Using an eSIM

Yes, absolutely. One of the advantages of eSIMs is that you can have several plans on your phone at any time and switch between them instantly depending on where you are and the plan you wish to use.

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Please note: Some devices will limit the number of eSIMs you can store on your phone at any one time and you may need to remove an old eSIM to use a new one.

Yes, your eSIM is associated with your phone rather than your operator plan or phone number.

Ensuring that your eSIM is activated is crucial before using your mobile plan. If you are unsure whether your eSIM is active, follow these steps to check its status and troubleshoot any issues.

First, consider whether you are at your travel destination. Your eSIM may not work properly until you arrive. If you are not there yet, it is recommended to keep the eSIM turned off and ensure that Data Roaming is disabled. 

For iPhone Users (iOS)

1. Go to Settings.
2. Mobile Service (or Cellular).
3. Check if your eSIM is listed and active under SIMs. It may be labeled as "Secondary", ''Travel'' or something similar.
4. Click and ensure Data Roaming is turned ON for the eSIM.
5. To select it for mobile data: Settings → Mobile Service (or Cellular) → Mobile Data → choose your new eSIM.
6. Try browsing the internet to confirm connectivity.

To double check if the eSIM is activated correctly on your Android device, please follow the steps below:

📌 Please note: These instructions may vary slightly by device or Android version.

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Network & Internet or Connections
3. Tap SIMs or SIM Manager
4. Check if your eSIM is listed and active. It may appear as “eSIM”, “Mobile Plan”, “Travel”, or with the network name.
5. Ensure your eSIM is enabled — toggle the switch to ON if it's off.
6. Select the eSIM as the preferred SIM for Mobile Data.
7. Go to Mobile Networks > Data Roaming and ensure Roaming is turned ON for the eSIM.

Wondering how to check your mobile balance, remaining data, or minutes?
Here’s a complete guide for all major networks and eSIM providers.

If you’re not sure who your network or eSIM provider is, please check your order confirmation email.

AU (Japan) 

Our AU package offers unlimited data, so there’s no need to check your allowance — you can enjoy seamless connectivity without limits.

Dtac (Thailand) – Check Credit and Bundle

You can check your Dtac eSIM balance as follows:

• Credit Balance: Dial 1211*9# and press call.

• Bundle Balance: Dial 1038*9# and press call.

EE (UK) – Check Credit and Bundles

You can check your EE SIM or eSIM balance using any of the following methods:

• Text AL to 150 to receive your credit balance by SMS.

• Text BA to 150 to get your bundle balance and expiry date.

• Call 150 and follow the automated prompts for your current balance.

• Log into the EE App or visit ee.co.uk to manage your account online.

Lycamobile Netherlands 

To check your Lycamobile Netherlands balance:

• Dial 1244 or +31 6 84 001 244.

Lycamobile Portugal 

To check your Lycamobile Portugal balance:

• Dial *131# to view your credit, data, and minutes.

• You can also check through the My Lycamobile app or website.

Lycamobile UK 

To check your Lycamobile UK data and minutes:

• Dial *137# and press the call button. Your balance and bundle details will appear instantly on your screen.

Lycamobile USA 

Quick ways to check your Lycamobile USA balance:

• Dial *611# to see your balance on-screen.

• Dial 94# and press send.

• Log into your Lycamobile USA app or account to view your data and credit.

Mobifone (Vietnam) 

For Mobifone eSIMs, check your balance by:

• SMS: Send KT ALL to 9199 (free).

• Phone: Dial 0905# and press call.

Orange 

To check your Orange balance:

• Dial #123# and press the call button. You’ll see a message on your screen showing your remaining data, calls, and SMS allowances.

 For the majority of plans, you can also check your remaining data and validity directly in our app:

• Open the Sim Local App.

• Go to My eSIM.

• You’ll see a circular wheel showing your current

Tip: You’ll also receive an SMS alert when you reach 80% of your data usage.

SmartRoam 

If you have a SmartRoam plan, you can easily check your remaining data and validity directly in our app:

• Open the Sim Local App.

• Go to My eSIM.

• You’ll see a circular wheel showing your current balance, data usage, and expiry in real time.

Three Ireland 

You can check your Three Ireland balance in several ways:

• Send BALANCE to 50272 via SMS.

• Dial 1745 from your Three phone.

• Log into the My3 App or My3 online account to see your data and usage.

Three UK 

Checking your Three UK balance is simple:

• Dial 444 from your Three SIM and press the call button. Follow the automated menu to hear your credit and data usage instantly.

Vodafone Greece 

To check your Vodafone Greece balance:

• Text Y to 1252 to receive a message with your remaining bundle details.

Vodafone Ireland 

To check your Vodafone Ireland remaining allowances:

• Dial *#1345# and press the call button. A message will pop up showing your credit and data details.

To continue using your phone after the initial validity period expires, or if you have exhausted your allowance, follow the instructions below to top up, depending on your network operator. This way, you can keep your local number if your plan includes one.

Smartroam

Our Smartroam plans allow for top ups via Sim Local website or app. 

If you have purchased a Smartroam plan, you will be able to purchase an add-on through your account via My eSIM.

EE

To top up your EE eSIM/SIM card you may use the following options:

1. By Card (Make a one off card payment at ee.co.uk/fastpay) 
2. Online (log in to the EE app, then go to Menu > Top Up or visit ee.co.uk/myaccount) 
3. By phone (call 150 from your EE phone, choose Top Up and follow the instructions)

Orange FR

To top up your eSIM, you can go to the Orange Travel website: https://travel.orange.com/en/top-up, select the relevant offer, inputs your mobile number, the amount you wish to top-up and proceed to make a payment.

Three UK

You can top up your Three SIM using one of the following options:

1. Dial 444 from your Three SIM and follow the instructions.
2. Log in to your Three account at three.co.uk
3. Use the My3 App to top up directly from your phone.

Three Ireland

Top up easily using one of these methods:

1. Via mytopup.three.ie
2. My3” App – log in and top up via card or PayPal.
3. Voucher: Buy a voucher in-store or online and redeem it via the website, text, or phone.

Lycamobile UK

You can top up your LycaMobile eSIM in several ways:

1. Quick top up: lycamobile.co.uk/en/quick-top-up
2. Purchase a bundle: lycamobile.co.uk/en/bundles
3. Buy a top-up voucher from a store and follow the instructions on your receipt.

Lycamobile USA

Visit the official Lycamobile USA top-up page and follow the on-screen steps: lycamobile.us/en/quick-top-up

Dtac (Thailand)

Dtac eSIMs don’t currently support top-ups.

 To continue using data, you’ll need to purchase a new eSIM plan.

Vodafone Ireland

You can top up your Vodafone Ireland account quickly:

• Visit vodafone.ie/quick-top-up
• Enter your mobile number.
• Select your top-up amount (€5–€20, etc.).
• Complete the payment — credit is applied instantly.

Vodafone Greece

Top up your Vodafone Greece SIM in one of these ways:

1. App / Online: Log in to the My Vodafone Greece app or vodafone.gr → Top Up / Balance Recharge → choose an amount and pay by card.
2. Voucher: Buy a top-up voucher (€10–€30) from a kiosk, supermarket, or petrol station. Dial 1252 from your Vodafone number and follow the prompts, or send an SMS with A + voucher PIN to 1252 (e.g., A417395095578).

AU (Japan)

AU eSIMs don’t currently support top-ups.

To extend your plan, you’ll need to purchase a new eSIM plan.

Mobifone (Vietnam)

Top-up is not supported. To extend your plan, you’ll need to purchase a new eSIM plan.

Not sure what your mobile number is? The quickest way is to check your order confirmation email.

But if you cannot find your order confirmation email, don’t worry — every network has a quick code or method to display it directly on your phone. Here’s how to check your phone number depending on your Network.

AU (Japan)

• AU eSIM plans do not include a local phone number, as they are data-only.

Dtac (Thailand)

• Dial *102*9# and press call.

• Your Dtac number will appear on-screen.
  Note: You will have a Thai number with this plan.

EE (UK)

• Text NUMBER to 150 — your phone number will appear on-screen immediately.

• Check your SIM packaging.
  Note: You will have a UK number with this plan.

Lycamobile Netherlands

• Dial 97# or 94# from your Lyca SIM.

• Your number will appear on-screen.
  Note: You will have a Dutch number with this plan.

Lycamobile Portugal

• Dial *132# and press call to see your number.

• It’s also visible in the My Lycamobile App → Account Details.
  Note: You will have a Portuguese number with this plan.

Lycamobile UK

• Dial *132# and press call.

• Your Lycamobile number will be shown instantly on-screen.
  Note: You will have a UK number with this plan.

Lycamobile USA

• Dial 611 or *613#, and your number will appear on-screen.

• You can also view it in the Lycamobile App → My Account.
  Note: You will have a US number with this plan.

Mobifone (Vietnam)

• Dial *0# or *101# to display your phone number.

• Alternatively, send an SMS with the text TTTB to 1414 (free of charge).
  Note: You will have a Vietnamese number with this plan.

Orange 

• You can find your number in your Orange et Moi app.
  Note: You will have a French number with this plan starting with +33 for all locations. 

SmartRoam

• For SmartRoam plans, your eSIM may not include a local phone number (it’s typically a data-only eSIM).

• You can confirm if your plan includes a number by checking in the Sim Local App → My eSIM → Details.
  Note: If your plan includes a phone number, it will be a UK number.

Three Ireland

• Dial 1745, then choose the option to hear your number.

• You can also log into the My3 App, where your number appears at the top of the dashboard.
  Note: You will have an Irish number with this plan.

Three UK

• Dial *#434# or *#333# and press the call button.

• Your number will display on-screen.

• You can also find it in the My3 App → Account → My Details.
  Note: You will have a UK number with this plan.

Vodafone Greece

• Dial *#100# and your Vodafone number will appear on-screen.

• You can also find it in the My Vodafone App → Profile.
  Note: You will have a Greek number with this plan.

Vodafone Ireland

• Dial *#100# and press call to display your number.

• It also appears in the My Vodafone App → Account section.
  Note: You will have an Irish number with this plan.

No, you usually can’t move an eSIM directly to a new device. You’ll need to contact your network operator to get a new eSIM QR code for your new phone.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to extend the validity days of your current plan.

Our system doesn’t allow us to modify or extend the plan’s expiry date once it’s been activated.

If you’d like to continue using your eSIM after your current plan expires, you can top up your plan (if your plan allows it).

👉 Click here to learn how to top up your plan.

Your order number is available on your receipt. If you bought an eSIM, we have sent a receipt to the email address provided during the sale. Search for an email from noreply@simlocal.com with the subject Order Confirmation. Please make sure to check your Spam folder too.

Unfortunately not, once you have downloaded your plan, it will last for the amount of days described on your plan details.

Yes! Dual SIM technology makes this possible. You can purchase an eSIM plan from Sim Local and use this alongside your regular SIM when you travel.

This enables you to run two lines – one for work and one for home or one for travel and one for family.

You can also select one line for calls and another for data or however you choose to configure your options.

Dual SIM technology allows you to use multiple eSIMs or a physical SIM and an eSIM at the same time, allowing you to select which functionality you want from each.

To use both an eSIM and a physical SIM card simultaneously, follow these simple steps:

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1. Ensure you label your plans and give each a name that help you easily identify which is which:

On iOS:

• Go to your phone Settings
• Tap Mobile Service or Cellular
• Select the eSIM plan you want to rename under SIMs
• Tap Mobile Plan Label and then Edit custom label

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On Android:

• Go to your phone Settings
• Select Network & Internet or Connections
• Select the eSIM plan you want to rename
• Tap on SIM name or Label and save

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2. When you land in your eSIM destination, activate it to use the local network:

On iOS:

• Go to Settings
• Tap Mobile Service or Cellular
• Select your eSIM plan under SIMs
• Select Turn On This Line
• Turn on Data Roaming

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On Android:

• Go to Settings
• Select Network & Internet or Connections
• Tap SIMs or eSIMs
• Find the eSIM you want to activate and toggle it on (Use SIM, Enable)
• Go to on mobile data - data roaming and switch it on

3. Choose your data line:

On iOS:

• Go to Settings
• Tap Mobile Service or Cellular
• Tap Mobile Data and select the eSIM you want to use

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On Android:

• Go to Settings
• Select Network & Internet or Connections

• Tap Mobile data or Preferred SIM for mobile data

• Choose the eSIM you want to use for data

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4. Set up your Voice Line:

This will be used for calls and texts. If your eSIM is data only you will want to use your physical SIM but please note you will be subject to data roaming charges (consult your provider).

On iOS:

• Go to Settings
• Tap Mobile Service or Cellular
• Tap Default Voice Line and select the eSIM you want to use

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On Android:

• Go to Settings
• Select Network & Internet or Connections

• Tap Calls or Preferred SIM for calls

• Choose Select a specific SIM/eSIM and select it

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When you return home or wish to switch back you can go to your settings at any time and switch back to the plan you would like to use.

Yes, if you purchase an eSIM that includes Calling & SMS feature.

Please check your plan details to confirm that voice and SMS services are included in your allowance.

Yes, you can use iMessage with your data-only eSIM however, you need to ensure it is configured properly in your settings.

iMessage uses data rather than traditional SMS, so having a data connection is essential.

When you download your new eSIM, your phone will prompt you to set this up in settings to ensure it remains active.

On your iPhone:

• Go to Settings
• Go to Messages
• Turn iMessage off
• Turn iMessage back on
• Select Send & Receive
• Uncheck your phone number and select your email address (this ensures you use your data).
• You can reverse these steps and select your phone number when you return home to stop using your eSIM.

It can take between 1-5 minutes for the eSIM to activate.

Yes. You can purchase a new eSIM from your chosen network operator and install it on your device.

No, the eSIM cannot be accidentally removed unless the eSIM is deleted in error.

Unfortunately, we are unable to help with this. Please contact your network operator directly to discuss next steps.

When a plan offers ‘call minutes’, there is usually a difference between local and international minutes.

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Local minutes refer to minutes for calls made within the country you are using the plan in.

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International minutes refer to minutes for calls made from different countries.

Some terms and conditions may apply, depending on your operator. If you're unsure, you can refer to Network Terms and Conditions for more information.

Yes, if the Network provider (and your plan) supports 5G and if you are in an area where 5G coverage is supported.

You can receive phone calls on your original primary number as long as that line remains active. Please check with your network operator for any applicable roaming charges.

Yes, eSIM supports the same features as SIM cards, this includes the ability to set up a mobile hotspot.

No, eSIMs are one-time download only and can only be activated on one device. 

All unused data will expire after the bundle validity period has passed. We cannot extend the validity period. 

To check which eSIM is using data, follow the steps below, depending on your device model:

iPhone (iOS)

1. Go to Settings → Mobile Data (or Cellular).

2. Look under Mobile Data to see which line is selected for data.

3. The active data line will show as “On” or marked as the default line for mobile data.

Tip: You can change the data line anytime by selecting Mobile Data → Mobile Data Line and choosing your preferred eSIM.

Android

1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs (or Connections → SIM manager, depending on your phone).

2. Find the section labeled Mobile Data or Preferred SIM for data.

3. The eSIM currently selected for data will be highlighted or switched on.

4. You can tap the option to change which SIM or eSIM provides mobile data.

Yes. WhatsApp works using your mobile data or Wi-Fi connection. As long as your Sim Local eSIM has an active data connection, you can use WhatsApp as normal. You can continue using your original WhatsApp number even when using your Sim Local eSIM — just make sure you don’t delete or re-register your WhatsApp account when switching SIMs or devices.

Most newer laptops with mobile connectivity features include an eSIM. To check if your laptop supports eSIM:

Windows 

1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Cellular.

2. If you see an option like Manage eSIM profiles or Add a new eSIM, your laptop supports eSIM.

3. If you don’t see these options, your device likely doesn’t have eSIM capability.

MacBooks

Apple laptops currently do not support eSIM. You can still connect to the internet using Wi-Fi or a mobile hotspot from your phone.