eSIM is a modern alternative to physical SIM cards. It’s a chip that’s built directly into your phone’s motherboard and activated when you purchase a mobile plan from a carrier. Unlike physical SIMs, eSIMs can't be removed – everything is managed digitally and remotely. With just a few taps, you can download different mobile plans, delete one digital profile and install another, switch carriers, and manage your connectivity. This article covers what eSIM is, how it works, and why more people are switching to it.
Understanding How eSIM Works
To start using eSIM, you only need a few simple steps – and the whole process takes less than 10 minutes:
- Purchase your eSIM plan. Go to the TooSIM website or app (available in the App Store or Google Play), choose a plan that fits your needs (based on country/region, duration – 7, 15, 30, or 180 days – and data amount), and complete the purchase online.
- Set up the eSIM. It’s easy to do in your phone’s settings – just follow our step-by-step installation guide here.
- Just double-check that your virtual SIM is active. You can verify this in your settings. You’ll also be able to customize how your eSIM will work – for example, if you have a dual SIM, you can choose which line to use for mobile data. Learn more about eSIM settings here.
What is ICCID?
Integrated Circuit Card Identifier (ICCID) is a 20-digit number that uniquely identifies a specific eSIM digital profile. Important: it’s not linked to the chip inside your phone, but only to the particular eSIM profile you purchased and installed.
The ICCID may be necessary for support requests or certain eSIM-related actions like deactivation, transfer, or recovery. How to find your ICCID:
- IPhone: Settings → General → About → ICCID;
- Android: Settings → About phone → SIM status → ICCID.
What is the EID number?
eUICC Identifier (EID) is a unique 32–36-character code that identifies the physical eSIM chip embedded in your smartphone. Unlike the ICCID, it’s not linked to a specific digital profile or plan purchased from a carrier.
You might need your EID for activating an eSIM manually (instead of using a QR code), as well as for recovery, transfer, and other related processes.
How to find your EID:
- iPhone: Open «Settings», then go to «General», then tap «About», and scroll down to find the EID.
- Android: Open «Settings», then tap «About phone», then check SIM status, and look for the EID.
Activate eSIM
One of the biggest advantages of eSIM is fast online activation. The whole process takes less than five minutes, and you can complete it easily through your phone’s settings. On an iPhone, simply open «Mobile»/«Cellular» and tap «Add eSIM». On Android, go to «Network & Internet» and select «Add eSIM». Then just scan the QR-code (from your carrier), or enter the details manually if you prefer. Read more detailed instructions for iPhone and Android.
Why Are They Popular for Travelers?
Tourists and digital nomads are increasingly choosing travel eSIMs as a more convenient and cost-effective alternative to roaming with their home carrier or purchasing a physical SIM card abroad. Here’s why they’re so popular:
- Instant online purchase and activation. With just a few clicks, you can activate your eSIM and have internet access from the moment you arrive – no need to hunt for local SIM cards.
- Flexible plans. Choose exactly how much data you need for your trip – whether it’s 1GB, 5GB, or 20GB – and select the duration that fits your travel schedule.
- Affordable prices. eSIM plans often cost significantly less than roaming fees, with savings reaching up to 20 to 50 times. Plans start at just $2.15.
- Use alongside your existing SIM. Whether your home SIM is physical or virtual, you can keep your number for calls and texts while using the eSIM for data.
Types of Plans
One of the key benefits of eSIMs is their flexibility – you can purchase a plan for a single country or multiple countries. Here are the main types:
- Local plans: Designed for use in a specific country, such as Italy, the USA, Belgium, Turkey, and more.
- Regional plans: Cover multiple countries within a region, like Asia, Africa, or North America. For example, the European regional plan includes coverage in 36 countries.
- Global plan: Provides coverage across 107 countries, enabling seamless travel and border crossings without losing connection. The Global option offers the broadest coverage available.
Does Every Phone Support eSIM?
Unfortunately, not every gadget supports eSIM. The device should have a built-in special chip to enable activation. That’s why it’s important to check if your phone is compatible before purchasing an eSIM. You can find a list of supported models here.
How much does an eSIM cost?
Prices vary widely depending on factors like the country, number of locations covered in a single plan, data allowance, and validity period. Plans start at around $2.15 for 1 GB – that’s the lowest-priced option with the smallest data package. At the higher end, prices can reach up to $300 for 50 GB, especially in costly locations like Cuba. However, on average, large 50 GB plans in most countries range between $50 and $200. You can read more about pricing details here.