Help Center

Getting started with eSIMs

What is an eSIM, and how is it different from a normal SIM?

An eSIM is a SIM that's built into your phone as software instead of a plastic card. You buy a plan, scan a QR code, and it downloads in about a minute — nothing to post or swap. For the full explainer, see What is an eSIM?.

Is an eSIM right for my trip?

If you're travelling and want data without roaming bills or hunting for a local SIM, yes. Travinger eSIMs are data-only, so you keep your normal number for calls and texts and use the eSIM for internet.

What do I need before I buy?

Three things: a phone that's eSIM-compatible and unlocked, a valid email address (that's how your eSIM arrives), and a Wi-Fi connection to install it before you fly.

Buying and receiving your eSIM

How do I buy a plan?

Pick your destination and how much data you need on our Destinations page, then check out. It takes about a minute.

How and when will I receive it?

Digitally, by email — usually within a few minutes of a successful payment. Your email includes the QR code and setup instructions. Nothing ships.

I didn't get my confirmation email — what now?

Check your spam or promotions folder first, and confirm the email address on your order. Still nothing? Contact us with your order number and we'll resend it right away.

What payment methods can I use?

Major credit and debit cards, plus PayPal and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Installing and activating (QR & manual)

How do I install my eSIM?

On Wi-Fi, open your phone's mobile-data settings, choose “Add eSIM”, and scan the QR code from your email. Our eSIM Setup guide has step-by-step instructions for iPhone, Android and other devices.

What if I can't scan the QR code (manual install)?

On the same “Add eSIM” screen choose “Enter details manually” and type the SM-DP+ address and activation code printed in your confirmation email.

Should I install before or after I travel?

Before — while you're on Wi-Fi at home, ideally a day or two ahead. Installing early is free; your plan only starts counting once it connects abroad.

When does my plan start and how long does it last?

Validity begins when the eSIM first connects to a network at your destination. Each plan's data amount and number of days are shown on its product page.

Data roaming and network selection

Do I need to turn on data roaming?

Yes — and it's safe. Data Roaming must be on for the Travinger line so it can join local networks. You're roaming on your Travinger plan, not your home carrier's, so there are no home-carrier fees. Tip: turn roaming off on your personal SIM to avoid its charges.

My eSIM isn't picking a network — how do I choose one manually?

In your phone's settings, open the Travinger line, turn off automatic network selection, and pick one of the available local networks from the list. If the first doesn't connect, try another.

Why won't this trigger roaming charges from my own carrier?

Because the data comes entirely from your Travinger plan on a local network — your home carrier isn't involved. Just keep your personal SIM's data roaming switched off to be safe.

Devices, dual SIM & multiple eSIMs

Is my device compatible?

Most phones, tablets and laptops from the last few years are. Check yours in seconds on our Compatible Phones page.

Does my phone need to be unlocked?

Yes — it must be carrier-unlocked to use another network's eSIM. If it came on a contract, your carrier can usually unlock it, often for free once the contract is up.

Can I keep my normal SIM active at the same time?

Yes. Modern phones run two lines at once (dual SIM), so your usual number stays active for calls and texts while the eSIM handles data.

Can I store several eSIMs and switch between them?

Yes — most phones can hold multiple eSIM profiles. Only the one you select as your data line uses data, and you can switch between them any time in settings. Handy if you travel to several regions.

Using your data: speeds, hotspot, calls & top-ups

What data speeds will I get?

Full local speed. Your eSIM connects to trusted local 4G/5G networks, so speed depends on the network and coverage where you are — the same as a local SIM.

Can I share my data with a hotspot or tethering?

Yes. Turn on your phone's Personal Hotspot and share the eSIM's data with a laptop, tablet or friend. Hotspot use draws from the same allowance.

Can I make calls and send texts?

Travinger eSIMs are data-only. Keep your normal SIM for regular calls and SMS, or use internet apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime or Telegram over the eSIM data.

How do I check how much data I have left?

In your phone's settings — on iPhone under Settings → Cellular, and on Android under data usage for the Travinger line. Resetting the counter when your plan starts keeps it accurate.

What happens when I run out of data?

It simply stops — no surprise charges. To keep going, top up your plan from your account to add more data, or buy another plan and install it the same way; it activates in minutes. No need to delete the old eSIM.

Switching between your SIM and the eSIM

How do I set the eSIM as my data line?

In your phone's cellular settings, choose the Travinger eSIM as the line used for mobile data. On iPhone, turn off “Allow Cellular Data Switching” so it won't fall back to your home SIM.

How do I switch back when I get home?

Just set your personal SIM as the data line again. You can leave the Travinger eSIM installed for next time — don't delete it, because a QR code can't be downloaded twice.

Which SIM handles calls versus data?

You decide. The usual setup is: your personal SIM for calls and texts, and the Travinger eSIM for data. Both stay active together.

Troubleshooting & error messages

My eSIM won't connect after I land

Run these checks: Travinger is selected as your data line; Data Roaming is on for it; give it a few minutes to register; then toggle Airplane mode on and off, or restart your phone. That fixes the large majority of cases.

“No service” or “not registered on network”

Give it a moment to find a network, then try selecting a local network manually and restarting. Make sure you're within the plan's coverage area.

“Unable to add eSIM” or “invalid / already used QR code”

Each QR installs once. If you've already added the eSIM, don't scan again — just switch it on in settings. If it never installed, use manual entry; if that fails, contact us.

My data is slow or keeps dropping

Switch the network mode (5G/LTE) or select a network manually, and move to an area with better coverage. Speeds depend on the local network.

I accidentally deleted my eSIM

An eSIM can't be re-downloaded once removed — that's why we say keep it installed. Contact us and we'll help you sort it out.

Billing, refunds & orders

Is my payment secure?

Yes. Payments are handled by trusted processors, and we never see or store your full card number.

What's your refund policy?

Because eSIMs are digital, a plan that's been installed or activated generally can't be refunded, but unused plans and faulty eSIMs may qualify. Full details are on our Refund Policy page.

How do I get a receipt or manage my order?

Your confirmation email is your receipt. For anything else — a resend, a question about an order — message us with your order number and we'll take care of it.

Security, privacy, travel tips & getting help

Is an eSIM secure?

Arguably more secure than a plastic SIM. Because it's built into your phone it can't be physically removed or swapped, which makes SIM-swap theft much harder. If your phone is lost, the profile can be deactivated remotely.

How is my personal information handled?

We only collect what we need to deliver your order and support you, and we never sell your data. See our Privacy Policy for the full picture.

Are there country-specific things to know?

Coverage and available networks vary by destination, and a plan is tied to the country or region you bought it for. A few countries also regulate mobile data or VPN use — it's worth a quick check of local rules before you travel.

Any tips before I travel?

Confirm your phone is compatible and unlocked, install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi (not at the airport), don't delete the profile, note your plan's data and validity, and turn data roaming off on your home SIM to avoid its fees.

How do I contact support — and what should I include?

Reach us any time via our Contact page. To help us solve it fast, include your order number, your device model and OS version, your destination, and a short description (a screenshot of any error helps).