Can I buy an eSIM for someone else as a gift?
Yes. Purchase the eSIM with your own details, then forward your order confirmation email - or share the "Install eSIM" link from it - with the recipient so they can install it on their own phone (the email contains the QR code and the manual SM-DP+ / activation codes). Make sure their device is eSIM-compatible first - installation usually cannot be reversed once completed.
Can I use my SIM card and eSIM at the same time?
Yes. On dual-SIM devices (most modern iPhones and Android phones), you can run your physical SIM and the eSIM simultaneously. Use your home SIM for calls and SMS, and the eSIM for mobile data. Keep in mind that leaving your home SIM active may trigger roaming charges if you use it for calls or texts abroad.
Are there any hidden fees or extra charges?
No. The price you see at checkout is the total price - no activation fees, no hidden taxes, no roaming surcharges. Your data plan is fixed-price, and you'll never receive a surprise bill from your home carrier as long as you keep cellular data off on your home SIM.
Can I use the eSIM for my smartwatch?
Some smartwatches (Apple Watch Cellular, Samsung Galaxy Watch LTE) support eSIM, but they typically require a plan from your home carrier rather than a travel eSIM. eSIMno plans are designed for phones and tablets - check device compatibility before purchase if you intend to use a wearable.
Is the eSIM connection secure?
eSIM connections are as secure as standard cellular connections - encrypted by the carrier network. For added security on public networks (cafes, airports), use a VPN. The eSIM profile itself is digitally signed and can't be cloned like a physical SIM.
How fast does the eSIM activate after I switch off airplane mode?
Activation typically takes 10-30 seconds after airplane mode is switched off, depending on local network availability. In some cases it's nearly instant; in remote areas it may take a minute or two. If it doesn't connect within 5 minutes, restart your phone or check that data roaming is enabled.
Can I make phone calls or send SMS?
eSIMno is a data-only service, so you can't make traditional voice calls or send SMS through the eSIM line. However, you can use messaging and calling apps over data - WhatsApp, iMessage, FaceTime, Telegram, Signal, and Google Meet all work normally.
Can I switch the eSIM to a different phone after activation?
Generally no. Once an eSIM is activated on a device, it's tied to that device. If you switch phones, you'll need to install a new eSIM. Some carriers offer eSIM transfer features, but eSIMno plans don't currently support transfer between devices.
Will I get notifications when my data is running low?
Yes. eSIMno sends email and push notifications when you've used 50%, 80%, and 100% of your data allowance. You can also check usage anytime in the eSIMno Center or in your phone's cellular settings to track consumption in real time.
What payment methods does eSIMno accept?
eSIMno accepts major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. All transactions are processed through secure encrypted gateways, and we don't store full card details on our servers.
Can I use the eSIM right after purchase or do I need to wait?
Yes - you can install it immediately after purchase. Your order email arrives within minutes and contains the QR code, a one-tap install link and the manual codes, plus an "Install eSIM" button; you can also sign in > My eSIMs > Install any time. Installing right away does not start your plan - the validity countdown only begins when the eSIM connects to a mobile network inside your plan's coverage area. Keep the eSIM line and Data Roaming off until you are ready to start; if your plan covers the country you are in right now, turning the line on starts the countdown immediately.
Do I need to deactivate my original SIM?
We recommend turning off cellular data and data roaming on your original SIM while abroad to avoid accidental roaming charges. You don't need to physically remove the SIM - just disable data and set the eSIM as your primary data line.
Does the eSIM work in rural areas and small towns?
Coverage depends on the partner network's reach in United States. Major cities, tourist areas, and highways typically have strong 4G/5G coverage. Remote rural areas may have weaker signal or fall back to 3G. Download offline maps before heading off the beaten path.
Will my home phone number receive calls while I use the eSIM?
Yes - if your home SIM stays installed and active, calls and SMS to your home number arrive normally. The eSIM only handles data; voice service stays on your home line. Just remember that incoming calls and texts to your home number while abroad may trigger roaming charges from your home carrier.
How do I activate the United States eSIM?
Your eSIMno order confirmation email contains your QR code, your SM-DP+ address and activation code, a one-tap install link, and an "Install eSIM" button - so you can install right from the email. The same options are also on the website: sign in at esimno.com and go to Profile > My eSIMs > your plan > Install. To install, use any ONE of these methods: (1) on the phone you are setting up, tap the one-tap install link/button (iPhone on iOS 17.4+ or Android 9+); (2) use the QR code - because a phone cannot scan its own screen, show this QR on another screen (computer/tablet) or a printout and scan it WITH the phone you are setting up (never with someone else's phone, or the eSIM would install on that phone); or (3) enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code manually. Your United States eSIM activates automatically when you connect to a local network at your destination.
How can I check my data usage?
Log in to the eSIMno Center on our website or mobile app to see your remaining data balance and usage history. You can also check usage in your phone's cellular data settings - most devices show data consumed per line.
Can I share data from my eSIM with someone else's phone?
Yes, through Personal Hotspot. Activate hotspot on your phone, share the password, and the other device connects to your data. Data used by connected devices counts toward your eSIM plan, so monitor usage to avoid running out faster than expected.
Can I get a refund after purchase?
Refunds are not available once an eSIM has been installed or activated - install codes are one-time-use, so an installed eSIM is considered used even if no data has been consumed. If you have not installed your eSIM yet and want a refund, contact support within the refund window stated at checkout. We recommend reviewing plan details carefully before purchase to avoid any issues.
Will the eSIM affect my phone's battery life?
Running two SIM lines (physical + eSIM) uses slightly more battery than one, since the phone monitors both networks. The difference is usually 5-10% over a full day. To minimize impact, disable the line you're not actively using or turn off cellular data on the inactive line.
Can I keep my WhatsApp number while using an eSIM?
Yes. Your WhatsApp number stays linked to your home SIM, so all your chats, contacts, and groups remain unchanged. WhatsApp uses data (not the SIM line directly) for messages and calls, so it works seamlessly over your eSIMno data.
Can I install multiple eSIMs on the same phone?
Yes. Modern iPhones and Android devices support multiple eSIM profiles - typically 5 to 8 stored profiles, with 1 or 2 active simultaneously. You can install eSIMs for different countries and switch between them in settings without removing any.
Do I need to remove my eSIM after my trip?
You don't have to remove it. Once your data plan expires, the eSIM simply stops providing data. You can leave the dormant profile on your phone and reuse it next time by purchasing a new plan, or delete it from cellular settings to free up an eSIM slot.