An eSIM is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone. There's no physical card to insert, no SIM tray to open, and nothing to lose at the airport.
It does everything a regular SIM does — connects you to a mobile network so you can use data — but it lives in your phone's software instead of a slot in the side.
Because it's digital, you can download a new data plan in seconds, from anywhere in the world, before you even board your flight..
• No physical card — nothing to buy, insert, or swap
• Instant — download and activate in minutes, not hours
• Multiple plans — store more than one eSIM on your device at the same time
• Safe — nothing to lose, break, or leave in a hotel room
Yes. Your GoLinko eSIM and your regular SIM work at the same time on most devices. Your regular number stays active for calls and texts — GoLinko handles your data while you travel. No juggling. No choosing.
Your GoLinko eSIM is data-only. Calls and texts still come through your regular SIM as normal.
Most smartphones made after 2018 support eSIM — and GoLinko works on all of them, as long as your phone isn't locked to another carrier.
1. Open your phone's Settings app.
2. On iPhone: go to Settings → General → About → scroll down to look for 'eSIM' or 'Digital SIM'. On Android: go to Settings → Connections or Network → SIM Manager → look for 'Add eSIM' or 'Add mobile plan'.
3. If you see either of those options, your device supports eSIM.
• iPhone: XS and later (XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 — all models)
• Samsung Galaxy: S20 and later, Z Fold and Z Flip series, Note 20 and later
• Google Pixel: Pixel 3 and later
• Other Android: Most flagship devices from 2020 onwards support eSIM
Some devices sold in China do not support eSIM even if the same model does in other markets. If you're unsure, check with your device manufacturer.
A carrier-locked phone only works with one network provider. If your phone is locked, you'll need to contact your carrier to unlock it before using GoLinko. Most phones purchased outright or past their contract period are already unlocked.
Not sure? Try inserting a SIM from a different network. If it works, you're unlocked.
Every GoLinko plan includes mobile data — enough to navigate, browse, stay in touch, and work while you travel.
• Mobile data (size varies by plan — check your plan details)
• Hotspot tethering — share your GoLinko data with a laptop or tablet
• Coverage in your selected country, region, or globally (200+ countries)
• Encrypted activation — your data stored in your home country from the moment you connect
• Voice calls — your regular SIM handles calls as normal
• SMS text messages — your regular SIM handles texts as normal
✅ If you need to make calls abroad, your regular SIM's roaming rates apply — or use a WiFi calling app like WhatsApp or FaceTime over your GoLinko data.
A rough guide for a typical day of travel:
• Light use (Maps, messaging, occasional browsing): ~150MB per day
• Moderate use (above + social media, emails): ~400MB per day
• Heavy use (streaming, video calls, working remotely): 1GB+ per day
If you're unsure, choose a plan with more data — you can always use less. If you run out, top up instantly in the app without buying a new eSIM.
GoLinko offers three types of plans so you only pay for the coverage you actually need.
Covers one specific country. Best value if your entire trip is in a single destination. You get a data pack priced for that country's network.
• Example: A Japan plan covers Japan only
• Best for: City breaks, single-country holidays, short business trips
Covers an entire region — Asia, Europe, Middle East and more — under one price. Your eSIM switches automatically as you cross borders. No settings changes needed.
• Example: An Asia Regional plan works in Thailand, Singapore, Japan, and 20+ more countries
• Best for: Multi-country trips, overland travel, European touring
One eSIM, 100+ countries. The annual global plan auto-renews monthly and is designed for frequent travellers who are rarely in one place for long.
• Example: Global Annual covers everywhere GoLinko operates, continuously
• Best for: Digital nomads, frequent business travellers, people who travel 6+ times a year
✅ Not sure which to pick? If you're visiting more than two countries on one trip, a Regional plan almost always works out cheaper than buying separate Local plans.
Five minutes of prep before you fly means you're online before the wheels touch down. Here's the checklist.
1. Check your device is eSIM compatible — see 'Is my device compatible with GoLinko?'
2. Download the GoLinko app on iOS or Android.
3. Choose and purchase your plan — Local, Regional, or Global based on your destination.
4. You will receive a confirmation email with a QR code. Scan it or follow the in-app steps to install your eSIM profile on your phone. Do this at home on a strong WiFi connection before you travel.
5. Do not switch the eSIM on yet — your data plan starts when you activate it at your destination.
6. Make sure 'Data Roaming' is turned on in your phone settings. Your GoLinko eSIM needs this enabled to connect at your destination.
1. Once you land, go to your phone Settings and switch your GoLinko eSIM on.
2. Your phone will connect to the local network. This may take 1–2 minutes.
3. You're connected. Open any app that needs data to confirm.
Your data plan countdown begins the moment you switch your GoLinko eSIM on at your destination. Do not switch it on before you travel unless you are ready to start using it.
Installing your GoLinko eSIM on an iPhone takes about two minutes. You'll need a WiFi connection for the download.
⚠️ Install your eSIM before your trip — you need internet access to download it. Do not delete the eSIM from your phone once installed — it cannot be re-downloaded.
1. Open the GoLinko app and go to My eSIMs.
2. Select your purchased plan and tap Install eSIM.
3. Your iPhone will display a prompt: 'Do you want to add a new plan?' — tap Add Cellular Plan.
4. Wait for the download to complete (usually 30–60 seconds on a good WiFi connection).
5. When prompted to name it, choose something you'll recognise — 'Travel' or 'GoLinko' works well.
6. Go to Settings → Cellular → and confirm your GoLinko eSIM appears in the list.
7. Under Cellular Data, select GoLinko as your data source.
8. Turn on Data Roaming — Settings → Cellular → [Your GoLinko eSIM] → Data Roaming → toggle ON.
Your eSIM is now installed on your phone. Your data plan has not started yet. When you land at your destination, go to Settings and switch your GoLinko eSIM on — that is when your plan activates and your data begins.
✅ Keep your main SIM active for calls and texts. GoLinko handles your data. Both work at the same time.
The steps vary slightly depending on your Android device manufacturer. The process below covers most Samsung, Google Pixel, and other Android phones.
⚠️ You need a WiFi connection to download and install your eSIM. Do not delete the eSIM once installed — it cannot be reinstalled.
1. Open the GoLinko app and go to My eSIMs.
2. Select your purchased plan and tap Install eSIM.
3. On Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add Mobile Plan. On Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add a SIM.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts. Your phone will download the eSIM profile.
5. Once downloaded, set GoLinko as your preferred data SIM.
6. Enable Data Roaming: Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Data Roaming → toggle ON.
On some Samsung devices, you may need to confirm your choice in the SIM Manager before the eSIM activates. If prompted, select 'Use this SIM for data'.
Pixel devices sometimes show a 'Download SIM' screen with a loading bar. If it pauses at a percentage, stay on WiFi and wait — it usually completes within 2 minutes.
✅ If the installation stalls or fails, close the app, ensure you're on a strong WiFi connection, and try again. Most installation issues are caused by weak network connections during download.
This is one of the most common questions we get — and the answer matters for getting the timing right.
There are two separate steps — installation and activation — and they happen at different times.
● Installation: downloading the eSIM profile to your phone. Do this at home before your trip. You need WiFi. Your plan does not start.
● Activation: switching the GoLinko eSIM on from your phone Settings after you land. This is when your data plan begins.
1. Purchase your plan on the GoLinko app or website.
2. Check your email — you will receive a confirmation with a QR code.
3. Scan the QR code or use the in-app steps to install the eSIM on your phone. Do this at home on a strong WiFi connection before your trip.
4. Travel to your destination.
5. After landing, go to your phone Settings and switch your GoLinko eSIM on.
6. Your plan is now active. Data begins from this moment.
⚠️ Your data plan countdown starts the moment you switch the eSIM on at your destination. Do not switch it on before you travel unless you are ready to use it.
✅ You can install your eSIM days or weeks before your trip — installation does not start your plan. Switch it on only when you arrive.
No. Each GoLinko eSIM is tied to one device. Once installed on a phone, it cannot be transferred to another device or reinstalled on a different phone.
This is a security feature of eSIM technology — it prevents the same eSIM profile from being used on multiple devices simultaneously.
If you switch devices before your plan expires, your eSIM cannot be moved. You would need to purchase a new plan for your new device. If this happens close to your purchase date, contact our support team and we'll do our best to help.
Each device needs its own GoLinko plan. Your GoLinko account supports up to 10 eSIM profiles — so you can manage plans for multiple devices or family members all from one account.
After installation and activation, here's how to confirm everything is working correctly.
• In the GoLinko app: your plan shows as Active with a data counter
• In your phone's status bar: you should see the carrier name and signal bars
• In Settings: your GoLinko eSIM shows as connected under your SIM or Cellular settings
• Real-world test: open a browser or app that needs data — if it loads, you're connected
'No Service' immediately after landing is normal — your phone is searching for the local network. Give it 2–3 minutes after turning off airplane mode before troubleshooting.
If 'No Service' persists after 5 minutes, see our Troubleshooting guide: 'My eSIM is not connecting'.
✅ The fastest check: Open any app that needs the internet. If it loads without WiFi, you're good. Welcome to your destination.
Running low on data mid-trip? Top up instantly from the GoLinko app — your same eSIM stays active, no reinstalling needed.
1. Open the GoLinko app.
2. Go to My eSIMs and select your active plan.
3. Tap Top Up.
4. Choose the top-up size that suits your remaining trip.
5. Complete payment. Your data is added instantly.
Your eSIM number and connection stay exactly the same. The additional data is added to your existing allowance.
✅ Top up before you completely run out — some phones throttle to very low speeds at 0% rather than cutting off entirely, which can make the app slow to load. Top up at 10–15% remaining for a seamless experience.
You can check your remaining data at any time in two ways.
1. Open the GoLinko app.
2. Go to My eSIMs.
3. Your active plan shows your remaining data and the number of days left.
iPhone: Settings → Cellular → [Your GoLinko eSIM] → Current Period — this shows data used, not remaining, so subtract from your plan total.
Android: Settings → Connections → Data Usage — select your GoLinko eSIM to see usage.
⚠️ Phone settings data counters reset on a date you set — they may not accurately reflect your GoLinko plan remaining. For the most accurate reading, always use the GoLinko app.
Yes. All GoLinko plans support hotspot tethering — you can share your data connection with a laptop, tablet, or another phone.
iPhone: Settings → Personal Hotspot → toggle Allow Others to Join.
Android: Settings → Connections → Mobile Hotspot and Tethering → Mobile Hotspot → toggle on.
Make sure your GoLinko eSIM is selected as the data source before enabling hotspot.
⚠️ Hotspot uses your data allowance. Streaming or downloading on a connected laptop will consume data significantly faster. Monitor your usage in the GoLinko app if tethering heavily.
✅ For remote workers or digital nomads who regularly tether a laptop: choose a 30-day plan with a higher data allowance. See the GoLinko app for current plan options. [PLACEHOLDER — link to plan selection page once live]
When your plan's duration ends, your GoLinko eSIM stops providing data. Your eSIM profile stays installed on your phone — it doesn't delete itself.
• Purchase a new plan for the same or a different destination — it activates on your existing eSIM
• Top up before expiry if you're still travelling and need more time
• Do nothing — your eSIM sits dormant until your next trip
⚠️ If your GoLinko eSIM is unused for more than 90 days after your plan expires, your eSIM profile will deactivate and you will need to set up a new one for your next trip. If you travel regularly, keep your eSIM active by purchasing a new plan within 90 days.
✅ Only the data plan expires — not the eSIM itself, as long as it's used within 90 days. For your next trip, simply buy a new plan and switch it on when you arrive.
Yes. All GoLinko plans support hotspot tethering — you can share your data connection with a laptop, tablet, or another phone.
It depends on your plan type.
• Local Plan: works in one country only. If you cross into another country, your data will not work there.
• Regional Plan: works across all countries within the region your plan covers. Crossing borders is automatic — no settings changes needed.
• Global Plan: works in 100+ countries. The most flexible option for multi-destination travel.
If you're on a Local plan and need to add coverage for another country, you can purchase an additional plan for that destination from the GoLinko app — your second plan activates on the same eSIM.
⚠️ Regional plans cover specific defined regions. An Asia Regional plan, for example, does not cover European countries even if those countries are also available on GoLinko. Check your plan's coverage list before travelling.
Not connecting after landing is the most common issue we hear about — and it's almost always fixed in under two minutes. Work through these steps in order.
• Is Data Roaming turned on? iPhone: Settings → Cellular → [GoLinko eSIM] → Data Roaming. Android: Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Data Roaming.
• Is GoLinko selected as your data SIM? iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data → select GoLinko. Android: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Mobile Data → select GoLinko.
• Is your plan active? Open the GoLinko app → My eSIMs. If it shows as expired or inactive, you'll need to purchase a new plan.
1. Turn Airplane Mode ON. Wait 30 seconds.
2. Turn Airplane Mode OFF.
3. Wait 60 seconds for your phone to find the local network.
4. Try loading a webpage to test.
A full restart clears most network-related glitches. After restarting, wait 2–3 minutes before testing your connection.
iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Network Selection → turn off Automatic, wait 10 seconds, turn back on. Android: Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Network Operators → Search now.
⚠️ If you're in a basement, underground transport, or a rural area, the local network may simply not have coverage in that spot. Move outside and try again.
If none of the above works, contact us at support@golinko.com with your device model, destination country, and a screenshot of your SIM settings. We'll diagnose it from there.
Slow data on an eSIM is usually caused by one of four things. Work through these quickly.
When your data drops below a small threshold, some networks throttle speeds automatically. Check your remaining data in the GoLinko app. If you're below 10%, top up — speeds return to normal immediately.
Popular tourist areas, airports, and city centres can get congested during peak hours. If speeds are slow in a busy area, try again in 15–20 minutes or move to a less crowded location.
Force your phone to reconnect: Airplane Mode ON for 30 seconds → Airplane Mode OFF. This prompts your phone to find the strongest available signal.
APN (Access Point Name) settings tell your phone how to connect to the network. For most users, these are set automatically. If you suspect APN settings are the issue, email us with your destination country and device model — we'll reply with the exact settings within 24 hours.
✅ A quick speed test: open speedtest.net in your browser. A reading above 5Mbps is sufficient for browsing, messaging, and maps. Above 25Mbps handles video calls comfortably.
If your GoLinko eSIM is no longer showing in your phone's settings, it has most likely been deleted. This can happen accidentally during a phone reset, a software update, or if someone removed it manually.
⚠️ eSIM profiles cannot be re-downloaded once deleted. This is a security restriction of eSIM technology and applies to all eSIM providers — not just GoLinko. Contact our support team immediately if this happens.
1. iPhone: Settings → Cellular → scroll down — eSIMs are sometimes listed below your main SIM.
2. Android: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager — check for any inactive or hidden eSIMs.
3. Did you recently reset or restore your phone? Factory resets delete all eSIM profiles.
Contact us at support@golinko.com with your order number and device details. In some cases, we can assist with plan replacement — this is handled on a case-by-case basis.
Going forward: note that eSIM profiles should not be deleted before purchasing a new plan for your next trip. Your plan simply sits dormant between trips — there's no need to remove it.
If the eSIM installation is failing or stalling during download, work through these steps.
1. Weak WiFi connection — eSIM downloads require a stable connection. Switch to a stronger WiFi network. Home broadband is more reliable than coffee shop WiFi.
2. VPN active — turn off any VPN on your device before installing. VPNs can interfere with eSIM provisioning servers.
3. Low storage — though rare, very low device storage can cause installation issues. Free up space and try again.
4. Carrier restrictions — in rare cases, some carrier-locked devices block eSIM installation. Contact your current carrier to confirm your device is unlocked.
5. Restart and retry — close the GoLinko app fully, restart your phone, reconnect to WiFi, and try again.
⚠️ Do not attempt to install the same eSIM more than three times in quick succession. If it fails three times, stop and contact us — repeated failed attempts can occasionally lock the eSIM profile.
If the issue persists, email support@golinko.com with your device model, operating system version, and a description of where in the installation process it fails.
Your plan showing as active but not delivering data usually comes down to a settings issue rather than a plan problem. Run through this checklist.
1. Data Roaming is on — this is the single most common cause. iPhone: Settings → Cellular → [GoLinko eSIM] → Data Roaming → ON. Android: Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Data Roaming → ON.
2. GoLinko is set as your data SIM — not just installed, but actively selected for data. iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data → [select GoLinko]. Android: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Mobile Data → [select GoLinko].
3. You're in a covered country — check your plan's coverage list in the GoLinko app. If you've crossed a border, your plan may not cover your current location.
4. Your plan hasn't expired — check the GoLinko app for your plan's expiry date and remaining data.
5. Airplane Mode toggle — ON for 30 seconds, then OFF. Wait 60 seconds.
✅ After checking all of the above, a full phone restart resolves the majority of remaining cases. Give the phone 3 minutes after restarting before testing.
After purchase, a confirmation email is sent to the address used during checkout. This email includes your order summary and a link to your GoLinko account.
If you don't see it within 5 minutes, check your spam or junk folder. If it's not there, contact us at support@golinko.com with the email address you used and we'll resend it.
1. Open the GoLinko app.
2. Go to Account → Order History.
3. Select any order to view details and download a receipt.
Receipts are available in PDF format for expense claims and business use.
GoLinko accepts all major payment methods to make purchasing as frictionless as possible.
• Credit and debit cards — Visa, Mastercard, American Express
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• PayPal
All payments are processed securely. GoLinko does not store your full card details — payments are handled by our PCI-compliant payment processor.
✅ For business travellers: if you need to pay by bank transfer or require an invoice before payment, contact support@golinko.com and we'll assist.
All GoLinko purchases are final. By completing your purchase, you confirm that you understand and agree to this — there's a checkbox at checkout to make this clear before you pay.
We don't offer cash refunds, but we do offer store credit in specific circumstances.
• Your eSIM failed to install due to a verified technical issue on GoLinko's end
• Your device was found to be incompatible after purchase and is not covered by our compatibility list
• Your eSIM has been activated (even if no data has been used)
• You changed your travel plans after purchase
• You purchased the wrong plan (destination or duration)
• You did not read the compatibility requirements before purchasing
Email support@golinko.com with your order number and a description of the issue. Our team will review your case and respond within 24 hours. If your request is approved, store credit will be applied to your GoLinko account and can be used against any future purchase.
⚠️ Full refund policy details will be published in the GoLinko Terms & Conditions and Refund Policy page. This article reflects GoLinko's intended policy — confirm with the legal team before publishing.
Plain English explanations for the words that eSIM providers like to make complicated.
📌 SEO note: Each glossary term should be its own page at /help/glossary/[term]. 'What is eSIM', 'What is APN', 'What is data roaming' — these terms are searched thousands of times monthly. Short, clear articles rank well and bring in exactly the right audience.
Short for 'embedded SIM'. A digital version of a regular SIM card that lives inside your phone rather than in a slot. You download eSIM profiles instead of inserting a physical card. Most smartphones made after 2018 support eSIM.
A regular SIM is a small physical card that slots into your phone. An eSIM does the same job digitally — it’s built into your phone’s hardware and you download plans to it instead of swapping cards. Both connect you to a mobile network. The main difference: with an eSIM, there’s nothing to lose, break, or queue for at an airport kiosk. See: What is an eSIM?
Using your phone's data while you're outside your home country. Without a GoLinko eSIM, data roaming goes through your regular carrier and can be extremely expensive. With GoLinko, data roaming is built into your plan — it's how the whole thing works.
✅ Always turn Data Roaming ON in your phone settings when using a GoLinko eSIM abroad. It's not turned on by default on most phones.
A setting on your phone that tells it how to connect to a mobile network's data service. For most GoLinko users, APN settings are configured automatically when you install your eSIM. You'll only need to change them manually if your data isn't working and our troubleshooting guide directs you to.
Sharing your phone's mobile data connection with another device — like a laptop or tablet — over WiFi. Think of your phone as a portable router. All GoLinko plans support hotspot tethering. Be aware that tethering uses your data allowance faster than regular phone browsing.
The digital file that gets downloaded to your phone when you install an eSIM. It contains all the information your phone needs to connect to a network. Once installed, it stays on your device until you manually delete it — even when a plan expires.
A GoLinko data plan that covers one specific country. Best value for single-destination trips. If you cross a border, the plan won't work in the new country.
A GoLinko data plan that covers multiple countries within a defined region — Asia, Europe, Middle East, etc. Your eSIM switches to the local network automatically as you cross borders.
A GoLinko data plan that covers 100+ countries worldwide. The most flexible option for frequent or multi-destination travellers. Available duration from 7 to 60 days.
A restriction placed by some phone manufacturers or networks that prevents a device from working with SIM cards (including eSIMs) from other providers. A carrier-locked phone must be unlocked before it can use GoLinko. See: Is my device compatible with GoLinko?
The concept that data is subject to the laws of the country in which it is stored. GoLinko's privacy-first architecture ensures your personal data is stored within your home country's jurisdiction — meaning your data is governed by laws you're familiar with, not by the regulations of a country you've never agreed to.
🔒 GoLinko is built on its own network infrastructure. Your data never passes through a third-party reseller.