If there is one thing that’s common between eSIMs and iPhones is that both are designed with the user in mind. Apple products are generally more intuitive to use and emphasize functionality and usability over flashy or complex features. Similarly, eSIMs are all about getting you quickly connected to high-speed mobile Internet, now accessible anywhere in the world through international eSIMs.

This guide will help you get up to speed on using your iPhone to get quick and easy Internet anywhere around the world with the holidayeSim International eSIM. With the iPhone 14 offering support for up to 8 eSIMs and dual active eSIMs, we can only expect the company’s support for eSIM technology to only grow and develop in the coming models and generations.

  • What is an eSIM?

  • Why eSIM is useful for iPhone users traveling internationally?

  • Installing and activating your international eSIM on iPhone

  • How to use dual SIM with your international eSIM on iPhone

  • Tips on using your international eSIM on iPhone

  • The best international eSIMs for iPhones

  • International eSIM countries coverage

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that is embedded directly into a device's hardware, such as a smartphone or tablet. Unlike a traditional SIM card, which is a physical card that must be inserted into the device, an eSIM is a digital version of the same thing that can be downloaded and activated over the air.

eSIM technology offers several advantages over traditional SIM cards. One of the main benefits is that it eliminates the need to physically swap SIM cards when switching carriers or traveling abroad. With an eSIM, users can simply download a new mobile plan onto their device without having to physically insert a new card.

Another advantage of eSIMs is that they take up less space in a device, which can be particularly useful for smaller devices like smartwatches. Additionally, eSIMs are more secure than physical SIM cards because they are built into the device's hardware and cannot be easily removed or tampered with.

eSIMs are becoming increasingly popular among mobile carriers and device manufacturers, and they are now supported by many smartphones, tablets, and other devices.

Why eSIM is useful for iPhone users traveling internationally?

When traveling abroad, traditional SIM cards can be expensive and inconvenient to use. Users must either purchase a local SIM card or pay expensive roaming fees to their home carrier. However, with an eSIM, users can simply download a local plan onto their iPhone and use it like they would any other mobile plan. This can be a cost-effective and convenient way to use a mobile phone while traveling.

Moreover, eSIMs can also be more secure when traveling abroad. Physical SIM cards can be lost or stolen, leaving users without a means of communication. With an eSIM, the mobile plan is tied directly to the device's hardware, making it more difficult for someone to steal or tamper with the mobile plan.

eSIMs can also help travelers avoid language barriers when purchasing a local SIM card. In many countries, purchasing a local SIM card can involve navigating complex language barriers and unfamiliar systems. With an eSIM, the process is much simpler, as users can download and activate the plan directly from their iPhones.

eSIMs are particularly useful for iPhone users who travel internationally because the latest iPhone models, including the iPhone XS, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and newer, have an eSIM built into their hardware.

This means that iPhone users no longer have to physically swap SIM cards when traveling internationally or switching carriers. They can simply download a local mobile plan onto their device, either through the carrier's app or by scanning a QR code. The iPhone then automatically switches to the new plan, making it a quick and hassle-free process.

Moreover, iPhone users who travel internationally with the holidayeSim global eSIM no longer need to find a local carrier that supports the traditional SIM card format used by older devices. 

eSIMs can also be used alongside a physical SIM card on newer iPhone models, providing users with the flexibility to use two different mobile plans at the same time. This can be particularly useful for frequent travelers who need to maintain connectivity in multiple countries.

Lastly, even though Apple devices are secure, there is always the possibility of danger by connecting to unsecured free Wi-Fi networks. Therefore, it is always recommended to just stick to your holidayeSim international eSIM for enhanced protection while traveling abroad.

Installing and activating your international eSIM on iPhone

First grab the international eSIM or any of the regional eSIMs including Asia, Europe, North America, South America or Oceania, from our store depending on your destinations.

You will be then sent a QR code on the email submitted on registration. Now you’re all set to install your eSIM.

On your iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.

Scan the QR code with your iPhone's camera. Your iPhone will automatically recognize the code and prompt you to confirm the installation of the eSIM.

Your iPhone will then display information about the eSIM plan, including the carrier name, data plan, and expiration date. Review this information and confirm to activate the eSIM.

If you have a physical SIM and an eSIM installed, you can choose which one to use as your default line for calls, messages, and cellular data. 

Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans and choose your preferred line under Default Line.

Once the eSIM is installed and activated, you can use it like a physical SIM to make calls, send messages, and access the internet.

Here are the USSD codes for getting your eSIM plan details

To check your validity, dial *121#

To check your data allowance, dial *111*6#

To check your phone number, *545#

Tips on using your international eSIM on iPhone

When it comes to using your holidayeSim international eSIM on your iPhone, there are a few different ways you can get the best out of your global Internet experience.

Optimize your iPhone eSIM experience with these helpful tips. 

Purchase a local eSIM 

Many countries have carriers that offer eSIMs specifically for travelers. holidayeSim offers affordable data plans that can be purchased online or in stores that offer wide regional and local support. Browse our extensive regional stores here.

Enable local roaming and turn off your physical SIM

To use your eSIM abroad, you will need to enable data roaming. Go to  Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Roaming and turn on Data Roaming. To avoid accidentally using your physical SIM while abroad and incurring expensive roaming charges, it's a good idea to turn off your physical SIM while using your eSIM. You can do this by going to Settings > Cellular and  turning off the toggle next to your physical SIM.

Keep track of your data usage

Keeping track of your data usage on your iPhone is important to avoid exceeding your data plan and incurring additional charges. Here are the steps to check your data usage on your iPhone.

Go to Settings: On your iPhone, go to Settings.

Select Cellular: In Settings, select Cellular.

View data usage: Under Cellular, you'll see a list of apps that have used cellular data. You can see the total amount of data used by each app next to its name.

Reset data usage: To reset the data usage statistics, scroll down to the bottom of the Cellular page and tap on Reset Statistics. This will reset all of the data usage statistics to zero.

Set a data usage limit: To help you stay within your data plan, you can set a data usage limit on your iPhone. To do this, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming and turn on the toggle next to "Set Data Limit". You can then set a data limit for your billing cycle period.

Monitor data usage in the control center: You can also monitor your data usage from the Control Center. Swipe down from the top right corner of your iPhone screen to access the Control Center. You will see a section labeled "Cellular Data" that displays the total amount of data used for the current billing cycle.

By keeping track of your data usage on your iPhone, you can avoid exceeding your data plan and incurring additional charges. It's a good idea to periodically check your data usage and adjust your usage habits as needed to stay within your plan limits.

Turn off background app refresh

Background app refresh allows apps to update their content in the background, even when you're not actively using them. This can use up a lot of data. To turn off background app refresh, go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and turn off the toggle.

Limit app data usage

You can limit the amount of data that apps can use by going to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and scrolling down to the section labeled "Use Cellular Data For". Here you can turn off the toggle for apps that use a lot of data.

Use low-data mode

Low-data mode reduces the amount of data used by certain features, such as automatic downloads and background app refresh. To turn on low-data mode, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and turn on the toggle for "Low Data Mode".

Let your iPhone remember which number to use

If you frequently call the same contact using multiple phone numbers, you'll be pleased to know that your iPhone will automatically use the same number you used the last time you contacted them. If you haven't previously called that contact, your iPhone will default to your primary number.

However, there may be instances where you need to manually specify which number to use when calling a contact. In this case, follow these simple steps to choose a specific number for your calls:

  1. Open the "Contacts" app

  2. Select the contact you wish to call.

  3. Tap on the contact's name at the top of the screen to open their details.

  4. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and select "Preferred Cellular Plan."

  5. Choose the number you want to use for this contact from the available options.

By manually assigning a preferred number to each of your contacts, you can ensure that your calls are always made from the correct number, even if you haven't contacted that person recently. This makes it easy to manage multiple phone numbers and stay organized when communicating with others.

Following these tips with the holidayeSim international eSIM on your iPhone can give you an unmatched global connectivity experience that is backed up by stellar customer support too. Should you ever run into any difficulties with your international eSIM on your iPhone, simply reach out to our dedicated support team by dialing +44 03300101391. We will be more than happy to provide you with prompt and effective assistance.


At the heart of our service lies a commitment to fast and effective solutions. Our team is dedicated to providing swift resolution of any issues that may arise with your eSIM, no matter where in the world you may be. With our tireless efforts, you can trust that your eSIM will operate at peak performance around the clock, in every corner of the globe.

Using Dual eSIM with your international eSIM on iPhone

Keep your work and personal life separate by using different phone numbers for each. When traveling abroad, consider adding a local data plan to avoid hefty fees. 

Enjoy seamless communication with both numbers able to make and receive calls and messages using iMessage, SMS, and MMS. Note that your iPhone can only use one mobile data network at a time. And, for those with an iPhone 12 or newer, ensure you have iOS 14.5 or later installed to take full advantage of 5G with Dual SIM.

You can set up multiple mobile plans and use Dual SIM to activate two SIMs simultaneously. This can be done using either a physical SIM and an eSIM or two active eSIMs on iPhone 13 models and newer. For iPhones without a physical SIM tray, two active eSIMs can be used. With this feature, you can easily switch between plans and optimize your mobile connectivity.

Once you have successfully activated your second eSIM plan on your iPhone, it is recommended that you label each plan to make it easier to differentiate between them. You can choose labels such as "Business" and "Personal" or customize them to your liking.

These labels come in handy when you need to select a specific phone number to make or receive calls and messages, designate a number for mobile data, or assign a number to a contact. With clearly labeled plans, you can stay organized and avoid confusion when it comes to managing your mobile usage.

If you ever need to update or change your labels, simply go to your iPhone's settings, select either "Cellular" or "Mobile Data," and choose the number whose label you want to modify. From there, select "Mobile Data Plan Label" and either choose a new label from the available options or enter a custom label of your own. 

The best international eSIMs for iPhones

Sim2fly Global eSIM

  • Global eSIM 6GB Plan Valid for 15 days

  • Get 6GB High-speed 5G Data

  • Strong and reliable network overage in 120 countries

  • Includes Thai number

  • Instant installation

  • Valid for 15 days

  • Truly unlimited plan (reduced speed after data cap)

Sim2fly International eSIM Asia

  • Asia eSIM 6GB Plan Valid for 8 days

  • Get 6GB High-speed 5G Data

  • Strong and reliable network coverage across Asia

  • Includes Thai number

  • Instant installation

  • Valid for 8 days

  • Truly unlimited plan (reduced speed after data cap)

International eSIM countries coverage

Your holidayeSim international eSIM is expected to work flawlessly in the countries mentioned below. Many of them offer 5G as you can see from the list below.

Bangladesh, Bahrain 5G, Brunei, Cambodia, China (incl Tibet) 5G, Hong Kong 5G, India, Indonesia 5G, Israel 5G, Japan 5G, Jordan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar (Currently Blocked), Nepal, Oman 5G, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, Philippines 5G, Qatar 5G, Saudi Arabia, Singapore 5G, South Korea 5G, Sri Lanka, Taiwan 5G, United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Dubai, Abu Dhabi 5G, Uzbekistan, Vietnam 5G, Chad, Congo (Democratic Republic Of), Congo Republic, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar Republic, Malawi, Nigeria, Reunion, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Åland Islands, Albania, Armenia, Austria 5G, Azerbaijan, Belgium 5G, Belarus, Bulgaria 5G, Croatia 5G, Cyprus (Northern), Czech Republic 5G, Denmark 5G, England 5G, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland 5G, France 5G, Georgia, Germany 5G, Greece, Hungary 5G, Iceland 5G, Ireland 5G, Italy 5G, Kazakhstan, Latvia 5G, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg 5G, Malta 5G, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands 5G, Norway 5G, Poland 5G, Portugal 5G, Romania, Russia 5G, San Marino 5G, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia 5G, Spain 5G, Sweden 5G, Switzerland 5G, Svalbardand, Turkey 5G, Ukraine, United Kingdom UK 5G, Vatican City 5G, Canada 5G, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico , Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, USA (incl Hawaii), United States Virgin Islands, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia , Ecuador, Paraguay , Peru, Uruguay.