How much data do I need for travel?

The most common question before buying a Travel eSIM: how much data do you really need? The honest answer depends on three factors — your trip length, how intensively you use data, and whether you use offline alternatives (e.g. downloading maps in advance).

As a rule of thumb:

• Light use (WhatsApp, Maps, occasional Instagram): approx. 300–500 MB per day
• Medium use (social media, video calls, browsing): approx. 1–2 GB per day
• Heavy use (streaming, remote work, hotspot): 3 GB and up per day

Our eSIM check calculates your needs automatically — just select your trip length and usage type.

eSIM for iPhone — which models are compatible?

Since the iPhone XS (2018), all iPhone models support eSIM. That means: iPhone XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 (all variants), as well as iPhone SE models from the 2nd generation (2020) onward, are fully eSIM-compatible.

Important: The original iPhone SE (2016) and all earlier models do not support eSIM.

Quick test: enter *#06# on the dial pad. If an EID number appears, your iPhone is eSIM-compatible.

eSIM for Android — Samsung, Google Pixel & Co.

Android is a bit less clear-cut, since eSIM support varies by model and region. The most important compatible devices:

Samsung Galaxy: All S20, S21, S22, S23, and S24 models (except S20 FE), as well as all Z Fold and Z Flip models from generation 3 onward. The A series is only compatible from the A54/A55 onward.

Google Pixel: All Pixel models from Pixel 3 onward support eSIM — from the Pixel 3 to the current Pixel 9.

Xiaomi, OPPO, OnePlus: The newer flagship models are usually compatible, cheaper entry-level models often aren’t. If in doubt: test *#06#.

Which countries does POVNOMAD cover with eSIM?

POVNOMAD offers eSIMs for over 190 individual countries as well as regional combo packages, from Thailand to the USA to South Africa. Our eSIMs use local partner networks with 4G/5G high-speed data, with no roaming fees.

Especially popular:

• Thailand eSIM — ideal for backpackers and beach holidays
• Japan eSIM — super-fast 5G network
• USA eSIM — from New York to Los Angeles
•  UAE (Dubai) eSIM — for stopovers and city trips
• Europe eSIM (30+ countries) — one plan for the whole continent

Not sure if your destination is covered? Just search the eSIM check above — we’ll show you instantly if we have an eSIM for it.

Unlimited Smart or data plan — which is worth it?

Our Unlimited Smart plans offer full speed with no gigabyte limit — ideal if you stream a lot, work remotely, or just don’t want to keep count. A small fair-use policy (FUP) applies, but the speed remains completely sufficient for normal use even after that.

Data plans (1 GB to 50 GB) are the cheaper choice if you know how much you need — and thanks to the top-up feature, you never really risk going offline.

Our tip: choose a bit more rather than too little. All plans can be topped up — but topping up costs more than picking the right plan from the start.

How does an eSIM work? Simply explained

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into your smartphone. Instead of a physical card, you get a QR code by email after purchase — scan it once with your camera and you’re connected within 2 minutes.

The advantages over a local SIM:

• No searching for a SIM card shop at the airport
• Online right after landing
• Your home number stays active in parallel
• Hotspot use for laptop or tablet included
• No roaming, no hidden costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my eSIM to another device? No — eSIMs are device-specific and can’t be transferred to another smartphone once installed. But you can buy a new eSIM for another device at any time.

When does my eSIM’s validity period start? Only once you activate it — not at purchase. So you can buy it well in advance and set it up shortly before departure. It usually starts on first contact with the partner network abroad. We recommend installing it one day before departure.

Can I top up my eSIM once the data is used up? Yes! All POVNOMAD eSIMs can be topped up anytime. After purchase, you get a personal eSIM link by email — you’ll find the top-up option there with one click. Possible right up until shortly before it expires!

Does the hotspot work with a POVNOMAD eSIM? Yes, hotspot is included with all plans — so you can also connect your laptop or tablet to the internet through your smartphone.

What if my eSIM doesn’t work? Our support is available daily from 06:00 to 18:00 via WhatsApp and email. We have guides and FAQ pages for quick help, and our unique POVNOMAD BOT: 24/7 is also available for quick questions about installation and more! We also offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee — if something doesn’t work out, we’ll fix it or refund you.

Do I need an app for the POVNOMAD eSIM? No — no app download needed. Installation happens directly through your smartphone’s settings.

Last updated: June 2025 | POVNOMAD — eSIMs with in Germany