Use eSIM while traveling internationally with your iPhone

Learn about the options and benefits of using eSIM while traveling abroad.

Benefits of traveling 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 mail.

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

What you need

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 traveling internationally:

Roam internationally with your existing carrier

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

Returning home from traveling internationally

Roam internationally with your existing carrier

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

  • Alternatively, your carrier might offer affordable travel passes or plans that you can purchase ahead of time to use at your destination.

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

  • To learn more, contact your carrier.

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

To use your iPhone with another carrier when traveling internationally, your iPhone cannot be locked to a carrier. 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. Learn how to unlock iPhone for use with a different carrier.

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

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

  • You can purchase a prepaid plan from the carriers’ websites or apps before you travel, or in person after arrival through a carrier kiosk at the airport, carrier 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 might be asked to show identification (like your passport) to 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

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 > Cellular > Cellular 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 traveling on your home line.

Returning home from traveling 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 > Cellular.

  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 carriers from all over the world. Contact your carrier to confirm that they support eSIM on your cellular plan. Also, check iPhone cellular band support for country compatibility.

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

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