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All Collections🚀 What's an eSIM and how it works?
🤔 All About eSIM - Frequently Asked Questions
🤔 All About eSIM - Frequently Asked Questions

Learn everything about Kolet eSIM! Find answers to activation, data plans, hotspot use & more, stay connected on every trip.

Updated today

Ready to upgrade your travel connectivity? Get all the answers on activation, data, hotspots, and avoiding roaming fees, your eSIM cheat sheet is here! 


🔎 Does data usage begin immediately upon eSIM installation?

Nope! Your data plan only kicks in when you activate it at your destination.

1. Install your eSIM before your flight (you need an internet connection for setup).

2. Once you land at your destination, activate your Kolet data plan

3. Your data plan officially starts when you use the first MB of data.

📌 Tip: If you install your eSIM in advance, it will stay on your device until you decide to use it.


🚀 When does my data plan start?

First, install your eSIM and keep it ready. Your data plan only starts when you activate it upon arrival at your destination.

You have full control over when to begin using your plan.

📌 Tip: Your plan remains inactive until you decide to start using it, ensuring you get the full validity period.


📅 When should I install my eSIM?

For the smoothest experience, install before you leave home while connected to WiFi.

Internet is required for installation, and airport WiFi is often unreliable.

✅ You’ll be ready to activate instantly when you land at your destination.

✅ It saves you time and prevents setup issues while traveling.

⚠️ Important: Install your eSIM before reaching the airport to avoid connection issues with weak or restricted WiFi.


📊 Which Data Plan Should I Choose?

Your ideal data plan depends on how you use your phone.

📺 Streaming, gaming, video calls? You’ll need more data.

💬 Messaging, browsing, checking emails? A smaller plan works fine.

💡 Not sure how much you need? Use our Data Simulator to estimate the best plan for your trip, because guessing your data needs is so 2003.


⏱️ If I purchase a data plan, does it start immediately?

No, your data plan does not start automatically upon purchase.

  • First, install your eSIM and keep it ready for activation.

  • If you’re not yet at your destination, the plan remains inactive until you manually activate it.

  • If you’re already at your destination and using an active data plan, the new plan will only start after your current plan expires.

📌 Tip: You can pre-purchase a data plan in advance, ensuring you’re ready to connect the moment you need it.


📶 What's the difference between a data plan and an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card that allows you to connect to mobile networks without swapping physical SIMs.

  • Your Kolet eSIM remains on your device permanently.

  • A data plan is what you purchase to access the internet in different countries.

  • Kolet eSIM doesn’t expire, but your data plans have a 30-day validity once activated.

📌 Tip: Unlike traditional roaming, you don’t need to replace your eSIM when traveling just top up with a data plan whenever needed! just like downloading your road trip playlist before leaving WiFi. 🎶


📞 Can I make phone calls with the eSIM?

Kolet eSIM does not support regular cellular calls (like standard SIMs), but you can still make calls using apps like:

✅ WhatsApp

✅ FaceTime

✅ Facebook Messenger

✅ Instagram

✅ Telegram

✅ Skype & other messaging apps


📩 Will I be charged for SMS?

Receiving SMS is free.

Replying or sending SMS may incur charges depending on your mobile carrier.

📌 Kolet will never charge you for receiving SMS. All notifications sent by Kolet are completely free of charge on your eSIM.


🤳Will I be charged roaming fees if I use FaceTime with Kolet eSIM?

No! FaceTime, WhatsApp, and other VoIP services use your Kolet data plan, so there are no additional roaming charges.

📌 If you see a warning like “Your operator may charge for text messages to activate FaceTime/iMessage”, don’t worry—this does not apply to Kolet eSIM.


🌍 Where can I find your prices, and is Kolet available in certain countries?

Kolet offers affordable and flexible data plans across 100+ countries and regions worldwide, including:

  • Country-Specific Plans: Tailored for individual destinations (valid for 30 days)

  • Regional Plans: Cover multiple countries within a specific region (e.g., Europe, Asia, Latin America. Valid for 30 days)

  • Global Plan: Provides coverage in 100+ locations, perfect for frequent travellers.

💡 Global Plan Validity:

  • 1GB & 3GB: 30 days

  • 5GB: 60 days

  • 10GB: 180 days

  • 20GB: 365 days

🗺️ Check the latest prices and destinations here: Kolet eSIM Data Plans

📌 Tip: Your plan will not start upon purchase or installation, it only activates when you arrive at your destination and begin using data. If you buy your plan in advance, it will stay inactive until you decide to use it, ensuring you get the full validity period.


🙄 Oops! Bought the Wrong Data Plan? We’ve Got You!

Mistakes happen, maybe you picked the wrong destination or plan, and now you’re stuck. No worries! Our Customer Care Team is here to help so you can get the right plan and stay connected.

✅ What Happens Next?

If you purchased the incorrect data plan, we can refund your order so you can repurchase the correct one. Here’s how to get it sorted:

1️⃣ Reach out to Kolet Support: Contact us

2️⃣ Provide details: Let us know the incorrect plan and the correct one you need.

3️⃣ Refund & repurchase: Once processed, you’ll receive a refund, so you can buy the right plan


📡 Can I use Kolet eSIM as a hotspot on another device?

Yes! Some mobile carriers block hotspot usage, but Kolet eSIM allows it on all compatible devices without restrictions.

✅ Share your data with laptops, tablets, or other phones.

✅ Connect multiple devices using your phone’s WiFi hotspot feature.

📌 Heads up! Using a hotspot can double your data consumption, as the connection will be active on multiple devices at the same time. Keep an eye on your usage if you have a limited data plan.


💲 I'm still receiving SMS about roaming charges from my provider. Is it normal?

Even if you’re using Kolet eSIM, your original SIM card may still receive roaming notifications from your primary carrier, most of them are informatives and concerns the current pricing in your location if you keep on using your primary line

💡 How to avoid charges:

  • Disable data roaming for your primary SIM in your phone settings.

  • Enable data roaming for the Kolet eSIM

  • Use Kolet eSIM exclusively for mobile data while traveling


🌍 Do I Need a VPN to Use Apps in China?

No! Kolet eSIM bypasses restrictions without a VPN. Access WhatsApp, Gmail, Instagram & more freely, no blocks, no hassle! 🚀


🔁 What can I do with my unused data?

If you have unused data, you have two options:

  • Transfer it to your next destination – If you're traveling to another country, you may be able to move your remaining data to a new plan.

  • Convert it into a voucher – If you're not traveling right away, you can exchange your unused data for a voucher to use later.

Keep in mind that data transfers and vouchers are only available for plans with more than 1GB of unused data and for paid plans.

Reach out to Kolet Support here: we’ll help you make the best choice! 🚀


⚡ Stay connected, top up in seconds!

📱 From the Kolet App

  • Open the Kolet app and tap ”+ Add More Data”

  • Choose the data plan that suits your needs

  • Confirm your purchase and stay connected

💻 From Our Website

  • Select your destination and preferred data plan

  • Complete the checkout, and your new plan is ready to use

📌 Tip: Topping up automatically extends your unused data from your current plan, so you never waste a single MB! 🚀


Need assistance? We’re here 24/7! ✨

Meet Koko, our tireless digital assistant, always ready to help! Prefer a human? Our expert agents are just a tap away! 💬

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