Iraq eSIM

Most flagship smartphones released since 2018-2019 support eSIM, including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy S20 series and newer. Tablets, smartwatches and an increasing number of laptops also support eSIM. The fastest way to verify your specific device is to check Settings , if you see "Add eSIM" or "Add cellular plan" as an option, you're compatible.

eSIM compatibility is now standard across the high-end smartphone market and rapidly spreading into mid-range devices. eSIMBuy works with any unlocked, eSIM-capable device , no special configuration needed beyond scanning the QR code we send you.

iPhones with eSIM support

• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018) , first iPhones with eSIM (one physical SIM + one eSIM).
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (2019).
• iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max (2020).
• iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max (2021) , supports two active eSIMs simultaneously.
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max (2022) , US versions are eSIM-only (no physical SIM tray).
• iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, iPhone SE 3 and later , full eSIM support.

Google Pixel with eSIM support

• Pixel 3 / 3 XL and all later models (Pixel 4, 4a, 5, 5a, 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, 8, 8 Pro, Pixel Fold).

Samsung Galaxy with eSIM support

• Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S20 FE (2020) , first Galaxy with eSIM.
• Galaxy S21 / S22 / S23 / S24 series (all variants except some regional versions).
• Galaxy Z Fold 2, 3, 4, 5 and Z Flip 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
• Galaxy Note 20, 20 Ultra.
• Note: Some regional Samsung variants (e.g., specific Hong Kong dual-SIM physical models) may not support eSIM. Check Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager.

Other Android devices with eSIM

• Huawei: P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro and newer flagships.
• Motorola: Razr (2019+), Edge 30 series, ThinkPhone.
• Xiaomi: Mi 11 series and newer (international versions).
• OnePlus: OnePlus 11, 12 (verify region).
• Sony: Xperia 1 IV, 5 IV, 10 IV and newer.
• Nokia / HMD: G60, X30 5G.

How to verify eSIM support on your device

1. iPhone: Settings → Cellular → look for "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan". You can also dial *#06# , if you see an "EID" (32-digit number), your phone has eSIM hardware.
2. Android: Settings → Connections (or Network & Internet) → SIM Cards → look for "Download a SIM instead" or "Add eSIM".
3. EID check: most eSIM-capable Android phones show EID in Settings → About Phone → Status.

Tip: Even if your phone supports eSIM hardware, it must be unlocked (not carrier-locked) to use third-party eSIMs like eSIMBuy. Most phones bought outright are unlocked; phones from carrier instalment plans may require unlocking after the contract is paid off.

Almost every flagship smartphone released since 2019 supports eSIM, making it ideal for international travel. Compatible models include iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, plus a growing list of mid-range devices. If your phone has Settings → Cellular → "Add eSIM", you're ready to use a eSIMBuy plan abroad.

Travellers benefit most from eSIM because it eliminates the airport SIM-card queue, removes the need to swap your home SIM out, and lets you keep your usual phone number active for SMS verification. A eSIMBuy travel eSIM activates the moment you land , no shop visit required.

Best eSIM-compatible travel phones

• iPhone (2018+): XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series and SE 3rd gen , all support Dual SIM with one physical SIM + one eSIM. iPhone 14/15/16 in the US is eSIM-only.
• Google Pixel (2018+): Pixel 3 through Pixel 9 , all support eSIM. Pixel 7 Pro and newer support multiple active eSIMs.
• Samsung Galaxy (2020+): S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25, Note 20, Fold and Flip series.
• Motorola: Razr (2019+), Edge 30/40, ThinkPhone , most newer flagships.
• OnePlus: OnePlus 11, 12 , varies by region.
• Sony: Xperia 1 IV / V, Xperia 10 IV / V.
• Xiaomi: Mi 11 international and newer flagships.
• Nokia/HMD: G60 5G, X30 5G.

What to check before buying a travel eSIM

1. eSIM hardware: dial *#06# , if an EID number appears, you're compatible.
2. Carrier unlock status: phones bought on instalment plans may be locked to your home carrier. Most outright purchases are unlocked.
3. iOS version: iOS 12.1 or newer for full eSIM support.
4. Android version: Android 9 or newer typically supports eSIM, though it depends on the manufacturer.
5. Region-specific variants: some Samsung models sold in Hong Kong or China are dual physical SIM with no eSIM , verify your specific model number.

Travel-friendly phones that don't support eSIM

• iPhones older than XS (iPhone X, 8, 7, 6 series).
• Most budget Android phones (entry-level Samsung A series before A53, Xiaomi Redmi entry models).
• Older Huawei devices without Google Services.
• Region-specific dual physical SIM variants (verify model number).

Tip: if your current phone doesn't support eSIM but you travel often, an unlocked, mid-range eSIM-capable phone (e.g., Pixel 7a, iPhone SE 3, Samsung Galaxy A55) makes an excellent secondary travel device , pair it with a eSIMBuy plan and you have a full mobile internet kit for any destination.

This is the most important question. (You must answer this based on your product. If it covers both, it's a huge selling point. E.g.: "Yes, our eSIM is a roaming plan that connects to the best network (like Zain or Asiacell) in both Baghdad and Erbil, so you are covered seamlessly.") (If not: "This plan is for Federal Iraq (Baghdad) only and will have limited/no coverage in the Kurdistan Region.")

No! This is the single biggest advantage for safety and convenience. Buying a physical local SIM card at Baghdad (BGW) or Erbil (EBL) airport requires a mandatory, slow, and potentially risky in-person passport registration process. Our eSIM is a roaming plan that bypasses all this bureaucracy. You can install it before you fly and be connected the moment you land. 

No (but with a warning). Unlike some Gulf states, Iraq does not typically block VoIP calls (like WhatsApp or Signal), which are essential for security coordination. However, the government is known to shut down all mobile data nationwide (or block apps like Telegram) during times of political unrest or exams. Our eSIM will also go down during these state-ordered shutdowns, just like a local SIM. 

Our Iraq eSIM connects to premium local networks, typically Zain Iraq or Asiacell, ensuring reliable 4G service across major cities like Baghdad, Basra, and Erbil. This means your eSIM will leverage the most stable 4G network available from these providers, which is crucial for essential communication in an environment with fragile infrastructure.

Many travelers wonder about the best network, such as "Asiacell vs Zain," or specifically ask, "Does Zain work in Iraq?" Our eSIM service addresses these concerns by providing access to both of Iraq's leading mobile network operators. Instead of being tied to a single provider, your device will automatically connect to the strongest available signal from either Zain Iraq or Asiacell, ensuring consistent and dependable connectivity. This flexibility is vital for staying connected, whether you're navigating the bustling streets of Baghdad, conducting business in Basra, or visiting the historical sites of Erbil.

 You must set expectations. You will have reliable 4G/LTE coverage in all major city centers (Baghdad, Erbil, Karbala, Basra). However, on the highways between cities, the signal will be intermittent or drop to 3G. It is essential for navigation but not for continuous streaming. It is much more reliable than Wi-Fi, which is rare outside hotels. 

 Most modern phones do, but you must check our specific list here: eSIM Compatible Devices to be 100% sure before purchasing. 

 Yes. Careem is the most popular ride-hailing app in Iraq, and reliable data is essential to book rides safely without needing to negotiate prices in Arabic. 

 Yes. Coverage is generally good at the Babylon archaeological site near Hillah, allowing you to look up historical facts while exploring the Ishtar Gate. 

 Signal is available in the main boat launch areas like Chibayish, but expect the connection to drop to 3G or slower as you travel deeper into the Marshes. 

 Highly recommended. Having data for Google Translate is crucial for communicating with security personnel at the many checkpoints between Baghdad, Najaf, and Mosul.