Question 1

How much data do I need for my trip?

Accepted Answer

As a rough guide: light use (maps, chat, email) is about 1 GB per week; regular use (browsing, social media, some video) around 3–5 GB per week; heavy use (lots of streaming and video calls) 10 GB or more. You can always top up if you run low.

Question 2

Should I choose a country, regional or global eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Pick a country eSIM if you're staying in one place — it's the cheapest per GB. Choose a regional plan (e.g. Europe or Asia) if you're visiting several countries in one area, and a global plan if your trip spans multiple continents.

Question 3

Do I need an unlocked phone to use an eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your phone must be carrier-unlocked to use a third-party eSIM. If your phone is locked to a home carrier, eSIM activation may fail — ask your carrier to unlock it first. Most phones bought outright are already unlocked.

Question 4

How far in advance can I buy and install my eSIM?

Accepted Answer

You can buy anytime and install it days before you travel. For most plans the validity only starts when the eSIM first connects to a network at your destination, so installing early over home Wi-Fi is the safest approach.

Question 5

Can I buy an eSIM as a gift or for someone else?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Buy the eSIM and simply forward the QR code / activation email to the person who'll use it. They install it on their own phone — just make sure their phone supports eSIM first.

Question 6

Can one eSIM cover several countries?

Accepted Answer

Yes — regional and global eSIMs cover many countries under a single plan, so you don't need a new one at each border. Check the plan's country list before buying to make sure your whole route is covered.

Question 7

Is an eSIM cheaper than my carrier's roaming?

Accepted Answer

Almost always, yes. Home-carrier roaming can cost several times more per GB than a local travel eSIM. With an eSIM you pay a fixed local price up front, with no surprise charges on your monthly bill.

Question 8

Are there any hidden fees, contracts or auto-renewals?

Accepted Answer

No. You pay once for the plan you choose — there's no contract, no monthly subscription and no automatic renewal. When your data or validity runs out, nothing is charged unless you choose to buy again.

Question 9

For travel, is an eSIM or a physical SIM better?

Accepted Answer

For travel an eSIM is almost always better: no SIM queue at the airport and no swapping cards, you buy it online before you fly and install it with a QR code, your own number stays in the phone, and there's no roaming-bill risk. You can set up your Airlivo eSIM in advance so it connects the moment you land.

Question 10

What is the difference between a regional eSIM and a country eSIM?

Accepted Answer

A country (local) eSIM covers a single country and is usually the cheapest. A regional eSIM covers several countries in one plan (e.g. Europe, Asia) — ideal if you're visiting a few countries. Choose an Airlivo local plan for one country, or a regional or global plan for multiple countries.

Question 11

Do unlimited eSIM plans have a speed limit?

Accepted Answer

Unlimited plans never run out of data, but under a fair-use policy the speed is reduced after a daily high-speed allowance (on Airlivo, typically down to 1 Mbps after 3 GB per day). The internet isn't cut off, it just slows down. Keep this in mind when choosing a plan for heavy use.

Question 12

Which eSIM plan should I choose for which country?

Accepted Answer

If you're visiting one country, choose that country's local plan — it's the cheapest. For a few neighbouring countries a regional plan makes sense, and for many countries across continents a global plan. On Airlivo you can search your destination and compare the local, regional and global options.

Question 13

Does an eSIM plan include a phone number?

Accepted Answer

No. Airlivo eSIM plans provide internet data only; they don't give you a new phone number. Your own number is preserved — as long as your physical SIM stays in the phone, WhatsApp, calls and texts keep working with your number.

Buying & Plans