Does my voice plan come with a phone number I can keep?
Your voice plan has its own phone number, and it is issued in France - so you get a French number even when the plan itself is for another country. It is not a permanent number and you cannot keep it: it changes roughly every 30 days. Voice plans also cannot be topped up, so when the plan ends you buy a new one, with a new eSIM to install and a different number. Please treat the number as something that belongs to the trip, not to you - if you need a number that stays yours for years, a voice eSIM is not the right product.
When should I set up my eSIM?
A Wi-Fi connection is required to install your eSIM, so we recommend setting it up before you leave home. Activation can happen later, either right before departure or after you land at your destination - but the initial QR scan needs Wi-Fi.
What should I do if I see a 'No network' message after activating my eSIM?
If you see a 'No network' message after activation, try these steps in order: (1) Toggle airplane mode on for 10 seconds, then off. (2) Confirm data roaming is enabled for the eSIM line. (3) Manually select a network in cellular settings. (4) Restart your phone. If the issue continues, contact eSIMno support via WhatsApp or email.
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 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 Profile > My eSIMs or in your phone's cellular settings to track consumption in real time.
What makes eSIMno different from other eSIM services?
eSIMno offers eSIM plans for 170+ countries on reliable local partner networks. The price at checkout is all you pay - no activation fee or roaming surcharge. Your eSIM arrives by email within minutes and only starts when it connects to a network at your destination; most plans can be topped up in Profile > My eSIMs, and if you haven't installed your eSIM, you can get a refund within 14 days.
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 make phone calls or send SMS?
It depends on the plan you choose. Most eSIMno plans are data-only: on those you cannot place regular calls or send SMS from the eSIM line, but messaging and calling apps work normally over the data connection - WhatsApp, iMessage, FaceTime, Telegram, Signal and Google Meet. We also offer voice plans in selected destinations, and on those calling and SMS work from the eSIM line itself, which comes with its own French phone number and unlimited calling across Europe. Every plan card shows which type it is, so check the plan type before you buy. If you are looking at a voice plan, please also read who you can call and text, and what happens to the phone number - both are explained in their own questions below.
Can I extend my eSIM plan validity?
The validity of a package that is already running cannot be extended, but you can top up: a top-up adds a new package with its own data AND its own validity days. Packages run one at a time - the top-up waits in queue and activates automatically when your current package ends (data used up or days expired), and its own days start counting from that moment. In practice this keeps you connected longer, even though the current package's own end date does not move.
What happens when my voice or unlimited plan ends? Can I renew it?
These plans cannot be topped up or renewed. Once the allowance is used or the validity period ends, the line closes. To keep going you buy a new plan, and that gives you a new eSIM to install - on a voice plan it also gives you a new phone number. This is how our supplier provides voice and unlimited plans, so we would rather tell you up front than let you expect an automatic renewal that will not happen. We never renew these plans and charge you without asking.
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.