Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our eSIM products and services.
Common Questions
Showing 28 of 28What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into your smartphone - no physical chip to swap.
A travel eSIM lets you buy a local data plan for your destination country online, before you even leave home. You receive a QR code by email, scan it with your phone, and you're connected the moment you land. No airport SIM kiosks, no roaming surprises on your regular phone bill.
What's the difference between a Teclapi eSIM and just using roaming on my regular plan?
The main difference is cost and control:
- Your home carrier's roaming: May include some data in certain regions, but outside those zones, especially in Asia, the Americas, Africa, or the Middle East, charges can be very high, sometimes several dollars per MB.
- Teclapi eSIM: Connects you to a local carrier network at local rates. For destinations outside your home region, the saving can reach 70–80% compared to standard international roaming.
Worth checking: Some home plans do include free roaming in certain countries - verify your plan before buying, especially if you're traveling within a region your carrier already covers.
Do I keep my regular phone number when using a Teclapi eSIM?
Yes. Teclapi eSIMs are data-only - they don't replace your main SIM. Your home SIM stays active alongside the eSIM on the same device. You'll continue receiving calls, SMS, and WhatsApp notifications on your regular number, while the eSIM handles your mobile data at local rates abroad.
Can I make calls and send texts with a Teclapi eSIM?
Most Teclapi plans are data only — they don't include a local phone number for traditional calls or SMS. That said, with a reliable data connection, you can call and message freely through WhatsApp, FaceTime, FaceTime Audio, Telegram, Messenger, or any VoIP app. That's how most travelers communicate today anyway.
For some destinations, Teclapi plans come with a phone number included. This means you can make and receive regular calls and SMS just like a local SIM, on top of your data allowance.
Check the plan details for your destination at checkout to see whether a phone number is included.
Is a travel eSIM really cheaper than my carrier's international add-on?
In most cases, yes - significantly so. For destinations like Japan, Thailand, the US, or Morocco, a Teclapi eSIM plan covering 7–30 days of data typically costs between $5 and $20. Your carrier might charge that much for a single day of international roaming.
Do I need to submit any ID or documents to buy?
No. Purchasing a Teclapi eSIM requires no identity verification. Just choose your destination, select a plan, pay, and your QR code arrives by email instantly. No passport, no registration, no waiting.
How do I check if my phone supports eSIM?
On iPhone: Go to Settings → General → About → scroll to "Carrier Lock". If it shows "No SIM restrictions", you're unlocked. Also look for "Digital SIM IMEI" in the same screen — its presence confirms eSIM support.
On Samsung: Settings → About Phone → Status Information → IMEI Information. If you see "IMEI (eSIM)", your device supports it.
On any Android: Dial *#06# and press call. If an EID number appears alongside your IMEI, your phone is eSIM-capable.
As a general rule, iPhones from the XS (2018) onward, Samsung Galaxy S21+, Google Pixel 3+, and most recent flagships are compatible. Check the full device list on our website.
My phone is carrier-lock. Is that a problem?
Yes — a carrier-locked phone will only accept eSIM profiles from its original carrier. This is common with phones purchased directly from US carriers on payment plans, or from some operators in other countries. To unlock your device, contact your home carrier — the process varies, but most carriers unlock devices for free once any contractual period has been met. Once unlocked, installing a Teclapi eSIM works normally.
Note: Most phones sold in Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East are unlocked by default. Locked devices are most common in the US and some Latin American markets.
How many eSIMs can I have on my phone at the same time?
Most modern smartphones can store 5–10 eSIM profiles but only activate 2 simultaneously (your home SIM + one active eSIM). On iPhone 13 and later, Apple removed the physical SIM tray entirely — your phone runs on two eSIMs in parallel.
Can I use my eSIM on a tablet or laptop?
Teclapi plans are optimized for iOS and Android smartphones. Some cellular-enabled tablets (iPad with cellular, Samsung Galaxy Tab) and certain laptops (Surface Pro, some Dell/HP models) also support eSIM — check your specific device before purchasing.
If your tablet or laptop isn't eSIM-compatible, the easiest workaround is sharing your phone's data connection via personal hotspot.
What types of plans does Teclapi offer?
Three categories to match any trip:
- Local plans — data usable in a single country. Best value if you're staying in one place.
- Regional plans — data shared across a zone (e.g. Europe, Southeast Asia, Americas). Ideal for multi-country itineraries.
- Global plans — data usable in 70–200+ countries. Perfect for frequent travelers or digital nomads.
Durations range from a few days to 30 days, with data allowances from 500 MB to 20 GB and above.
When does my plan validity start?
Validity starts when you install the eSIM profile on your device — not when you first use data, and not when you purchased it. Avoid installing too early. The smart approach: buy your eSIM as soon as you've booked your trip for peace of mind, but don't scan the QR code until 24 hours before departure.
Tip: Buy early, install late. You can purchase weeks in advance and sit on the QR code until the day before you fly.
How much data do I actually need?
A practical guide by usage type:
- Light (500 MB – 1 GB/day): Maps, messaging, occasional web browsing — no video streaming.
- Moderate (1–2 GB/day): Social media (Instagram, TikTok), video calls, navigation, checking reviews.
- Heavy (3 GB+/day): Streaming YouTube or Netflix, large uploads, remote work, sharing your connection with a laptop.
For a 10-day trip with moderate use, a 10–15 GB plan is usually comfortable. If your accommodation has reliable Wi-Fi in the evenings, 5–7 GB is often enough.
Should I choose an unlimited plan or a fixed-data plan?
It depends on how you use your phone. Unlimited plans are typically subject to a fair-use policy — after a daily threshold (often 1–5 GB/day), speeds may be throttled. For heavy or unpredictable users, the peace of mind can be worth it. For moderate, predictable usage, a fixed-data plan is usually better value. Always read the fine print on unlimited plans — specifically, what speed applies after the fair-use limit kicks in.
How do I buy a Teclapi eSIM?
- Step 1: Visit Teclapi and select your destination — country, region, or global.
- Step 2: Choose a plan that fits your trip length and data needs.
- Step 3: Add to cart and check out.
- Step 4: Complete your purchase securely with a bank card or PayPal.
- Step 5: Receive your QR code by email instantly. No waiting, no shipping.
No ID required. The whole process takes under 5 minutes.
Should I buy before I travel or can I buy when I arrive?
We strongly recommend buying and installing before you leave. Installing at home over your own Wi-Fi means your phone connects automatically to the local network the moment you land — no setup needed on arrival. Waiting until you're at the destination means relying on airport Wi-Fi (often slow and unreliable) to install. It's a small step that makes a real difference.
I entered the wrong email address at checkout. How do I get my QR code?
Contact our support team as soon as possible with your order number — by email at support@esim-teclapi.com or via WhatsApp. We'll correct the address and resend your QR code straight away. Also worth checking: the email may have landed in your spam folder, so search there first before reaching out.
What is the refund policy?
Orders can be canceled free of charge before payment is confirmed or before your eSIM has been delivered. Once your QR code or activation details have been sent to you, cancellations and refunds are generally not available — this is due to the digital and non-returnable nature of eSIM products.
That said, refund requests may be considered on a case-by-case basis. For full details, please refer to our Refund & Cancellation Policy.
How do I install my Teclapi eSIM?
On iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code → scan the QR code from your confirmation email.
On Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager → Add eSIM → scan the QR code.
On Google Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM → scan the QR code.
After installation, set the eSIM as your default data line and make sure data roaming is enabled for that profile. Your home SIM stays active for calls and texts.
Important: You need a stable Wi-Fi connection to install the eSIM. We recommend do it at home before you travel for a stable connection.
How do I set things up so the eSIM handles data and my home SIM handles calls?
This is the ideal setup for traveling. Here's how:
- iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data → select your Teclapi eSIM. Leave your home SIM as the default for calls.
- Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager → Mobile Data → select your Teclapi eSIM.
- Google Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Preferred SIM for data → select your Teclapi eSIM.
Also disable data roaming on your home SIM to make sure your carrier doesn't rack up unexpected international charges in the background.
Do I need to enable roaming on my phone for the eSIM to work abroad?
Yes. Even with a local eSIM, your phone needs data roaming enabled for that eSIM profile, because technically it's connecting to a foreign network. Go into the settings for your eSIM line and turn on "Data Roaming" or "International Data". Without this, the eSIM will show as connected but you'll have no internet access.
What if I get a new phone? Can I transfer my eSIM?
eSIM profiles are tied to the device they were originally installed on and can't be directly transferred to a new phone — this is an industry-wide standard, not specific to Teclapi. If you upgrade your device before your trip, contact our support team with your order number. Depending on the status of your plan, we may be able to issue a new QR code for your new device.
My eSIM is installed but I have no internet abroad — what should I check?
Run through this checklist in order:
- 1. eSIM is set as the data line: confirm in cellular settings that your Teclapi eSIM — not your home SIM — is selected for mobile data.
- 2. Data roaming is on: in the settings for your eSIM line, "Data Roaming" or "Roaming" must be enabled.
- 3. Force a network refresh: toggle airplane mode off and on to prompt your phone to search for an available network.
- 4. Check APN settings: verify the APN details match the information in your confirmation email.
- 5. Restart your phone.
If none of these work, reach out to our 24/7 support team via WhatsApp or email.
“Invalid activation code" when scanning the QR code — how do I fix this?”
This usually means the QR code couldn't be read correctly. Try these steps:
- Make sure the QR code is fully visible on screen — not cropped, blurry, or partially covered.
- Zoom in on the QR code image or increase screen brightness before scanning.
- If the camera scan fails, use manual entry: copy the activation code text from your email and enter it manually in the eSIM installation screen.
- If the issue continues, contact support for a replacement code.
“Unable to add data plan" or "QR code already used" — what does this mean?
This typically means the eSIM profile has already been installed on a device. Check whether it's already on your phone:
- iPhone: Settings → Cellular → check the list of cellular plans.
- Android: Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager.
If it's already listed, you don't need to scan again — just activate it and set it as your data line.
If it's not there and the error persists, contact our support team.
My eSIM was working fine, then the connection dropped mid-trip — why?
A few possible causes:
- Data exhausted: your allowance may have run out. Check your usage in phone settings or your Teclapi account, and top up if needed.
- Plan expired: the validity period of your plan has ended. Purchase a new plan on the same eSIM profile.
- Weak or no local coverage: in rural areas, mountains, or remote locations, signal can drop temporarily. Move to a more populated area or wait until you're back in range.
- Settings reset by OS update: a phone software update can occasionally reset the default data line. Re-check that your eSIM is still selected for mobile data.
Will my Bahrain eSIM work across all of Bahrain — including Muharraq, Riffa, and the causeway areas?
Yes. Zain is actively expanding coverage across new housing areas including Salman Town, Khalifa City, East Hidd, and Ramli Housing Area, with a strong focus on enhancing indoor coverage across the Kingdom. All major tourist destinations, business districts, shopping malls, and transport hubs across Bahrain's islands are well covered.
24/7 Support
Still have questions?
Our support team is here to help you choose the right eSIM plan and assist with any setup questions. We typically respond within 30 minutes.