Mongolia eSIM

Most flagship smartphones released since 2018-2019 support eSIM, including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy S20 series and newer. Tablets, smartwatches and an increasing number of laptops also support eSIM. The fastest way to verify your specific device is to check Settings , if you see "Add eSIM" or "Add cellular plan" as an option, you're compatible.

eSIM compatibility is now standard across the high-end smartphone market and rapidly spreading into mid-range devices. eSIM Scout works with any unlocked, eSIM-capable device , no special configuration needed beyond scanning the QR code we send you.

iPhones with eSIM support

• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018) , first iPhones with eSIM (one physical SIM + one eSIM).
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (2019).
• iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max (2020).
• iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max (2021) , supports two active eSIMs simultaneously.
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max (2022) , US versions are eSIM-only (no physical SIM tray).
• iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, iPhone SE 3 and later , full eSIM support.

Google Pixel with eSIM support

• Pixel 3 / 3 XL and all later models (Pixel 4, 4a, 5, 5a, 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, 8, 8 Pro, Pixel Fold).

Samsung Galaxy with eSIM support

• Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S20 FE (2020) , first Galaxy with eSIM.
• Galaxy S21 / S22 / S23 / S24 series (all variants except some regional versions).
• Galaxy Z Fold 2, 3, 4, 5 and Z Flip 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
• Galaxy Note 20, 20 Ultra.
• Note: Some regional Samsung variants (e.g., specific Hong Kong dual-SIM physical models) may not support eSIM. Check Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager.

Other Android devices with eSIM

• Huawei: P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro and newer flagships.
• Motorola: Razr (2019+), Edge 30 series, ThinkPhone.
• Xiaomi: Mi 11 series and newer (international versions).
• OnePlus: OnePlus 11, 12 (verify region).
• Sony: Xperia 1 IV, 5 IV, 10 IV and newer.
• Nokia / HMD: G60, X30 5G.

How to verify eSIM support on your device

1. iPhone: Settings → Cellular → look for "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan". You can also dial *#06# , if you see an "EID" (32-digit number), your phone has eSIM hardware.
2. Android: Settings → Connections (or Network & Internet) → SIM Cards → look for "Download a SIM instead" or "Add eSIM".
3. EID check: most eSIM-capable Android phones show EID in Settings → About Phone → Status.

Tip: Even if your phone supports eSIM hardware, it must be unlocked (not carrier-locked) to use third-party eSIMs like eSIM Scout. Most phones bought outright are unlocked; phones from carrier instalment plans may require unlocking after the contract is paid off.

Almost every flagship smartphone released since 2019 supports eSIM, making it ideal for international travel. Compatible models include iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, plus a growing list of mid-range devices. If your phone has Settings → Cellular → "Add eSIM", you're ready to use a eSIM Scout plan abroad.

Travellers benefit most from eSIM because it eliminates the airport SIM-card queue, removes the need to swap your home SIM out, and lets you keep your usual phone number active for SMS verification. A eSIM Scout travel eSIM activates the moment you land , no shop visit required.

Best eSIM-compatible travel phones

• iPhone (2018+): XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series and SE 3rd gen , all support Dual SIM with one physical SIM + one eSIM. iPhone 14/15/16 in the US is eSIM-only.
• Google Pixel (2018+): Pixel 3 through Pixel 9 , all support eSIM. Pixel 7 Pro and newer support multiple active eSIMs.
• Samsung Galaxy (2020+): S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25, Note 20, Fold and Flip series.
• Motorola: Razr (2019+), Edge 30/40, ThinkPhone , most newer flagships.
• OnePlus: OnePlus 11, 12 , varies by region.
• Sony: Xperia 1 IV / V, Xperia 10 IV / V.
• Xiaomi: Mi 11 international and newer flagships.
• Nokia/HMD: G60 5G, X30 5G.

What to check before buying a travel eSIM

1. eSIM hardware: dial *#06# , if an EID number appears, you're compatible.
2. Carrier unlock status: phones bought on instalment plans may be locked to your home carrier. Most outright purchases are unlocked.
3. iOS version: iOS 12.1 or newer for full eSIM support.
4. Android version: Android 9 or newer typically supports eSIM, though it depends on the manufacturer.
5. Region-specific variants: some Samsung models sold in Hong Kong or China are dual physical SIM with no eSIM , verify your specific model number.

Travel-friendly phones that don't support eSIM

• iPhones older than XS (iPhone X, 8, 7, 6 series).
• Most budget Android phones (entry-level Samsung A series before A53, Xiaomi Redmi entry models).
• Older Huawei devices without Google Services.
• Region-specific dual physical SIM variants (verify model number).

Tip: if your current phone doesn't support eSIM but you travel often, an unlocked, mid-range eSIM-capable phone (e.g., Pixel 7a, iPhone SE 3, Samsung Galaxy A55) makes an excellent secondary travel device , pair it with a eSIM Scout plan and you have a full mobile internet kit for any destination.

It depends on the location. In Ulaanbaatar and major provincial centers (Aimag centers), you will have excellent 4G/LTE speeds. However, the Gobi Desert and the vast steppes are extremely remote. While our eSIM connects to the best available towers, signal can be intermittent or non-existent in deep desert areas (like the Khongor Sand Dunes). Most tourist Ger camps are located near signal towers, but we strongly recommend downloading offline maps before leaving the city. 

 Reliability is everything in Mongolia. Our eSIM connects to the country's leading providers, typically Unitel or Mobicom. These operators have the most extensive infrastructure across the country, giving you the best possible chance of staying connected whether you are at the Eagle Festival in Bayan-Ölgii or visiting Lake Khövsgöl. 

 This specific plan is valid only within Mongolia. The Trans-Mongolian Railway is a popular journey connecting Russia, Mongolia, and China. Once the train crosses the border into Russia (Siberia) or China (Inner Mongolia), your connection will stop. For this legendary train trip, we highly recommend checking our Asia Regional or Global eSIM plans to stay connected across all three countries. 

Yes. GPS is essential for navigating Mongolia’s unmarked dirt tracks. Our eSIM allows you to use Google Maps or Maps.me. While you might lose signal in between destinations, having an active connection when you reach higher ground or settlements is crucial for safety and communication with your tour operator or rental agency. 

Yes. Most traditional Ger camps do not have Wi-Fi, or it is very slow. Personal Hotspot (Tethering) is fully supported on our eSIM. This means you can turn your phone into a router and share your data with your laptop or friends inside your Ger to upload your starry night photos or check emails before sleep. 

 Most modern phones do, but you must check our specific list here: eSIM Compatible Devices to be 100% sure before purchasing. 

 No, Uber does not operate in Mongolia. You need reliable data to use UBCab, the most popular local taxi app, to get around Ulaanbaatar safely and avoid language barriers with drivers. 

 You will generally have strong signal in the gateway villages of Khatgal and Hankh, allowing you to share photos of the "Blue Pearl of Asia," but coverage drops significantly if you venture onto the water or remote shores. 

 Yes. Coverage is reliable at the massive Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue in Tsonjin Boldog, allowing you to live-stream the panoramic view from the observation deck on the horse's head. 

 Absolutely. If you are visiting in July for Naadam, reliable data is essential to check the real-time schedules for wrestling, archery, and horse racing events at the National Sports Stadium or Khui Doloon Khudag.