Question 1

What are eSIMs and how do they work?

Accepted Answer

Stay connected on your travels with eSIMs on Skratch, offering quick and easy mobile data around the world. Learn more about how they work and the benefits below!

What are eSIMs?

Say goodbye to physical sims or sneaky roaming charges when you travel. A Skratch eSIM is a fully digital and fast way to get local mobile data when you travel.

Think of an eSIM like a virtual SIM card, offering you all the data usually contained on a physical SIM card but loaded onto your device over the air with no manual setup needed. Most iOS and Android devices have an eSIM chip built-in, allowing you to activate an eSIM plan straight away on your device. You can install multiple eSIM plans on your device without touching your main data plan or phone number.

Benefits of Skratch eSIMs

Flexible and Affordable: Choose a plan that suits your data needs and trip duration, including country and regional eSIMs
Best Internet Speeds: Enjoy the fastest 4G/5G internet speeds with connectivity to 400+ networks globally
Quick Setup: Activate data plans in a few seconds and easily switch between networks, no physical setup required
Easy to Track: Monitor your eSIM data usage in Skratch and top up seamlessly
Unmatched Security: Stay secure with end-to-end encryption and 100% data privacy
World Class Support: Browse our extensive lib

Question 2

Should I get my eSIM in advance before I travel?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it’s usually best to buy and install your eSIM before you travel. That way, you’ll be ready to connect as soon as you land, without needing Wi-Fi or searching for a SIM card shop. This can also be a smart way to avoid any unwanted roaming charges on arrival!

Installing your eSIM in advance doesn’t mean it’s activated - this will only happen when you arrive at the destination and connect to a local network. Likewise the validity period of your eSIM won’t start until that happens. More details on how validity periods work here.

Question 3

How many eSIM profiles can be stored on my device?

Accepted Answer

The number of eSIM profiles you can store depends on your phone model. Most smartphones let you keep multiple eSIMs saved at once, but only one or two can be active simultaneously.

Indicative limits by major devices

Apple iPhone

iPhone XS / XR / 11 / 12: Up to 5–6 eSIMs stored, but only 1 active at a time.
iPhone 13 and newer: Up to 8+ eSIMs stored, with 2 active at once.
iPhone 14 (US models): eSIM-only (no physical SIM slot).

Samsung Galaxy

Recent models (S21, S22, S23, Z Flip, Z Fold): Store multiple eSIMs, with 1 active at a time.
Galaxy S24 series: Support dual active eSIMs (2 eSIMs working simultaneously).

Google Pixel

Pixel 3a and newer: Store multiple eSIMs, with 1 active at a time.
Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 8, 8 Pro: Support dual active eSIMs.

Other Android brands (Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Honor, Motorola, Sony, Nokia)

Most allow several eSIM profiles stored.
Usually 1 active at a time, though newer flagship models increasingly support dual active eSIMs

Question 4

What is defined as a disputed territory on Skratch?

Accepted Answer

Certain territories and regions are displayed on Skratch as disputed. These territories and regions are claimed by more than one country or occupying force, which gives them limited international recognition.

Our stance

Skratch is an apolitical application, focused on providing the best and most comprehensive map experience for our users. We aim to remain impartial about its status and try to stick with international guidelines.

List of disputed territories on Skratch

Kosovo
Somaliland
Taiwan
Transnistria
Abkhazia
Northern Cyprus
South Ossetia
Western Sahara

For more details on how we define countries and other territories on Skratch, you can also check out our articles:

${color}[#000000](What is defined as a country on Skratch?)
What is defined as other territories on Skratch?

Get in Touch

We are consistently improving our map to reflect the opinions and beliefs of all users. If you have a question about a territory question or wish to flag an inaccuracy, please reach out to${color}#1a72f4and we’ll be happy to assist.

Question 5

Is my device compatible with an eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Skratch will automatically tell you if your device is compatible or not with an eSIM.

||| Note: Regardless of the phone you have, it must be unlocked from carrier restrictions to use eSIMs. Some phones are tied to a specific mobile operator and can only use data plans from that network.

If you want to double check, here are three simple ways to do so:

1. Check if your device settings include an “Add eSIM” option

Samsung: Open Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Add eSIM If you see an “Add eSIM” option, your phone supports eSIMs and you’re good to go

iOS: Open Settings > Mobile Service or Cellular > Add eSIM If you see an “Add eSIM” option, your phone supports eSIMs and you’re good to go.

Other major Android manufacturers:

Google Pixel: Open Settings > Networks and Internet > Advanced > Add Operator If you see a QR code scanner, your phone supports eSIMs and you’re good to go.

Huawei: Open Settings > Mobile Networks > SIM Management submenu > Add eSIM If you see an activation code input, your phone supports eSIMs and you’re good to go.

Xiaomi: Open Settings > Network > Add eSIM If you see an “Add eSIM” option, your phone supports eSIMs and you’re good to go.

***Motorola

Question 6

What is defined as an ‘other territory’ on Skratch?

Accepted Answer

Certain territories are displayed on Skratch as other. These territories are either dependent territories or separated island groupings of another country.

Our stance

Skratch is an apolitical application, focused on providing the best and most comprehensive map experience for our users. We aim to remain impartial about its status and try to stick with international guidelines.

List of other territories

Åland Islands
American Samoa
Anguilla
Antarctica
Aruba
Azores
Balearic Islands
Bermuda
Bonaire
British Indian Ocean Territory
British Virgin Islands
Canary Islands
Cayman Islands
Ceuta
Christmas Island
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Cook Islands
Curaçao
Falkland Islands
Faroe Islands
French Guiana
French Polynesia
Galapagos Islands
Gibraltar
Greenland
Guadeloupe
Guam
Guernsey
Hong Kong
Isle of Man
Jan Mayen
Jersey
Macau
Madeira
Martinique
Mayotte
Melilla
Montserrat
New Caledonia
Niue
Norfolk Island
Northern Mariana Islands
Pitcairn Islands
Puerto Rico
Réunion
Saba
Saint Barthélemy
Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
Saint Martin
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Sint Eustatius
Sint Maarten
Svalbard
Tokelau
Turks and Caicos Islands
United States Virgin Islands
Wallis and Futuna

Get in Touch

We are consistently improving our map to reflect the opinions and beliefs of all users. If you have a question about a territory question or wish to

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