Frequenty Asked Questions

What is an eSIM and How Does It Differ from a Traditional SIM?

An eSIM, or “Embedded SIM,” is a digital version of the traditional SIM card. Unlike a physical SIM, the eSIM is already integrated into the mobile device and does not need to be manually inserted. Here are the main differences between an eSIM and a traditional SIM:

Physical Integration: The eSIM is soldered directly onto the phone’s motherboard, eliminating the need for a SIM card slot and reducing the space needed in the phone. Remote Activation: The activation of the eSIM is done through a simple process of scanning a QR code or via an application, without the need to handle a physical card. Flexibility: With an eSIM, it is easy to change carriers or tariff plans. You can also store multiple profiles on a single eSIM, which is ideal for international travelers who can switch from one local operator to another. Compatibility: While most new smartphones support eSIMs, some older models are only compatible with physical SIMs. The eSIM offers increased convenience and flexibility, especially for international travelers. It allows you to manage your mobile plans more easily, switch from one carrier to another without physically changing SIM cards, and enjoy a cost-effective solution by avoiding roaming charges.

What Devices are Compatible with the eSIMs Offered by SimpleSIM?

TL;DR : visit this page to check if your device is eSIM compatible

The compatibility of devices with eSIM cards varies depending on the model and manufacturer. Here are some general guidelines on compatibility:

  • Recent Smartphones: The majority of new smartphone models, such as the iPhone (from the XS model onwards), the Samsung Galaxy S series (from the S20 onwards), and the Google Pixel (from Pixel 3 onwards), are compatible with eSIM cards.
  • Other Devices: Some models of tablets and smartwatches are also compatible with eSIMs. This includes certain models of iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, and smartwatches like the Apple Watch and the Galaxy Watch. Software Updates: Ensure that your device is updated with the latest version of the manufacturer’s software, as this can affect compatibility with eSIMs.

This list is dynamically updated to record all eSIM compatible devices. Please check if yours is in this list before placing an order.

It is important to check your device’s specifications or contact the manufacturer to confirm its compatibility with eSIM cards before proceeding to purchase on simplesim.fr. If your device is not compatible with eSIMs, you will not be able to use simpleSIM’s services.

Where can I use the simpleSIM eSIM ?

According to numerous partnerships with local operators, simpleSIM proposes eSIMs that works in the following countries. Please note that inside each country, the coverage depends on local operators and their antennas.

Here is the list of covered countries :

  • Åland Islands
  • Albania
  • Algeria
  • Andorra
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahamas
  • Bahrain
  • Balearic Islands
  • Bangladesh
  • Barbados
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Benin
  • Bhutan
  • Bolivia
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Botswana
  • Brazil
  • Brunei
  • Bulgaria
  • Burkina Faso
  • Cambodia
  • Cameroon
  • Canada
  • Canary Islands
  • Cape Verde
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • Chile
  • China
  • Colombia
  • Corfu
  • Costa Rica
  • Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
  • Crete
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czechia
  • Denmark
  • Dominican Republic
  • DR Congo
  • Ecuador
  • Egypt
  • El Salvador
  • England
  • Estonia
  • Eswatini (Swaziland)
  • Faroe Islands
  • Fiji
  • Finland
  • France
  • French Polynesia
  • Gabon
  • Georgia
  • Germany
  • Ghana
  • Gibraltar
  • Greece
  • Greenland
  • Guam
  • Guatemala
  • Guernsey
  • Guinea Conakry
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Honduras
  • Hong Kong
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Iraq
  • Ireland
  • Isle of Man
  • Isle of Wight
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Jersey
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya
  • Kosovo
  • Kuwait
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Laos
  • Latvia
  • Lebanon
  • Lesotho
  • Liberia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Macau
  • Madagascar
  • Madeira
  • Malawi
  • Malaysia
  • Maldives
  • Mali
  • Malta
  • Martinique
  • Mauritania
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Mongolia
  • Montenegro
  • Morocco
  • Mozambique
  • Myanmar
  • Nepal
  • Netherlands
  • New Caledonia
  • New Guinea
  • New Zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • North Macedonia
  • Norway
  • Oman
  • Pakistan
  • Panama
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Puerto Rico
  • Qatar
  • Republic of the Congo
  • Réunion
  • Rhodes
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • Rwanda
  • Saint Barthélemy
  • Saint Martin
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Sardinia
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Scotland
  • Senegal
  • Serbia
  • Seychelles
  • Sicily
  • Sierra Leone
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sri Lanka
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • The Azores
  • The Cyclades
  • Togo
  • Tonga
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Tunisia
  • Turkey
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • Uganda
  • Ukraine
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • Uruguay
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vanuatu
  • Venezuela
  • Vietnam
  • Wales
  • Yemen
  • Zambia
How do I choose an appropriate eSIM for me ?

First, find the destination you are traveling to. We will suggest all the eSIMs that work in your destination.

Then choose the eSIM that best suits your needs. 3 parameters are important :

  • Data volume in gigabytes. To be more than comfortable (except for heavy video usages like streaming, live blogging or video calls), you will need a maximum of 1GB per day.
  • Duration of eSIM in days.
  • Price 😉

Please note that you can buy your eSIM up to 180 days in advance before activation, except for Japan that have 30 days of validity.

When your choice is made, buy your eSIM and you will receive it immediately by email.

How do I Install my eSIM ?

Install your eSIM when you’re at destination or on the day of your departure.
Prerequisite: check the compatibility of your device, and make sure you are connected (Wifi or 4G/5G) before downloading your eSIM.

The installation process is very simple, as all you have to do is scan the QR code you received by email and follow the steps suggested by your smartphone. But we will go into more detail below, so you never get stuck.

NB : Disregard SMS messages received from our partners (Orange or Bouygues)

If you have an iPhone (iPhone XS and beyond) : click for more details ⤵️

📺 Watch our video tutorial => https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuS-aafEdV4

  • 🧳 Before you leave
    • Make sure you are connected (Wifi or 4G/5G) before scanning your QR code.
    • Scan the QR code either from the camera app or from Settings / Mobile Service / Add eSIM / Use QR code.
    • In Settings / Mobile Service / your usual SIM card, deactivate Data Roaming
  • 🛬 Arriving at your destination
    • Exit airplane mode. If you are asked for a PIN code, enter 0000.
    • Go to Settings / Mobile Service / Mobile Data and choose to use your eSIM.
    • In Settings / Mobile Service, select your eSIM and activate Data Roaming.
    • During your trip, you can track your data usage. If you received a link in the e-mail with your eSIM, you can click on it to track your consumption.
    • Otherwise, you can track your usage in your eSIM’s settings (Mobile Service / Abroad over period).
  • 🛫 On your way home
    • In Settings / Mobile Service, select your eSIM then Delete eSIM. When iPhone asks if you wish to update contacts, click Yes.
If you have a Samsung (Galaxy S20 and beyond) : click for more details ⤵️

📺 Watch our video tutorial => https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3e4Gky4Ge9Q

  • 🧳 Before you leave
    • Make sure you are connected (Wifi or 4G/5G) before downloading your eSIM.
    • Scan the QR code either from the camera app, or from Settings / Connections / SIM manager / Add e-SIM / Scan QR code.
    • In SIM manager, click on Mobile data and select eSIM.
  • 🛬 Arriving at your destination
    • Exit airplane mode. If you are asked for a PIN code, enter 0000.
    • Go to Settings / Connections / Mobile networks / Activate data roaming.
    • During your trip, you can track your data usage. If you received a link in the e-mail with your eSIM, you can click on it to track your consumption.
    • Otherwise, you can track your usage in your eSIM’s settings (Mobile Service / Abroad over period).
  • 🛫 On your way home
    • In Settings / SIM manager / Mobile data, reset your SIM to default.
    • Then click on eSIM simpleSIM, click on Delete and confirm.
If you have an Android (Pixel 4 and beyond) : click for more details ⤵️

📺 Watch our video tutorial => https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6r-OUiuX2ms

  • 🧳 Before you leave
    • Make sure you are connected (Wifi or 4G/5G) before downloading your eSIM.
    • Scan the QR code from the camera or from Settings / Network & Internet / SIMs / Add SIM then Set up an eSIM. Then click on Set up when prompted.
    • In Settings / Network & Internet / SIMs , click on your usual SIM and uncheck “roaming”.
  • 🛬 Arriving at your destination
    • Exit airplane mode. If you are asked for a PIN code, enter 0000.
    • Go to Settings / Network & Internet / SIMs , tick the new eSIM, a “Set your SIM preferences” menu appears, click “Get started”, rename the eSIM (optional) then click “Next”. In the “Set your primary SIMs” screen, click on “Mobile data” and choose the new eSIM in place of your usual SIM, then “Done”.
    • Click again on the new eSIM on the next screen and activate Roaming.
    • During your trip, you can track your data usage. If you received a link in the e-mail with your eSIM, you can click on it to track your consumption.
    • Otherwise, you can track your usage in your eSIM’s settings (Mobile Service / Abroad over period).
  • 🛫 On your way home
    • In Settings / Network & Internet / SIMs , uncheck your eSIM to deactivate it, then click on your eSIM, and then on “Delete eSIM” to remove it permanently.

If you encounter any issues during activation, our customer service is available to assist you. Please contact us on whatsapp : +33. 185 091 797.

How Can I Switch Between Different eSIMs or Between My eSIM and a Physical SIM?

To switch between different eSIMs or between an eSIM and a physical SIM on your device, follow these steps:

Access Your Device’s Settings: Open the settings on your phone.
Cellular Data Management (or equivalent): Select ‘Cellular Network’ or ‘SIM Card Manager’, depending on your device.
Selecting the Active Plan: You will see a list of your eSIM and SIM plans. Select the one you want to use as your primary line.
Changing Plans: To change plans, simply deactivate the currently active plan and activate the one you want to use.
The ability to switch depends on your phone’s compatibility with multi-SIM features. Some devices can even keep multiple plans active simultaneously.

What are the Advantages of Using an eSIM for International Travel?

eSIM cards offer several advantages for international travel:

  • No Physical SIM Change: Avoid the hassle of physically changing SIM cards in different countries.
  • Easy to Activate: Install and activate your eSIM online before or during your trip.
  • Local Rates: Access more favorable local rates by subscribing to local eSIM offers, and save on roaming charges.
  • Multiple Profiles: Store multiple eSIM offers on your phone, which is convenient for traveling in several countries.
How to Check Network Coverage and Rates in Different Countries?

To check network coverage and rates in different countries on simplesim.fr :

  • Visit the online store on the site and check if your destination appears in the list of countries.
  • Select Your Destination: Choose the destination country to see the details of the available offers.
  • Compare Rates: Review the pricing options to choose the offer that best suits your needs, the duration of your stay, and your budget.
What to Do in Case of Technical Problems or Questions About My eSIM?

In case of technical problems or questions:

  • Consult our Help Section: Check if your question is addressed in this FAQ or our online articles.
  • Contact Support: Use our online email, whatsapp or by phone : +33. 185 091 797.