Frequently asked questions

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a data plan without needing a physical SIM card. It is built into most modern smartphones. You simply scan a QR code and the data plan is installed directly onto your phone.

Yes. TripoSIM provides mobile data only. Your existing SIM card stays active for phone calls and text messages. You can use apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom, and Skype for voice and video calls over your eSIM data connection.

No. TripoSIM is data-only, so it does not come with a phone number. Your existing phone number on your primary SIM continues to work for calls and SMS.

An eSIM is installed digitally via QR code — no physical card to insert, no trip to a store, no waiting for shipping. You can install it before your trip and activate it when you land. Your primary SIM stays in your phone the entire time.

Yes! Most modern phones can store multiple eSIM profiles. You can have different plans for different destinations saved on your device and switch between them. Only one eSIM data plan can be active at a time alongside your primary physical SIM.

Absolutely. eSIM technology is standardized by the GSMA (the global mobile industry body). Your eSIM profile is securely encrypted and tied to your device. It cannot be cloned or copied, making it actually more secure than a physical SIM card.

No. The eSIM works alongside your existing physical SIM. Both stay active at the same time — your regular SIM handles calls and texts, while the TripoSIM eSIM handles your data abroad.

TripoSIM eSIMs are designed for international travel. Each plan is tied to specific destination countries. When you return home, simply disable the eSIM and your regular plan takes over automatically.

Most phones released after 2018 support eSIM, including iPhone XR/XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 3a and newer, and many more. Check your phone settings for "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan" — if you see it, your phone supports eSIM.

Yes, many iPads with cellular capability (iPad Pro, Air, and mini with cellular) support eSIM. Some Android tablets also support it. Check your device specifications or visit our compatibility page for a full list.

Your phone must be unlocked to use a TripoSIM eSIM. If your phone is locked to a carrier, contact them to request an unlock before purchasing. Most carriers will unlock your device for free after your contract period ends.

On iPhone: go to Settings > General > About and look for "No SIM restrictions." On Android: try inserting a SIM from a different carrier — if it works, your phone is unlocked. You can also call your carrier and ask them directly.

Yes. Most dual-SIM phones use one physical SIM slot and one eSIM. Your physical SIM stays in the first slot for calls and texts, and the TripoSIM eSIM uses the digital slot for data. Some newer phones even support two eSIMs at once.

TripoSIM eSIMs are designed for smartphones and tablets. While some smartwatches like the Apple Watch have eSIM capability, they typically require a plan from your main carrier and are not compatible with standalone travel eSIM plans.

eSIM works regardless of where you purchased your device, as long as the phone model supports eSIM and the device is carrier-unlocked. Some region-specific models (particularly from mainland China) may not include eSIM support, so check your model number.

For iPhone, you need iOS 12.1 or later. For Android, you need Android 9 or later. We recommend keeping your device updated to the latest OS version for the best experience and smoothest eSIM installation.

After purchase, you receive a QR code. On iPhone: open Camera, scan the QR code, tap the notification, follow prompts. On Android: go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM > Scan QR code. We recommend installing while on WiFi before your trip.

We recommend installing before you travel, while you still have WiFi. The data plan validity doesn't start until you first use data, so there's no downside to installing early. This way, you are ready to go the moment you land.

No. Each QR code can only be used once on one device. It cannot be transferred to another device after installation. If you need eSIM for multiple devices, please purchase a separate plan for each one.

We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay through our secure Stripe checkout. All transactions are encrypted and PCI-compliant.

Your QR code is generated instantly after payment. You will see it on the confirmation page right away, and we also send it to your email. The entire process takes less than a minute from purchase to having the QR code ready to scan.

Yes! You can purchase an eSIM plan and share the QR code with the other person. Just make sure they scan the QR code on their own device. Remember, the QR code can only be used once, so share it securely.

If you have trouble scanning, you can manually enter the activation details. Go to your phone's eSIM settings and choose "Enter Details Manually." You will find the activation code and SMDP address in your order confirmation email and dashboard.

In most cases, an eSIM QR code can only be scanned once. If you accidentally remove it, contact our support team immediately at [email protected]. We will check if a reinstall is possible or help you find the best solution.

Currently, each order handles one plan at a time. However, you can make multiple purchases back to back and manage all your eSIMs from your dashboard. If you are visiting multiple countries, check out our Trip Planner for the best multi-country options.

Your plan validity countdown begins when you first use data on the eSIM, not when you purchase or install it. This means you can buy and install weeks in advance without wasting any time on your plan.

Most of our plans support hotspot sharing. However, hotspot usage consumes your data faster since other devices are also using it. Look for the "Hotspot" badge on the plan card before purchasing.

Log into your TripoSIM dashboard to see real-time data usage for all your eSIMs. We show data used, data remaining, and days left on your plan. You can also set up low-data alerts so you are never caught off guard.

If your plan supports top-ups, you can add more data instantly from your dashboard. If top-up is not available, you can purchase a new eSIM plan for the same destination. We will also send you a notification when your data is running low.

You will connect to tier-1 local carrier networks with 4G LTE speeds. Some destinations also offer 5G where available — look for the "5G" badge on plans. Actual speeds depend on local network conditions and coverage in your specific area.

It depends on your usage. For basic browsing, maps, and messaging, 1 GB covers about 5-7 days. If you stream music or make video calls, plan for 1-2 GB per day. Heavy video streaming uses 3-5 GB per day. Use our Data Calculator tool for a personalized estimate.

Yes! Video calls on WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom, and Google Meet all work over your eSIM data. A standard video call uses about 1-2 GB per hour. For group calls, expect slightly higher usage.

Absolutely. Spotify, YouTube, Netflix, and other streaming services work normally over your eSIM data connection. Keep in mind that video streaming is the biggest data consumer — consider downloading content over WiFi before you leave to save data.

Yes, Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze, and other navigation apps work great with your eSIM data. Tip: download offline maps for your destination before your trip to save data. Real-time navigation uses about 5-10 MB per hour.

When your plan validity period ends or you use all your data (whichever comes first), the eSIM data connection stops. You can purchase a new plan or top up if available. Your primary SIM for calls and texts continues working normally.

Yes, you can request a refund if the eSIM has not been installed or activated. Once an eSIM has been installed and data has been used, it cannot be refunded. Refund requests can be submitted from your dashboard. Please see our Refund Policy page for full details.

No. The price you see is the price you pay. There are no activation fees, no hidden charges, no taxes added at checkout, and no recurring subscriptions. We believe in transparent pricing.

Yes! Our multilingual support team is available 24/7 in English and Arabic. Email us at [email protected] and we typically respond within a few hours. For urgent issues, include your order number for faster resolution.

Our prices are displayed in USD by default. We accept payments in multiple currencies including USD, EUR, GBP, AED, and SAR. Your bank or credit card may also convert automatically to your local currency.

No subscriptions, ever. Each purchase is a one-time payment for a specific data plan. We will never charge you again unless you make another purchase or manually set up auto top-up in your settings.

A detailed receipt is sent to your email immediately after purchase. You can also view and download receipts for all your orders from the Orders section in your dashboard. Receipts include all the information you need for expense reports.

Yes! Our Family Pack gives you 10% off when you purchase plans for 4 or more people in your group. This is great for families, friend groups, or small teams traveling together. Check our Family Pack page for details.

Approved refunds are processed within 1-3 business days. The refund goes back to your original payment method. Depending on your bank, it may take an additional 3-5 business days to appear on your statement.

HomeLink (also called Travel Guard) is our call forwarding feature that lets you forward calls from your home number to a local number or another device while you are abroad. This way, you never miss important calls from home even when your primary SIM has limited service.

Before your trip, you set up call forwarding on your primary SIM to redirect incoming calls to a number of your choice — like a VoIP number or a family member. When someone calls your regular number, the call gets forwarded automatically. Your eSIM handles all data separately.

No, it is completely optional. TripoSIM works perfectly on its own for data. HomeLink is an extra convenience for travelers who want to make sure they receive every call to their home number while abroad.

Call forwarding is set up through your primary carrier, not through TripoSIM. Your home carrier may charge standard forwarding fees. TripoSIM provides the data connection you need for VoIP-based alternatives like WhatsApp calls, which are free over data.

Yes! With HomeLink, incoming calls to your home number are forwarded to the TripoSIM app over data. You answer calls just like normal — no roaming charges. Your callers dial your regular number and the call reaches you wherever you are.

The simplest approach is to enable HomeLink call forwarding so all incoming calls reach you in the TripoSIM app over data. You can also share your WhatsApp number with key contacts for free voice and video calls. For business travelers, HomeLink ensures you never miss an important call.

Yes! WhatsApp, Telegram, iMessage, and all messaging apps work perfectly over your TripoSIM data. Your WhatsApp number stays the same since it is tied to your primary SIM. You can make free voice and video calls through these apps without any extra charges.

Absolutely. Your primary phone number stays active, so anyone can call or text you normally (standard roaming rates from your home carrier may apply). Through your TripoSIM data, you can always be reached on WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram, or any internet-based calling app for free.