FAQ — Travel eSIM & SIM Card Questions

Real answers to the questions our customers ask most, written by the Happy Travel SIM team. Can't find yours? Contact us and we will reply personally.

Before You Buy

What's the difference between a Daily plan and a Total Data plan?

A Daily plan (e.g. Daily 1GB / 2GB / 3GB) gives you a fresh data allowance every day. It resets automatically at midnight — unused data does not carry over, and once the day's high-speed data is used up the speed drops (around 128kbps, enough for text messaging) until it resets. A Total Data plan (e.g. 50GB over 30 days) gives you one fixed pool of data for the whole validity period, with no daily limit — you can use more on some days and less on others. When the pool runs out, the connection stops until you buy again or top up.

How long do I have to activate my eSIM after buying?

eSIMs must be activated within 90 days of purchase. After that, the plan's own validity begins — so there are two numbers to keep in mind: 90 days to start using it, then X days of plan validity once you do. Activation happens when you arrive at your destination, install the eSIM and turn on Data Roaming. *(Malaysia CelcomDigi local eSIM is the exception — see the local eSIM section.)*

How long do I have to activate a physical SIM card after buying?

Physical SIM cards must be used within 180 days of purchase — this is longer than the 90 days for eSIMs. As with eSIMs, the plan's validity only starts counting once you arrive, insert the SIM and turn on Data Roaming. Note that the 180 days is the window to *start* using an unused card — it does not mean a card you've already used can be reused within 180 days.

Can I use the SIM as a personal hotspot / tethering?

Yes for Daily plans and Total-GB plans — both support personal hotspot and data sharing. Unlimited plans do not support hotspot/tethering under fair-usage policy, and a few specific products (for example the Three UK eSIM/SIM) also don't support hotspot — the product page always states it. If sharing data with other devices matters to you, choose a Daily or Total-GB plan.

Does the travel SIM/eSIM come with a phone number? Can I make calls or receive SMS/OTP?

Our travel SIMs and eSIMs are data-only. They have no phone number, and cannot make voice calls or receive SMS/OTP verification codes. You can still use internet-based calling and messaging (WhatsApp, Messenger, FaceTime, etc.). *(Note: Malaysia CelcomDigi local eSIM is different — see the local eSIM section.)*

Can I top up / add more data when it runs out?

Top-up is available only for Total (fixed-data) plans on our roaming SIMs. Daily plans, Unlimited plans and local SIMs cannot be topped up — when they run out you simply purchase a new plan.

Will my phone work with an eSIM?

Dial *#06# on your phone. If an EID number appears (not just the IMEI), your phone supports eSIM. Most iPhone XS and later, and most recent Android flagships, support eSIM.

Coverage — the details most sellers don't tell you

Does the China / Hong Kong / Macau SIM cover all three regions?

Yes for all plans except one: the 5GB/day plan covers China and Hong Kong only — it does not include Macau. All our other China·HK·Macau plans do include Macau. If you need Macau coverage, choose any plan other than the 5GB/day option.

Does the Thailand SIM work in the far-south provinces (Betong, Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat)?

Choose a Total-data plan for these four provinces — Total plans cover southern Thailand. Daily plans and Unlimited plans do not cover Betong, Yala, Pattani or Narathiwat. Everywhere else in Thailand (Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, etc.) is covered by all plan types.

Does the India SIM cover Leh / Ladakh and other remote areas?

Our India plans work well across the main tourist and city areas. Coverage is not guaranteed in remote or restricted regions such as Leh, Ladakh, parts of Jammu & Kashmir, and remote north-eastern areas. If your itinerary includes these areas, please contact us before purchasing.

Which European countries are covered?

Our Europe plans cover a wide range of European countries including the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, the Nordics (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland), Turkey and more. The exact country list is shown on each Europe product page — please check it before you buy.

Installation & Activation

When should I install/scan my eSIM — before I fly or after I land?

You can install (scan the QR) before you travel — installing does not activate the plan. Activation happens when you select the line and turn on Data Roaming at your destination. We recommend installing while you still have stable Wi-Fi at home, then switching it on after you land.

Do I need Wi-Fi to install the eSIM?

Yes — you need an internet connection (Wi-Fi is easiest) to download the eSIM profile. Install it before you leave, or use airport/hotel Wi-Fi at your destination.

I've installed several eSIMs and can't tell which one is yours.

Our roaming eSIM appears under the network operator's name, not our brand name — commonly shown as Hutchison HK / 3 HK / Three. It's usually the line you added most recently. To use it: go to Settings → Cellular/Mobile Service → select that line → turn the line ON → set Mobile Data to that line → turn ON Data Roaming. Data Roaming is the step most people miss — without it you'll have no internet.

Can I reuse the QR code or install it on a second device?

No. Each eSIM QR code can be installed once, on one device. Once installed (or deleted), the same QR cannot be used again. Please don't scan the same QR repeatedly — it creates duplicate, non-working entries on your phone.

Using Your Plan

What time does the daily allowance reset?

Daily allowances are counted by calendar day and reset at midnight 00:00 (GMT+8) — not 24 hours from activation. Once the day's high-speed data is used up, speed reduces until it restores at midnight. *(Reset time can differ for some regional plans — check your product page.)*

Can I use TikTok, ChatGPT and other apps?

It depends on the network your plan uses. On most of our plans all major apps work normally — Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Gmail and Maps. On our China·Hong Kong·Macau plans, TikTok and ChatGPT are not accessible, while Google, YouTube and other services work normally. On some networks TikTok works on iPhone but not on Android. If a specific app is essential for your trip, ask us before buying and we'll confirm for your exact plan.

Does the China SIM work without a VPN?

Yes — our China plans connect through international roaming, so Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Gmail and YouTube work normally in mainland China without a VPN. *(See the app note above regarding TikTok and ChatGPT.)*

How can I check how much data I have left?

Enter your ICCID on our website's Check Data Balance page to see the plan actually loaded on your card (data, days and validity). Your ICCID is printed on physical SIM cards, and included in the eSIM order email.

My internet is slow or not working — what should I check?

Check these first: (1) Data Roaming is ON, (2) the correct line is selected for Mobile Data, (3) you're at your destination country, (4) restart the phone, (5) if you use a VPN app (e.g. Surfshark), turn it off — VPNs often block the connection. If it still doesn't work, contact us with your order number.

Malaysia Local eSIM (CelcomDigi)

Does the Malaysia CelcomDigi eSIM come with a Malaysian phone number?

Yes — unlike our travel SIMs, the CelcomDigi local eSIM includes a Malaysian number and can make local calls (handy for contacting drivers, hotels or restaurants). However, it cannot receive TAC / OTP / SMS verification codes and cannot be used to register social media or bank accounts — it is a travel data-and-calls number only. No registration is needed: install it and it works.

When should I buy and install the CelcomDigi eSIM?

Buy it close to when you need it. This plan activates on purchase and validity starts from 00:00 the next day — buying it far in advance means it may expire before your trip. It is installed by scanning the QR code only (there is no SM-DP+ address or manual activation code).

Orders & Delivery

I haven't received my eSIM QR email.

The QR is sent automatically to the email on your order. Please check your spam/junk folder first — it's the most common cause. If it's still missing, contact us with your order number and we'll resend it.

Do you accept Touch 'n Go eWallet?

No. We accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex). We do not accept Touch 'n Go eWallet, GrabPay, Boost or FPX / online banking. Apple Pay and Google Pay only appear at checkout if your device supports them (Apple Pay on iPhone/Safari, Google Pay on Android/Chrome) — if you don't see them, simply pay with PayPal or a card.

Still have a question?

Message us on WhatsApp or use the contact form. Related pages: How to install an eSIM · Check data balance · eSIM guides.