Use eSIM while travelling internationally with your iPhone

Find out about the options and benefits of using eSIM while travelling abroad.

Benefits of travelling with eSIM

• eSIM is more secure than a physical SIM because it can’t be removed if your iPhone is lost or stolen.

• With eSIM, you don't need to obtain, carry or swap physical SIM cards (which can also be lost), or wait for them to arrive by post.

• You can have two eSIMs active at the same time on supported iPhone models. For example, you can use one eSIM for your home phone number and another eSIM for the place you're visiting.

• You can store eight or more eSIMs and swap which of your stored eSIMs are active, simply by changing your selections in Settings. This may be helpful if you regularly travel to the same places.

What you need

• An iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR or later

• A wireless service provider or worldwide provider that supports eSIM

• Your iPhone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network or hotspot. In some countries and regions, iPhone models that are eSIM only can activate without a Wi-Fi network.

• If your iPhone has a SIM tray, you can use both a physical SIM and an eSIM while travelling internationally.

Learn how to set up eSIM on iPhone.

In China mainland, only iPhone Air supports eSIM. Learn more about activating eSIM in China mainland.

In Hong Kong and Macao, certain iPhone models feature Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards.

Select an option to learn more about using eSIM while travelling internationally:

Roam internationally with your existing service provider

• Before you travel, check if your service provider includes international roaming on selected data plans without additional fees. Some countries and regions might be included in your home plan.

• Alternatively, your service provider may offer affordable travel passes or plans that you can purchase ahead of time to use in your destination.

• International roaming with an eSIM works the same way as roaming with a physical SIM.

• To find out more, contact your service provider.

Purchase a travel eSIM from a local service provider or worldwide service provider

To use your iPhone with another service provider when travelling internationally, your iPhone cannot be locked to a service provider. To check if your iPhone is unlocked, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings > General > About.

2. If your iPhone is unlocked, “No SIM Restrictions” will appear next to Service Provider Lock. Learn how to unlock iPhone for use with a different service provider.

Purchase an eSIM from a local service provider in the country or region you're visiting

• Find service providers around the world that support eSIM on iPhone. Many service providers offer prepaid and postpaid plans that international travellers can use. Many of these plans come with a local phone number.

• You can purchase a prepaid plan from the service providers’ websites or apps before you travel, or in person after arrival through a service provider kiosk at the airport, service provider store or other location. Carriers will provide steps to activate your eSIM digitally, like with a QR code or carrier app. Depending on local regulations, you may be asked to show identification (such as your passport) to complete a purchase.

• You might also have options to get a postpaid account if you plan to be in another place for an extended time. Depending on the country or region, you might need proof of local residency, an established back account or credit card.

Purchase a prepaid data eSIM from a worldwide service provider

• Find worldwide service providers that offer prepaid data plans. These plans allow you to stay connected in over 190 countries and regions when you travel.

• Worldwide service providers offer plans that have different data amounts, duration, and country or regions.

• There are also many apps that offer data only eSIM plans available on the App Store on your iPhone.

• If you are visiting China mainland and want to use a prepaid data eSIM, there are many plans offered by worldwide service providers.

While you're abroad, you can choose to use a travel eSIM by itself or as a secondary line and have two active eSIM plans. If you choose to keep both lines on, the capabilities on your primary line will continue to work. If you choose to only use your travel eSIM, FaceTime and iMessage will continue to work on your home line.

With iOS 26, if you purchase a travel eSIM before leaving, you might be prompted to select if you plan to use the eSIM at home or while you travel. When you arrive at your destination and you already have a travel eSIM, if you receive a notification to Turn On Travel eSIM, follow these steps:

1. Tap Turn On Travel eSIM.

2. Select if you’d like to use your Travel eSIM Only or Travel eSIM and Current eSIM. If you choose to use both lines, your travel eSIM will be used for data. You might still incur roaming fees from your home eSIM.

3. Tap Continue.

4. You will be prompted to Turn on Low Data Mode or select Not Now. Make a selection.

5. Your Travel eSIM will activate.

You can also manually choose which line to use as your data line:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap Mobile Service, then tap Mobile Data.

3. Select which line you want to use. You can continue to use FaceTime, iMessage and other apps to make VoIP calls or send messages while you're travelling on your home line.

Returning home from travelling internationally

With iOS 26, if you are using a travel eSIM, your iPhone will automatically turn off your travel eSIM and turn your home SIM back on when you return, depending on your country or region.

If you do not get a notification that your travel eSIM has been turned off, make sure your primary line is turned on so that you can continue to stay connected. To confirm that your primary line is turned on, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap Cellular.

3. Make sure “Turn On this Line” is enabled next to the primary eSIM you want to use.

4. Turn off any other travel eSIM lines no longer in use.

If you purchased an eSIM only iPhone model but will use it while living in a different country or region

• You can activate an unlocked eSIM only iPhone model with service providers from all over the world. Contact your service provider to confirm that they support eSIM on your mobile plan. Also, check iPhone mobile band support for country compatibility.

• You cannot use an eSIM from a China mainland service provider on a device purchased outside of China mainland.