What is an eSIM, and how is it different from a SIM card?
An eSIM is a SIM card you never insert into your phone. For data abroad it is less hassle than a physical SIM: no waiting for delivery, no taking your usual SIM out. But not every phone can use one. Here is what it is, how it differs from a physical SIM, whether your phone can use one, whether you keep your number, and which to choose for a trip.
What an eSIM is
A SIM holds a carrier profile that lets the phone join a network. A physical SIM card keeps that profile on a small card in a slot; an eSIM delivers it as an install code (usually a QR code), and the phone scans it into a chip it already has.
Once installed it works like an inserted SIM: switch the eSIM on in Settings and it carries your data.
How it differs from a SIM card
| eSIM | Physical SIM | |
|---|---|---|
| How you get it | Install code (a QR code) minutes after paying; scan it into the phone | Posted to you, 1–3 days after ordering |
| Phone needs | eSIM support, and an unlocked phone | A SIM slot; older phones work too |
| Your number | Your usual SIM stays in, number working as usual | Takes a slot: a single-slot phone has to take the usual SIM out |
| New phone | Stays on the phone it was installed on; deleted usually means gone | Move it to the new phone and carry on |
| Where | 97 countries and regions | mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan |
| Price | From $0.90 | From $1.90 (a first order may add a card fee, shown at checkout; renewals do not) |
Can your phone use an eSIM?
- Dial *#06#: if an “EID” line shows, the phone supports eSIM. On an iPhone you can also find the EID in Settings → General → About.
- The phone also has to be unlocked, that is, not locked to a carrier.
- Most iPhones sold in mainland China do not support eSIM. Newer mainland models such as iPhone Air, 17e and the 18 Pro do, but they cannot install a foreign eSIM while in mainland China: install it after you arrive, with Location Services on. They also hold at most two eSIMs. Many Hong Kong and Macao models do not support eSIM either. No EID? Choose a physical SIM.
Do you keep your number?
A travel eSIM is a data plan: it gets you online and carries no number. Your number is on your usual SIM, which stays in the phone; with international roaming on, it can usually still receive text codes (receiving texts is usually free; check with your carrier). Keep data roaming off on that SIM and it runs up no roaming data charges.
How to get one and what it costs
- On Green Tea Mobile, choose the destination, data and days.
- Pay with Alipay, WeChat Pay or points.
- Minutes after paying, the install code appears on the order page and in My cards, and is emailed to you; install it with the steps on the page.
You pay the plan price, from $0.90 for an eSIM today. Running low on data? Add a plan in My cards, with no reinstall. An eSIM not yet installed on a phone can be refunded on its order page, in full, to points.
Which to choose abroad
- Your phone supports eSIM: choose an eSIM. It installs right after paying, your usual SIM stays in, and it works the same wherever you go.
- Your phone has no eSIM and you are going to mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan: choose a physical SIM, insert it and turn on data roaming.
- One SIM slot, and you need your home number for text codes: prefer an eSIM, so the usual SIM can stay in.
Comparing every way to get online abroad? Roaming, eSIM, SIM card or pocket WiFi
Questions
What does eSIM mean?
A SIM you never insert: the carrier profile comes as an install code (usually a QR code), your phone scans it into its built-in chip, and from then on it works like an inserted SIM.
How is an eSIM different from a physical SIM card?
An eSIM installs minutes after you pay, with no waiting for delivery, and takes no SIM slot, so your usual SIM stays in. But the phone has to support eSIM, and it stays on the phone it was installed on. A physical SIM is posted to you, works in older phones too, and moves to a new phone by swapping it over.
Can I keep my number with an eSIM?
A travel eSIM is data only, with no number. Your number stays on your usual SIM, which stays in the phone; with international roaming on, it can usually still receive text codes.
How much does an eSIM cost?
You pay the plan price, from $0.90 today. An eSIM not yet installed can be refunded on its order page, in full, to points.
Does an eSIM have a monthly fee?
A travel eSIM does not: you pay once for its data and days, and nothing after. A home carrier’s eSIM line is billed like any line, at the carrier’s prices.
Is an eSIM a virtual SIM?
In a way: there is no card to hold, but it is a real carrier profile stored on a chip in your phone, and the phone joins a real mobile network with it.
Do iPhones from mainland China support eSIM?
Mostly not. Newer mainland models such as iPhone Air, 17e and the 18 Pro do, but they cannot install a foreign eSIM while in mainland China: install it after you arrive, with Location Services on; they hold at most two eSIMs. Many Hong Kong and Macao models do not support eSIM. Dial *#06#: if no EID shows, the phone cannot use an eSIM, and a physical SIM card is the way.