Frequently asked questions

You need an eSIM-capable, carrier-unlocked phone. That covers iPhone XR/XS and newer (11-16, SE 2020/2022), Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer plus Z Flip/Fold, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and many recent Motorola, Sony, Oppo and Honor phones. See the full list and checks in our device compatibility & setup guide.

The surest test, on any phone: open your dialler and enter *#06#. If an EID number appears (separate from the IMEI), your phone supports eSIM - no EID means it doesn't.

Yes. Your phone must be carrier-unlocked to use a different network's eSIM. If you bought it outright or it's out of contract it's usually unlocked; if unsure, ask your current network.

We cover 190+ destinations, each connecting through trusted local networks. Open any destination page to see the data and validity options for where you're going.

Yes, and we recommend it. Install on WiFi at home before you fly - it activates automatically when you arrive and turn on data roaming. Full steps for iPhone and Android are in our setup guide.

After you buy, your QR code appears on screen and is saved to your account. On WiFi, open your phone's eSIM settings (iPhone: Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM; Android: Settings > SIM manager > Add eSIM) and scan it. See the step-by-step guide.

An eSIM QR code can usually be installed only once, so scan it on the phone you'll travel with and don't delete the eSIM afterwards. If you ever change phones or have a genuine problem, contact support and we'll help.

No - it's one eSIM. You install it once; every future plan is added to the same eSIM automatically, whether it's next month or next year, the same country or a new one. Nothing to reinstall.

The validity countdown begins when you first connect to a network in your destination - not when you buy or install it. So set everything up at home, and it starts when you land and switch on data roaming.

Turn data roaming ON for the travel eSIM only - that's just how it connects to the local network. Your plan is prepaid, so this adds no extra charges. Keep roaming off on your home SIM to avoid your usual carrier's fees.

Yes. Modern phones run two SIMs at once. Leave your normal SIM in for calls and texts on your usual number, and use the travel eSIM just for data.

Yes, you can share your travel data over personal hotspot to a laptop or tablet, subject to your plan's allowance.

Yes. Just buy another plan and it loads straight onto your existing TISA Travel eSIM - nothing to reinstall. No contracts, and nothing auto-renews.

Your data simply stops when the allowance is used up or the validity period ends. Buy another plan whenever you need more and it loads onto the same eSIM.

You can view your eSIM and remaining data any time from your TISA account after purchase.

Yes. Your WhatsApp account stays exactly the same - your contacts won't know you've changed SIMs. Calls and messages keep working over the travel data connection, the same as FaceTime, Messenger and Telegram.

TISA Travel SIMs are data only - they don't include a phone number, so normal mobile calls and SMS aren't part of the plan. You can still use WhatsApp, FaceTime, Messenger, Telegram and any other internet-based calling and messaging app. Keep your normal SIM in the phone if you also want calls and texts on your usual number.

Because an eSIM QR code can be installed only once, a plan can't be refunded once the QR has been issued. If you have any trouble installing, please contact support before you scan the code and we'll help.