Frequently Asked Questions

Check Settings → General → About (iPhone) or Settings → About Phone (Android) and look for an EID number. If present, your device has eSIM hardware. You can also check our device compatibility database.

Only if the provider explicitly lists "United Kingdom" in coverage. Brexit ended automatic UK inclusion. Each provider decides independently.

50-60% of plans include Switzerland. Check your provider's coverage list—Switzerland's non-EU status means frequent exclusion despite geographic location.

15-30% more for UK+Switzerland coverage. 10GB Europe-only: $20-$30. Same data including UK and Switzerland: $29-$37.

5-10GB for most travelers. Light users (maps, messaging): 2-5GB. Moderate users (social media, music): 5-10GB. Heavy users (video streaming, calls): 15-20GB+.

Yes. Most providers process top-ups through mobile apps within 1-5 minutes. Same pricing as original purchase. No new eSIM installation required. MTX Connect's balance system lets you add credit and activate new packages instantly without reinstalling profiles.

No. Regional plans listing both UK and Switzerland provide seamless connectivity across all included countries. One eSIM, no manual switching.

Yes, but carriers may charge roaming fees. O2 offers free EU roaming (25GB cap). EE, Vodafone, Three charge £2-£2.47 daily for EU access.

Most providers allow hotspot functionality. Check specific plan terms—some restrict tethering on unlimited plans.

Most providers stop service when allowance expires. Purchase additional data through app. Some throttle speeds instead of cutting service. Set usage alerts for warnings before depletion.

Network name displays in phone status bar. UK networks: EE, O2, Vodafone, Three. Switzerland networks: Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt. Most eSIMs auto-connect to strongest available network.

SGP.22 is the GSMA standard for consumer devices (smartphones, tablets) with user interaction via QR codes or carrier apps. SGP.32 is designed for IoT devices that are UI-constrained or network-constrained, enabling automated provisioning at scale without human interaction.

eIM (eSIM IoT Remote Manager) is a component introduced in SGP.31/32 that enables remote profile state management for IoT device fleets. It works with the IPA (IoT Profile Assistant) to manage eSIM profiles without requiring user interaction.

No. SGP.32 is not backward compatible with SGP.02. However, SGP.32 reuses the SM-DP+ infrastructure from SGP.22, simplifying adoption for operators already supporting consumer eSIM.

A global eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in your smartphone that allows you to activate mobile data plans remotely without physical SIM swapping. You download a profile via QR code or app, select a destination plan, and the eSIM connects to partner networks when you arrive. One eSIM can support multiple plans across different countries.

Global eSIM prices in 2025 range from $1.99/1GB (Saily, select countries) to $64.90/month for unlimited global data (Holafly). Typical pricing: Airalo global 1GB/7 days at $9, Nomad global 3GB/30 days at $26, Ubigi global 1GB/30 days at $22, MTX Connect 4GB/14 days at $17.35. Long-term plans like Nomad Global-EX 50GB/365 days cost $170 ($3.40/GB).

Airalo, Ubigi, Saily, and KnowRoaming all claim 200+ country coverage, making them the broadest options. However, coverage quality varies by destination. Airalo and Ubigi publish specific network partners for each country, allowing you to verify coverage depth. For transcontinental travel, MTX Connect's 130+ country network often provides stronger coverage density in covered destinations.

Most global eSIMs are data-only, requiring VoIP apps like WhatsApp or Skype for calls. Exceptions include: Airalo Discover+ (provides Austrian +43 number with calls/SMS from $15), MTX Connect (MTX Number subscription for calls to any phone number, SMS service), and KnowRoaming ReachMe (voice calling feature). Keep your home SIM active for receiving bank 2FA codes.

Holafly leads in unlimited data options with daily plans from $6 and monthly subscriptions at $49.90-$64.90. KnowRoaming offers Global Unlimited in 145+ countries. Saily Ultra provides 30GB high-speed plus unlimited 1Mbps data for $59.99/month. Note that "unlimited" plans typically include fair usage policies that may reduce speeds after 5-10GB/day of high-speed use.

Installation typically takes 2-5 minutes: 1) Purchase plan through provider app/website, 2) Receive QR code via email or in-app, 3) Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Scan QR code, 4) Label the new line (e.g., "Travel Data"), 5) Enable data roaming. Install before departure while on WiFi, but most eSIMs only activate billing when you connect to destination networks.

Most phones since 2018 support eSIM: all iPhone XS and newer (except some China models), Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, recent Motorola, OnePlus, and Huawei models. Your phone must be carrier-unlocked. Check by dialing *#06# (EID number indicates eSIM support) or visiting Settings > General > About (iPhone) or Settings > About Phone (Android).

Yes. Dual-SIM functionality allows your physical SIM (home number) and eSIM (travel data) to work simultaneously. Configure settings to use your home SIM for calls/texts and travel eSIM for data. This keeps your number active for receiving messages while avoiding roaming data charges. Disable data roaming on your home SIM to prevent unexpected charges.

First: toggle airplane mode on/off, ensure data roaming is enabled, manually select a network in Settings > Cellular > Network Selection. If problems persist, contact your provider: KnowRoaming offers 24/7 WhatsApp support, Holafly has 24/7 live chat, most others respond within hours via email. Having provider contact info saved offline before departure is essential.

For frequent travelers: Nomad Global-EX offers 50GB/365 days for $170 ($3.40/GB). MTX Connect's reusable eSIM plus pay-as-you-go data suits those making 4+ international trips annually. Ubigi's reusable eSIM eliminates reinstallation hassle for repeated trips. Airalo's Airmoney loyalty program provides up to 10% cashback on regular purchases.

Global eSIMs typically cost 70-90% less than carrier roaming. Example: 5GB of T-Mobile international roaming can exceed $50, while Airalo offers 5GB in Europe for $16 and Nomad provides 5GB global for approximately $25. eSIMs also provide predictable, prepaid costs versus surprise roaming bills. Carriers like T-Mobile Magenta Max do include free international data (limited speed), making comparison worthwhile.

Most providers allow hotspot/tethering: Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Ubigi, MTX Connect, and KnowRoaming all support data sharing. Holafly's daily plans typically allow 500MB-1GB hotspot data, while their unlimited monthly subscription offers unlimited tethering. Check specific plan details as some budget plans may restrict hotspot functionality.

Local plans cover one country (best per-GB value, e.g., Airalo Thailand 5GB/$11). Regional plans span multiple nearby countries (e.g., Nomad Europe 10GB/$29 for 35 countries). Global plans work across all covered destinations (e.g., Airalo Global 1GB/$9 in 138 countries). Choose based on itinerary: local for single-country trips, regional for contained travel areas, global for multi-continent itineraries.

Depends on provider: Ubigi and MTX Connect offer truly reusable profiles where you install once and only purchase new data plans. Saily allows destination switching without reinstallation. Airalo, Nomad, and Holafly typically require new eSIM profiles for different destinations, though the process takes only minutes. Reusable options save hassle for frequent travelers.

KnowRoaming and MTX Connect leads with 24/7 support via WhatsApp, live chat, and email, with users reporting responses within minutes. Holafly offers 24/7 live chat in multiple languages. Saily Ultra includes priority support. Airalo and Nomad provide business-hours support with extensive self-help documentation. For travelers in challenging time zones or remote destinations, 24/7 availability provides critical peace of mind.

Airalo's "Salbeh" plan is the most reliable eSIM option for Lebanon, offering 1GB of data for 7 days at $9.50. It's listed as operating on the Alfa network (per Airalo's product page) and activates instantly via QR code. SMEX testing confirmed Airalo works in Lebanon. For longer stays, Touch's Visitor Line offers 10GB for $13.

No, Holafly's Middle East regional plan does not include Lebanon in its coverage list. Similarly, Nomad's Middle East plan excludes Lebanon. SMEX separately tested other providers and found Google Fi, MontySIM, Usims, and Simly.io unreliable in Lebanon. Airalo and Truphone are confirmed working options.

Lebanon has two state-owned mobile networks: MIC1 (Alfa) and MIC2 (Touch). Since 2020, both have been under direct management of the Ministry of Telecommunications. Previously, Alfa was managed by Orascom and Touch by Zain. Both provide 4G/LTE coverage with no MVNOs operating in Lebanon.

No. The CityFone shop at Beirut Airport charges $44 for just 500 MB of data—an 88x markup over downtown prices. Instead, either arrive with an eSIM like Airalo pre-installed, or visit an official Alfa or Touch store in Beirut Downtown where you can get 10GB for $13.

Mobile data in Lebanon is expensive by global standards. Freedom House cites an estimate of $21.91 per GB in 2023 (via Cable's pricing data). International eSIMs like Airalo charge $9.50/GB. The best value is Touch's local Visitor Line: $13 for 10GB (14 days), which works out to $1.30/GB—significantly cheaper than eSIM options.

eUICC security is validated through Common Criteria certification (protection profiles) and the GSMA Security Accreditation Scheme (SAS) for manufacturing and subscription management environments.

eSIM stands for embedded SIM. Unlike traditional removable SIM cards, an eSIM is a chip permanently built into your device.

An eSIM stores carrier profiles downloaded over the internet. When you scan a QR code from your carrier or eSIM provider, your device downloads an encrypted profile to the eSIM chip, enabling network connectivity.

Yes, most eSIM-capable devices support dual SIM functionality—using both an eSIM profile and a physical SIM simultaneously. This lets you have two active phone numbers on one device.

eSIM offers advantages including instant activation, easier carrier switching, and dual-SIM capability without extra hardware. Physical SIMs remain useful in regions with limited eSIM support or when you frequently move SIMs between devices.

Transfer processes vary by carrier. Some support direct eSIM transfer between devices, while others require deactivating your old eSIM and obtaining a new activation code for your new device. Check with your carrier for their specific process.

Leading vendors include Thales (formerly Gemalto), Giesecke+Devrient (G+D), IDEMIA, and Kigen (Arm). STMicroelectronics and Infineon supply secure element chips used in eUICC implementations.

eUICC stands for embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card. It refers to a UICC that supports GSMA Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP), allowing multiple carrier profiles to be downloaded and managed remotely.

eUICC is the secure hardware element that stores and manages subscription profiles. eSIM is the broader system combining eUICC hardware, carrier profiles, remote provisioning infrastructure, and device software. When you "activate an eSIM," you're downloading a profile onto the eUICC.

No. While eUICC is commonly embedded (MFF2 form factor), it can also exist in removable SIM card sizes (2FF, 3FF, 4FF) that support remote provisioning. The defining feature is RSP capability, not the physical form.

Profile capacity varies by eUICC memory, profile size, and device policy. There's no fixed industry number—it depends on the specific device and vendor implementation.

MFF2 (Machine Form Factor 2) is the most common embedded eUICC form factor, measuring 5 × 6 × 0.75 mm. It's soldered directly to the device's circuit board and defined by ETSI TS 102 671.

eUICC is typically a discrete secure element chip. iSIM (Integrated SIM) integrates SIM functionality directly into the device's main processor or modem, eliminating the need for a separate chip. Both can support remote provisioning.

Yes. With the appropriate provisioning infrastructure, eUICC can download new profiles and switch between carriers remotely. IoT deployments using SGP.32 can automate this process for entire device fleets.

eUICC is used in smartphones (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel), smartwatches, tablets, laptops, connected cars, smart meters, industrial IoT sensors, and various M2M devices.

LPA (Local Profile Assistant) is software on consumer devices that manages eUICC operations—downloading profiles, switching between them, and communicating with remote servers (SM-DP+, SM-DS). In IoT, this role is handled by the IPA.

Industrial-grade eUICCs are designed for long-term deployments (10–15+ years) with extended temperature ranges (-40°C to +105°C) and resistance to environmental factors like vibration and corrosion.