Fastest check: dial *#06# and look for an EID entry — if it's there, your phone has eSIM hardware. No EID means you should choose a physical SIM.
What *#06# shows youTyping *#06# in the dialler (no need to press call) pops up a device info screen. It lists the IMEI (every phone has one) and the EID (a 32-digit number that only eSIM-capable phones have). Seeing an EID = hardware support. But hardware support isn't everything — the phone must also be unlocked, see below.
Models that support eSIM
iPhone
iPhone XS / XS Max / XR (2018) and everything after, including SE 2nd gen onwards.
Samsung
Galaxy S20 series onwards, Note 20 series, all Z Fold / Z Flip models, plus some mid-rangers like A54 / A55.
Google Pixel
Pixel 3 onwards (some regional models excluded, e.g. early Japanese Pixel 3/3a batches).
Huawei
Some models such as P40 / P50 and Mate 40; support varies a lot on recent Huaweis — trust the *#06# EID check.
Other Android
Sony Xperia 1 IV+, OPPO Find X3 Pro+, Xiaomi 12T Pro+ and most recent mid/high-end models.
New models ship every year, so the table above is directional. For a definitive answer, always trust whether *#06# shows an EID.
When eSIM won't work
Mainland-China iPhones
iPhones sold in mainland China (certain CH/ZA-suffix batches) have no eSIM hardware. Choose a physical SIM instead.
Carrier-locked phones
Subsidised, locked handsets can't install another operator's eSIM. Ask your original carrier to unlock first.
Older phones
iPhone X or earlier and Galaxy S10 or earlier have no eSIM hardware.
Some tablets / watches
iPads and Apple Watches have eSIM, but travel data plans often don't support watches. Ask us before buying.
No eSIM? Go physical
Most of our plans also come as a physical SIM, mailed within Hong Kong (free, tracked, usually 1–3 working days). Just pick “Physical SIM” in the order form on any destination page.
How does dual SIM work?
After installing a travel eSIM, your usual SIM stays in the phone. Both coexist: your own number keeps receiving WhatsApp, SMS and calls (receiving SMS doesn't use the travel SIM's data), while internet runs on the travel eSIM. Point “Mobile Data” at the travel eSIM in Settings and switch off data roaming on your original SIM so you never touch your home carrier's roaming charges.
