The words below show up on plan pages, in terms and inside eSIM apps. Each term has its own page with a plain definition, why it matters when you buy, and what to check.
Hardware
eSIMA SIM profile downloaded onto a chip built into the phone, so no plastic card goes in the tray.Read moreeUICCThe chip inside the phone that stores one or more eSIM profiles.Read more
Identifier
ICCIDThe unique number of an eSIM profile. Support teams ask for it when you report a problem or request a refund.Read moreEIDThe identifier of the eSIM chip itself. Seeing an EID in your phone settings usually means the phone supports eSIM.Read more
Plan type
Global planOne plan that works in many countries across several regions.Read moreRegional planOne plan for a group of countries in one region, such as Europe.Read moreLocal planA plan for one country, usually the lowest price per GB.Read moreData-only planMobile data with no phone number, calls or SMS.Read moreUnlimited planNo fixed data cap, but speed can drop after a threshold or under a fair usage policy.Read moreValidityHow long you can use the plan, for example 7, 30 or 365 days.Read moreActivation ruleThe moment a plan's validity starts: on purchase, on install, on first use or on arrival.Read moreTop-upExtra data added to an eSIM you already installed.Read morePrice per GBPlan price divided by its data allowance.Read more
Network
Data roamingThe phone setting that lets a line use a partner network abroad. Travel eSIMs need it on.Read morePartner networkThe local operator whose towers a travel eSIM uses in each country.Read moreResellerA company that sells data from network operators without running towers itself.Read moreFair usage policyA rule that lets an operator slow speeds after heavy use on an unlimited plan.Read moreHotspot or tetheringSharing the phone's data with a laptop or another device. Some plans cap it.Read more4G LTE and 5GMobile network generations. Which one you get depends on the partner network and your phone.Read more
Buying and support
QR code installScanning a code from the provider to add the eSIM profile.Read moreCarrier lockA restriction that stops a phone from using other carriers' SIMs. A locked phone may not accept a travel eSIM.Read moreBonus balanceStore credit from a provider, usually not withdrawable and sometimes with an expiry date.Read moreRefund windowThe period in which a provider will review a refund request, set in its terms.Read more
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