eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi? How to get online abroad
Travelling with your own phone that supports eSIM? Choose an eSIM: buy online, install it before you leave, no device to pick up, return or charge, and your home number still gets texts. If several people want to share one connection, or a phone doesn't support eSIM, a pocket Wi-Fi is easier, but you have to carry it, charge it every day, pick it up before you leave and return it afterwards.
Which one fits you
- Travelling alone, or everyone has their own phone → eSIM. One per phone, so everyone stays online even when you split up.
- Your phone doesn't support eSIM (no EID shows when you dial *#06#) → pocket Wi-Fi or a SIM card.
- A group sharing one connection → pocket Wi-Fi. Everyone has to stay near the device; whoever splits off goes offline.
Four ways to get online compared
| Getting started | Texts to your home number | Who can use it | What to carry | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM | Buy online, scan a QR code to install, no card swap | Your home SIM stays in, texts arrive as usual | One phone per eSIM | Nothing |
| SIM card | Delivered or picked up at the airport, swap cards on arrival | Lost while your home SIM is out (unless dual-SIM) | One phone per card | Keep your home SIM safe |
| Carrier roaming | Request it from your home carrier before leaving | Texts arrive as usual | One phone | Nothing |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | Pick up before leaving, return when back | Texts arrive as usual (no card swap) | Several people can connect | The device, charged every day |
Before choosing an eSIM
- Your phone must support eSIM and must not be carrier-locked.
- These are data-only plans with no local phone number; use LINE or other internet calling apps for calls.
- Install it on Wi-Fi before you leave. Already abroad? You can still buy one and install it on hotel or airport Wi-Fi.
Before choosing a pocket Wi-Fi
- Carry it with you and charge it every day; if it runs out, everyone goes offline.
- Pick it up before you leave and return it when you're back.
- It only works near the device, so anyone who splits off has no connection.
FAQ
What if my phone doesn't support eSIM?
Dial *#06#. If no EID appears, your phone doesn't support eSIM, so use a pocket Wi-Fi or a SIM card instead. See our list of eSIM-compatible phones by brand.
Will my home number still get texts while I use an eSIM abroad?
Yes. Your home SIM stays in the phone and keeps receiving texts and verification codes. Keep data roaming off on your home line to avoid roaming data charges.
Going with an eSIM?
Not sure how much data you need? Let AI pick for you
Tell us how you use your phone and we'll suggest a best plan and a budget plan.