An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card which is permanently integrated into your device. It offers the same functions as conventional SIM cards, but it does not require a physical card. With the ZIM@SBB app, you can conveniently install your data package on your device and connect to local mobile networks all around the world.

You will need an eSIM-compatible device (smartphone or tablet). Your device also needs to be unblocked and cannot be tied to a specific mobile network provider.

You can check this in the settings on your smartphone. Here, search for the option for adding a mobile phone provider or an eSIM.

Alternatively, when you first open the ZIM@SBB app, it will automatically check the compatibility of the device. If your device does not support eSIMs, you will receive a message to this effect in the app itself.

The ZIM@SBB app provides access to mobile networks at over 200 destinations. You choose a country or a region and a suitable data package. Following installation and activation, your eSIM will automatically connect with the available local network, doing so as soon as you arrive in the relevant country or the region selected.

With ZIM@SBB you use flexible eSIM data packages instead of the expensive roaming charges offered by your mobile network provider. This way, you can maintain an overview of costs at all times.

The ZIM@SBB eSIM is purely a data plan. Telephone calls and SMS messages are not included. You can, however, make use of internet-based services such as WhatsApp, Facetime, Microsoft Teams or Zoom to make calls or send messages.

Yes. If your device has dual SIM support, you can use your existing physical SIM card to make telephone calls and send text messages and simultaneously use the ZIM@SBB eSIM for mobile data.

Choose a suitable data plan in the ZIM@SBB app and complete your purchase in the app itself.

Having made your purchase, you can install the eSIM using the installation link in the wallet of the app. Tap on the link and follow the instructions on your device. Installation will be carried out automatically. Alternatively, the app provides a tutorial with step-by-step instructions. We recommend installing the eSIM before you set off on your journey, as the installation process requires a stable internet connection.

Activation requires an internet connection. You can activate your eSIM either before you set off or once you have arrived in your destination country. When abroad, you should note that, if no mobile data connection is available, activation will require access to a WiFi connection.

1. Select the region (country, region or worldwide).
2. Select your data plan.
   • Fixed data volume: Full speed for the entire period of the plan.
   • Unlimited data: 1 GB high speed, lower speeds after this.
3. Install the eSIM, activate data roaming and use the eSIM as your mobile data connection.

Yes. You can buy the eSIM up to three months before your journey. The plan begins when the first connection to a mobile network is made.

The plan begins when the eSIM makes its first successful connection to a supported mobile network in the area where the plan selected is valid.

• Make sure that the internet connection is stable.
• Activate your eSIM.
• Activate data roaming for the eSIM.
• Deactivate roaming for the physical SIM (if present).
• Select the eSIM of the ZIM@SBB app as the default connection for mobile data.

Yes. You can also buy the eSIM when abroad and use it immediately. A stable internet connection is required, as this is needed for purchase and installation.

Yes. With a dual SIM device, you can use an eSIM and a physical SIM card at the same time. This way, you can use your ZIM@SBB eSIM for data and your existing telephone number for calls, for example. Availability depends on your device.

To more easily distinguish between your physical SIM card and your eSIM, you can rename them during the installation of your eSIM. The individual names will help you when choosing the connection you want for mobile data and help you to keep a good overview of things.

You can change the name of your SIM card and your eSIM at any time in the settings of your device.

Here’s what to do:

• Open the settings on your device.
• Go to where your SIM cards are listed.
• Select the SIM card or eSIM which you would like to rename and give it a new name.

The default connection for mobile data determines which SIM card will used for the internet connection – your physical SIM card or your eSIM.

If you have bought an eSIM data package, you should specify the eSIM as your default connection for mobile data. If you secured your data plan before your journey, you can continue to use the data connection associated with your physical SIM card until you arrive at your destination and then change over to the eSIM.

You can switch between your physical SIM card and your eSIM as the default connection for mobile data at any time in the settings of your device.

Yes. As long as your device supports the hotspot function, you can share your data connection.

Yes. You can send messages the way you usually do, using apps such as WhatsApp, iMessage or Facebook Messenger.

You can check the volume of data and the time remaining in the wallet of the ZIM@SBB app.

You will receive notification when 80% of your credit has been used up. Once your data has been completely used up, you will no longer be able to use mobile data and you will have to use WiFi or change over to your physical SIM card to buy new data.

If your data plan does not work, there are a variety of possible causes. Please check the following points:

• Has your eSIM been activated?
• Has data roaming be activated?
• Has the eSIM been specified as the connection for mobile data?
• Is your reception good enough?
• Briefly activate flight mode and then switch it off again. The will cause the device to check for networks again so that the connection can be re-established.

Your eSIM should only be deleted once its period of use has elapsed or once your data package has been fully used – not beforehand. Following the deletion of the eSIM, it will no longer be possible to transmit data using this connection.

How to delete your eSIM:

• Open the settings on your device.
• Go to where your SIM cards are listed.
• Select the eSIM which has run out and follow the instructions on your device to delete it.

You can transfer your eSIM to a new telephone as long as you still have access to the old device.

Here’s what to do:

• Connect your old telephone with the WiFi or use the data from your physical SIM card.
• Delete the eSIM on the old device and wait for around five minutes.
• Install the ZIM@SBB app on your new telephone (ideally from your backup).
• Open the ZIM@SBB app and reinstall your eSIM. Learn more about this under ‘How can I install an eSIM?’.

Your existing data plans will remain, as it is still the same eSIM which has been transferred to the new device.

Install the ZIM@SBB app on your new device and sign in with your login details. If your eSIM is still on the device which has been lost or if you need help setting things up again, please contact Support at support@zimconnectionsLink opens in new window. or use the live chat in the app.

If you have questions or problems, the live chat in the ZIM@SBB app is available. You will find this under ‘Account’ in the ‘Help’ area. Here you will also find various eSIM tutorials which provide step-by-step instructions on usage.

Alternatively, you can contact Support via e-mail at support@zimconnections.comLink opens in new window..