Philippines 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.

No! This is the single biggest advantage of our eSIM. Due to the new mandatory SIM Registration Act, buying a physical local SIM at the Manila (NAIA) or Cebu airport requires a complicated and slow registration process (uploading your passport, photo, and visa). eSIMBuy eSIMs are roaming-based, which means you are exempt from this bureaucracy. You can buy online and get connected instantly, skipping all the paperwork. 

Yes, in main tourist areas. This is the most important question for island hoppers. Our eSIM connects to the country's best networks (Smart/Globe), which provide reliable 4G/LTE coverage in towns like El Nido, Coron, Boracay, and the main spots on Siargao. However, please expect "dead zones" when you are on a boat in the middle of the ocean (e.g., on an El Nido island hopping tour) or in deep jungle interiors. 

 To give you the best possible signal wherever you travel, our eSIM automatically connects to the strongest local provider, typically Smart Communications or Globe Telecom. These are the top-tier networks in the Philippines, ensuring you have the fastest and most reliable connection available in all 82 provinces. 

Yes, 100%. Island Wi-Fi (in hotels, cafes, and guesthouses) is notoriously slow, unstable, and unreliable, especially after storms or during peak hours. A eSIMBuy eSIM gives you a private, high-speed 4G connection that is often much faster and more dependable than the Wi-Fi, allowing you to work or upload photos without frustration. 

Absolutely. Grab is the essential "super-app" in the Philippines for booking cars, ride-hailing (Tuk-Tuks), and food delivery (as Uber is not available). Our eSIM provides fast, low-latency data, ensuring you can book a ride from the airport, track your driver in real-time, and avoid taxi scams. 

 This specific plan is valid only within the Philippines. If you are on a "Banana Pancake Trail" backpacker route and plan to visit other countries, we highly recommend our Asia Regional eSIM. It allows you to cross borders into Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, etc., and stay connected with one single plan. 

No. This is a data-only eSIM and does not come with a local phone number for calls or SMS. This is also why you can skip the mandatory SIM registration. You can easily make calls using high-speed data on apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Viber (very popular in the Philippines), or Skype. 

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

 Absolutely. GCash is the ubiquitous mobile wallet used everywhere from luxury malls to street food vendors; reliable data is essential to scan QR codes and pay cashless. 

 Yes. You will generally have strong signal at the main viewing deck in Carmen to share photos of the Chocolate Hills, though connection may drop while driving through the interior Bilar Man-Made Forest.