Everything you need to know before you fly.

An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of popping a plastic card into a tray, you scan a QR code (or tap an install link) and a mobile plan gets added straight to your device. It works exactly like a physical SIM once installed — you can even run it alongside your regular home SIM.

Most phones from the last few years support eSIM. On iPhone, that's iPhone XS, XR and later (running a reasonably current iOS). On Android, most recent flagships from Google, Samsung, and others support it too. Check Settings → Cellular (iPhone) or Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs (Android) for an “Add eSIM” option — if it's there, you're set. Your phone also needs to be unlocked to accept a second network.

Install any time before you fly — scanning the QR code just adds the eSIM profile to your phone and doesn't start your data plan. Activation is separate: most Onda plans start counting down data on first network connection in your destination, so we recommend installing at home (on WiFi, no rush) and letting it activate naturally when you land and your phone finds a local network.

Yes — that's the whole point. Install on your home WiFi a day or two before you fly so it's one less thing to think about at the airport. Your data plan won't start ticking until you actually connect to a network in your destination (check your specific plan's validity terms, shown at checkout, for exact behaviour).

Most Onda plans support personal hotspot so you can share your connection with a laptop or a travel companion. It's noted on each plan's detail page — look for the hotspot line in the feature list before you buy if it matters for your trip.

Yes. Your eSIM runs as a second, separate line alongside your existing physical or eSIM number. Calls and texts on your home number generally still work as normal (though carrier roaming charges may apply for those specifically) — your Onda eSIM only handles data unless the plan says otherwise.

Check your usage anytime in My eSIMs. Once you hit your limit, data simply stops (no surprise overage bills). From there you can top up the same eSIM with more data, or buy a fresh plan — both are quick, from the same install.

If your destination and eSIM support top-ups, you'll see a “Top up” option on your eSIM in My eSIMs. Buy more data in a couple of taps and it applies to your existing installed eSIM — no reinstalling, no new QR code.

First, check you've got a data-only APN set correctly (our install guide covers this) and that data roaming is switched on for the eSIM line. If it still won't activate, or the coverage doesn't match what we described for that destination, contact us — see our refund policy for how we make it right.

If your eSIM fails to activate, or the plan doesn't match its description, yes. Unused, un-activated eSIMs are generally refundable within a reasonable window too. Full terms are on our refund policy page — we'd rather sort it out than have you stuck without data.

No. An eSIM QR code can only be scanned once, on one device. If you get a new phone before you travel, contact us and we can look into reissuing a fresh install where your plan allows it.

If you can't find your confirmation email, sign in with the email you used at checkout — your eSIMs and order history will appear in My eSIMs. Still stuck? Email us and we'll help.