What Is an eSIM?
Everything about the digital SIM — explained simply and clearly.
What is an eSIM?
Short for embedded SIM, an eSIM is a SIM card that exists in software inside your smartphone. Rather than swapping a plastic card as you would with a regular SIM, you scan a QR code and a digital profile arrives on your phone in seconds. Leading phone makers added eSIM support in 2018, and it is quickly becoming the standard way phones connect to mobile networks.
How does an eSIM work?
Functionally, an eSIM is a regular SIM card without the physical chip. Inside your smartphone sits an eSIM chip able to store profiles from various carriers. After checkout, a QR code is sent to your email; scan it and your smartphone installs the eSIM profile on its own. Turn on data roaming and it automatically hooks into the local mobile network wherever you are visiting.
eSIM vs regular SIM card — what is the difference?
Put simply, one is software and the other is hardware: an eSIM is digital, a regular SIM is a physical card. With a regular SIM you buy a chip, insert it by hand and swap it out; with an eSIM you just download a profile. No tools, no card swapping. Several eSIM profiles can live on one phone, and you choose which to use whenever you need. Because your main SIM never leaves the phone, your Korean number keeps working while the eSIM looks after your data overseas.
eSIM vs SIM card vs pocket WiFi
| eSIM | Regular SIM | Pocket WiFi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| When you can use it | Immediately (digital) | Delivery or pickup | Airport pickup |
| How to set it up | Scan a QR code | Insert a card | Switch on the device |
| Extra device needed | No | No | Yes (pocket WiFi device) |
| Must be returned | No | No | Yes |
| Keep your existing number | Yes | No (2nd SIM) | Yes |
| Price | From ₩1,492 | From ₩10,000 | From ₩5,000/day |
| Use in several countries | Yes (regional eSIM) | No (one per country) | No |
eSIM-compatible devices
Since 2018, nearly every new smartphone has shipped with eSIM support. One condition: the phone has to be carrier-unlocked.
Apple
iPhone XS and XR, the iPhone 11 to 17 ranges and anything newer, plus the SE from its 2nd generation.
Samsung
Galaxy S20 through S25 and anything newer, Galaxy Z Flip/Fold in every generation, and the Galaxy A54 and A55.
Pixel 3 and 3a, 4 and 4a, 5 and 5a, 6 and 6a, 7 and 7a, 8 and 8a, then Pixel 9 and anything newer.
Other
Huawei P40 onward, Motorola Razr, OnePlus 12, plus Xiaomi 13 onward and OPPO Find X5 onward.
To confirm eSIM support, look under Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM.
Installing an eSIM, one step at a time
- 1
Buy an eSIM data plan
Select your destination, then the data plan you want. Right after purchase you'll get an email holding a QR code.
- 2
Scan the QR code
Open the Camera app, or go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM, and point it at the QR code we emailed you.
- 3
Confirm the eSIM profile
Follow the prompts on screen; within seconds your phone has the eSIM profile.
- 4
Turn on data roaming
Enable data roaming for the eSIM in Settings, preferably beforehand at home while on WiFi.
- 5
Connect at your destination
Once you land, your smartphone picks up the local mobile network automatically and you're online right away.
Why an eSIM is good for travellers
Up to 90% cheaper than roaming
Reasonable prices compared with carrier roaming plans. Transparent pricing, no hidden costs.
Ready to use instantly
Nothing to wait for in the post and no airport queues. Your eSIM is active within 2 minutes.
Keep your Korean number
Your existing Korean phone number stays, and calls and texts reach you as normal.
No contract, no cancellation needed
Pay only for the data you'll use. No contract period, no automatic renewal.
Eco-friendly
With no plastic SIM card, there is no packaging to throw away and nothing to post. It is 100% digital.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to get started with an eSIM?
Select a destination, pay for an eSIM data plan and you're set in minutes.
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