A travel eSIM replaces the airport SIM card queue and the roaming bill. You buy a data plan online, scan a QR code, and your phone connects to a local network when you land. On Refillarena you can pay for the plan with crypto, so a card with foreign transaction fees is not part of the picture.
Check your phone first
The phone has to support eSIM and be carrier unlocked. Most iPhones from the XS and XR onward, recent Google Pixel models and current Samsung Galaxy flagships support it. To confirm, dial *#06#. If an EID number appears, the phone has eSIM hardware. Unlocked status is shown in your phone settings or by asking your carrier.
Local plan or regional plan?
This is the choice that matters, and it is where people overspend.
- Local eSIM: one country only. It is almost always the cheapest option per gigabyte when you stay in a single place.
- Regional eSIM: one plan for a group of countries, such as Europe, Asia or the Middle East. It makes sense when your trip crosses borders.
- Global: covers many regions. It is the most expensive and only worth it if you really move across continents.
The price gap is large. At the time of writing, a 5 GB, 30 day plan costs about USD 6 for Turkey, USD 6 for France, USD 8 for Thailand and USD 14 for Japan on the local plans. A 5 GB, 30 day European regional plan is about USD 8, and a global 5 GB plan is about USD 50. Prices change, so confirm on the product page.
A simple rule: if you spend more than about 70 percent of your trip in one country, buy the local plan. If you cross two or more countries in the same region, buy the regional one.
How much data do you need?
- 1 GB for 7 days: maps, messaging and the occasional search on a short trip.
- 3 to 5 GB for 30 days: a normal holiday with maps, messaging, ride apps and light social media.
- 10 GB or more: remote work, hotspot sharing or a lot of video.
- Unlimited plans: available per day (1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15 and 30 days on many routes). Check whether a fair use limit applies before buying.
Video calls and streaming use data fast. Download offline maps and playlists over Wi-Fi before you leave.
How to buy an eSIM with crypto
- Open the Local eSIM page for a single country, or the Regional eSIM page for a multi-country trip.
- Select the country or region, then the data amount and validity.
- Enter your email address and pay with Bitcoin, USDT or another supported coin.
- After payment is confirmed, you get the eSIM details by email, including the QR code.
How to install it
- Connect to Wi-Fi.
- On iPhone, go to Settings, Cellular, Add eSIM. On Android, go to Settings, Network and internet, SIMs, Add eSIM. Menu names vary a little by brand.
- Scan the QR code from your email and follow the steps.
- Label the line, for example "Travel data".
You can install it at home before your flight. Most plans start counting from the first connection to a supported network, but check the plan details, because some start from installation.
When you arrive
- Turn the eSIM line on and set it as your mobile data line.
- Switch data roaming on for that eSIM line. This is required for most travel eSIMs.
- Keep your home SIM active for calls and SMS codes, and turn its data off to avoid roaming charges.
Common problems
No signal after landing. Check that roaming is on for the eSIM line and restart the phone. Then try selecting the network manually.
The QR code does not scan. The email also contains manual details you can type in. Do not delete the eSIM profile once it is installed, because most codes work only once.
Hotspot does not work. Some plans limit tethering. Look at the plan terms before you rely on it.
Ready to pick a plan? Browse the Local eSIM plans or the Regional eSIM plans.
