Stories, guides, and updates.
Long-form notes on hardware, networks, and the rough edges of physical eSIM travel.
The future of eSIM: iSIM, SGP.32, and what disappears for travelers
iSIM moves the chip onto the modem die. SGP.32 unlocks M2M devices. Neither is a marketing slide — both are shipping. Here's what changes for you.
eSIM privacy and security: what data leaves the chip, what stays
Short version: an eSIM doesn't see your apps. What it does see is who you're talking to and where. Here's how that compares to a SIM card.
eSIMs and the digital-nomad VAT question (and other paperwork)
If you're billing eSIMs to a company, the tax treatment depends on three things and one of them probably surprises you.
Business travel: managed eSIM fleets for road-warriors and field teams
If your team flies, the per-person travel-eSIM math stops making sense around five people. Here's what to do instead.
eSIM vs WiFi calling abroad: what's the difference, and when to use each
Both let you talk for free. Only one of them lets you call when there's no WiFi. Here's how they actually compare.
Staying online on cruises, on flights, in the middle of nowhere
Travel eSIMs stop working the second you're 12+ miles from a coast. Here's what does work, and what it costs.
5G and eSIMs in 2026: which providers actually deliver
Marketing says 5G; reality says "5G icon, 4G speed". Here's how to tell which provider gets you the real thing.
Using your travel eSIM as a hotspot for laptops, tablets, partners
Tethering off a travel eSIM works on almost all of them — except when it doesn't. Here's what to check before you buy.
Can I keep my home number reachable while traveling?
Three ways that actually work, ranked by reliability for SMS-based 2FA.
Dual SIM travel: keep your home number, get cheap local data
The setup that actually works: home line for SMS 2FA, travel eSIM for data, switching as needed.
eSIM not working? A field-tested troubleshooting checklist
We've watched hundreds of activation tickets. Most of them are one of these eight things — try them in order.
How to install an eSIM on Android (Pixel, Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor)
The menu changes shape on every brand. Here's the path on every major Android skin in 2026.
How to install an eSIM on iPhone (and what changes after iOS 26)
Four ways to install, ranked by how often they actually work. Plus what iOS 26 did to the activation flow.
Best eSIM for Southeast Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore
One regional eSIM beats four single-country eSIMs nine times out of ten. Here's what to load.
Best eSIM for traveling to the United States
T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon — which one's reselling under your travel eSIM, and does it matter?
Best eSIM for Japan: Docomo, SoftBank or KDDI?
Japan has three solid carriers and a tourist-eSIM scene that's flush with options. Which network actually matters?
Best eSIM for Europe in 2026 (per country and pan-EU)
Roam-like-at-home means one good profile can cover 30+ countries. Here's what to buy.
Top travel-eSIM providers in 2026: Airalo vs Holafly vs Redteago vs Saily vs Ubigi
Five names dominate the travel-eSIM market. We've actually used all of them. Here's where each one wins.
Travel eSIM vs international roaming: which one actually saves money?
We ran the numbers across 12 destinations. A travel eSIM beats your home carrier's roaming plan everywhere except one edge case — here's the math.
What is an eSIM — and how is it different from a SIM card?
An eSIM is the same little processor that lives inside a regular SIM card, but soldered (or programmable) inside your phone. Here's what that actually means at checkout.
Frequently asked questions
Everything operators ask before placing their first order — answered.
What happens when a vendor disappears?
Why 9eSIM cards keep working when other physical eSIM brands shut down.
9eSIM free 1 GB global data: claim tutorial
Own a 9eSIM V0 MAX or V3? Follow this step-by-step tutorial to claim and install a free 1 GB global data plan (valid 730 days).
Security issue with test profiles (e.g. GSMA TS.48)
A research-focused attack exploiting ambiguity in GSMA TS.48 test profiles affected a downstream environment. Here's what happened and the steps we've taken.
Got your 9eSIM card? Treat yourself to some free data
Eskimo gives every 9eSIM user a free 1 GB global data plan valid for 2 years. Here's how to claim and activate it.
9eSIM card tool selection guide
New to 9eSIM? This guide explains OMAPI, PC/SC and eLPA, the hardware you need, and which app to use on Android, iOS and PC.
9eSIM V3 is released today
9eSIM V3 launches today: a 2 MB chip (~1.5 MB usable), the new KG COS, and STK-menu support — switch cards on iPhone with no app needed.
9eSIM app is officially released on Google Play
The 9eSIM app is now on Google Play. Download 9eSIM LPA or 9eSIM nLPA — both are official; they differ only in the interface.
9eSIM Bluetooth card reader app (beta)
Beta builds of the 9eSIM Bluetooth card reader app for iOS (TestFlight) and Android (APK).
About Bluetooth card readers that don't work
The Bluetooth card reader is being replaced by a PC/SC reader. If yours doesn't work, comment with your order number for a free upgrade.
How to use the Bluetooth (eLPA) card reader
A step-by-step guide to the 9eSIM eLPA Bluetooth card reader and its WeChat mini program — for phones that don't support eSIM natively.
Software downloads
Download the 9eSIM apps and LPA tools for Android, Windows, macOS and iOS.