The words on eSIM plan pages are short and easy to misread. Here is what each one means for your trip, in alphabetical order.
- Carrier lock
- A restriction that ties a phone to one operator. A locked phone cannot use another provider's eSIM. On iPhone, "No SIM Restrictions" under Settings, General, About means the phone is unlocked.
- Data-only eSIM
- A plan with mobile data but no phone number. Calls and messages go through internet apps, while your home SIM keeps your number.
- Data roaming
- The phone setting that lets a line use networks outside its home country. A travel eSIM needs it on; your home line should have it off abroad to avoid charges.
- Dual eSIM
- Two eSIM lines active at the same time, for example a home line and a travel line. iPhone 13 and later support it, and Pixel 7 and later if the carrier allows.
- EID
- The identifier of the eSIM chip in your phone. If your phone shows an EID, for example after dialing *#06#, it has an eSIM chip.
- eSIM
- A SIM profile stored on a chip built into the device. You download a plan to it instead of inserting a plastic card.
- eSIM-only phone
- A phone with no physical SIM tray. Some iPhone models in certain regions, and Pixel 10 and later in the US except Pixel 10 Pro Fold, work this way.
- Fair use threshold
- The amount of data after which an unlimited plan slows down. It is set in the plan details, per day or per package.
- Global plan
- One eSIM that works in many countries on several continents. Convenient for long routes, usually more expensive per GB than local plans.
- Hotspot or tethering
- Sharing your phone's mobile data with a laptop or another phone. Some plans allow it freely, some cap it per day.
- ICCID
- The serial number of a SIM profile. Support teams ask for it to find your eSIM; it appears in the eSIM's details in your phone or the provider's app.
- Local plan
- A plan for a single country. Usually the lowest price per GB.
- Low Data Mode
- An iPhone setting, per line, that reduces background data use. Useful on fixed travel plans.
- QR code install
- One way to add an eSIM: you scan a code shown by the provider. Many apps also install the eSIM with a button instead.
- Regional plan
- A plan that covers a group of countries, such as Europe, on one eSIM. Check that every country on your route is listed.
- Reseller
- A company that sells access to other operators' networks. Most travel eSIM providers work this way, so speed depends on the local partner network.
- Top-up
- Extra data added to an eSIM that is already installed, without downloading a new profile.
- Validity
- How long a package can be used. It may start at purchase, at installation or on the first connection abroad, depending on the provider.
See these terms in use in the buying guide and the travel notes.