Short answer. A phone takes a travel eSIM when two things are true: it has an eSIM chip, and it is not locked to your network. For the chip, dial *#06#: if an EID number appears, the phone has an eSIM. For the lock, on iPhone, open Settings, General, About, and look for "No SIM Restrictions" next to Network Provider Lock (Carrier Lock on US iPhones). Do both checks before you buy: a phone without eSIM, or a locked one, cannot install the eSIM, whoever sells it.
Check 1: the *#06# code
Open the Phone app keypad and type *#06#, as if making a call. A screen shows the device's identifiers:
- An EID appears (a long 32-digit number): the phone has an eSIM chip. Our supplier uses this test first.
- Only one or two IMEI numbers, no EID: the phone probably has no eSIM. Still do check 2: some models do not show the EID with this code.
The test works with no SIM and no connection. It says nothing about the carrier lock: that is check 3.
Check 2: the settings menu
On iPhone, open Settings, General, About and scroll: an iPhone with eSIM shows an EID line. Then, in Settings, Mobile Service (Mobile Data or Cellular on some versions), the Add eSIM option should be there. Apple says eSIM is present from the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR onwards.
On Samsung, open Settings, Connections, SIM manager: if Add eSIM appears, the phone takes one.
On Pixel, open Settings, Network and internet, SIMs: Google describes adding one through Add SIM, then Set up eSIM.
On other Android phones, the path depends on the brand: type "eSIM" in the settings search bar. If nothing comes up, the phone probably has none.
Check 3: the carrier lock
This is the failure people find out about too late. A phone bought with a contract can be locked to that network: it has an eSIM, but it refuses any other network's card, a travel eSIM included.
- iPhone: Settings, General, About. Apple says the iPhone is unlocked if "No SIM Restrictions" appears next to Network Provider Lock (Carrier Lock on US iPhones).
- Android: most models have no equivalent screen. The simplest test: put in another network's SIM card, a friend's for example, and try mobile data with Wi-Fi off. If it works, the phone is unlocked. If not, ask your network.
Only your network can unlock the phone, and it can take a few days: ask well before you travel. Our supplier also notes that after a recent unlock, some networks block eSIM for a while for security reasons.
The models, in short
- iPhone: XS, XS Max, XR and every later model, including the iPhone 17 and 18. Exception: iPhones sold in mainland China generally have no eSIM; Apple lists only the iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, 17e and Air there.
- Samsung: Galaxy S22 and later, recent Z Fold and Z Flip. The S20, S21, Note 20 and A series depend on the country of purchase.
- Google: Pixel 4 and later. The Pixel 2, 3 and 3a depend on the version and country.
- Other brands: some recent Xiaomi, Motorola, Oppo, Huawei or OnePlus models have eSIM, often depending on the regional version.
Model by model: our compatibility page, and our iPhone and Samsung and Pixel guides.
Regional version traps
Two phones with the same name can behave differently. Our supplier lists, for example, US versions of the Galaxy S20 and S21, or Pixel 3 phones bought in Japan, Australia or Taiwan, without eSIM. A second-hand phone or one bought abroad always deserves the *#06# test, even if its name is on a list.
Why check before you buy
Our terms say so: no refund is possible for a device that is not compatible or is locked by a network. Two minutes of checks avoid a wasted purchase. If you are still unsure after the three tests, write to us before ordering, with the exact model and the country where it was bought.
Your phone is compatible: next steps
Install the eSIM at home, on Wi-Fi, before you leave: see how to install a Tunisia eSIM, step by step. Then, when you land, follow activate an eSIM in Tunisia on arrival.
Our eSIM runs on the Orange Tunisie network: 1 GB a day at full 4G speed, then 512 kbps until the next day, hotspot included, QR code by email, plan starting at your first connection in Tunisia. See the plans.
Sources
Apple Support: Set up eSIM on iPhone, Use eSIM while travelling internationally, If you can't set up eSIM on your iPhone, Unlock your iPhone. Google Help: Use dual SIMs on your Google Pixel phone. Our eSIM supplier's documentation, read on 16 October 2026. Menu names vary a little with the phone model and system version.