eSIM Beginner's Guide: Quick Facts
- What is an eSIM: A digital SIM built into your phone -- no physical card needed
- Compatible devices: iPhone XR and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 4+
- Setup time: Under 5 minutes from purchase to activation
- Cost: LATAM Travellers plans start from just $4.50 (as of February 2026)
- Works alongside: Your existing physical SIM -- keep your home number active
What Exactly Is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card already built into modern smartphones, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card entirely. Instead of inserting a tiny piece of plastic, you download your mobile data plan digitally by scanning a QR code. Think of it like downloading an app, except it gives you a mobile data connection.
The technology has been around since 2018, but it has become mainstream as more phone manufacturers have adopted it. For travellers heading to Latin America, an eSIM from LATAM Travellers means you can land in any country and have instant data connectivity without hunting for a local SIM vendor at the airport.
Pro Tip: An eSIM does not replace your regular SIM card. Your phone runs both simultaneously. Keep your regular SIM for your home number and calls, and use the eSIM for affordable local data when you travel.
eSIM vs Physical SIM vs Roaming: How They Compare
Understanding the differences between your connectivity options helps you make an informed choice for your next trip.
| Feature | eSIM | Physical SIM | Carrier Roaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Under 5 minutes | 15-30 minutes (find shop, queue, register) | Instant but expensive |
| Cost (1 week, 5GB) | $4.50-$10 | $5-$15 + taxi to shop | $50-$100+ |
| Buy before travel | Yes -- install at home | Sometimes (delivery needed) | Yes (auto-activates) |
| Keep home number | Yes -- dual SIM | No (must swap SIMs) | Yes |
| Multi-country trips | Store 5-10 eSIMs, switch instantly | Buy new SIM at each border | Works but very costly |
LATAM Travellers provides eSIM plans for over 20 Latin American countries, all with instant delivery and local carrier coverage -- giving you the best combination of convenience, cost, and flexibility.
Is Your Phone eSIM-Compatible?
Most smartphones released since 2019 support eSIM technology, but you should always verify before purchasing a plan.
eSIM-Compatible iPhones
- iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, and all newer models
- iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series (all models)
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
eSIM-Compatible Android Phones
- Google Pixel 4, 4a, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and newer
- Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25 and newer
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold series
- Motorola Razr (2019 and newer)
- OnePlus 12 and newer models
Pro Tip: Your phone must be carrier-unlocked to use a third-party eSIM. If you are on a payment plan, contact your carrier to confirm it is unlocked before buying.
How to Check on iPhone
- Open Settings
- Tap Cellular or Mobile Data
- Look for Add Cellular Plan or Add eSIM
- If you see this option, your phone supports eSIM
How to Check on Android
- Open Settings
- Tap Network & Internet or Connections
- Tap SIMs or Mobile Networks
- Look for Add mobile plan or Add eSIM
How to Set Up Your eSIM: Step-by-Step
Setting up an eSIM takes less than five minutes and can be done entirely from your sofa before your trip.
Step 1: Purchase Your eSIM Plan
Browse LATAM Travellers eSIM plans, choose your destination country and data amount, and complete your purchase. You will receive your QR code by email within minutes. You can also use Meili, our free AI travel planner, to build a custom day-by-day itinerary for your trip.
Step 2: Scan the QR Code
While on a reliable WiFi connection, open the email on another device (or print it) and scan the QR code with your phone's camera. Your phone will prompt you to add the cellular plan.
Step 3: Label Your eSIM
Give it a clear label like "Brazil Trip" or "Mexico eSIM" so you can easily identify it later.
Step 4: Configure Your Settings
Set your default line for calls and texts to your regular SIM and your default line for data to your new eSIM.
Step 5: Activate When You Arrive
When you land, go to your phone's cellular settings and turn on Data Roaming for your eSIM line. Within a minute or two, you will be connected to a local carrier network.
Pro Tip: Install your eSIM days or even weeks before your trip. It will not activate or consume data until you enable Data Roaming in the destination country. Installing early means one less thing to worry about on travel day.
Common First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid
Knowing the most common pitfalls saves you time and frustration on your trip.
- Waiting until arrival to install: Install at home on WiFi. Airport WiFi is often unreliable, and you do not want to troubleshoot setup while jet-lagged.
- Forgetting to enable Data Roaming: Your eSIM will not connect unless Data Roaming is on for that specific line. This is the number one support request we receive at LATAM Travellers.
- Accidentally deleting the eSIM: eSIMs can only be installed once. If you delete it, you need a new one. Label it clearly and avoid unnecessary changes to cellular settings.
- Not checking phone compatibility: Always verify your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked before purchasing. Check the compatibility lists above or visit our FAQ page.
Why Travellers Choose eSIM for Latin America
The convenience factor alone makes eSIM the preferred choice, but the savings are equally compelling. International roaming from major carriers can cost $10-15 per day. A two-week trip to Brazil or Mexico on carrier roaming could cost over $150 just for data.
With an eSIM from LATAM Travellers, the same trip costs a fraction of that. You get local carrier coverage (the same networks locals use), instant activation, and customer support if you need help. No contracts, no hidden fees, no surprise charges on your phone bill when you return home. For a full overview of the process, visit our How We Work page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to unlock my phone to use an eSIM?
Yes. Your phone must be carrier-unlocked to use a third-party eSIM. If you bought your phone outright, it is almost certainly unlocked. If you are on a payment plan, contact your carrier to check.
Can I keep my regular phone number while using an eSIM?
Yes. Your existing physical SIM stays in your phone and continues to work normally. You can receive calls, texts, and two-factor authentication codes on your regular number while using the eSIM for affordable local data.
What if my eSIM does not work when I arrive?
The most common fix is enabling Data Roaming. Go to Settings, select your eSIM line, and make sure Data Roaming is turned on. If it still does not connect, restart your phone and wait two to three minutes.
Can I use an eSIM on multiple devices?
No. Each eSIM QR code can only be installed on one device. Once installed, it is permanently linked to that phone.
Do eSIM plans include phone calls and texts?
No. Travel eSIM plans from LATAM Travellers are data-only. With data you can make calls and send messages through WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom -- which is all most travellers need.
Planning Your Latin America Trip?
Use Meili, our free AI travel planner, to build a personalised day-by-day itinerary. Tell it your dates, travel style, and priorities — it handles the rest.
Plan My TripGet Connected on Your Next Trip
Setting up an eSIM is simpler than most first-time users expect. LATAM Travellers makes the process even easier with instant QR code delivery, clear setup instructions, and support available when you need it. Whether you are heading to Costa Rica, Colombia, or anywhere else in Latin America, your connectivity is sorted in under five minutes.