Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is an eSIM the same as a hotspot?

No. A hotspot is a separate device that creates a WiFi network your phone connects to. An eSIM is a cellular plan inside your phone itself. With an eSIM, your phone connects directly to local cell towers — no extra device to carry, charge, or worry about losing.

Q: Will an eSIM work on my daughter's iPhone?

If her iPhone is an XR, XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16, yes. iPhone 14 and 15 models sold in the US don't even have a physical SIM tray — they're eSIM-only. You can verify by going to Settings > General > About and checking for a Digital SIM IMEI.

Q: How do I install an eSIM?

After purchasing, aloSIM emails you a QR code. On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM and scan the code. On Android, go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Add eSIM. The entire process takes under two minutes.

Q: Can I still use my regular phone number?

Yes. Most phones support dual SIM — your physical SIM stays active for calls and texts from home, while the eSIM handles data abroad. Just make sure to turn off data roaming on your home carrier to avoid surprise charges.

Q: What happens when the data runs out?

aloSIM lets you top up your plan instantly through their website or app. You don't need to reinstall anything — just add more data to your existing eSIM profile. You can also buy a new plan if needed.

Q: Is eSIM better than buying a local SIM at the airport?

Generally yes. With eSIM, you buy before you fly, land with connectivity already active, and avoid language barriers, long airport lines, and the risk of buying the wrong plan from an unfamiliar carrier.

Q: How is this different from international roaming?

International roaming uses your home carrier's partner networks abroad and charges per megabyte at inflated rates — often $10–15 per day. An eSIM is a prepaid local plan at local prices. For a month in Italy, roaming could cost $300+. An eSIM plan costs $12–30.

Q: Can she make phone calls with an eSIM?

aloSIM plans are data-only, but she can make calls over WiFi or cellular data using apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom. If she needs a local phone number for calls, pair the eSIM with Hushed for a secondary number.

Q: Does eSIM work with all carriers?

eSIM compatibility depends on your device, not your home carrier. Your home carrier doesn't need to support eSIM for you to use an aloSIM eSIM. The phone just needs to be unlocked or capable of adding secondary data plans.

Question 1

What exactly is an eSIM?

Answer

An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of inserting a tiny plastic chip, you scan a QR code to download a mobile plan directly to your device. It works the same way a physical SIM does — it just lives inside your phone's software instead of a removable tray.

Question 2

Is an eSIM the same as a hotspot?

Question 3

Will an eSIM work on my daughter's iPhone?

Question 4

How do I install an eSIM?

Question 5

Can I still use my regular phone number?

Question 6

What happens when the data runs out?

Question 7

Is eSIM better than buying a local SIM at the airport?

Question 8

How is this different from international roaming?

Question 9

Can she make phone calls with an eSIM?

Question 10

Does eSIM work with all carriers?

Question 11

What if something goes wrong abroad?

Question 12

Why do you recommend aloSIM specifically?