How Slashtel works
Last checked: August 2026
Getting online abroad should take minutes, not a trip to a shop or a shock on your next phone bill. Here is exactly how a Slashtel eSIM works, in plain terms.
What is an eSIM?
A SIM card built into your phone, with no plastic to swap.
Instead of a physical card, an eSIM is a data plan you add by scanning a QR code. It takes a couple of taps and sits alongside your existing SIM, so you keep your normal number. Almost every phone from 2020 onwards supports it.
What does a Slashtel eSIM give you?
Fast mobile data the moment you land, and nothing you do not need.
You get internet abroad on a major local network: maps, WhatsApp, video calls, email and hotspot. You can see the networks your eSIM connects to, country by country. It is data only, so there is no phone number, calls or SMS. You keep your home SIM in the phone for your number and bank OTPs, and everything else runs on the data.
Why buy from Slashtel?
Priced fairly, paid your way, sorted before you fly.
Install before you travel and your data switches on when you arrive, with no airport queues or local shop. Pay by any card in your own currency, with no contract and no local address needed. If anything goes wrong, real people answer on WhatsApp, and unused eSIMs are refunded fast.
What do you need to use one?
An eSIM-capable, unlocked phone and a minute on Wi-Fi.
Most phones and tablets from 2020 onwards support eSIM. Dial *#06#, and if an EID appears you are ready. Your phone also needs to be carrier-unlocked. Install on Wi-Fi before you fly; the plan only starts counting when you first connect at your destination, so you can buy days ahead.
Set up in three steps
- Check your phone. Dial *#06#. An EID number means you are eSIM-ready. Not sure? Use the compatibility checker on our home page, or ask us on WhatsApp.
- Pick your plan. Search your destination, choose the data and days you need, and pay in your own currency. Your QR arrives by email within a minute.
- Scan and go. Scan the QR on Wi-Fi before you fly. It stays dormant until you land, then switches on automatically at your destination.
What runs on your data, and what needs your home SIM
Because a Slashtel eSIM is data only, it comes down to two switches on your operator SIM. Switch international roaming on, so calls, texts and bank OTPs still reach your usual number, and switch its data roaming off, so you are never billed for roaming data. Then set your Slashtel eSIM as your data line. Your number stays fully reachable while all your internet runs on the eSIM at local rates, never your carrier's roaming rates. For the full picture, see our guide on calls, texts and OTPs with a data eSIM.
Questions, answered
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a SIM card built into your phone, with no plastic to swap. Instead of a physical card, you scan a QR code and a data plan is added in a couple of taps. It sits alongside your existing SIM, so you keep your normal number, and almost every phone from 2020 onwards supports it.
Does a Slashtel eSIM give me a phone number?
No. Slashtel eSIMs are data only, so they supply mobile internet but no phone number, calls or SMS. You keep your home SIM in the phone for your number and bank OTPs, and everything else, like WhatsApp, maps and video calls, runs over the data.
When does my plan start counting?
Only when you first connect at your destination. You can install the eSIM days ahead on Wi-Fi at home, and it stays dormant until you arrive and switch it on, so buying early never wastes days.
Do I need a special phone?
You need an eSIM-capable, carrier-unlocked phone. Most phones and tablets from 2020 onwards qualify. Dial *#06# and if an EID number appears, you are ready. If you are unsure, message us on WhatsApp before you buy and we will check for you.
Can I pay from another country in my own currency?
Yes. Pay by any international card in USD, GBP, EUR, INR or AED, with no contract and no local address needed. Parents or friends can pay and forward you the QR by email.