Kazakhstan 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.

No. This is the biggest advantage of our eSIM. Buying a physical local SIM card in Kazakhstan requires a mandatory and complicated registration process involving your passport and IIN (tax number). Cellesim eSIMs are roaming-based, which classifies you as a tourist and allows you to bypass this local bureaucracy. You can activate it instantly and avoid all paperwork and queues at the airport. 

It varies. Kazakhstan is the 9th largest country in the world, and most of it is empty steppe. You will have excellent 4G/LTE/5G speeds in major cities like Almaty and Astana. You will also have a signal at popular tourist spots like Charyn Canyon and the main Kolsay Lakes. However, you will experience "dead zones" on the long drives or train journeys between cities and in very remote wilderness areas. We strongly recommend downloading offline maps. 

 For such a vast country, network quality is crucial. Our eSIM connects to Kazakhstan’s premium providers, typically Beeline or Kcell/Tele2. These operators have the most extensive infrastructure, ensuring you get the best possible signal and speed available, from the city centers to the national parks. 

 This specific plan is valid only within Kazakhstan. Many travelers do a "Silk Road" or "Stans" tour, combining Kazakhstan with Uzbekistan (Tashkent) or Kyrgyzstan (Bishkek). Your connection will stop the moment you cross the border. For a seamless multi-country journey, we highly recommend our Asia Regional eSIM plan. 

Only intermittently. Train journeys in Kazakhstan can last many hours (or even days) and cross vast stretches of uninhabited steppe. You will have a strong signal when the train passes through towns or settlements, but you should expect long periods with no internet during the journey. We recommend downloading all your movies, music, or books before you board the train. 

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

 You will generally have signal at the parking area and viewing deck of Big Almaty Lake, but the connection may drop near the dam or if you hike closer to the the Kyrgyz border zone. 

 Absolutely. 2GIS is often more accurate than Google Maps for public transport routes and finding building entrances in Almaty and Astana; it works best with an active data connection. 

 Yes. Coverage is excellent at the Medeu skating rink and throughout the Shymbulak ski resort, allowing you to live-stream your skiing or hiking from the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. 

 Yes. Yandex Go is the primary ride-hailing app in Kazakhstan (Uber is often integrated into it). Reliable data is essential to book rides and pay digitally to avoid taxi scams.