right eSIM Provider

This is where things can get a bit messy—because there are lots of eSIM providers out there.

Some are big global names like Airalo, Nomad, Holafly, GigSky, Ubigi, and Airhub, while others are regional or niche players focused on specific countries or networks.

So how do you pick?

Here’s what really matters:

1. Coverage: Make sure the plan actually works where you’re going. Some “global” eSIMs skip smaller destinations.
2. Data Speed: If you’re working remotely or streaming, look for 4G/LTE or 5G support.
3. Duration: Are you traveling for a weekend, a month, or a full digital nomad year? Choose the validity that fits.
4. Data Amount: Some plans offer 1GB, some unlimited—though “unlimited” often means throttled speeds after a certain limit.
5. Price: Compare before you buy. Seriously. Prices can vary wildly for the same destination.

If you don’t want to spend hours comparing, you can use a platform like Alertify’s eSIM Finder, which already does the heavy lifting — comparing 110+ providers and showing the best deals by country.

Step 3: Buy Your eSIM

Once you’ve picked your provider, it’s time to actually buy your eSIM. This is the part that often feels intimidating — but it’s easier than it looks.

Here’s how it usually works:

1. Go to the provider’s website (or app).
2. Select your destination and data plan.
3. Enter your email address and pay—usually via card, PayPal, or Apple Pay.
4. You’ll instantly get an email with your QR code and installation instructions.

That’s it. No waiting for shipping. No SIM swap. Instant delivery.

A small tip: double-check that your phone is unlocked. If your device is still locked to your carrier, the eSIM might not activate properly abroad.

Step 4: Install Your eSIM

There are two main ways to install your eSIM: scanning or manual setup.

Option 1: Scan the QR Code
This is the easiest. Open your phone’s camera, scan the QR code you received, and follow the prompts to add the new plan.

Option 2: Manual Setup
If you can’t scan the code (say you’re using the same phone to read the email), go to:

• Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Enter details manually.
  Then copy the activation code, SM-DP address, and confirmation code from your email.

Once it’s installed, you can name it — e.g., “Japan Trip” or “Europe Data” — and toggle it on when you land.

Step 5: Activate It (At the Right Time!)

Here’s something people often miss: Don’t activate your eSIM too early.

Most eSIMs start counting down their validity period the moment they’re activated—not when you first use data.

So if your plan is valid for 7 days, and you activate it two days before your flight, you’ve already lost two days.

Unless it’s clearly marked as “valid from first connection,” wait until you’re about to leave or have already landed to activate it.

Step 6: Set Up Data and Roaming

Once the eSIM is active, you’ll need to switch your data connection to it:

• Go to Settings → Cellular Data → Choose your new eSIM.
• Turn Data Roaming ON for that eSIM.
• Keep your home SIM active if you still want to receive calls or texts (you can disable data on it to avoid roaming charges).

Your phone will usually display the local carrier name—that’s how you know it’s connected. Within seconds, you should have internet.

Step 7: Test and Monitor Your Data

Always open a browser or send a message to confirm the connection is live.

Many eSIM apps (like Nomad or Airalo) show your remaining data and expiration date. If not, you can usually check it in your phone’s settings under the eSIM profile.

If your data isn’t working:

• Restart your phone.
• Make sure “Data Roaming” is on.
• Try manually selecting a different network under “Carrier Selection.”

If all else fails, contact the provider’s support — most have 24/7 chat.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Delete Your eSIM Right Away

Once your trip ends, resist the urge to delete your eSIM immediately. You might revisit that country or region soon — and many eSIMs can be recharged or reused.

If you delete it, you’ll lose that option and need to buy a new one.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s make sure you don’t repeat what thousands of travelers do every week:

• ❌ Buying an eSIM before checking if your phone supports it.
• ❌ Activating it days before your trip.
• ❌ Confusing “regional” with “global” (some only cover parts of Europe, not the entire continent).
• ❌ Forgetting to turn off data on your primary SIM (hello, €300 roaming bill).
• ❌ Ignoring smaller providers—sometimes they offer better prices or faster networks than big names.

The Bottom Line

Buying an eSIM isn’t complicated—it just looks that way at first glance. Once you understand how it works, it’s actually one of the easiest travel tech upgrades you can make.

It saves you the hassle of hunting down a SIM card at the airport, keeps you connected instantly, and gives you control over your data costs—no surprises, no contracts, no roaming nightmares.

So next time you’re getting ready for a trip, skip the SIM drama. Check your phone, pick your provider, and buy your eSIM in minutes.

And if you want to make it ridiculously easy? Use Alertify’s eSIM Finder—where you can compare 110+ providers, find the best deal for your destination, and buy directly from trusted partners.

Global connectivity really can be simple—once you know how to buy an eSIM the right way.