Tanzania 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.

Yes, in key areas. You will have strong 4G/LTE coverage in cities (Arusha, Dar es Salaam) and at the main gates and lodges of the Serengeti (like Seronera) and on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. However, once you are on a "game drive" deep in the bush or on the crater floor, you must expect the signal to be intermittent or non-existent. 

 This specific plan is valid only within Tanzania. This is a critical point. If your safari takes you across the border from the Serengeti (Tanzania) to the Masai Mara (Kenya), your connection will stop. For a seamless East Africa tour, we highly recommend our Africa Regional eSIM, which covers both Tanzania and Kenya. 

Yes, absolutely. This plan covers both the Tanzanian mainland and the islands of Zanzibar (Unguja) and Pemba. You can use the same plan to go on safari and then fly to Zanzibar, where you will have strong 4G coverage in Stone Town and at the main beach resorts (Nungwi, Paje). 

Yes, intermittently. This is the #1 question for climbers. The local networks (like Vodacom) have installed towers on the mountain. You will have a surprisingly good 4G signal at most of the main camps on the Marangu and Machame routes (like Horombo Huts and Barafu Camp), allowing you to send "I made it!" messages via WhatsApp. You will not have a signal in the remote valleys between camps. 

Yes, 100%. Buying a physical SIM card at Kilimanjaro or Dar es Salaam airport requires you to find the kiosk (Vodacom, Tigo), wait in a long line, and go through a mandatory biometric and passport registration process. Our eSIM is 100% digital, requires no ID registration, and can be installed before you fly, so you are connected the moment you land. 

 This specific plan is valid only within Uganda. This is a critical point. If your gorilla trek takes you across the border to Rwanda (Volcanoes NP) or you are on safari in Kenya (Masai Mara), your connection will stop. For a seamless East Africa tour, we highly recommend our Africa Regional eSIM (often called the "East Africa" plan), which covers Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania. 

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

 Yes. Uber and Bolt are the safest ways to travel in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar City, so reliable data is essential to avoid street taxi hagglers. 

 Signal is strong at the ports, but expect the connection to drop to 3G or be lost briefly during the open ocean crossing on the Azam Marine ferries. 

 Coverage is generally available at the main lodges and dive centers on Mafia and Pemba Islands, but signal is weaker than on the main island of Unguja. 

 Absolutely. The historic streets of Stone Town are a maze; having real-time data for Google Maps is the best way to find your hotel or Forodhani Gardens.