A SIM profile downloaded onto a chip built into the phone, so no plastic card goes in the tray.
An eSIM replaces the physical SIM card with a digital profile. The provider sends you a QR code or an in-app install link, and the phone downloads the profile over Wi-Fi. One phone can store several profiles, and your home SIM can stay active next to a travel one.
For travelers the main benefit is timing. You can buy and install the profile at home, before the flight, and switch it on when you land.
What to check
- Your phone must support eSIM and must not be carrier-locked
- Install on Wi-Fi, not on airport internet
- Keep the QR code or install link until the trip is over