FAQ

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built into your phone, tablet or smartwatch. Instead of inserting a physical card, you install a mobile data plan directly onto your device with a QR code or an install link. It works just like a regular SIM, with nothing to insert or lose.

You buy a data plan for the country or region you're visiting and install it before your trip. When you land, your phone connects to a local network automatically. No roaming charges from your home carrier and no hunting for a SIM shop at the airport.

No. Maxesimo plans are data-only, so they don't come with a phone number. Your regular number stays on your main SIM, and you can still use WhatsApp, FaceTime and other apps over your eSIM data.

Yes. Most modern smartphones support Dual SIM, so you can keep your regular SIM active for calls and texts while your Maxesimo eSIM handles data. You stay reachable on your usual number without paying roaming fees.

Most smartphones released from 2018 onwards support eSIM, including recent iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models. The quickest check is to dial *#06# on Android, or go to Settings > General > About on iPhone. If you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM. You can also check our Compatible Devices page.

Yes, iPhone XS, XR and all newer models support eSIM. Most iPhones sold in mainland China do not include eSIM, so please check your model before you buy.

Yes, most flagship Android phones from Samsung, Google, Xiaomi and other major brands support eSIM. Support can vary by model and by the region the phone was sold in, so check our compatibility list or use the EID check above.

Yes. A carrier-locked phone may refuse eSIM profiles from other providers. Ask your carrier to confirm your phone is unlocked before you buy.

Right after purchase you'll receive an email with your QR code and an install link. Tap the link on your phone, or scan the QR code from your phone's settings. Step-by-step instructions are on our eSIM Setup Guide page.

We recommend installing it a day or two before you travel, while you're on WiFi at home. Your plan's validity only starts when your phone first connects to a network at your destination. If your plan also covers the country you're installing it in (for example a regional or global plan), keep the eSIM line switched off until you arrive so the plan doesn't start early.

Yes. On recent iPhones and Android phones you can tap the install link in your email, or long-press the QR code image to install it. If that doesn't work on your phone, open the QR code on a second screen and scan it, or enter the codes manually.

Turn up the screen brightness and make sure the whole code is visible. If it still won't scan, use the manual installation option with the SM-DP+ address and activation code in your email.

No, each QR code can be installed only once and on one device. Please don't delete the eSIM from your phone after installing it, because a deleted eSIM usually can't be installed again.

Your eSIM usually arrives within a few minutes. Check your spam or promotions folder first. You can also see your eSIM on the My eSIM page. If it's still missing, contact us with your order number and we'll sort it out quickly.

Open the My eSIM page while signed in to your Maxesimo account. You'll see your plan with a usage bar showing data used and remaining. Usage is updated every few hours.

Yes. As long as your plan hasn't expired, you can add data to the same eSIM from the My eSIM page. There's no new QR code and nothing to reinstall. The new data and days are added to your current plan.

Your eSIM stops providing internet once your data is used up. You can add more data to the same eSIM from the My eSIM page, or buy a new plan at any time.

You get a set amount of high-speed data every day. Once you use it, you stay connected at a reduced speed until your next day starts. Each day is counted in 24-hour periods from your first connection.

Our plans are data-only, made for browsing, maps, messaging apps and social media. You can call and message through apps like WhatsApp. For regular calls and texts, keep your main SIM active alongside your eSIM.

Yes, you can share your eSIM data with other devices through personal hotspot, just like with a regular SIM.

Every plan shows its validity on the product page, from a few days up to 30 days. The countdown starts when you first connect at your destination, not when you buy.

We offer eSIM data plans for 189 countries, plus regional and global plans. Browse all destinations on our country plans page.

Yes. If your countries are in the same region, one of our Regional eSIM plans covers them all with a single plan, so you don't need to switch eSIMs at every border. Each regional plan lists exactly which countries are included.

Yes. Our Global eSIM is made for trips across several continents, with one plan for all the countries on its list.

Yes. Our plans that include China route your connection through Hong Kong, Singapore or the UK, so Google, WhatsApp and other apps work without a VPN.

Yes. If it's installed before your trip, your eSIM connects to a local partner network automatically once your phone finds signal. Make sure data roaming is on for the eSIM line.

We accept all major credit and debit cards, plus Apple Pay and Google Pay at checkout.

Refund eligibility depends on whether the eSIM has been installed or used. Full details are in our Terms and Conditions.

Yes. All payments go through a secure, encrypted checkout, and Maxesimo never stores your full card details.

Check that data roaming is turned on for your eSIM line and that the eSIM is selected as your mobile data line. Restarting your phone often helps too. If it still won't connect, contact us with your order number.

Our support team is here 24/7, before, during and after your trip. You can reach us any time through our Contact page.

In most cases no. A travel eSIM stays on the device it was installed on and can't be transferred. If you're switching phones, install your next plan on the new device.