Connectivity answers, in plain English
Short, direct answers to the questions travellers actually ask.
Can I have two eSIMs active at the same time?
Yes. Modern iPhones (XS and later) and most flagship Androids let you store many eSIM profiles and have two active at once — typically your home line plus a travel eSIM. Calls and texts route through whichever line you choose as default, while data can be set to use the cheaper travel eSIM automatically.
Can I make voice calls on a travel eSIM?
A.R.I.A Mobile eSIMs are data-only, like almost every travel eSIM on the market. But that's rarely a limitation — you can make and receive unlimited voice calls over WhatsApp, FaceTime, Google Meet, Zoom or any other VoIP app using the eSIM's data. Quality is typically better than a normal cellular call.
Can I tether my laptop to an eSIM?
Yes — every Aria Mobile eSIM supports tethering (Personal Hotspot on iPhone, Mobile Hotspot on Android) at no extra cost. You can share the eSIM's data with your laptop, tablet, or a colleague's phone over Wi-Fi, USB, or Bluetooth. There is no separate tethering toggle on our side — if it's in your data allowance, you can tether it.
Can I transfer my eSIM to a new phone?
In most cases an Aria Mobile eSIM stays tied to the device it was first installed on, so transferring it to a new phone is not automatic. If you change handsets mid-trip, contact our support team and we can usually issue a fresh QR code for the new device so you keep your remaining data without buying another plan.
Can I use an eSIM on an Apple Watch?
Cellular Apple Watches use eSIM, but only with your home mobile carrier under a paired plan — they cannot install a travel eSIM like Aria Mobile. Apple Watch cellular is tied to your iPhone's main plan. For travel, use your watch over Bluetooth from your iPhone, which uses the iPhone's Aria Mobile eSIM data instead.
Can I use an eSIM on an iPad?
Yes — every cellular iPad model from the iPad Pro (3rd gen, 2018) onwards supports eSIM, including current iPad Air and iPad mini cellular models. Wi-Fi-only iPads do not. Install an Aria Mobile eSIM via Settings → Cellular Data → Add Cellular Plan to keep your iPad online for work and streaming when travelling without paying for hotel Wi-Fi.
Can I use Google Maps with an eSIM?
Yes — Google Maps works perfectly on an Aria Mobile eSIM, including live navigation, traffic, Street View, and offline maps. Because the eSIM provides standard 4G/5G data, there is no difference between using Maps on an eSIM and using it on your home SIM. We recommend downloading offline maps before you fly to save data and cover patchy areas.
Can I use WhatsApp in Singapore?
Yes, WhatsApp is fully functional and widely used in Singapore for messaging, voice calls, and video calls. There are no government restrictions or blocks on the application, and it works seamlessly on both local SIM cards/eSIMs and public Wi-Fi.
Can I use WhatsApp in Spain?
Yes, you can use WhatsApp in Spain exactly as you do in the UK. There are no government restrictions on the app, and it works across all local mobile networks and Wi-Fi providers for messaging, voice calls, and video calls.
Can I use WhatsApp in Thailand?
Yes, WhatsApp is fully functional in Thailand for messaging, voice calls, and video calls. You can use it over local mobile data or Wi-Fi without any government-imposed restrictions or the need for a VPN.
Can I use WhatsApp in Turkey?
Yes, WhatsApp works fully in Turkey, including messaging, voice calls, and video calls. You do not need a VPN to access the service, though a stable local data connection or eSIM is recommended for reliable performance.
Can I use WhatsApp in United Arab Emirates?
Yes, you can use WhatsApp in the UAE for text messaging, voice notes, and media sharing. However, WhatsApp voice and video calls are restricted by local telecommunications regulations and generally do not work without a licensed VoIP alternative.
Can I use WhatsApp in United Kingdom?
Yes, you can use WhatsApp in the United Kingdom without restrictions. All features, including messaging, voice calls, and video calls, are fully functional on both mobile data and Wi-Fi across the country.
Can I use WhatsApp in United States?
Yes, you can use WhatsApp in the United States without restrictions. Messaging, voice calls, and video calls are fully functional as long as you have a stable internet connection via Wi-Fi, roaming, or a local eSIM.
Do eSIMs expire?
Aria Mobile eSIMs have a validity window — usually 7, 15, or 30 days — that starts the first time the profile registers on a network abroad. After that window ends, any unused data is lost and the profile becomes inactive. The eSIM itself is not deleted from your phone, so you can install a new plan on top of it whenever you next travel.
Do I keep my UK number when I use a travel eSIM?
Yes. A travel eSIM is added alongside your existing line, not in place of it. Your UK SIM (physical or eSIM) stays active for calls, texts and WhatsApp on your normal number. The travel eSIM is used only for mobile data — so it costs you nothing extra to receive a text from your bank or take a call from home.
Do I need a SIM card in Singapore?
While not a legal requirement to enter, a SIM card or eSIM is essential for navigating Singapore’s digital-first infrastructure, including ride-hailing and mobile payments. You must register all local SIM cards with a passport under Singaporean law, though many travellers now opt for digital eSIMs to bypass physical queues at the airport.
Do I need a SIM card in Spain?
Yes, though it does not have to be a physical card. To avoid high roaming charges in Spain, you should use a local SIM or an eSIM. Under Spanish law, all SIM cards (including prepaid) must be registered with a valid ID or passport.
Do I need a SIM card in Thailand?
While you do not strictly require a physical SIM card, having a data connection via a SIM or eSIM is highly recommended for navigation, ride-hailing, and safety. Most travellers now opt for an eSIM to avoid international roaming charges and the need to swap physical cards upon arrival.
Do I need a SIM card in Turkey?
While you do not strictly need a physical SIM card, you will need a reliable data connection to navigate Turkey effectively. Most travellers opt for an eSIM or a local prepaid SIM to avoid expensive international roaming charges and to ensure access to local high-speed networks.
Do I need a SIM card in United Arab Emirates?
You do not need a physical SIM card if your device is eSIM compatible, but you will need a local data connection to avoid high roaming charges. While Wi-Fi is common, a mobile data plan is essential for navigation, ride-hailing apps, and secure browsing across Dubai and the wider UAE.
Do I need a SIM card in United Kingdom?
You do not strictly need a physical SIM card; you can use an eSIM if your device is compatible. However, having a local UK data plan is highly recommended to avoid expensive international roaming fees and to ensure reliable access to maps, transport apps, and communication.
Do I need a SIM card in United States?
Yes, you need a SIM or eSIM in the United States to avoid high roaming charges and to access essential services like GPS and ride-hailing. Most modern smartphones can now use an eSIM, which allows you to activate a local data plan instantly without needing a physical plastic card.
Do I need an eSIM for a cruise?
An eSIM helps in port but does not work at sea. Cruise ships use expensive satellite or ship-cellular networks that your travel eSIM cannot connect to. Buy an Aria Mobile regional eSIM — like Europe Multi-Country or a Mediterranean bundle — to use cheap local data whenever you dock in Barcelona, Naples, Mykonos, or Dubrovnik, and rely on ship Wi-Fi at sea.
Do I need an eSIM for a layover?
For a layover under three hours, free airport Wi-Fi is usually enough — most major hubs like Dubai, Singapore Changi, and Doha have fast, reliable Wi-Fi after a quick SMS verification. For longer layovers where you leave the airport, an Aria Mobile eSIM for that country pays for itself fast in ride-hailing, navigation, and translation.
Do you offer eSIM plans for teams?
Yes — Aria Mobile has Teams plans that let you buy and manage eSIMs for your colleagues from a single dashboard with consolidated billing. Issue plans for individual trips, set per-user data caps, see live usage, and pay one monthly invoice. It's ideal for consultancies, sales teams, and production crews that travel frequently.
Does an eSIM replace my physical SIM card?
No — an Aria Mobile travel eSIM runs alongside your normal UK SIM, not instead of it. Your physical SIM keeps your number active for calls and texts, while the eSIM handles mobile data abroad. You decide which line is used for what in your phone's settings, so you stay reachable on your usual number without paying roaming charges.
Does the Google Pixel 8 support eSIM?
Yes — the Google Pixel 8, 8 Pro, and 8a all support eSIM globally, including in the UK and EU. Pixel 8 runs Dual SIM with one physical nano-SIM plus multiple stored eSIMs. Aria Mobile eSIMs install in under a minute via the Settings → Network & internet → SIMs menu by scanning a QR code or pasting an activation string.
Does the iPhone 15 support eSIM?
Yes — every iPhone 15 model (15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max) supports eSIM, and US models are eSIM-only with no physical SIM tray. UK and EU models support Dual SIM with one physical SIM plus up to eight stored eSIMs, two active at once. Aria Mobile eSIMs install in under a minute via QR code or our in-app activation.
Does the iPhone 16 support eSIM?
Yes — the entire iPhone 16 lineup (16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, and 16e) supports eSIM. US models continue to be eSIM-only. UK and EU iPhone 16s ship with Dual SIM — one physical nano-SIM plus up to eight stored eSIM profiles, two active simultaneously. Aria Mobile eSIMs install in seconds via QR or in-app activation.
Does the Samsung Galaxy S24 support eSIM?
Yes — the Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra all support eSIM in most markets, including the UK and EU. They run Dual SIM with one physical nano-SIM plus one active eSIM. Aria Mobile eSIMs install in about a minute by scanning the QR code from the Connections → SIM manager menu.
eSIM vs local SIM card abroad — which should I use?
A travel eSIM beats a local SIM in almost every case. You install it before you fly, you keep your UK number, and you avoid the airport queues and ID paperwork that local SIMs now require in most countries. Local SIMs are only cheaper for stays longer than three to four weeks where you genuinely need a local number.
eSIM vs roaming — which is cheaper?
For almost every trip outside the EU, a travel eSIM is dramatically cheaper. A typical UK carrier charges £6 per day for roaming data outside Europe — that's £84 for a two-week trip with a 500 MB daily cap. The same trip on an A.R.I.A Mobile eSIM is around £10-£20 for 10-20 GB of data, with no daily caps and no bill shock.
How do I expense an eSIM?
Aria Mobile sends a VAT-compliant invoice for every eSIM order to the email used at checkout. You can also download invoices any time from your account dashboard as PDFs. Add your company name and VAT number at checkout or in your profile so invoices are issued directly to your employer for clean expense submission and reclaimable VAT.
How do I install an eSIM on my phone?
Installing an A.R.I.A Mobile eSIM takes about a minute over Wi-Fi. Open the install email or order page on a second screen, then on your phone go to Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM (iOS) or Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM (Android), scan the QR code, name the plan and you're done. Enable data roaming on the new line so it can connect abroad.
How do I scan an eSIM QR code?
To install an Aria Mobile eSIM, open your phone's Settings → Cellular (iOS) or SIM manager (Android), tap Add eSIM, then point your phone's camera at the QR code displayed on another device's screen — laptop, tablet, or printed page. The whole process takes under 30 seconds and your travel eSIM is ready to enable when you arrive.
How does an eSIM work?
When you buy an eSIM you receive a QR code or activation link. Your phone reads it, downloads a mobile profile onto its built-in eSIM chip, and connects to the local network the carrier has roaming agreements with. From that point it behaves exactly like a physical SIM — except you can install several profiles and switch between them in Settings.
How much data do I need for 2 weeks in Singapore?
For a 14-day trip to Singapore, most travellers require between 10GB and 20GB of data. This covers daily use of navigation apps, social media, and messaging, while allowing for occasional video streaming and high-speed browsing on Singapore's advanced 4G and 5G networks.
How much data do I need for 2 weeks in Spain?
For a 2-week trip to Spain, most travellers require between 5GB and 15GB of data. Light users focusing on navigation and messaging should opt for 5GB, while those using social media or streaming music will find 10GB–15GB more appropriate.
How much data do I need for 2 weeks in Thailand?
For a standard two-week trip to Thailand, 10GB to 15GB of data is typically sufficient for navigation, social media, and messaging. Travellers planning to stream high-definition video or use their device as a hotspot for work should opt for 30GB or an unlimited plan.
How much data do I need for 2 weeks in Turkey?
For a 2-week trip to Turkey, most travellers find that 5GB to 10GB of data is sufficient for navigation, social media, and messaging. Heavy users who plan to stream video or upload high-resolution content should consider 15GB or more.
How much data do I need for 2 weeks in United Arab Emirates?
For a typical two-week trip to the UAE, 5GB to 10GB of data is usually sufficient for navigation, social media, and web browsing. If you plan to stream high-definition video or work remotely, an allowance of 15GB to 20GB is recommended.
How much data do I need for 2 weeks in United Kingdom?
For 2 weeks in the UK, a data allowance of 5GB to 10GB is recommended for general travel use, including navigation and social media. Heavy users who plan to stream video or work remotely should opt for 20GB or more.
How much data do I need for 2 weeks in United States?
For a 2-week trip to the United States, most travellers require between 5GB and 10GB of data. This allows for daily navigation, social media use, and web browsing without relying solely on public Wi-Fi.
How much mobile data do I really need abroad?
For most travellers, plan on 1 GB per day. That covers Maps, WhatsApp, social scrolling, a few Ubers, and occasional video. Heavy users — daily video calls, streaming on the move, hotspotting a laptop — should plan 2-3 GB per day. Light users who mostly stick to Wi-Fi can manage on 500 MB per day.
Is an eSIM more secure than public Wi-Fi?
Yes — using an Aria Mobile eSIM is materially safer than public Wi-Fi in cafes, airports, and hotels. Your data travels over the encrypted mobile network instead of an open Wi-Fi access point where attackers can run packet sniffers or evil-twin hotspots. For sensitive work like banking, email, or company VPN, default to the eSIM and treat public Wi-Fi as a backup.
Is my phone eSIM compatible?
Almost every flagship phone released since late 2018 supports eSIM. That includes all iPhones from XS onward, Google Pixel 3 and later, and Samsung Galaxy S20-and-newer plus the Z Fold and Z Flip ranges. The other requirement is that the phone is unlocked to other networks — most UK contract phones are unlocked by default since 2021.
Is there an eSIM that works across multiple countries in Europe?
Yes — Aria Mobile's Europe Multi-Country eSIM works seamlessly across more than 30 European countries on a single profile, including Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Your phone auto-connects to the best local network at each border with no manual switching, no extra QR codes, and one shared data allowance.
What happens to my eSIM when I go home?
When you fly home your Aria Mobile eSIM simply stops connecting because you have left the coverage region. The profile stays on your phone until it expires or you delete it. Your normal UK SIM resumes data automatically, so you do not need to do anything special at the airport — just switch your home line's data back on if you disabled it.
What if my eSIM QR code will not scan?
If your eSIM QR code won't scan, use manual entry instead — Aria Mobile includes a manual activation code (SM-DP+ address and activation code) in every order email. On your phone's Add eSIM screen, tap 'Enter Details Manually' and paste both values. This works 100% of the time and skips the camera entirely. You can also use the Aria Mobile app for one-tap install.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of inserting a plastic SIM, you scan a QR code or tap a link and a mobile plan is downloaded onto a secure chip inside the device. It takes about a minute and works alongside your normal SIM, so you can keep your home number while using a travel data plan abroad.
What is the best eSIM for business travel?
For business travellers, the best eSIM is a regional or global plan with at least 1-2 GB per day, 5G data, and instant activation. A.R.I.A Mobile business plans are billed centrally, support multiple devices per traveller (phone, laptop hotspot, tablet), and avoid the bill-shock that destroys roaming expense reports.
What is the best eSIM for digital nomads?
For digital nomads, the best eSIM is a 30-day plan with 30-50 GB of data or unlimited, with hotspot enabled and reliable 4G/5G on the local incumbent network. Thailand, Portugal, Spain, Turkey and the UAE are all well-covered by A.R.I.A Mobile monthly nomad plans.
What is the best eSIM for Dubai?
For most UK travellers, the best eSIM for Dubai is a 7-day or 14-day UAE plan with 5-10 GB of data on a network that uses Etisalat or du as its local partner — both have full 5G coverage across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the airports. A.R.I.A Mobile UAE eSIMs activate the moment you land at DXB and cost a fraction of UK roaming.
What is the best eSIM for family travel?
For families, the best approach is a regional eSIM on each parent's phone (plus older children's phones) with 5-10 GB per device for a typical week. A.R.I.A Mobile family-friendly plans are simple to install on multiple devices and cost far less than adding everyone to a UK carrier roaming bundle.
What is the best eSIM for fight camps in Thailand?
Fighters at Thai camps need a 30-day eSIM with 20-30 GB of data on AIS or True — both have full coverage across Phuket and Bangkok where the major camps cluster. A.R.I.A Mobile fight-camp plans are billed monthly, support video review and weight-management apps, and let you keep your home number for sponsors and family.
What is the best eSIM for football tournaments abroad?
For football tournaments abroad — youth tours, supporter trips to a Champions League final, or the World Cup — buy an Aria Mobile country or regional eSIM with 10–20GB and tethering. A single regional Europe plan covers most away days in Spain, France, Italy, and Germany; for South America or the US, pick a country-specific plan with at least 15GB.
What is the best eSIM for France?
For France, the best pick is a France-only or Europe regional eSIM with 10–20GB of data on Orange or SFR. Aria Mobile gives you full 4G/5G across Paris, Lyon, Nice, and the French Alps at local rates. If you are pairing France with Italy or Spain, our Europe Multi-Country plan covers all three on one profile.
What is the best eSIM for Italy?
For Italy, choose an Aria Mobile Italy eSIM with 10–20GB of data on TIM or Vodafone IT for 4G/5G coverage from Rome to the Amalfi Coast. If your trip also takes in France, Spain, or Greece, a single Europe Multi-Country plan is usually cheaper than buying separate country eSIMs and switches networks automatically.
What is the best eSIM for marathons and races abroad?
For marathons abroad — Boston, New York, Berlin, Valencia — get a country-specific Aria Mobile eSIM with 10–15GB and at least 7 days validity. You'll need data for race-app tracking, Uber to the start, WhatsApp updates to family watching the live tracker, and post-race photo uploads. A Europe Multi-Country plan covers most major European marathons on one profile.
What is the best eSIM for MMA training camps in Thailand?
For MMA and Muay Thai camps in Thailand — Phuket Top Team, Tiger Muay Thai, Chiang Mai gyms — get an Aria Mobile Thailand eSIM with 20–30GB and 30 days validity. You'll need data for ride-hailing (Grab), translating Thai menus, uploading sparring footage to coaches, and video calls home. Camp Wi-Fi is patchy after training hours so a local 4G eSIM is essential.
What is the best eSIM for New York?
For New York, pick a USA eSIM with at least 10 GB across a 7-day trip on a plan that uses T-Mobile or AT&T as its partner — both blanket Manhattan and the boroughs in 5G. A.R.I.A Mobile USA eSIMs activate before you board at Heathrow and connect at JFK, Newark or LaGuardia the moment you land.
What is the best eSIM for Portugal?
For Portugal, the best value is an Aria Mobile Portugal eSIM with 10–20GB of data on MEO or Vodafone PT. You get 4G/5G in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, plus solid coverage on the Madeira and Azores islands. Digital nomads on longer stays should look at our 30-day plan or a Europe Multi-Country plan if also visiting Spain.
What is the best eSIM for professional athletes?
Professional athletes need a global or regional eSIM with central team billing, multi-device support (phone + tablet + smartwatch hotspot), and reliable 5G across major sporting destinations. A.R.I.A Mobile sports plans cover team travel without the per-person roaming chaos of carrier plans.
What is the best eSIM for remote workers?
For remote workers, Aria Mobile's 30-day plans in popular nomad destinations — Portugal, Spain, Thailand, UAE — are the sweet spot. Look for at least 20GB of data on a local carrier with full 4G/5G, and the ability to tether to your laptop. A multi-country Europe or Southeast Asia regional plan is best if you hop between countries every few weeks.
What is the best eSIM for Singapore?
The best eSIM for Singapore is a high-speed data plan that offers 5G connectivity and reliable coverage across major networks. For travellers, a data-only eSIM is often the most convenient option, as it avoids the rigorous identity registration processes required for local physical SIM cards while providing immediate connectivity upon arrival.
What is the best eSIM for Spain?
For UK travellers on a contract that includes EU roaming, your normal SIM is often fine for a short Spain trip. For everyone else — pay-as-you-go users, Three customers post-Brexit cap, or anyone who wants generous data without fair-use limits — a 7-day or 14-day Spain eSIM with 5-10 GB on Movistar or Orange Spain is the best balance of price and coverage.
What is the best eSIM for sports teams on tour?
For sports teams on tour, Aria Mobile Teams plans let you buy eSIMs for the entire squad and staff from one dashboard with consolidated billing. Issue per-player data plans, set country whitelists, and see live usage. It replaces the chaos of post-tour expense submissions with a single corporate invoice — built for rugby tours, football pre-season camps, and Olympic squads.
What is the best eSIM for Thailand?
For Thailand, pick an eSIM with 10-15 GB for a typical two-week trip on a network that partners with AIS or True — they have the best coverage from Bangkok down to Phuket and the islands. A.R.I.A Mobile Thailand eSIMs activate at Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Phuket (HKT) airports the moment you land.
What is the best eSIM for Turkey?
For Turkey, choose an Aria Mobile Turkey eSIM with at least 10GB of data and 15 days validity. Turkey enforces strict local-SIM registration after 120 days, but travel eSIMs bypass that rule entirely. You get full 4G/5G coverage on Turkcell or Vodafone TR across Istanbul, Antalya, and Cappadocia at a fraction of typical roaming costs.
What is the best eSIM for United Arab Emirates?
The best eSIM for the United Arab Emirates is one that provides high-speed 4G or 5G data via local networks such as Etisalat or du, offering flexible data packages and instant remote activation. Travellers should prioritise providers that offer transparent pricing and reliable coverage across both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
What is the best eSIM for United Kingdom?
The best eSIM for the United Kingdom offers high-speed 5G data, local low-latency routing, and easy digital activation. Premium providers like A.R.I.A. Mobile provide seamless connectivity across the UK's major networks, prioritising reliability for travellers and professionals.
What is the best eSIM for United States?
The best eSIM for the United States is one that provides high-speed 5G/4G LTE data on a major national network with flexible data caps and simple activation. For most travellers, a premium data-only eSIM offers the most reliable connectivity for navigation and communication without the high costs of traditional roaming.
What is the best eSIM for visitors to the UK?
For visitors to the UK, the best value is a UK-only eSIM on EE or Three's network with 10–30GB of data and 15–30 days validity. Aria Mobile UK plans run on the same towers as the major UK carriers, so you get the same coverage in London, Edinburgh, and Manchester without paying tourist roaming rates from your home carrier.
Will WhatsApp work on my UK number abroad?
Yes. WhatsApp is tied to your phone number, not to your SIM card or network. As long as your UK line is still active on the phone (even if data roaming is off), WhatsApp continues to send and receive messages on your UK number — using the travel eSIM's data connection. Voice and video calls work the same way.