Heading off on a tour of Europe – Paris today, Rome tomorrow, Prague the day after? Installing multiple eSIM profiles before you leave keeps you online the whole way, with no reliance on airport Wi-Fi and no queuing for physical SIM cards. This guide walks you through everything from preparation and installation to activation and managing your eSIMs on a long, multi-country journey.
Why install multiple eSIM profiles before you leave?
There are three main reasons:
1. No loss of connection when you land, since many airports still don't offer free Wi-Fi or require a local phone number to sign up.
2. Save time and effort. No hunting for a SIM counter at the airport, changing money or queuing to buy a SIM – which is especially inconvenient after a late-night flight.
3. Protection against QR code mishaps such as a damaged phone, a lost email or an accidentally deleted QR code. Profiles you've already installed stay safely on your phone.
How many eSIMs can your device store?
The number of eSIM profiles a phone can store varies by brand and model. The table below is a reference for popular phones such as iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel and Xiaomi (figures may vary by market version and operating system; first, check whether your phone supports eSIM):
| Model | Profiles stored | Profiles active at the same time |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone XS – 12 | 8 or more | 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM |
| iPhone 13 – 15 | 8 or more | 2 eSIMs or 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM |
| Samsung S21/S22/S23, Z Flip/Fold | 5–7 | 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM |
| Google Pixel 4a – 8 | 5 | 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM |
| Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | 5 | 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM |
What to watch out for when buying multiple eSIM plans
Here are some key details and terms to keep in mind when buying several travel eSIM plans:
1. Activation window: This is the maximum period within which you must activate the plan after purchase. Once it has passed, the eSIM plan is no longer valid.
For example, a 30-day activation window from the date of purchase (TouriESIM QR codes, for instance, can be scanned within 30 days of purchase) means you shouldn't buy too early, or the plan may expire before your trip.
2. Validity: This is how long the eSIM plan remains valid once it has been activated.
For example, a “15-day” plan means you can use it continuously for 15 days from when the eSIM connects to a network or is installed on your phone, depending on the plan (see when does a data plan start?).
3. Save your QR codes offline: Download them to your phone, print them out, or save screenshots to Google Drive or your photo library in case you have no connection.
TouriESIM offers a wide range of eSIM plans for travelers, from single-country plans to regional and Global plans, helping you get the best value and experience on your trip.
Buy your travel eSIM from TouriESIM and receive the QR code by email right after payment – browse all destinations.
How to install your eSIMs before the flight
1. Give each eSIM profile an easy-to-remember name. For example: Italy-10GB-7d, Germany-3GB, Europe-30d… This helps you quickly spot the right plan when you need it (see our eSIM installation guide).
2. Switch off “Turn on this line” right after scanning the QR code. This keeps the profile from being activated. Note: some plans start counting their validity as soon as they're installed, so check the destination page before installing too early.
3. Test it at home (without roaming)
Here's how:
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > select the new profile and turn on 4G/5G.
- If your phone shows signal bars but can't access the Internet (because the plan only works at your destination or roaming is off), the eSIM has been installed successfully.
Activate at the right time to avoid losing days
To activate at the right moment and avoid wasting days of your plan, follow these steps (see also our eSIM activation guide):
- Step 1: As soon as your plane lands, turn off Airplane Mode and turn on the eSIM line.
- Step 2: Turn on Data Roaming and select a 4G/5G network. On iOS: go to Settings > Cellular > [name of the new eSIM] > turn on Data Roaming. On Android: go to Settings > Mobile networks > turn on Roaming.
- Step 3: Set your preferred SIMs by keeping your main SIM (a physical SIM or another eSIM) for calls/SMS and setting the travel eSIM as your mobile data source (see using an eSIM and your main SIM at the same time).
Should you delete or keep old profiles after your trip?
Whether to delete or keep old profiles after your trip depends on your needs.
- If you don't plan to return to that country within 12 months: delete it after your trip.
- If the eSIM plan can be topped up online: you can keep it.
- If your device has reached the maximum number of eSIMs it can store: delete some.
- If you need the ICCID to request support or a refund (see our refund policy): keep it.
Tips:
- To be safe, take a screenshot of the ICCID and carrier before deleting, then save it to Google Drive.
- To delete: go to Settings > Cellular > select the eSIM profile > Delete eSIM. This removes the profile from your phone and it usually can't be reinstalled with the old QR code, so only delete it when you're sure you won't need it again.
When to choose a regional eSIM vs. separate country plans
Use the table below to help decide when a regional eSIM makes sense and when separate country plans are the better choice:
| Criteria | Regional plan | Separate country plans |
|---|---|---|
| Number of countries | 3 or more countries in one region (e.g. EU, ASEAN…) | 1–2 countries or a scattered itinerary (EU + UAE + USA) |
| Length of stay per country | 5 days or less per country, constantly on the move | More than 7 days per country |
| Data/cost | Usually better value per GB on average | Depends on the country; sometimes cheaper if you need little data |
| Profile/slot limits | Saves slots (1 profile) | Uses 2–4 slots and needs manual management |
| Network quality | Usually roaming, 4G speeds | Usually local networks, so faster and more stable |
| FUP / hotspot sharing | Speed may be throttled after a certain amount of data | FUP is rare; Wi-Fi sharing is more relaxed |
Bottom line: try the 5 – 5 – 1 rule, which means:
- If you're visiting 5 or more countries, for less than 5 days each, within 1 region, choose a regional plan.
- Otherwise, if you're spending a long time in 1–2 countries or traveling across separate regions, buy a separate plan for each country.
Examples
- Separate plans over a combined plan: on a 14-day trip to South Korea and Japan, about 7 days in each, buying a South Korea eSIM and a Japan eSIM with just the data you need is often cheaper than a two-country combo plan with more data and a longer validity than you'll use.
- A regional plan over separate plans: if you're visiting 5 or more European countries, a regional plan such as the Europe 33 countries eSIM or the Europe 40 countries eSIM is usually much cheaper and simpler than buying a separate plan for each country. Check the prices on each plan's page to compare before you buy.
