DR Congo 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.

This is the most important question. This plan is valid only for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the capital of which is Kinshasa. This plan WILL NOT work in the Republic of the Congo, the capital of which is Brazzaville (across the river). Please check your itinerary very carefully before purchasing. 

 You must set expectations correctly. You will have reliable 4G/LTE coverage in the capital, Kinshasa, and the main business city, Lubumbashi. In the East (where most NGOs are), you will have a signal in the main city centers of Goma and Bukavu, but it will be much slower and less reliable (3G). Once you leave these city centers, you must expect no signal. 

 This specific plan is valid only within the DRC. This is a critical point for aid workers. If you cross the border from Goma (DRC) to Gisenyi (Rwanda), your connection will stop. Rwanda has a completely different and much faster network. For this, we highly recommend our Africa Regional eSIM that covers both DRC and Rwanda. 

No! This is the single biggest advantage for safety and convenience. Buying a physical local SIM card at Kinshasa (FIH) Airport requires a mandatory, slow, and potentially risky in-person passport registration process. Our eSIM is a roaming plan that bypasses all this bureaucracy. You can install it before you fly and be connected the moment you land. 

 In an environment with fragile infrastructure, this is key. Our eSIM connects to the primary providers in the DRC, typically Vodacom Congo or Orange RDC. This ensures you are on the most stable 3G/4G network available for essential communication. 

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

 Yes. Yango is the primary ride-hailing app in Kinshasa, and having reliable data is essential to book rides safely and avoid price negotiation. 

 Yes. Our eSIM connects to major networks ensuring coverage in Lubumbashi, the key mining and business hub in the south, not just the capital. 

 Coverage is generally available at the park headquarters and lodges in Virunga, but expect the signal to be intermittent or lost during the actual trek in the deep forest. 

 Generally yes. In central Kinshasa (Gombe area), 4G speeds are sufficient for WhatsApp calls or emails, which is often more stable than hotel WiFi.