Frequently asked questions
Before you buy
Will it work on my phone?+
iPhones work from the iPhone XR onwards. On Android, look in Settings › Network and internet › SIM: if you can add a new SIM, it most likely does. Either way the phone has to be free of carrier locks — only your carrier can release it, not us.
What exactly am I buying?+
Data, and only data. There is no phone number, no calls and no SMS. Your own number keeps working: leave your usual SIM in for calls and WhatsApp, and turn its data roaming off so your carrier cannot charge you.
Why don’t you sell unlimited data?+
Because hardly any “unlimited” plan is: after a few GB a day at full speed, the connection drops to a slow speed. Airalo publishes 3 GB a day and then 1 Mbps; Saily, between 3 and 5 GB and then 1 Mbps; Holafly does not publish from how many GB. We would rather sell you the data you will use, or a daily plan with the limit shown before you pay.
Can I use it on another phone?+
No. A QR code installs once, on one phone, and cannot be moved afterwards. If you delete an eSIM you have already installed, there may be no way to get it back.
How do I pay?+
By card, Apple Pay or Google Pay, and you pay the final price in euros that you see before paying. The eSIM arrives by email in under a minute. No account needed.
Installation
When should I install it?+
Before you travel, on wi-fi, without rushing. Installing does not activate it and does not start using up days. Unactivated, the eSIM can be installed for 180 days from purchase.
When do the days start counting?+
At the first connection to a network at your destination — not when you buy, and not when you install. We only sell plans that work this way, precisely so you can install it calmly at home.
While travelling
I have landed. What now?+
Choose the eSIM as your data line and turn data roaming on for that line: it is required, however contradictory it sounds. The first connection can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. If you have signal but no data, turn off any VPN, toggle the eSIM off and on, or restart the phone.
Why does my phone show another operator’s name?+
Because it shows the network it is attached to, which is a local carrier in that country. You will never see "Bidaiesim" in the status bar. Before you arrive, or while it is attaching, it can even show a carrier from another country. That is normal, and every destination page tells you which names to expect.
Why do Netflix and my bank think I am in another country?+
Because your traffic reaches the internet in the wholesale operator’s country, not the one you are standing in. That is how routing works for every travel eSIM, not just ours. It can affect streaming, banking and verification codes. We state it on every destination page, before you buy, so it does not catch you out.
I got an SMS from "eSIMCarrier"+
It is from the network provider. It is not a scam and not a phishing attempt. These only reach eSIMs that are already active.
Can I add more data?+
Yes, from your order page, without buying another eSIM or installing anything again. A top-up adds both data and validity to the one you already have.
Refunds and help
Can I get my money back?+
While the eSIM is not installed, yes: there is a button on your order page and we refund the full amount. Once it is installed it stops being automatic; write to us and we will look at it case by case. Paying accepts immediate delivery, and that is what waives the 14-day right of withdrawal.
Something is not working+
Write to [email protected] with your order number and we answer within one business day.
Who is behind Bidaiesim?+
Bidaiesim is a Basque project from Bilbao. If something goes wrong, write to [email protected] and we answer within one business day.