Germany eSIM

Most flagship smartphones released since 2018-2019 support eSIM, including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy S20 series and newer. Tablets, smartwatches and an increasing number of laptops also support eSIM. The fastest way to verify your specific device is to check Settings , if you see "Add eSIM" or "Add cellular plan" as an option, you're compatible.

eSIM compatibility is now standard across the high-end smartphone market and rapidly spreading into mid-range devices. eSIM Routes works with any unlocked, eSIM-capable device , no special configuration needed beyond scanning the QR code we send you.

iPhones with eSIM support

• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018) , first iPhones with eSIM (one physical SIM + one eSIM).
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (2019).
• iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max (2020).
• iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max (2021) , supports two active eSIMs simultaneously.
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max (2022) , US versions are eSIM-only (no physical SIM tray).
• iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, iPhone SE 3 and later , full eSIM support.

Google Pixel with eSIM support

• Pixel 3 / 3 XL and all later models (Pixel 4, 4a, 5, 5a, 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, 8, 8 Pro, Pixel Fold).

Samsung Galaxy with eSIM support

• Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S20 FE (2020) , first Galaxy with eSIM.
• Galaxy S21 / S22 / S23 / S24 series (all variants except some regional versions).
• Galaxy Z Fold 2, 3, 4, 5 and Z Flip 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
• Galaxy Note 20, 20 Ultra.
• Note: Some regional Samsung variants (e.g., specific Hong Kong dual-SIM physical models) may not support eSIM. Check Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager.

Other Android devices with eSIM

• Huawei: P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro and newer flagships.
• Motorola: Razr (2019+), Edge 30 series, ThinkPhone.
• Xiaomi: Mi 11 series and newer (international versions).
• OnePlus: OnePlus 11, 12 (verify region).
• Sony: Xperia 1 IV, 5 IV, 10 IV and newer.
• Nokia / HMD: G60, X30 5G.

How to verify eSIM support on your device

1. iPhone: Settings → Cellular → look for "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan". You can also dial *#06# , if you see an "EID" (32-digit number), your phone has eSIM hardware.
2. Android: Settings → Connections (or Network & Internet) → SIM Cards → look for "Download a SIM instead" or "Add eSIM".
3. EID check: most eSIM-capable Android phones show EID in Settings → About Phone → Status.

Tip: Even if your phone supports eSIM hardware, it must be unlocked (not carrier-locked) to use third-party eSIMs like eSIM Routes. Most phones bought outright are unlocked; phones from carrier instalment plans may require unlocking after the contract is paid off.

Almost every flagship smartphone released since 2019 supports eSIM, making it ideal for international travel. Compatible models include iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, plus a growing list of mid-range devices. If your phone has Settings → Cellular → "Add eSIM", you're ready to use a eSIM Routes plan abroad.

Travellers benefit most from eSIM because it eliminates the airport SIM-card queue, removes the need to swap your home SIM out, and lets you keep your usual phone number active for SMS verification. A eSIM Routes travel eSIM activates the moment you land , no shop visit required.

Best eSIM-compatible travel phones

• iPhone (2018+): XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series and SE 3rd gen , all support Dual SIM with one physical SIM + one eSIM. iPhone 14/15/16 in the US is eSIM-only.
• Google Pixel (2018+): Pixel 3 through Pixel 9 , all support eSIM. Pixel 7 Pro and newer support multiple active eSIMs.
• Samsung Galaxy (2020+): S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25, Note 20, Fold and Flip series.
• Motorola: Razr (2019+), Edge 30/40, ThinkPhone , most newer flagships.
• OnePlus: OnePlus 11, 12 , varies by region.
• Sony: Xperia 1 IV / V, Xperia 10 IV / V.
• Xiaomi: Mi 11 international and newer flagships.
• Nokia/HMD: G60 5G, X30 5G.

What to check before buying a travel eSIM

1. eSIM hardware: dial *#06# , if an EID number appears, you're compatible.
2. Carrier unlock status: phones bought on instalment plans may be locked to your home carrier. Most outright purchases are unlocked.
3. iOS version: iOS 12.1 or newer for full eSIM support.
4. Android version: Android 9 or newer typically supports eSIM, though it depends on the manufacturer.
5. Region-specific variants: some Samsung models sold in Hong Kong or China are dual physical SIM with no eSIM , verify your specific model number.

Travel-friendly phones that don't support eSIM

• iPhones older than XS (iPhone X, 8, 7, 6 series).
• Most budget Android phones (entry-level Samsung A series before A53, Xiaomi Redmi entry models).
• Older Huawei devices without Google Services.
• Region-specific dual physical SIM variants (verify model number).

Tip: if your current phone doesn't support eSIM but you travel often, an unlocked, mid-range eSIM-capable phone (e.g., Pixel 7a, iPhone SE 3, Samsung Galaxy A55) makes an excellent secondary travel device , pair it with a eSIM Routes plan and you have a full mobile internet kit for any destination.

It depends. Germany is in the EU, so "Roam Like at Home" applies only to EU citizens.

• If you are from the UK (Post-Brexit): Most UK carriers (like O2, Vodafone, Three) have reintroduced daily roaming fees (e.g., £2-£6 per day).
• If you are from the USA/Canada/Asia: Your home carrier will charge expensive international rates (e.g., $10-$14 per day).

A eSIM Routes eSIM is a one-time prepaid fee that is significantly cheaper than these roaming charges.

This specific plan is valid only within Germany (or, if it's a regional plan, you'd say "Yes"). This is the most important question for "Euro-trip" travelers.

• For France/Austria/Netherlands (EU): Your connection will stop at the border unless you buy our Europe Regional eSIM.
• For Switzerland (non-EU): This is a major roaming trap. You must get our Europe Regional eSIM that explicitly includes Switzerland, or you will face massive fees.

Yes, but with limitations. German high-speed (ICE) train Wi-Fi is famously unreliable. Our eSIM (on premium networks like Telekom) provides a strong 4G/5G signal for most of the journey, but you must expect the signal to drop inside the long rural tunnels. It is far more reliable than the onboard Wi-Fi. 

Yes, 100%. Buying a physical "prepaid" SIM at a German airport (from Telekom, Vodafone, etc.) requires you to find the shop, wait in line, and go through a mandatory passport/ID registration process as required by German law. Our eSIM is 100% digital, requires no ID registration, and can be installed before you fly, so you are connected the moment you land. 

 To give you the best speed and coverage, our eSIM connects to Germany’s premium Tier-1 networks, typically Deutsche Telekom (T-Mobile) or Vodafone. Telekom is widely regarded as the #1 provider with the fastest 5G network and the most extensive coverage, especially in rural areas. 

Yes, in all towns and key areas. Germany has an excellent network. You will have a strong signal for Google Maps while driving the Romantic Road, in the villages of the Black Forest, and at tourist sites in the Bavarian Alps (like Neuschwanstein Castle). You may lose signal only on very remote hiking trails. 

Yes, absolutely. Germany is a major business hub. Our eSIM provides high-speed, low-latency 5G/LTE data, perfect for Zoom/Teams calls, remote work, and using Google Maps, DB Navigator (train app), or Uber/FreeNow (ride-hailing) without lag. 

 Most modern phones do, but you must check our specific list here: eSIM Compatible Devices to be 100% sure before purchasing. 

 Yes. Free Now is the most popular taxi app in Germany (often more than Uber), and reliable data is essential to book rides in Berlin or Munich. 

 Yes. Stable data is crucial for Google Maps or Waze to avoid traffic jams ("Stau") and find rest stops while driving on the German Autobahn.