Can I use eSIM as a hotspot to share data?

Yes. A HelloRoam eSIM data plan works through your phone's normal hotspot or personal-hotspot setting, the same as a physical SIM. Turn on the hotspot in your phone settings, connect your laptop or a second device over Wi-Fi, and it draws from the same data plan. Sharing a fixed data plan across devices uses it up faster. Check your remaining balance in the HelloRoam app if you plan to hotspot for more than a quick task.

Can I still use my phone's physical SIM slot after I add an eSIM?

Yes. Adding an eSIM does not disable your physical SIM slot. Most eSIM phones, including every iPhone from the XS (2018) onward, run both at once in dual SIM mode. Your physical SIM can keep handling calls and texts on your home number. Your HelloRoam eSIM handles data on the local network at your destination.

How long has eSIM technology been around?

Consumer eSIM technology dates to 2016, when the GSMA published SGP.22, the remote provisioning standard phones still use. Apple brought eSIM to the iPhone with the XS in 2018, and Samsung and Google flagships followed. Most flagship phones now ship with an eUICC chip built in, though some budget models still skip it. HelloRoam uses that same SGP.22 standard to deliver travel plans.

What Is an eSIM? How an Embedded SIM Connects You

An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone. It activates over Wi-Fi in minutes. No plastic card, no SIM swap, no roaming fees.

Last updated: 25 September 2026

HelloRoam Editorial TeamHelloRoam Team

An eSIM digital SIM built into a smartphone, ready to activate without a physical card

What Is an eSIM Card? eSIM Explained for NZ Travellers

An eSIM is a digital SIM built directly into your phone's hardware. It stores carrier profiles in software and gives you instant data abroad, with no plastic card to buy, insert, or lose at Auckland Airport. Also written as e SIM or e-sim, it works for calls, SMS texts, and mobile data just like the nano-SIM you get from Spark or One NZ. What is cellular data? It is the 4G LTE or 5G connection your phone uses for internet, navigation, and apps, the same tech behind your NZ plan at home, but now connected to local networks overseas at local rates.

The GSMA SGP.22 standard is what makes all of this work. It governs how a phone downloads and stores a carrier profile wirelessly. You may also see the technology called a virtual SIM or digital SIM card. Phones that support it include iPhone XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and Google Pixel 3 and newer. Most handsets sold at Noel Leeming or JB Hi-Fi NZ from 2019 onwards qualify. HelloRoam, built by FutureSyncs Ltd (Companies House 15950168), connects Kiwi travellers to local networks abroad without a Spark, One NZ, or 2degrees roaming add-on, whether that is a quick Tasman hop to Sydney or a year-long OE through Europe.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a built-in digital SIM that lets you activate a mobile plan without using a physical SIM card.

How to get an eSIM

Check device compatibility
Choose an eSIM plan
Purchase online
Scan QR code or install manually
Activate in settings

How Does an eSIM Work? (iPhone and Android Setup)

An eSIM works by downloading a carrier profile directly onto a chip soldered inside your phone. Once active, you call, text, and browse on cellular data the same as with a physical SIM. What is data roaming? It's when your phone borrows a foreign network while you're overseas, and your NZ carrier (Spark, One NZ, or 2degrees) bills you extra for every megabyte. A HelloRoam e SIM replaces that with a local data plan at local rates. How does an eSIM work on iPhone? On compatible models, XS and newer, go to Settings, then Cellular, then Add eSIM. On Android (Samsung, Google Pixel) the path is Settings, Network, SIM manager. Check our compatibility list if you aren't sure about your model.

Setup takes about 5 minutes: buy a plan online, open your confirmation email, and scan the QR code. Your Spark or One NZ physical SIM stays in your phone the whole time. Run both at once in dual SIM mode: the eSIM handles data at local rates in Australia, Japan, or the UK, while your NZ SIM keeps your number active for calls home. Heading off on an OE? Buy a plan before you board at Auckland International, install it on your home Wi-Fi, and your phone connects the moment you land. On the US iPhone 14 and later, Apple removed the physical SIM tray entirely, so those models are eSIM-only, useful to know if you're buying a US handset to bring to NZ.

How Do You Set Up an eSIM?

Follow these steps to get started with an eSIM on your iPhone or Android.

Set up an eSIM on your iPhone with the HelloRoam app

Pick your plan and check out

Choose a data plan for your destination and complete checkout online or in the app.

Scan the QR code

Open your confirmation email and scan the QR code with your phone camera to install the eSIM.

Land and go

Your plan installs right away. It activates when you arrive at your destination country.

Explore eSIM plans

Why eSIM Matters in 2026

Mobile connectivity has changed fast, and eSIM sits at the centre of that shift. The reasons are practical, not just technical.

Travellers today expect:

Instant connectivity upon arrival
Skip carrier markups
No dependency on local stores or kiosks
Switch between countries instantly

Traditional SIM cards struggle to meet these expectations. eSIM solves these problems by making connectivity digital-first.

Smartphone manufacturers are also removing physical SIM trays entirely in newer models, pointing to a long-term shift towards eSIM-only devices.

Save up to 84% on international eSIM data costs compared to carrier roaming

Save up to 84% on
data costs

HelloRoam plans start at NZ$1.77. No contracts, no hidden fees, and a refund on unactivated eSIMs within 180 days.(Source: HelloRoam pricing analysis, 2026)

Browse Plans

Not sure if your device supports eSIM?

Not all phones support eSIM, but most modern smartphones do.

However, compatibility can vary based on region and carrier restrictions. Always check your specific model before purchasing a plan.

Check Compatibility

eSIM benefits for international travel

Avoid roaming fees
No more hunting for a SIM at Auckland Airport or trying to figure out a Balinese prepaid counter. An eSIM gives you instant data the moment you land, with no extra charges landing on your Spark, One NZ, or 2degrees bill when you get home.
Activate instantly
Buy a plan online, scan a QR code, and you're connected in minutes. No post office, no physical SIM card slot to deal with.
Keep primary number active
Store your NZ number and your HelloRoam travel profile on the same phone. Switch between them in settings. No card swap, no Spark store visit.
Multi-country coverage
HelloRoam connects you to 212+ mobile networks across 185+ countries on local 4G LTE and 5G.
Quick switching
No annual contracts. Pick a plan that fits your trip length and data needs, with no strings attached.
Backup connectivity
Left your bag on the bus in Tokyo? Your eSIM stays soldered inside your phone's chip. Nobody can pull it out or clone it. Your data stays yours.

Common Use Cases for eSIM

Travel
The most popular use case: affordable, instant mobile data abroad.
Business
Professionals can maintain multiple numbers or plans without juggling devices.
Remote Work
Reliable internet access across different countries without relying on Wi-Fi.

eSIM Disadvantages: What Kiwis Should Know

While eSIM offers many advantages, it's important to understand its limitations:

Requires a compatible deviceOlder handsets and budget Android models sold at NZ retailers like Noel Leeming and JB Hi-Fi NZ often don't support eSIM. Check the HelloRoam compatibility list before you buy a plan, most phones released after 2019 are fine.
Some older networks may not fully support itSpark, One NZ, and 2degrees all support eSIM for your NZ number. Some smaller carriers in remote Pacific Island destinations haven't added eSIM support yet. Check coverage for your destination before you buy.
Initial setup may feel unfamiliar to first-time usersYou need Wi-Fi or mobile data to download the profile before you leave. Set it up at home using your NZ broadband, takes about two minutes. Don't leave it until the airport.
Transferring eSIM between devices can require extra stepsMoving your profile to a new phone involves more steps than popping a nano-SIM into a new handset. If you're upgrading or trading in through Noel Leeming, contact HelloRoam support on WhatsApp first so your data plan carries over.

These limitations are shrinking as adoption grows, but they are

still worth considering.

These limitations are shrinking as adoption grows, but they are still worth considering.

eSIM security and future technology

eSIM technology is designed for both convenience and long-term mobile innovation. From stronger security protections to growing worldwide adoption, eSIM is shaping how travellers and connected devices stay online.

More secure than physical SIM cards

Encrypted digital activation

Remote profile management

Growing global adoption

Future-ready travel connectivity

Beyond smartphones

Supported by leading brands including Apple, Samsung, and Google.

eSIM vs SIM Card: Which Is Better for International Travel?

SIM Card

eSIM

An eSIM is generally better than a physical SIM card for international travel because it activates instantly, costs less than roaming, and lets you switch networks without changing hardware. Travellers benefit from faster setup, greater flexibility, and lower overall costs.

Common eSIM Problems and How to Fix Them

Hit a snag after scanning the QR code? The most common issue for Kiwi travellers is forgetting to set the HelloRoam line as the active data line and leaving Spark or One NZ roaming switched on. The fixes below cover that and the other problems our 24/7 support team sees most often.

1
1. 1Clean your camera lens and get the QR code into good light.
2. 2Hold your phone about 20 to 30 cm away and keep it steady.
3. 3Still not working? Tap 'Enter Details Manually' and type in the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your HelloRoam confirmation email.
4. 4One NZ and Spark both use the same manual entry flow if you ever need a reference.
Does your phone say the code's no longer valid? The eSIM may already be on your phone. Check your list of mobile lines before you scan it again.
2
1. 1Restart your phone after you land.
2. 2Then go to Settings and confirm the HelloRoam line is set as your data line and that Data Roaming is turned on for that line.
3. 3Also turn off roaming on your Spark or One NZ SIM so it doesn't conflict.
4. 4If you bought an automatic-activation plan, it won't go live until you arrive in the destination country.
Fix 2 of 6 · Recorded on iPhone · 0:10
Set the HelloRoam line for mobile data. Recorded in UK English, where Mobile is Mobile Service.
3
1. 1Open Settings and check your list of mobile lines first.
2. 2The HelloRoam line might show up under another name, like Secondary.
3. 3If it's switched off, tap it and turn the line on.
4. 4If it's not there, the install didn't finish, so read the error message on your screen.
5. 5Confirm your phone supports eSIM and isn't locked to a carrier, like Spark, One NZ, or 2degrees.
6. 6Don't delete an eSIM to try to fix this: email help@helloroam.com with your order number and the error message.
4
1. 1Go to Settings, then Cellular or Mobile Data, and tap the profile you want to delete.
2. 2Choose 'Remove Cellular Plan' or 'Delete eSIM'.
3. 3If that option is greyed out, the plan is still active.
4. 4Turn it off first, then delete.
5. 5This is the same process whether you're using a Spark-locked or unlocked NZ handset.
5
1. 1Your phone stores several profiles but can only use one for data at a time.
2. 2Go to Settings, then Cellular or Mobile Data, and choose which line handles data.
3. 3Set HelloRoam as the data line and turn off your Spark or One NZ SIM for data while you're overseas.
4. 4You can switch back when you get home.
6
1. 1Double-check every character in the code, including dashes.
2. 2Connect to stable Wi-Fi, airport Wi-Fi at AKL (Auckland Airport) or hotel Wi-Fi works well, and try again.
3. 3If the code still fails, message HelloRoam support on WhatsApp and the team will sort a replacement code quickly.

Still stuck? Our team is here 24/7 on email, WhatsApp, live chat and in the app.

Email help@helloroam.com WhatsApp Live chat

Popular eSIM Destinations

MexicoFrom NZ$5.79

MoroccoFrom NZ$7.72

United StatesFrom NZ$4.93

Frequently Asked eSIM Questions

To activate an eSIM on an iPhone, open Settings, tap Cellular, then tap Add eSIM. Choose Add Data Plan if prompted, then scan the QR code from your HelloRoam confirmation email using your iPhone camera. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete installation. Your phone assigns a label to the new line. Once installed, go back to Cellular settings and set the HelloRoam line as your preferred data line. Turn off Data Roaming on your home carrier line and turn it on for your HelloRoam line. The whole process takes about 5 minutes on iPhone XS and newer models.

eSIM data costs less than carrier roaming charges from NZ providers. Spark, One NZ, and 2degrees roaming plans typically charge $10 to $30 per GB abroad. HelloRoam eSIM plans start at NZ$1.77 and cover 185+ countries. That's a saving of up to 86% compared to standard roaming add-ons. An e-sim gives you local data rates in the country you visit. Your NZ number stays active on your physical SIM for calls and texts.

Data roaming is what happens when your phone connects to a foreign network while you're travelling. Your home carrier (Spark, One NZ, or 2degrees in New Zealand) charges you extra fees for every megabyte of data you use on that foreign network. These charges can reach $10 to $30 per GB. An eSIM travel plan avoids data roaming charges by giving you a local data allowance at local network rates. You keep your NZ number on your physical SIM for calls and texts while the e SIM handles data on local networks.

To set up an eSIM on a Samsung Galaxy phone, open Settings, then tap Connections, followed by SIM manager. Tap Add mobile plan, then Add plan via QR code or Add plan manually. Scan the QR code from your HelloRoam confirmation email. Your Galaxy phone will download and install the profile. Once done, go back to SIM manager and set the HelloRoam line for mobile data. Compatible Samsung models include Galaxy S20 through S25 and the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series released after 2020.

Yes, HelloRoam eSIM works for working holidays in Australia. Australia is one of the most popular trans-Tasman destinations for Kiwis, and HelloRoam covers the Australian Telstra and Optus networks. Buy a plan before you fly from Auckland or Christchurch, scan the QR code, and your eSIM activates when you land in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane. Your NZ number stays active on your physical SIM for calls home. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries, so you can check the next stop on your OE in the app before you leave Australia.

Yes, HelloRoam eSIM works in popular Pacific Islands holiday destinations including Fiji, Samoa, and French Polynesia. These destinations are favoured by Kiwi travellers for short breaks. Buy a plan before you fly from Auckland Airport, scan the QR code, and activate when you arrive. You stay connected for navigation, messaging on WhatsApp, and sharing holiday photos without paying data roaming fees. Check the HelloRoam coverage map to confirm availability for your specific island destination.

HelloRoam eSIM works in the cities and main tourist areas of New Zealand's South Island, including Queenstown, Christchurch, Nelson, and the West Coast highways. For remote tramping tracks or very rural areas, mobile coverage depends on the local NZ carrier network rather than your travel eSIM. An eSIM for a South Island road trip works well for most stops. Check the coverage map for your specific route if you're heading well off the beaten track.

HelloRoam eSIM covers the United Kingdom, making it a solid choice for Kiwis heading to London for an OE. The UK is one of the top overseas experience destinations for New Zealanders. Buy a HelloRoam plan before you leave, scan the QR code, and your e-sim activates when you land at Heathrow or Gatwick. Your NZ number stays active on your physical SIM for calls home. HelloRoam connects to 212+ networks in 185+ countries, so you stay covered as the OE takes you beyond the UK.

Yes, you can top up your HelloRoam eSIM data while you are already overseas. Open the HelloRoam app, select your active plan, and buy more data directly from your phone. You do not need a new QR code or a Wi-Fi connection back home to do it. Top-ups are processed instantly, so you will not lose connectivity mid-trip. This is handy if you are in the middle of a road trip through Japan or Europe and unexpectedly run low on data.