Does it matter where I bought my phone?

Yes - and this is one of the most common reasons a phone doesn't support eSIM, even if the model normally does.

The same phone model can come in different hardware versions depending on the country it was sold in. Some regional versions are manufactured without an eSIM chip, or have eSIM disabled at the hardware level to comply with local carrier regulations.

Known exceptions to watch out for:

• Apple: iPhones purchased in China, Hong Kong, or Macao do not support eSIM - regardless of model
• Samsung: All Samsung devices purchased in China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan do not support eSIM. Most models purchased in South Korea also do not support eSIM
• Google Pixel: Pixel 3 purchased in Australia, Japan, or Taiwan does not support eSIM. Pixel 3a purchased in Japan or Southeast Asia does not support eSIM

→ If you bought your phone abroad or received it as a gift, it's worth double-checking before purchasing an eSIM plan.

→ Not sure if your specific device is affected? See: How do I check if my iPhone supports eSIM? or How do I check if my Android supports eSIM?