Travel eSIM vs Local SIM: Which Should You Choose Abroad?
Choosing between a travel eSIM vs local SIM is not simply a choice between digital and physical technology. Both options
September 21, 2026
Choosing between a travel eSIM vs local SIM is not simply a choice between digital and physical technology. Both options
Before purchasing an eSIM, make sure your device supports eSIM and isn’t carrier-locked. Compatibility may vary depending on your country, region, and device version.
iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
iPhone SE 2020, iPhone SE 2022
iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
iPad Air 2014, 2019, 2020, 2022
iPad Pro 11″ 2018, 2020
iPad Pro 12.9″ 2015, 2017
iPad Pro 10.5″ 2017
iPad Pro 9.7″ 2016
iPad 10.2″ 2019, 2020, 2021
iPad 9.7″ 2016, 2017, 2018
iPad mini 3, mini 4 2015, mini 2019, mini 2021
Important: iPhones with two physical SIM slots do not support eSIM. eSIM is not available on iPhones sold in mainland China. Some iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR models purchased in China, Macau, or Hong Kong may also be incompatible with eSIM.
Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 FE
Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE
Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE
Galaxy S22 5G, S22+ 5G, S22 Ultra 5G
Galaxy S21 5G, S21+ 5G, S21 Ultra 5G
Galaxy S20, S20 5G, S20+, S20+ 5G, S20 Ultra, S20 Ultra 5G
Galaxy A55, A54, A35
Galaxy Note20, Note20 5G, Note20 Ultra 5G
Galaxy Xcover7
Galaxy Z Fold6, Fold5, Fold4, Fold3 5G, Fold2 5G
Galaxy Z Flip4, Flip3 5G, Flip, Flip 5G
Galaxy Tab Active5
Important: Some Samsung models for the US, Hong Kong, and other regions may not support eSIM.
Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold
Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a
Pixel 7, 7a, 7 Pro
Pixel 6, 6a, 6 Pro
Pixel 5, 5a 5G
Pixel 4, 4a, 4 XL, 4a 5G
Pixel 3, 3a, 3 XL, 3a XL
Important: Some regional versions of Pixel, including certain models for Southeast Asia, Australia, Japan, and Taiwan, may be incompatible with eSIM.
Huawei: P40, P40 Pro, Mate40 Pro, Pura 70 Pro
Sony: Xperia 10 III Lite, 10 IV, 5 IV, 1 IV
Motorola: Razr 2019, Razr 5G, Edge 2022/2023/2024, Edge 50 Pro, Edge 50 Ultra, Edge 50 Fusion, Edge 40, Edge 40 Pro, Moto G 2023/2024, Moto G Power 2024, Moto G85
Nokia: XR21, X30, G60
OnePlus: 12, 11
Oppo: Find X3, Find X3 Pro, Find X5, Find X5 Pro, Find N2 Flip, Reno A
Microsoft: Surface Duo, Surface Duo 2
Honor: Magic 4 Pro, Magic5 Pro
Xiaomi: 14, 14 Pro, 13T, 13T Pro, 13, 13 Lite, 13 Pro, 12T Pro
HAMMER: Explorer PRO, Blade 3, Blade 5G
myPhone: NOW eSIM
Rakuten: Big, Big S, Mini, Hand
SHARP: Aquos Sense4 Lite, Aquos R7
Fairphone: Fairphone 4
DOOGEE: V30
Nuu Mobile: X5
Gemini PDA: 4G + Wi-Fi