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- What is an eSIM?
What is an eSIM?
A SIM card that's built into your phone. You download a travel plan instead of buying a plastic card, and your own SIM stays in place.
The short version
Most phones from the last few years have an eSIM chip inside. A travel eSIM is a data plan you download to that chip with an app or a QR code. Your phone then has two lines: your Philippine SIM for calls and texts, and the travel eSIM for data abroad.
- Nothing to pick up or return
No airport counter, no pocket WiFi to charge, no tiny SIM tray.
- Keep your number
Keep your Philippine SIM active for OTPs; check overseas SMS access with your network.
- Set up before you fly
Install at home on Wi-Fi. The plan only starts when you land.
- Works on most recent phones
iPhone XS and newer, recent Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel. Check yours
eSIM, physical SIM or roaming?
If your phone supports eSIM, it is usually the easiest option for a trip. See the full comparison, including pocket WiFi.
Install once, choose your lines
Installing it
First check that your exact phone model supports eSIM and is unlocked. Model names alone are not enough: phones sold in different markets can have different features. You also need an internet connection to download the eSIM, so install on reliable Wi-Fi before leaving home rather than depending on the arrival hall.
In Dayo, choose a destination and plan, then follow the installation prompts for your phone. Give the new line a clear label such as Dayo. Downloading the eSIM and using its data are separate steps: install before departure, then switch the Dayo line on at your destination. Your plan days start when it first connects in a covered country.
Your phone can keep two lines available: your Philippine SIM for your existing number, and Dayo for travel data. Choose Dayo under mobile data settings. Leave data roaming off on your Philippine SIM and avoid automatic data switching to that line. Enable Data Roaming for Dayo as the setup guide directs.
OTPs and calls
Your travel data does not move your Philippine number to Dayo. Bank or GCash codes still go to the number registered with that service. Your Philippine SIM must remain active and be able to receive texts abroad; confirm requirements with your network before flying. Receiving a code is not guaranteed by having a travel eSIM.
Use internet calling and messaging apps over Dayo data to reach family. Ordinary calls and texts on your Philippine line follow your network’s roaming terms. Turning off data roaming alone does not prevent call charges, so check those terms before answering or placing a regular call.
Who it suits
An eSIM suits solo travelers, families with compatible phones, and people who need maps or messages as they arrive. Each eSIM belongs on one phone. If your phone cannot use eSIM, compare a local SIM or pocket WiFi instead.
Three common myths
- You do not need to remove your physical SIM.
- Installing an eSIM does not erase your photos, contacts or apps.
- An eSIM does not create signal everywhere: buildings, terrain and local coverage still affect the connection.
Your next trip starts here
Dayo is coming to iPhone and Android. Join the beta waitlist and we'll email you an invite to try it before your next trip.
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