An eSIM makes traveling with kids easier because you buy and install your data plan at home, so the whole family is online the moment you land, with no SIM shop to find after a long flight. Young kids rarely need their own eSIM: their tablet can use your phone's hotspot. Teens with their own unlocked, eSIM compatible phone can get their own data-only eSIM, so they can message you and use maps when you're not together.
Does your child need their own eSIM?
It depends on their age and on how much time they spend away from you. Most families end up with one of these two setups.
Young kids and tablets: share your data
If your kids are always with you, one travel eSIM on a parent's phone is usually enough. Your phone can share its mobile data as a Wi-Fi hotspot, and the kids' tablet connects to it like to any Wi-Fi network. Apple explains that Personal Hotspot turns the cellular data of an iPhone or a cellular iPad into a portable Wi-Fi network that other devices can join (Apple Support). Google says a Pixel phone can share its mobile data with up to 10 other devices through a Wi-Fi hotspot (Pixel Phone Help).
Everything the tablet uses comes out of your plan, so pick enough data for the whole family. Google also notes that some carriers limit tethering, so check that hotspot use is allowed in your plan before you rely on it. Our guide on whether a hotspot costs extra explains the details.
Teens with their own phone: give them their own eSIM
Older kids often go off on their own, on a school trip, at a theme park or in a city they're exploring with friends. Then sharing your hotspot no longer works, because they need data when they're away from your phone. A separate eSIM on their phone lets them message you, share their location and open maps wherever they are. Our guide shows how to share your location on iPhone.
Heading to France on a school trip? A data-only France eSIM covers the trip. Pick a plan that lasts as long as the trip, with some extra data for photos and video calls home.
Data-only plans for France · 5 GB, 10 GB or 20 GB · See all France eSIMs · Not sure which one? Read our guide to the best eSIMs for France.
What your kid's phone needs for an eSIM
- eSIM support. Apple says you need an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR or later (Apple Support). For Android phones, check our list of eSIM supported phones or our guide on how to check eSIM compatibility.
- An unlocked phone. To use a travel eSIM, your iPhone cannot be locked to a carrier. Apple says you can check this under Settings, General, About: "No SIM Restrictions" next to Carrier Lock means it's unlocked (Apple Support). If it's locked, see how to unlock your phone.
- Wi-Fi to install it. Apple says your iPhone needs a Wi-Fi network or hotspot to activate the eSIM, with some exceptions for eSIM-only models. Install it at home, before you leave.
Kids' phones are often older hand-me-downs, so check this well before the trip. Their home SIM can stay in the phone: Apple says supported iPhones can have two eSIMs active at the same time, one for the home number and one for the trip.
How an eSIM makes family travel easier
Set up at home, online when you land
Apple notes that with an eSIM you don't need to obtain, carry or swap physical SIM cards, which can also be lost (Apple Support). You buy the plan online, install it at home and turn it on when you arrive. You don't queue at an airport kiosk with tired kids, and you don't need to explain what you want in another language.
No surprise roaming bill
Roaming on your home plan can cost extra, depending on your carrier, and kids streaming videos use a lot of data. A prepaid travel eSIM has a fixed amount of data, so you know the cost before you go. If you're comparing options, read international roaming vs travel eSIM.
Your home number keeps working
Apple says that if you keep both lines on, the travel eSIM is used for data and your primary line keeps working. Even if you use only the travel eSIM, FaceTime and iMessage keep working on your home line (Apple Support). Your home line may still charge roaming fees for calls and texts, so check with your carrier.
Maps, meeting points and entertainment
With data on every phone that needs it, you can agree on a meeting point at a busy attraction, find the next playground or restaurant and book tickets on the go. Download films and shows at home on Wi-Fi, and keep mobile data for the things you need on the day. Our best apps to keep kids entertained on a trip and our tips on how to reduce data usage abroad help your data last.
Pick an eSIM for your family trip
Choose a plan for your destination that lasts the whole trip. If one phone shares its hotspot with the kids' devices, choose more data than you would for yourself alone. These plans are data-only, so they don't come with a phone number. You can still call and message through apps such as WhatsApp or FaceTime.
Data-only plans for Europe · 10 GB, 20 GB or 50 GB · See all Europe eSIMs · Compare them in our best eSIM for Europe guide.
Data-only plans for the USA · 10 GB, 20 GB or 50 GB · See all USA eSIMs · Going somewhere else? Find your destination
Set it up before you fly
- Check each phone. Make sure it supports eSIM and is unlocked.
- Decide who gets an eSIM. One for the parent who shares a hotspot, plus one for each teen who will go off on their own.
- Buy the plans online. Our guide on how to buy an eSIM online walks you through it.
- Install at home on Wi-Fi. Follow our eSIM installation guide.
- Turn it on when you land. Set the travel eSIM as the line for mobile data. If data doesn't work, see eSIM network not available: how to fix it.
FAQs
Can I share my travel eSIM with my family's devices?
Yes, through your phone's hotspot, if your plan allows it. The other devices use your data, so choose a plan with enough for everyone. The eSIM itself stays on your phone, so the others connect over Wi-Fi.
Is there an eSIM family plan?
Travel eSIMs are sold per device. A family usually shares one plan through a hotspot, or buys one eSIM for each phone that needs its own data.
Which eSIM should I put on my teenager's phone for a school trip?
A data-only eSIM for the destination, such as a France eSIM for a school trip to France, that lasts the whole trip. Check first that their phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.
Can I buy a travel eSIM online and use it later?
Yes. Apple says you can buy a travel eSIM before you leave. Install it at home on Wi-Fi, then turn it on when you arrive.
Does a data-only eSIM give my child a phone number?
No. A data-only eSIM has no phone number, but your child can still call and message you through apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime or iMessage. Read how to make phone calls with a data-only eSIM.
Do I need a separate eSIM for my kid's tablet?
Usually not. A tablet without its own cellular connection can join your phone's hotspot like any Wi-Fi network.
