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

Find out how to set up eSIM on iPhone.

In China mainland, only iPhone Air supports eSIM. Find out 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 find out more about using eSIM while travelling internationally:

Roam internationally with your existing network provider

Purchase a travel eSIM from a local or worldwide network provider

Returning home from travelling internationally

Roam internationally with your existing network provider

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

  • Alternatively, your network provider may offer affordable travel passes or plans that you can purchase ahead of time to use when you arrive at your destination.

  • International roaming with an eSIM works just like roaming with a physical SIM.

  • To find out more, contact your network provider.

Purchase a travel eSIM from a local or worldwide network provider

To use your iPhone with another network provider when travelling internationally, your iPhone cannot be locked to a network 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 Carrier Lock. Find out how to unlock iPhone for use with a different network provider.

Purchase an eSIM from a local network provider in the country or region you’re visiting

  • Find network providers around the world that support eSIM on iPhone. Many network 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 network providers’ websites or apps before you travel, or in person after arrival through a network provider kiosk at the airport, network provider store or other location. Network providers will provide the steps to help you activate your eSIM digitally, such as with a QR code or network provider app. Depending on local regulations, you may be asked to provide identification (such as your passport) in order to complete the 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 pre-paid data eSIM from a worldwide service provider

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. Go to Settings > Mobile Service > Mobile Data.

  2. 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. Go to Settings > Mobile Service.

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

  3. 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 network providers from all over the world. Contact your network provider to confirm they support eSIM on your mobile plan. Also, check iPhone mobile network band support for country compatibility.

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

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