What to Do If Your Phone Isn’t eSIM Compatible and You’re Already Overseas
Picture this: You’ve just landed in a new country, excited to start your adventure. You’ve planned ahead—booked your eSIM (hopefully from airsims.com.au) online to avoid the hassle of local SIM cards. But when you try to activate it, your phone throws a curveball: “eSIM not supported.” Panic sets in. Now what?
Don’t worry—you’re not the first traveller this has happened to, and you’ve got options. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting connected when your phone doesn’t support eSIM and you’re already abroad.
1. Double Check Your Phone’s Capabilities
Before you throw in the towel, make absolutely sure your phone doesn’t support eSIM.
Dial *#06# You should see an “EID” (Embedded Identity Document) generally means the phone/devices does support eSIM, but only in certain regions or models. For example:
➡️ iPhones from China may not have eSIM support, while the same model from the U.S. does.
➡️ Samsung and Google phones sometimes disable eSIM based on carrier or country.
To check:
🍎 On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data. If you see “Add eSIM” or “Add Cellular Plan,” you might be good.
🤖 On Android: Try Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network. Look for an option like “Download a SIM” or “Add eSIM.”
Still no luck? Okay, now let’s pivot.
2. Buy a Physical SIM Locally
This is the most straightforward plan B:
➡️ Head to a local mobile store or kiosk (airports usually have several).
➡️ Bring your passport, as many countries require ID to activate a SIM.
➡️ Pick a prepaid plan with a decent amount of data (ask about coverage, speed, and expiration).
➡️ Make sure your phone is unlocked 🔓 or you won’t be able to use the local SIM.
💡 Tip: Choose a provider with good nationwide coverage if you’re moving around the country. Use commonsense and be careful wo you give away your personal information to.
3. Use a Portable Wi-Fi Device (Pocket Wi-Fi)
If local SIMs aren't an option (e.g., your phone is locked), consider renting or buying a portable Wi-Fi hotspot:
➡️ These tiny devices let you connect your phone via Wi-Fi while using cellular data from the local provider.
➡️ You can find rentals at airports, electronics stores, or online (some companies ship to hotels).
Great for:
✅ Multiple devices (phone, laptop, tablet)
✅ Group travel
✅ Short-term stays
4. Leverage Public Wi-Fi + Offline Tools
If you're in a pinch and need a quick fix:
➡️ Use free Wi-Fi at cafes, airports, libraries, or hotels.
➡️ Download offline maps (Google Maps allows you to save specific areas).
➡️ Use messaging apps that work over Wi-Fi like WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram.
Not ideal long-term, but it’ll help you get by while you sort out your options. Be extra careful of your data security.
5. Buy a Cheap Backup Phone That Supports eSIM or Dual SIM
If you’re staying for a while or need reliable mobile service, buying a local phone might be worth it:
➡️ Many countries sell affordable Android devices for under $100 USD.
➡️ Look for dual SIM phones so you can keep your home SIM (for WhatsApp, 2FA, etc.) while using a local one for data.
➡️ Check if the phone supports eSIM if you still want to go that route.
6. Contact airsims.com.au for a refund
If you purchased an eSIM from airsims.com.au and you can’t use it due to compatibility issues - reach out to us via the chat button (bottom right of the screen) or through the contact page.
📱 Let us know the model of your phone
📃 ICCID which is listed on the original email with the QR code (if you know it. Don't panic if you don't know - we'll simply ask more questions to validate who you are and what plan you purchased)
📧 The email address you used when buying the eSIM
TL;DR — Don’t Panic, Just Pivot
Finding out your phone isn’t eSIM compatible when you’re already abroad isn’t the end of the world. You've got options—plenty of them. Whether it’s grabbing a physical SIM, renting a pocket Wi-Fi, or going old-school with public hotspots, you can still stay connected and make the most of your trip.
Safe travels! Got more questions or a travel horror story of your own? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear how you handled it.
