Planning a trip overseas and thinking about how you'll stay connected? Maybe you've heard about eSIM plans, but you aren't sure how they work?
eSIMs (embedded SIMs) are revolutionizing the way people stay connected while traveling. If you're new to eSIMs, you might have some questions. Rockee, a leading global provider of eSIM solutions, has got you covered!
Here is everything you need to know about eSIMs:
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a rewritable, virtual SIM card that's embedded directly into your device. It allows you to activate and manage cellular plans digitally, without needing a physical SIM card.
What devices support eSIM?
Most newer devices support eSIM, including popular devices like:
- iPhone 11 and later
- Samsung Galaxy S20 and later
- Google Pixel 3 and later
- And many other Android devices, tablets and watches
You can find a full list of supported devices here.
How do I get an eSIM?
You can purchase an eSIM plan from Rockee. Once you do, the eSIM is immediately delivered to you and you install it on your device by scanning a QR code.
Can I use multiple eSIMs at once?
Yes! Most devices support installing multiple eSIMs, however you can typically only have one or two lines turned on at the same time.
Can I use an eSIM for voice calls and texts?
Most eSIMs are data-only, but you can use popular apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, FaceTime, iMessage, Viber, Telegram, Signal, Line and others to make calls and send or receive messages like you normally would.
However, Rockee does offer a global eSIM that comes with a phone number if that's important to you. You can find details of that here.
What if I run out of data?
Rockee makes it easy to track your data usage and top up or buy a new eSIM if you're running low.
Can I tether or set up a hotspot with an eSIM?
Absolutely! Once you install and connect to a network with your eSIM, it works exactly like any other mobile data connection. You can turn on your device's hotspot and share your connection with your friends, colleagues and family.
Is a SIM better than an eSIM?
They are effectively the same thing, so there's really no difference. In fact, many mobile network operators are switching to eSIM entirely for the environmental factor alone. Using an eSIM reduces plastic waste. In fact, studies have estimated that every eSIM saves about 106g of CO2 emissions!
Why should I buy an eSIM from Rockee?
Every traveler is different, but some of the reasons might be because:
- Rockee offers more affordable options compared to most roaming plans
- Using a country-specific eSIM from Rockee usually means you have higher network priority (higher speeds!) than your international roaming plan
- You can store multiple Rockee eSIM plans on your device, which is great for multi-country trips
- Buying a Rockee eSIM before you travel lets you connect immediately upon landing, instead of waiting to visit a booth inside the airport
- Having a Rockee eSIM can reduce travel anxiety when you're unsure about local connectivity or wifi access
- We're a small business run by real people who love to travel! You can learn more about us here and I can guarantee we appreciate your business and the trust you place in our products.
Can I gift an eSIM?
Great idea! Yes, you can. When you buy a Rockee eSIM plan, the installation instructions are immediately sent to you, but that eSIM is not tied to any device until you install it. That means you can buy a Rockee eSIM and then send it to someone as a gift.
Can an eSIM be reinstalled once deleted?
Nope! This is important to keep in mind. Once an eSIM is deleted from a device, for any reason, it is automatically destroyed. An eSIM can only be installed once.
What is "Carrier Lock"?
Some phones, most commonly those in the United States, are purchased on a payment plan from your mobile network operator. Often these devices are "carrier locked" which means that they cannot be used on any other network.
You can read more about this here, which also explains how to tell if your device is carrier locked or not.
Can an eSIM be used in China?
Yes, however there are some things to keep in mind:
- China eSIM plans are designed to be used by tourists and on non-Chinese purchased devices
- China eSIM plans provide connectivity to the "open web" (the Internet outside of China) and can experience generally connectivity issues
- Devices sold within China, Macau and Hong Kong do not support eSIM at all, even when taken overseas.