Question 1

What is an eSIM?

Accepted Answer

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of swapping a plastic card, you scan a QR code and a travel data plan is added to your device in under a minute.

Question 2

Does my phone support eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Most phones released since 2018 do — iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, plus many recent OPPO, Motorola and Huawei models. Dial *#06# and look for an EID number; if you see one, your phone is eSIM ready. Your phone also has to be carrier-unlocked.

Question 3

Can I keep my normal number, WhatsApp and apps?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your regular SIM stays active for calls and SMS and your WhatsApp number, contacts and chats stay exactly the same. Holalio only carries mobile data, so you avoid roaming charges while staying reachable.

Question 4

Can I use my SIM card and the Holalio eSIM at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Yes on most dual-SIM devices. Set your normal SIM for calls and SMS and the Holalio eSIM for cellular data. Keep in mind that if your home SIM stays on, your own carrier may still charge roaming fees for calls and texts.

Question 5

Can I call or send SMS with my Holalio eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Our plans are data-only, so traditional calls and SMS are not included. You can still call and message through WhatsApp, iMessage, FaceTime, Telegram or any other internet app.

Question 6

What connection speed can I expect?

Accepted Answer

Your eSIM connects to local partner networks at 4G, LTE or 5G speeds where available. In remote or poorly covered areas, speeds can drop to whatever the local network supports.

Question 7

Can I use a Holalio eSIM in my home country?

Accepted Answer

Travel eSIMs are designed for use abroad. Coverage in your own country of residence is generally not included, so always check the destination list of the plan before buying.

Question 8

When will I receive my eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Immediately. Right after payment you get a confirmation email with your QR code, manual activation details and installation instructions. Everything is also stored in My eSIMs.

Question 9

Can I buy one eSIM for several countries?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Instead of one eSIM per country, pick a regional or global plan — Europe, Asia, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and more. Check the included country list of the plan to make sure your whole itinerary is covered.

Question 10

How can I get a refund?

Accepted Answer

If your eSIM has not been activated or used, you can request a refund — for example if you bought the wrong plan, your trip was cancelled, or your device turned out to be incompatible. If you hit a connection problem we cannot solve, we can issue a full or partial refund. Approved refunds return to your original payment method and can take 5–10 business days. See our Refund Policy for full terms.

Question 11

Can I share data with other devices?

Accepted Answer

Some plans allow hotspot / tethering, others do not. The plan description on each destination page states whether data sharing is supported, so check it before you buy.

Question 12

When should I install and activate my eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Install it before you travel while you have Wi-Fi — you need an internet connection to install an eSIM. We recommend keeping the eSIM switched off until you land, especially for regional plans, then turning it on and enabling data roaming at your destination.

Question 13

How do I turn my eSIM on and off?

Accepted Answer

On iPhone: Settings › Cellular (Mobile Data) › tap the Holalio line › toggle it on or off. On Android: Settings › Connections or Network & Internet › SIM manager / Manage eSIM › select the Holalio line › turn it on or off.

Question 14

Do I have to turn on data roaming?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Data roaming must be enabled for the Holalio line so it can connect to our partner networks. It does not create any extra charges as long as your home SIM's data is switched off.

Question 15

Can I install the same QR code twice?

Accepted Answer

No — an eSIM profile can only be installed once, and it cannot be transferred to another phone. Don't delete it from your device until your trip is over. If you change phones or delete it by accident, you'll need a new eSIM; our team can help.

Question 16

Do I need to delete the eSIM when my plan ends?

Accepted Answer

No. When your plan expires the eSIM simply stops working. You can leave it installed or remove it from your device settings later — whatever you prefer.

Question 17

How can I check how much data I have left?

Accepted Answer

Open My eSIMs on holalio.com and log in with the email you used at checkout — each active eSIM shows its remaining data and validity. Your phone's cellular data settings also show a rough usage counter.

Question 18

Can I top up when my data runs out?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Open My eSIMs, pick the active plan and add another data bundle — no new QR code and no reinstall needed.

Question 19

When does my plan start counting?

Accepted Answer

Validity starts when the eSIM first connects to a network at your destination, not when you buy it. That's why you can safely install days before departure.

Question 20

I lost or deleted my QR code. What now?

Accepted Answer

Log in to My eSIMs with your purchase email — your QR code, manual activation code and ICCID are always available there. The original confirmation email contains them too, and support can resend it.

Question 21

I have no data after landing. What now?

Accepted Answer

Check that the Holalio line is selected for mobile data, that Data Roaming is enabled for that line, then toggle Airplane mode. If it still fails, manually select a supported network in your carrier settings.

Question 22

The QR code will not scan.

Accepted Answer

Increase screen brightness and scan from another device, or use the manual entry details (SM-DP+ address and activation code) shown on your order page.

Question 23

How do I reach support?

Accepted Answer

Email support@holalio.com or use the contact form on this page. Our team answers around the clock, before and during your trip.

Frequently asked questions

eSIM basics

Buying & refunds

Installation & activation

Data & usage

Troubleshooting