Does iPhone 11 support eSIM?
Yes, iphone 11 does support eSIM. eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that is integrated directly into your phone’s hardware, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. This allows you to use two different cellular plans on your phone without needing to insert or remove physical SIM cards.
How do you check if your iPhone 11 supports eSIM?
As you can see from the screenshots above that we checked on our own iPhone 11, iPhone 11 does indeed support eSIM. It means that you can buy eSIM from the provider to connect to the internet on your travel trip without swamping your SIM card.
However, I recommend you follow the above steps to check this yourself on your own phone, as there can be regional variations in iPhone models that don’t support this, such as those based in China, Hong Kong, Mailand, or Lock.
Wondering how to check if your phone is locked or not?. We’ve done it for you.
Is using an eSIM better than relying on sim card or international roaming?
Yes, eSIM offers several advantages over traditional SIM cards and international roaming. Your phone comes equipped with an embedded digital SIM, known as eSIM, which functions just like a physical SIM card but allows you to activate mobile plans digitally. You can buy and activate your eSIM plan by scanning a QR code or manually entering the details from your provider.
Why eSIM is Great for Travelers:
- Stress-Free Arrival:
When you arrive in a new country, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local language or mobile stores, purchasing a physical SIM can be time-consuming and stressful. With eSIM, you can activate your plan before you even leave home or at select airports, saving you time and reducing stress during your travels. - Stay Connected Without Roaming Fees:
For phones supporting dual SIM functionality, eSIM allows you to use your home number on your physical SIM and a local data plan on the eSIM. This way, you stay reachable for important calls and texts while avoiding costly roaming charges.
Challenges with eSIM:
- Limited Availability:
While eSIM is becoming increasingly popular, it’s not universally available. Before using it for travel, ensure that eSIM is supported in your destination countries and by the local carriers. A little research goes a long way. - Technical Difficulties:
Activation is typically straightforward, but technical issues can sometimes occur. Be prepared for minor hurdles, but don’t worry—most providers offer customer support to help you. - Battery Usage:
Running both a physical SIM and an eSIM can slightly drain your phone’s battery faster. Consider packing a portable charger to ensure your phone stays powered during long adventures.
Cost Considerations:
While eSIM can be more affordable than international roaming, it’s not always the cheapest option compared to purchasing a local SIM card. Depending on your needs, a local SIM may be a better option if you’re looking to save money, but eSIM offers convenience for those who prioritize quick setup.
Where to buy eSIM for international trip?
From a local service providers
Local eSIMs are a fantastic way to save money, especially for shorter trips. For example, in Thailand, you can often find eSIMs with a week of data for less than $10 USD. However, package choices might be limited compared to global providers. On the plus side, if you have any questions, local providers usually have excellent customer support in the country’s language.
However, Some local providers require more personal information during registration, which might be a concern if you value data privacy.
Find local service providers that support eSIM in the country you are about to travel
From Worldwide Service Providers
Worldwide Service Providers Global providers offer eSIMs that function across multiple countries, perfect for trips spanning several destinations.
While they may be slightly pricier than local options, global suppliers provide wider coverage, diverse package choices, and streamlined convenience for multi-country travel. You can typically purchase them online before you even leave home through the provider’s website or mobile app
If you prefer to buy eSIM from international providers, then check the variety plan from Gohub, which supports over 190 countries around the world.
Which Should You Choose?
- Short trip to one country? A local eSIM is probably your best bet.
- Traveling across multiple destinations? A global eSIM offers seamless connectivity.
- On a tight budget? Explore local providers for the most affordable plans.
- Need lots of data or specific plan features? Worldwide providers likely have more options.
