Bahamas 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. Cellesim 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 Cellesim. 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 Cellesim 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 Cellesim 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 Cellesim plan and you have a full mobile internet kit for any destination.

Important distinction: No. Standard mobile eSIMs rely on land-based towers. When your ship is sailing in the middle of the ocean, you are out of range of these towers. However, the eSIM will work perfectly as soon as the ship docks at the port in Nassau, Freeport, or gets close to the islands. It is the best way to avoid the cruise line's expensive satellite Wi-Fi packages while you are exploring the ports. 

Yes, usually. Most cruise lines' private islands (like Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay or Disney's Castaway Cay) are located within the Bahamas archipelago and are covered by local Bahamian cell towers. Our eSIM connects to local networks (BTC/Aliv), allowing you to share your beach photos from these private paradises without paying for the ship's Wi-Fi. 

 To ensure you have coverage across the 700+ islands, our eSIM connects to the country's premier providers: BTC (Bahamas Telecommunications Company) or Aliv. Aliv is known for its modern LTE infrastructure, especially in the "Family Islands" (Out Islands), while BTC has strong legacy coverage in Nassau and Grand Bahama. 

Yes. The Exuma Cays are a top attraction. While coverage is excellent at Staniel Cay (where the swimming pigs are) and Great Exuma, please expect signal gaps while on the speedboat traveling between the smaller, uninhabited cays. You will have enough signal at the main stops to upload your selfies with the pigs instantly. 

Not usually. Unless you have a specific high-tier "International Day Pass," most US carriers charge $10 per day or pay-per-use rates for data in the Bahamas. A Cellesim Bahamas eSIM is a much cheaper alternative, giving you a set amount of data for a one-time fee, saving you from a $70-$100 bill for a week-long vacation. 

Yes. While these mega-resorts offer Wi-Fi, it can be spotty in the vast pool areas or on the beach. Our eSIM provides high-speed 4G/LTE data. It is perfect for staying connected while lounging at the Atlantis Aquaventure water park or walking along Cable Beach, ensuring you have a private and secure connection everywhere. 

Yes, absolutely. Cruise ship internet is expensive and slow to download new plans. We strongly recommend installing and activating your Cellesim eSIM before you board the ship or while you are still at your home airport. This ensures your phone automatically connects to the local network the moment you wake up docked in the Bahamas. 

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

 No, Uber and Lyft do not operate in the Bahamas. You need reliable data to find local taxi dispatch numbers on Google Maps or to check the routes for the "jitney" public buses. 

 Yes. Coverage is generally reliable on Harbour Island, allowing you to upload photos of the famous pink sands and turquoise waters instantly, though signal may dip on the ferry ride over from Eleuthera.