eSIM Laos

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, but expect gaps. Doing a motorbike loop is the highlight of Laos. Our eSIM typically connects to Unitel, which offers the widest coverage in rural areas. You will have reliable 4G signal in villages and towns along the Thakhek Loop and Bolaven Plateau. However, be prepared for "dead zones" when driving through deep limestone karst mountains or dense jungle sections. We strongly recommend downloading offline maps for navigation before you start your ride. 

 Coverage is everything in a mountainous country like Laos. Our eSIM connects to the country’s most reliable providers, usually Unitel or Lao Telecom (LTC). Unitel is widely known for having the best reach in remote provinces, ensuring you stay connected whether you are tubing in Vang Vieng or exploring the temples of Luang Prabang. 

Intermittently. The 2-day slow boat trip from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang is legendary. While you will have 4G/LTE coverage when passing near villages and at the overnight stop in Pakbeng, the signal often drops to 3G or cuts off completely in the uninhabited stretches of the Mekong river. It is perfect for listening to music or messaging, but streaming movies might be difficult during the cruise. 

 This specific plan is valid only within Laos. Most travelers enter Laos via the Friendship Bridge (Vientiane) from Thailand or by bus from Vietnam. Once you cross the Mekong River or the land border, your previous connection will stop. If you are backpacking across Southeast Asia, we highly recommend our Asia Regional eSIM to keep your data active across Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia without swapping plans. 

Yes. Laos is becoming a quiet haven for digital nomads. While not as fast as Bangkok, 4G speeds in Luang Prabang and Vientiane are stable enough for Zoom calls, emails, and remote work. Using a Cellesim eSIM is often more reliable and secure than the slow, shared Wi-Fi found in many guesthouses and cafes. 

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

 Yes. Since Uber and Grab do not operate in Laos, reliable data is essential to use LOCA, the local ride-hailing app, to get around Vientiane and Luang Prabang safely. 

 You will generally have 4G signal at the stations like Vang Vieng and Boten, but expect the connection to drop frequently inside the many tunnels between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. 

 Yes. Coverage is generally reliable on the main tourist islands like Don Det and Don Khon, allowing you to share photos of the Li Phi Waterfalls, though signal is weaker on the water. 

 Yes. You will generally have strong coverage at the popular Blue Lagoon 1 and Nam Xay Viewpoint, allowing you to upload photos instantly, though signal may dip near the more remote Blue Lagoon 3.