Guides

Short answers first, sources at the end of each. Price figures come from our own index, last checked 10 Nov 2026.

Basics

What is an eSIM? How travel eSIMs actually work: The chip, the profile, and what you are really buying when you buy a travel eSIM.

How to install a travel eSIM on iPhone (iOS 17.4 and later): Six steps, the exact menu names, and the two settings people miss.
How to install a travel eSIM on Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel: Menu paths from Samsung and Google, and which models are excluded.
When to install a travel eSIM so you don't lose days: Install and activation are different events. Here is when each provider starts the clock.
Is my phone carrier-locked? How to check before you buy an eSIM: A locked phone will reject a travel eSIM. One settings screen tells you on iPhone.
Use a travel eSIM and keep your home number: dual SIM settings: The three switches that decide which line pays for what.
Travel eSIM not working on arrival? Fix it in this order: The checks that solve most "no internet" cases, from the phone makers and providers.

How much data do I need for a trip? Real numbers per hour: Streaming, calls and music, from the services' own figures, plus a better way to estimate.
Will WhatsApp keep my number on a travel eSIM?: Yes. What you should not do is tap "Change number". The details from WhatsApp's own help pages.
Travel eSIM vs roaming vs local SIM: which costs less?: What each option is good at, with real one-week prices.

Unlimited eSIM plans: the fair-use limits, provider by provider: 2,080 unlimited plans, what each provider says happens after heavy use, and the median cost per day.
Travel eSIM prices by country: cheapest and dearest per GB: 191 destinations ranked by the lowest price per GB on plans of 3 GB or more.
Europe eSIM: one regional plan or one per country?: Regional plan vs single-country plans for a one-week, 5 GB trip. Prices from 10 Nov 2026.
Asia eSIM: one regional plan or one per country?: Regional plan vs single-country plans for a one-week, 5 GB trip. Prices from 10 Nov 2026.
Is a global eSIM worth it? Prices against single-country plans: Regional plan vs single-country plans for a one-week, 5 GB trip. Prices from 10 Nov 2026.