Step 1
Buy a plan online
Pick your destination and data amount on Guac. You'll receive a QR code by email and in the Guac app within seconds. No waiting for shipping, no store visit.
What Is an eSIM?
A digital SIM card built into your phone. Buy a data plan online, install it in 2 minutes, and land abroad with working internet. No SIM swap, no store visit, no roaming fees.
1 in 5 international travelers used an eSIM in 2025
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How Does an eSIM Work?
A SIM card tells your phone which mobile network to connect to. Traditionally, that's a tiny plastic card in a tray on the side of your phone. An eSIM does the same thing, but it's a chip already built into your device. Instead of swapping cards, you download a data plan, like downloading an app.
Step 2
Scan and install
Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM and scan the QR code. Your phone downloads the eSIM profile in under 2 minutes. Do this at home before your trip while you're on Wi-Fi.
Step 3
Land with internet
When your plane touches down, your eSIM connects to a local carrier. Open Google Maps, message your family, order a ride. Everything works in seconds.
Your Phone Number Doesn't Change
This is the part most people get confused about. When you add a travel eSIM, your existing phone number stays exactly where it is. You're not replacing anything. You're adding a second connection.
Your home SIM (stays active)
Your phone number
SMS and phone calls
WhatsApp stays on your number
Banking verification codes
iMessage and FaceTime
Your Guac eSIM (added alongside)
Mobile data abroad
Google Maps and navigation
Browsing and social media
Streaming and email
App data (Uber, Translate, etc.)
Both run at the same time. You don't switch between them. Your phone handles it automatically. Same WhatsApp number, same apps, just fast local data instead of expensive roaming.
eSIM vs Physical SIM vs Roaming
| Guac eSIM | Physical SIM Abroad | International Roaming | |
|---|---|---|---|
| When you get data | Before you leave home | After landing, finding a shop | Immediately, at a price |
| Setup time | 2 minutes | 15-60 minutes in-store | None, but surprise bills later |
| Keep your home number | Yes, both SIMs run together | Usually no, you swap cards | Yes |
| WhatsApp stays on your number | Yes | Often disrupted by SIM swap | Yes |
| Multi-country trips | One regional plan covers many countries | New SIM card per country | Works but expensive everywhere |
| Price | From $1/GB depending on destination | Varies, can be cheap locally | $5-15/day or $10-20/MB |
| Risk | None, install before you go | SIM tray damage, lost card, language barrier | Bill shock when you get home |
Guac eSIM
When you get dataBefore you leave home
Setup time2 minutes
Keep your home numberYes, both SIMs run together
WhatsApp stays on your numberYes
Multi-country tripsOne regional plan covers many countries
PriceFrom $1/GB depending on destination
RiskNone, install before you go
Physical SIM Abroad
When you get dataAfter landing, finding a shop
Setup time15-60 minutes in-store
Keep your home numberUsually no, you swap cards
WhatsApp stays on your numberOften disrupted by SIM swap
Multi-country tripsNew SIM card per country
PriceVaries, can be cheap locally
RiskSIM tray damage, lost card, language barrier
International Roaming
When you get dataImmediately, at a price
Setup timeNone, but surprise bills later
Keep your home numberYes
WhatsApp stays on your numberYes
Multi-country tripsWorks but expensive everywhere
Price$5-15/day or $10-20/MB
RiskBill shock when you get home
Is an eSIM Right for You?
eSIM is perfect if you:
Have a phone from 2018 or newer (iPhone XR+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+)
Want working internet the moment you land
Don't want to hunt for a SIM shop at the airport
Want to keep your home number active for WhatsApp and calls
Are visiting multiple countries and want one plan that covers them all
Prefer to set everything up before your trip
A physical SIM might be better if:
Your phone is older than 2018 or is locked to a carrier
You need a local phone number for voice calls (travel eSIMs are data-only)
You prefer to pay cash at a shop rather than online
Not sure if your phone supports eSIM? Check below.
How to Get Started
Step 1
Check your phone
Dial *#06# from your phone. If you see a 32-digit EID number, your phone supports eSIM. Or check the list below.
Step 2
Pick your destination
Browse 190+ countries on Guac. Choose your data amount and trip length. Plans start at $1/GB.
Step 3
Install and go
Scan the QR code, add the eSIM to your phone, and you're set. Install before your trip. It activates when you land.
Is My Phone eSIM Compatible?
Most phones from 2018 and newer support eSIM. Here's a quick way to check.
Quick check
Dial *#06# from your phone's dialer. If an EID number appears (32 digits), your phone supports eSIM. No EID? Your phone likely doesn't support it.
Your phone must be unlocked (not locked to a specific carrier). If you bought it directly from Apple, Samsung, or Google, it's almost certainly unlocked. If you bought it through a carrier on a payment plan, check with them.
Not sure? Contact us and we'll check for you.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Land With Internet That Works
Pick your destination, choose a plan, and install your eSIM before your next trip. Two minutes of setup at home saves you the airport SIM shop, the roaming bill, and the stress.
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