How to Get an eSIM Online in 2024?

Whether you’re switching carriers or planning a trip abroad, this guide will walk you through the simple steps to choose, purchase, and activate an eSIM, giving you instant connectivity without the need for a physical SIM card.

There are many ways to get an eSIM online in 2024. You can go directly to a local provider site, find an online provider, or head to an online eSIM marketplace for a range of plans. 

Whichever path you choose, getting an eSIM online boils down to three simple steps:

1. Choosing a provider
2. Choosing a suitable plan
3. Following the easy activation steps

We’ll flesh out these three steps for you in this article.

The activation instructions usually involve scanning a QR code to install a data plan on your phone. This gives you instant connectivity to a mobile network. You don’t even need to put in a new SIM card or swap out your old one.

In this article, we’ll also cover

• Benefits of eSIMs
• Compatibility concerns
• How to set up a plan

What Is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card inside your device. Your phone or other gadget may have an embedded digital SIM, or eSIM. “Embedded” is what the “e” in eSIM stands for. You can now get a plan without a physical SIM card in your phone, thanks to digital SIM technology. 

Why Should You Use eSIM?

Before asking, ‘ How do I get an eSIM?’, perhaps you want to ask why? There are several benefits to using an eSIM over a physical SIM.

1. With an eSIM, you can easily switch plans and providers without needing to replace a physical SIM card.
2. You can activate a local plan without needing to find a shop to buy a new physical SIM. This flexibility makes eSIMs extremely useful for travelers. 
3. Many devices now support dual SIM capability, so you can have either at least two eSIMs or an eSIM and a physical SIM. This lets you maintain at least two numbers at the same time.
4. eSIMs reduce plastic waste since there is no physical SIM card. This makes them an environmentally friendly choice.
5. Unlike traditional SIM cards, international eSIMs aren’t tied to a specific carrier’s offerings, allowing you to choose the best plan available in your destination. This can result in more competitive rates and sometimes significantly lower roaming costs.

Can I Use eSIM with Any Phone?

Not all phones and devices are eSIM-compatible. Whether your device is eSIM-compatible will depend on two things:

• The manufacturer and model
• The country where you bought it

As a general rule, newer models from major phone manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung support eSIM technology. 

For example, all iPhones in the US since the iPhone XS have eSIM capability, and the trend is for new models to include this capability, including the upcoming iPhone 16. 

Yet others have been slower in adopting eSIM. Many Chinese manufacturers, such as Huawei, have fewer models currently on sale that are compatible with eSIM. 

To confirm eSIM compatibility, check your device’s specifications or consider calling your phone manufacturer’s helpline. 

Check out our eSIM compatibility guide for a full rundown of common models from various manufacturers. 

Can I Use eSIM and Physical SIM Cards Together?

Yes, you can use eSIM physical SIM cards together. If your phone supports dual SIM and eSIM functionality, you can use both an eSIM and a physical SIM card together on the same device.

Some popular models that offer this capability include:

• Apple iPhone – Models from the iPhone XS and newer support dual SIM functionality. For the iPhone 11,12, and 13 series, this includes a physical SIM slot and an eSIM. From the 14 onwards in the US, the physical SIM slot was removed, but you have the option to add more than one eSIM.
• Google Pixel – Pixel 3 and newer models, including Pixel 4, 5, 6, and 7, support both eSIM and physical SIM.
• Samsung Galaxy – Many Samsung devices, including the Galaxy S20, S21, S22, and Note 20 series, offer dual SIM support with eSIM and a physical SIM slot.

Most devices will also allow you to store multiple eSIM plans. Your phone stores these as eSIM “profiles” that you can switch between as needed. This makes it easy to connect to new networks when you travel and switch between plans in seconds.

If you’re unsure which to choose, we recommend Holafly for its excellent eSIM plans, especially for travelers. You can find a Holafly discount here.

How to Get an eSIM Plan?

Getting an eSIM is fairly straightforward and involves only a few steps:

1. Choose a provider – Select an eSIM provider. We recommend Holafly as a viable option since it offers great service at an affordable price, with coverage for most countries we have tested. 
2. Select a plan—Choose the plan that best fits your needs. For example, Holafly offers various plans tailored to different regions and usage requirements.
3. Purchase and activate – You’ll receive a QR code via email after buying your plan. Scan the QR code with your phone to activate the eSIM.

Holafly offers different plans separated by region and country. Here’s a selection:

• eSIM in Europe
• eSIM in USA
• eSIM in Asia
• eSIM in France
• eSIM in Latin America

Are There Any Good eSIM Alternatives?

Even if eSIMs have many advantages, you should think about the following options based on your needs:

• Conventional SIM cards are less practical than eSIMs, but still widely accessible. 
• Travelers who need an uninterrupted internet connection will benefit greatly from the portable WiFi hotspot that Pocket WiFi offers. This may be a better, more cost-effective solution than an eSIM.
• International SIM cards come equipped with minutes and data preloaded for use across borders.
• In some cases, it can be more economical to buy a local SIM card to access the internet.

Each option has its pros and cons, so choose the one that best suits your specific requirements.

FAQs about eSIM