Travel eSIM FAQ – Setup, Coverage, Hotspot & Refunds
Everything about buying, installing and using a Mapians eSIM.
All questions
Still unsure? Our 24/7 Live Chat and ticket team will help.
What is a travel eSIM?
An eSIM is a SIM card built into your phone. Instead of inserting plastic, you scan a QR code and your phone downloads a mobile plan. A Mapians travel eSIM gives you local data in the country you visit, at local-style prices instead of roaming rates.
When should I buy and install it?
Buy any time before you travel and install it at home over Wi-Fi. Most plans only start counting days when they first connect to a supported network at your destination. Check the validity rule on your plan page.
Will I keep my WhatsApp and home number?
Yes. Your home SIM stays in your phone for calls and SMS (switch its roaming off to avoid charges) and your WhatsApp number does not change. The Mapians eSIM handles data.
Does the eSIM include a phone number?
Most plans are data-only. You can call and message over WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram, Teams and similar apps. Some network plans, such as Three UK, come with a UK number.
Is my phone compatible?
Most phones from 2019 onwards support eSIM, including iPhone XS/XR and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and Google Pixel 3 and newer. The phone must be carrier-unlocked. Dial *#06#: if you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM.
Can I use hotspot / tethering?
Yes, hotspot is supported on our plans so you can share data with a laptop or a travel companion. Usage counts against your plan.
What if it does not work?
Our support team is available 24/7 on Live Chat and tickets. Most issues are fixed in minutes by turning on data roaming for the eSIM line. If we cannot get you connected, you are covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee.
How do refunds work?
If your eSIM cannot connect because of a fault on our side, or you have not installed it, you can claim a refund within 30 days. See the refund policy for full conditions.
Can I top up?
Yes. Many plans can be topped up from your account or the Mapians app. If a top-up is not available for your plan, buy a new plan in seconds.
Does it work at sea?
eSIMs use land-based mobile networks. They work in port, at anchor near the coast and ashore, but not in open ocean. On board, use the ship's satellite Wi-Fi.
Most "unlimited" data isn't really unlimited
Under operators' fair-use policies, many unlimited plans give you a set amount of high-speed data, then cut you to a crawl. Here's what the small print says, from published sources.
| Provider | How it's sold | What actually happens | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | Unlimited (selected destinations) | 3GB high-speed per 24 hours, then 1Mbps | Saily review of Airalo, 2026 |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | Fair-use slowdowns after heavy use; hotspot capped at 500MB/day (Europe) or 1GB/day (Asia) | Jetpac Holafly review, 2026 |
| T-Mobile (US roaming) | Unlimited data abroad | 5GB high-speed, then 256kbps | ShopBack US roaming guide, Aug 2026 |
| Jio (India) roaming packs | "Unlimited" data packs | 1GB–10GB high-speed, then 64kbps | Jio packs as published (prune.co.in, July 2025) |
| e& (UAE) Daily Data | Daily roaming data | 500MB per day, then 64kbps | eand.ae Roaming Daily Data Plan, 2026 |
Video calls, HD streaming, hotspot, maps
Maps and messages; video buffers
Slow web pages, photos take ages
WhatsApp text only. Maps barely load
We tell you exactly how much full-speed data you get
- Every plan shows its full-speed allowance in GB, upfront
- Per-day plans clearly say what happens after the daily allowance (128kbps until midnight)
- Big fixed plans like 80GB give full speed the whole time, from £0.19/GB
- Speed caps, such as KDDI's 10Mbps option, are shown on the plan before you buy
Fair-use details are taken from the providers' published terms or from the reviews named in the Source column, and can change. Check each provider's current terms.
Land connected. Pay local prices.
Pick your destination, get your QR code by email and set up in two minutes.
Buy, install and top up from your phone
Check data left, get low-balance alerts, top up in two taps and reach support from inside the app.