What is an eSIM? A simple guide

If you've upgraded to a newer smartphone in the last few years, there's a good chance it supports eSIM technology — but you might not have used it yet.

Read on for everything you need to know about eSIMs, including how they work and whether they're worth it for travel.

T&Cs apply.

What is an eSIM?

The term eSIM is short for embedded SIM. Unlike the traditional SIM cards many of us have been using for decades, an eSIM is a small chip built directly into a device's hardware. It does the same thing as a physical SIM card by linking you to a mobile network provider, but it does so digitally.

Because the chip is embedded, you don't need to wait for a physical SIM to arrive in the post or visit a store to get connected. You can simply download a digital profile from a provider and start using their network in minutes. It's generally quicker, easier, and less admin.

eSIM vs physical SIM: what's the difference?

A physical SIM requires a tray, a pin to open that tray, and careful handling to ensure you don't damage it. It's a piece of hardware that you need to physically insert.

An eSIM is entirely software-based from the customer perspective. There's no physical object to handle. This removes the risk of losing your normal Australian SIM card while you're swapping it out for a local one at an overseas airport.

Another difference lies in the level of flexibility. Most Australian smartphones that support eSIMs allow you to use both the physical slot and the digital chip at the same time. This means you can keep your Australian number active for important texts and calls while using a global eSIM for affordable data while you're abroad.

How does an eSIM work?

An eSIM works by using software to emulate the functionality of a physical SIM. Think of it like the difference between a physical credit card and a digital card in your Apple or Google Wallet. Both allow you to make payments, but the digital version is more flexible and harder to lose.

When you purchase an eSIM data plan, your provider gives you a digital profile. This is usually installed by scanning a QR code or using a dedicated app. Once the profile is installed, your phone uses the eSIM chip to communicate with the network towers just as it would with a physical SIM.

The key technical advantage is that an eSIM is reprogrammable. A physical SIM is 'locked' to the data written on it at the factory. An eSIM can be overwritten with new information whenever you choose to switch plans. Most modern devices can even store multiple eSIM profiles simultaneously, though usually only up to 2 can be active at any given time.

Why Australians should choose an eSIM for travel

For Australians, there are many benefits to opting for an eSIM for travel. Whether you're heading to the beaches of Bali or the streets of London, an eSIM simplifies the logistics of staying online. Here's what you get:

Cost efficiency

Using your regular Australian mobile provider for international roaming can be very expensive. Some carriers charge a flat daily fee of $5–10 just to access your home data allowance. Over a 3-week trip, this can add up to over $200. A dedicated eSIM data plan allows you to access local or regional rates that are significantly cheaper.

Security and peace of mind

An eSIM is embedded directly into your device's software and cannot be physically removed, making it much harder for anyone to disconnect your phone from the internet. It also eliminates the stress of handling a tiny physical SIM, removing the risk of losing it in your luggage or having it fall out of your wallet while you travel.

Convenience at the border

One of the most stressful parts of arriving in a new country is finding a local SIM card. You often have to find a kiosk, wait in a queue, and provide your passport for registration. With a travel eSIM, you can buy and install your plan before you even leave home. The moment your plane lands and you turn off flight mode, your phone will connect to the local network.

Why use a Revolut travel eSIM?

Managing your travel data shouldn't be a chore. With a different plan for every destination, duration, and itinerary, getting set up with a Revolut eSIM is easy and intuitive.

You can see exactly how much data you have left at any time in-app. If you're running low, you can add more data plans with a few taps. You can even add more data plans when you've already run out of data, as the Revolut app remains always accessible for data plan management and customer care.

Streamline your travel with an eSIM and simple money management

But staying connected is only half of the travel puzzle. The other half is managing your money without being hit by a tonne of fees. This is where our travel features complement your eSIM choice perfectly.

Just as an eSIM removes the friction of physical cards, we remove the friction often associated with traditional banking. When you use our travel features, you can spend in the local currency of your destination with competitive exchange rates and no foreign transaction fees within your plan's limits.

Use your data to track your spending in real-time and exchange money into over 30 currencies whenever the rates are favourable, all in our app.

Whether you need a plan for a short trip or even a Middle East eSIM, a Europe eSIM, or an Asia Pacific eSIM, having both your data and your money managed in one place makes for a smoother journey.

eSIMs for iPhones and other devices

Device compatibility is the first thing you should check. While most high-end phones support the technology, some budget models still rely solely on physical slots.

Apple has been a major driver of this technology. Every iPhone model starting from the iPhone XS and XR supports eSIMs. If you're using an eSIM on your iPhone, you can manage your plan in the Mobile Data section of your settings.

Most Google Pixel phones (from the Pixel 3 onwards) and Samsung Galaxy S-series (from the S20 onwards) support eSIMs. To check if your own device is compatible, you can usually look for an EID number in your phone's settings. If you have an EID, that means your phone has an embedded chip.

How to get a Revolut eSIM data plan

If you're ready to simplify your next trip, setting up an eSIM with us is a straightforward process. Here's how it works:

1. Check compatibility: make sure your phone supports eSIM technology and isn't network-locked.
2. Get the Revolut app: if you don't have it yet, you'll need to download our app on the App Store or Google Play. Follow the instructions to sign up and add money to your account.
3. Navigate to the travel section: from your home screen, go to Lifestyle, then eSIMs. Then tap Explore plans. You'll be able to choose between voice and data plans and data-only plans.
4. Browse plans: select your destination. You can choose from local plans, regional plans, or global plans depending on where you're going.
5. Buy and install: choose how much data you need — we'll take the cost from your Revolut balance. We'll then guide you through the automated installation process.
6. Label your plans: in your phone settings, you can name your plans (e.g. 'Holiday data'), so you always know which one is currently active.
7. Monitor your usage: you can see exactly how much data you have left in-app, and add more data plans whenever you need to.

Revolut Ltd acts for 1GLOBAL, the eSIM Data Plan provider. See Conditions of Sale and Terms of Service.

The information provided is accurate as of 8 May 2026.