Does the eSIM work on cruise ships or airplanes?
eSIMs use ground-based cellular networks, so they don't work in flight or at sea outside coastal coverage. They activate as soon as you connect to a partner network on land. For in-flight or maritime data, you'll need the airline or ship's onboard Wi-Fi.
What smartphones support eSIM?
Most modern devices support eSIM, including iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 through S25 series, Google Pixel 4 and later, Huawei P40 and later, and many recent iPads. Check our full compatibility list before purchasing to confirm your device is supported.
Does the eSIM work in rural areas and small towns?
Coverage depends on the partner network's reach in Malawi. 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.
What is the price range for the Malawi eSIM plans?
Prices commence at ₺1099.00 and vary according to data allowance and plan duration. Larger data plans and longer durations cost more, but the per-GB rate decreases with bigger packages.
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.
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.
Should I enable data roaming for the eSIM?
Yes - you must enable data roaming for the eSIM line, even though there are no roaming charges. The eSIM connects to a local partner network and your phone treats this as roaming. Enable it: iPhone > Settings > Cellular > eSIMno line > Data Roaming ON; Android > Settings > Network > SIMs > eSIMno > Roaming ON. This setting only affects the eSIM, not your home SIM.
Which eSIM is best for travelling to Malawi?
eSIMno is an excellent option for travelers heading to Malawi. We offer a diverse range of eSIM plans - including regional, local, and lifetime options - with reliable coverage on local networks.
How do I activate the Malawi 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 Malawi eSIM activates automatically when you connect to a local network at your destination.
How do I set up the eSIM on my device?
The fastest way is straight from your order confirmation email, which now contains - for each eSIM - the QR code, a one-tap install link, and the SM-DP+ / activation codes. On the phone you'll use, tap the one-tap install link; or, to use the QR, show it on another screen or a printout and scan it with that same phone (not another phone); or enter the codes manually. The email also has an "Install eSIM" button that opens your eSIM's detail page and launches the install pop-up (sign in if prompted), and you can reach the same pop-up anytime via Profile > My eSIMs > find your plan (shown as "Ready to install") > Install. After installing, turn Data Roaming ON for your eSIMno line (iPhone: Settings > Cellular; Android: Settings > Connections/Network) - without it the eSIM installs but shows no internet. Full guide in Help & Support.
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 use the eSIM to make video calls?
Yes - apps like FaceTime, WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams all work over your eSIM data. Video calls use about 200-400 MB per hour depending on quality, so factor that into your plan choice if you make long calls regularly.
Malawi / Airtel 
