Frequently Asked Questions

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Yes. You can check your remaining data in two ways:

In your eSIM Spaza account — log in and go to "My eSIMs" to view your active plan and remaining data balance.
On your device — go to Settings → Cellular (iPhone) or Settings → Network & Internet → Data Usage (Android) to see consumption tracked by your device.

Note that data usage figures in-app may not always be real-time — there can be a short delay. If you\'re running low, you can top up directly from your account.

Getting an eSIM from eSIM Spaza is simple:

Visit esimspaza.com and browse plans by destination.
Select the plan that fits your trip and complete your purchase securely.
Your eSIM QR code and activation details are delivered instantly to your email and available in your account under "My eSIMs".
Scan the QR code to install the eSIM on your device — no physical SIM required.

The whole process takes just a few minutes from purchase to installation.

Before you begin, confirm your device is eSIM compatible and carrier unlocked, and that you have a stable Wi-Fi connection.

For Samsung Galaxy:

Go to Settings → Connections → SIM card manager → Add mobile plan.
Tap "Scan carrier QR code" and scan your eSIM Spaza QR code, or choose "Enter activation code" for manual entry.

For Google Pixel:

Go to Settings → Network & Internet → tap "+" → Download a SIM instead?
Scan your QR code or tap "Need help? Enter it manually".

Installation typically completes in about 2 minutes. Ensure your Wi-Fi stays connected throughout.

QR Code Method (recommended):

Log in to your eSIM Spaza account and open your order to view your QR code.
On your iPhone, go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code.
Use a second device or computer to display the QR code, then scan it.
Follow the prompts: assign a label (e.g. "Travel eSIM"), keep your home line for calls, and set the eSIM as your Cellular Data line.

Manual Entry Method:

Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Enter Details Manually.
Enter the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code from your order details.

Installation takes around 2 minutes with a stable Wi-Fi connection.

To check eSIM support on your iPhone:

Go to Settings → General → About.
Scroll down and look for "Available SIM" or a "Digital SIM" / "eSIM" entry — if present, your device supports eSIM.
Alternatively, go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM. If this option appears, your device is eSIM capable.

iPhones that support eSIM include the iPhone XS, XR, and all later models. Note that some older models purchased in China mainland may not support eSIM.

Your device also needs to be carrier unlocked. Check via Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock — it should say "No SIM Restrictions".

Your eSIM data package expires based on two conditions — whichever comes first:

Data runs out — you consume your full data allowance before the validity period ends.
Validity period ends — the number of days specified in your plan elapses.

Importantly, the validity countdown starts when your eSIM first connects to a supported network at your destination — not at the time of purchase or installation. So you can safely install the eSIM before your trip without the clock starting early.

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into your device — no physical card required. Unlike a traditional SIM card that you physically insert and swap, an eSIM is programmed electronically, allowing you to activate a data plan instantly without visiting a store or waiting for delivery.

Key advantages over traditional SIM cards:

No physical swapping — switch plans without touching your SIM tray
Instant activation — get connected in minutes after purchase
Multiple plans — store several profiles on one device and switch between them
Travel-ready — buy a local data plan before you even land

Most modern smartphones support eSIM, but there are two requirements your device must meet:

eSIM capable — your device must have an embedded eSIM chip. Compatible devices include iPhone XS and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and many other recent Android flagships.
Carrier unlocked — your device must not be locked to a specific network carrier.

To check on iPhone: Go to Settings → General → About → look for "Available" next to eSIM or check for a Digital SIM entry.

To check on Android: Go to Settings → Network & Internet (or Connections) → SIM Manager → look for an "Add eSIM" or "Add mobile plan" option.

If you're unsure, contact your device manufacturer or original carrier.

Getting connected with eSIM Spaza is quick and easy:

Browse our store and select the destination country or region you're travelling to.
Choose a data plan that suits your trip duration and usage needs.
Create an account or log in, then complete your purchase securely via Stripe.
Your eSIM QR code and activation details will be delivered instantly to your email and available in your account dashboard.
Install and activate the eSIM on your device before your trip.

The entire process takes just a few minutes — no queuing, no waiting for a physical card to arrive.

We recommend installing your eSIM before the day of departure, while you still have a reliable Wi-Fi connection. The installation process itself requires internet access.

However, don't worry about your data plan starting immediately — for most plans, your validity period only begins once the eSIM connects to a supported network at your destination.

A good approach: install the eSIM at home, then enable it when you land.

Yes! Most eSIM-compatible devices support Dual SIM functionality, meaning you can run your home SIM and your eSIM Spaza travel eSIM simultaneously.

This means you can:

Keep your existing phone number active for calls and SMS
Use the eSIM for data while abroad — avoiding expensive roaming charges

Simply set your eSIM as the preferred "Cellular Data" line in your device settings when you arrive at your destination.

There are three ways to install an eSIM on an iPhone. The QR code method is most common for purchases made through eSIM Spaza:

QR Code Method:

Open your eSIM Spaza account and navigate to your order to find your QR code.
On your iPhone, go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code.
Scan the QR code displayed on screen (use another device to display it, or print it out).
Follow the on-screen prompts — assign a label like "Travel eSIM" and set it as your Cellular Data line.

Manual Entry Method:

Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Enter Details Manually.
Enter the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code from your order details.

The installation typically takes around 2 minutes. Ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection throughout.

The steps vary slightly by manufacturer, but the general process is:

Requirements before you begin:

Your device must be eSIM compatible (look for "Add mobile plan" or "Add eSIM" in settings)
Your device must be carrier unlocked
You need a stable Wi-Fi connection

For Samsung Galaxy:

Go to Settings → Connections → SIM card manager → Add mobile plan.
Tap "Scan carrier QR code" and scan your eSIM Spaza QR code, or select "Enter activation code" for manual entry.

For Google Pixel:

Go to Settings → Network & Internet → "+" → Download a SIM instead?
Scan your QR code or tap "Need help? Enter it manually".

Installation typically takes about 2 minutes with a stable connection.

Once your payment is confirmed, eSIM Spaza automatically provisions your eSIM through our network partner. There is no waiting — your QR code and activation credentials are generated instantly and:

Sent to your registered email address
Available in your eSIM Spaza account under "My eSIMs"

You can purchase your eSIM days in advance and install it whenever you're ready. The data plan validity only starts once the eSIM activates on a local network at your destination.

Your eSIM validity period begins when the eSIM first connects to a supported network at your destination — not at the time of purchase or installation.

Your plan will expire when either:

The validity period ends (e.g. 7 days, 30 days), or
You consume all your allocated data — whichever comes first.

So if you purchase a 7-day plan but only travel for 5 days, your plan remains valid for the full 7 days from first activation. Plan your purchase accordingly.

An eSIM can only be transferred to a new device before it has been activated. Once the eSIM has connected to a network and activated, it is bound to that device and cannot be transferred.

If you need to use a different device before activating, please contact our support team for assistance.

eSIM Spaza offers a range of plans to suit different travel needs:

Country-specific plans — ideal if you're visiting a single destination and want the best local rates.
Regional plans — cover multiple countries within a continent, perfect for multi-country trips within the same region.
Global plans — designed for travellers visiting countries across multiple continents.
Unlimited daily plans — a set daily data allocation that renews each day, great for longer stays where you need consistent connectivity.

Browse our store, select your destination, and compare plans by data allowance, validity, and price to find the best fit.

Yes — if you purchase a regional or global plan, your eSIM will work across all countries listed in that plan's coverage. Always check the coverage list on the product page before purchasing to confirm your destinations are included.

Country-specific plans are only valid in the country they're designed for. If you're visiting multiple countries, a regional or global plan is the smarter choice.

Most plans available on eSIM Spaza are data-only plans. They provide mobile data but do not include voice calls or SMS.

If you need to make calls or send texts while abroad, you can:

Use internet-based apps like WhatsApp, Signal, or FaceTime for calls and messaging over your data connection.
Keep your home SIM active in Dual SIM mode for calls and SMS (standard roaming charges from your home carrier may apply).

Plans that do support calls and SMS will be clearly labelled — check the plan details page for specifics.

Yes, top-up is available for supported plans. If your plan supports it, you'll see a "Top Up" option in your eSIM Spaza account once your eSIM is active.

Important things to note:

Top-ups are activated immediately and are non-refundable once purchased.
Not all plans support top-up — check the product page or your account for availability.
Alternatively, you can purchase a new plan for continued connectivity.

You can purchase a new plan from eSIM Spaza at any time — even while abroad — as long as you have a data connection. However, you cannot switch the destination or type of an existing active plan.

If you need more data or are moving to a different country not covered by your current plan, simply purchase a new plan from your account. Your device can store multiple eSIM profiles, though only one can be active as the data line at a time.

Yes. eSIM Spaza travel plans work alongside your existing SIM — they do not replace your home number. Your existing number remains active on your physical SIM (or home eSIM profile), while the eSIM Spaza plan handles your data connectivity abroad.

On most dual-SIM devices, you can set your home SIM as the default for calls and SMS, and your eSIM Spaza plan as the default for cellular data.

If your eSIM is installed but not connecting, try these steps in order:

Confirm you've arrived at your destination — most eSIMs only activate when you reach the covered country.
Set the eSIM as your Cellular Data source — go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data) → Cellular Data, and select your eSIM Spaza eSIM.
Enable Data Roaming — go to your eSIM settings and toggle on "Data Roaming".
Toggle Airplane Mode — turn it on for 10 seconds, then off again to force a network reconnect.
Select network manually — go to Cellular → Network Selection, disable Automatic, and manually choose an available network from the list.

If none of the above resolves the issue, please contact our support team with your order details.

This usually means one of the following:

Data is depleted — you may have used up your allocation. Check your remaining data in Settings → Cellular. Data usage reported in-app is sometimes not real-time.
Data Roaming is off — ensure Data Roaming is enabled for your eSIM profile in device settings.
Wrong cellular data line selected — confirm your eSIM Spaza eSIM is set as the active Cellular Data line, not your home SIM.
APN settings — some devices require the APN to be configured manually. Check your eSIM order details for APN information if applicable.

Don't panic — you may be able to reinstall it:

On iPhone: Log in to your eSIM Spaza account, go to your order, and view the QR code. Use a second device or computer to display the QR code, then go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code to reinstall.

On Android: Log in to your account and retrieve your activation code from your order details. Enter this code manually in your eSIM settings to reinstall.

Note: If the eSIM was already activated, reinstallation may not be possible on all networks. Please contact our support team for assistance.

This error is usually related to APN settings or data availability. Check the following:

Verify APN settings — if your eSIM requires a manual APN, ensure it's entered exactly as shown in your installation instructions (usually all lowercase, no spaces).
Check remaining data — attempting to connect with zero data remaining can trigger this error.
Confirm network compatibility — make sure you're connected to a network supported by your plan.
Reset network settings — go to Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network Settings, then restart your device. Note: this will clear saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings.

If the issue persists, contact our support team with your order number.

This error typically occurs when moving between coverage areas and the iPhone fails to automatically switch to an available carrier signal.

Solution:

Open the Settings app.
Tap Cellular → Network Selection.
Enable the "Automatic" option.

With automatic network selection on, your device will search for and connect to the best available network for your eSIM. If the problem persists, toggle Airplane Mode on and off to force the device to search for a new connection.

eSIMs are generally considered more secure than traditional physical SIM cards for several reasons:

No physical theft risk — an eSIM cannot be removed from your device, eliminating the risk of SIM theft or unauthorised swapping.
SIM swap attack resistance — it's significantly harder for bad actors to perform SIM swap fraud against an eSIM-based profile.
Encrypted provisioning — eSIM profiles are downloaded and stored using industry-standard encryption (GSMA SGP.22).
Device binding — once activated, your eSIM profile is tied to your specific device.

Your data traffic over our eSIM is carried by the same network infrastructure as any other mobile connection — always use HTTPS and a VPN if you require additional security on public networks.

eSIM Spaza takes your privacy seriously. We collect only the information necessary to process your order and deliver your eSIM — your name, email address, and payment details.

Payment processing is handled securely by Stripe — we never store your full card details.
Your personal data is never sold to third parties.
You can request deletion of your account and associated data at any time by contacting our support team.

For full details, please review our Privacy Policy.