Ukraine 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 specific plan is valid only within Ukraine (or, if it's a regional plan, you'd say "Yes"). This is the most important question. 90% of travelers enter overland from Poland (Krakow/Rzeszów) or Romania (Bucharest). Your EU roaming plan will stop at the border, leaving you without a connection. We highly recommend our Europe Regional eSIM, which covers both Poland, Romania, and Ukraine. 

No! This is the #1 roaming trap. Ukraine is NOT a member of the European Union (EU). Your "Roam Like at Home" (RLAH) plan does not apply. Most EU and UK carriers (like Vodafone, O2, EE) will charge you extremely high international roaming fees. A Cellesim eSIM is the only way to get a fixed, cheap data price. 

It is surprisingly reliable. Ukraine has a world-class network. Our eSIM connects to premium networks (like Kyivstar or Vodafone UA). Mobile towers have backup batteries and generators. When power cuts ("blackouts") kill all the Wi-Fi, this eSIM will often be your only connection. It is stable for WhatsApp, Signal, and Google Maps. 

Yes, 100% easier and safer. Buying a physical "prepaid" SIM at the border or a train station requires you to find a kiosk (which is chaotic), and go through a mandatory passport registration process. Our eSIM is 100% digital, requires no ID registration, and can be installed before you cross the border, so you are connected the moment you enter Ukraine. 

Our Ukraine eSIM connects to premium Tier-1 networks, typically Kyivstar or Vodafone Ukraine, ensuring optimal speed and coverage across the country.

When you use an eSIM in Ukraine, you'll automatically connect to one of these leading providers. This dual-network approach is designed to give you the best possible mobile experience, whether you're exploring the capital city of Kyiv, the historic streets of Lviv, the coastal charm of Odesa, or traveling through other major urban areas. Both Kyivstar and Vodafone Ukraine are recognized for their extensive infrastructure and reliable service.

You can expect fast 4G/LTE speeds, allowing you to stay connected, navigate, and communicate with ease. The system intelligently selects the strongest available signal from either Kyivstar or Vodafone Ukraine, meaning you don't have to manually switch networks. This ensures consistent connectivity and performance throughout your trip, giving you peace of mind.

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

 Scan it at home before your trip. Since air travel is currently suspended, you need data active immediately upon crossing the Polish or Romanian land border. 

 Connect to any hotel or train station WiFi in Kyiv or Lviv and contact our 24/7 support via WhatsApp or Email immediately. 

 Yes. Reliable data is critical to receive real-time "Povitryana tryvoha" notifications on your phone for your safety in Ukraine. 

 Yes. Coverage is excellent in the Carpathian region and ski resorts like Bukovel, which are popular safe zones for visitors. 

 Yes. Uklon and Bolt are the primary transport apps in Ukraine, and you need data to book rides without speaking the local language. 

 It depends on the depth. Deep metro stations in Kyiv usually have cellular service or WiFi, but private basement shelters may lose signal. 

 Yes. Despite the situation, Ukraine maintains robust 4G speeds in cities like Odessa and Dnipro, allowing for clear video calls.