FAQs
Everything you need to know about eSIMs, your order, and using SafarVia. Can't find your answer? Contact us and we'll help straight away.
About eSIMs
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into your device. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, you simply scan a QR code to activate mobile data – no swapping SIMs, no visiting a phone shop, no waiting for delivery.
Yes. An eSIM is tied to your device and can’t be physically removed or stolen like a plastic SIM. Your eSIM profile is delivered through a secure QR code, so keep that code private and don’t share it.
Most devices can store multiple eSIM profiles but only use one at a time for data. You can switch between them in your device settings whenever you need to.
A physical SIM is a small plastic card you insert into your phone. An eSIM is digital – it’s already built into your device and can be activated instantly online. You can also keep your existing SIM active at the same time, so you keep your home number while using your SafarVia eSIM for data abroad.
Ordering
Choose your destination, pick a data plan, and check out. Your QR code is emailed to you within moments of payment.
No. You can check out as a guest. Create an account if you’d like to view your eSIMs and track data usage on the My eSIMs page.
Most phones released since 2018 do, including iPhone XS/XR and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and Google Pixel 3 and newer. Your phone must also be network-unlocked.
Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Klarna and Clearpay.
Yes. Use their email address at checkout, or forward them the QR code. They’ll need an eSIM-compatible, unlocked phone.
Installations
Go to Settings → Mobile Service → Add eSIM → Use QR Code, then scan the code from your email. You can also enter details manually.
Go to Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add eSIM (menus vary slightly by brand), then scan the QR code and follow the prompts.
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Yes, and we recommend it. Install it at home on Wi-Fi, then switch it on when you land.
Yes. You need an internet connection to download the eSIM profile.
Usually no. Most QR codes work for one installation, so don’t delete the eSIM from your phone unless you’re finished with it. Contact us if you have problems.
Using Your eSIM
Most plans start counting down when your eSIM first connects to a network in your destination, not when you buy or install it. The plan page shows the validity period.
Go to your phone’s mobile/cellular settings, select the travel eSIM as your data line, and turn on Data Roaming for that line. Keep roaming off on your home SIM to avoid charges.
Most eSIMs are data-only. However some also have calls and text – please check the product page.
Your home SIM stays active for calls and texts, and WhatsApp, FaceTime, and similar apps work over data.
On most plans, yes. Check the plan details on the product page.
Log in and open My eSIMs to see your remaining data.
Top-ups are available on many plans. Otherwise you can buy a new eSIM and switch to it.
Payments & Refunds
Yes. Payments go through secure, trusted providers (Stripe and PayPal), and we never see or store your card details.
Refunds are granted if the eSIM can’t be installed or used because of a fault on our side or the network’s, or if it’s incompatible with your device. Refunds aren’t available once an eSIM has been installed and data used.
Contact us before installing and we’ll help. If the eSIM hasn’t been installed or used, we’ll refund you.
You’ll get an order confirmation by email after payment. If it hasn’t arrived within a few minutes, check your spam folder or contact us with your order number.
Troubleshooting
Check your spam or junk folder first. If it isn’t there, contact us with your order number. We’ll resend it.
- Make sure the eSIM line is selected for mobile data.
- Turn Data Roaming on for the eSIM line.
- Restart your phone.
- Toggle Airplane Mode on and off.
- Manually select a network under mobile settings.
Make sure you have Wi-Fi when installing, that your phone is network-unlocked, and that you’ve scanned the code only once. If it still fails, contact us.
Speed depends on local network coverage. Try moving to an area with better signal, restarting your phone, or switching to a different network in settings.
Contact us with your order number. Whether it can be reinstalled depends on the plan, but we’ll do what we can.