A digital profile
When you buy a plan from Keep On Roaming, we send you a digital profile. You install it with one tap from your confirmation email or account, and it sits alongside your usual SIM.
eSIM basics
What is an eSIM?
A SIM card, without the card.
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a chip built into your phone or tablet that stores a mobile plan digitally. There’s nothing to post, cut to size or swap at a kiosk.
You download your plan instead of inserting a card. Your phone then connects to partner networks, just as it would with a plastic SIM.
How it works
How it works in practice
Keep your usual number
Leave your home SIM in place for calls and texts, and use the eSIM for data while you’re away: maps, chat apps and email. Our eSIMs are data only, so they don’t come with a phone number. For calls, use apps such as WhatsApp.
In short
At a glance
Data only
No new number: keep your own for calls and texts
Side by side
Your home SIM and travel eSIM work together
190+
Countries covered by Keep On Roaming
Why travellers like it
Why people choose an eSIM
Ready before you land
Buy and install before you fly, then switch on data when you land. No queuing for a local SIM at the airport.
Nothing to lose
There’s no tiny card to drop on the tarmac or leave in a hotel safe.
Several plans, one phone
Store more than one plan on your phone and switch between them in Settings.
Side by side
eSIM vs physical SIM card
Getting a plan
- Physical SIM
- Buy one in a shop or wait for it in the post
- eSIM
- Buy online, with no shop visit or delivery
Installing
- Physical SIM
- Insert the card into your phone’s SIM tray
- eSIM
- Install with one tap from your email or account, with a QR code as backup
Travelling
- Physical SIM
- Swap cards, or carry a second phone
- eSIM
- Add a travel eSIM alongside your usual SIM
Checking your phone
- Physical SIM
- Make sure the card fits your SIM tray
- eSIM
- Dial *#06#. If an EID number appears, your phone supports eSIM
Before you buy
Good to know
Your phone must be unlocked
It needs to support eSIM and must not be locked to one mobile provider.
The clock starts when you connect
Each plan has a validity period, usually 7, 15 or 30 days. It starts when the eSIM first connects to a supported network, so you can install it early.
Turn on data roaming
Your eSIM needs data roaming switched on to connect. Turn it on for the eSIM when you arrive.
One device at a time
An eSIM works on one device at a time. To move it to a new phone, remove it from the old one first.
Keep reading
More eSIM guides
Ready to set yours up?
Step-by-step instructions for iPhone, iPad, and Android.
Will it work on my phone?
Search by model or browse by manufacturer to check eSIM support.
Ready to connect?
Choose a country or region and buy a Roam Like Home® eSIM for your next trip.
