To activate an eSIM for Latin America, you install the QR code profile at home on Wi-Fi before you travel, then turn on the eSIM line and switch on Data Roaming once you land. Installing and activating are two different moments, and mixing them up is the reason most people think their eSIM "isn't working" when it's actually just waiting for that final step.

Exactly when your data plan itself switches on varies by plan. Some start counting from the moment you install the profile, others only start on first contact with a network at your destination. Always check your confirmation email or the specific plan's product page for the trigger that applies to you, rather than assuming.

• Install the eSIM via QR code on home Wi-Fi before you fly
• Turn on the eSIM line and enable Data Roaming after you land
• Set the eSIM as your data line, not your home SIM
• Check your confirmation email for your plan's exact activation trigger

Choosing the Right Plan Before You Install Anything

Get this step right first, because it saves you re-installing later. If your trip covers several countries, say Peru, Chile and Argentina in one loop, a regional multi-country eSIM is the simpler option: one profile, one QR code, coverage as you cross borders. Have a look at the Latin America eSIM plans page for current coverage and data options.

If you're only visiting one country, a single-country plan usually gives you more data for the trip, since you're not paying for coverage you won't use. As an example, someone spending two weeks in Cusco and Lima only needs a plan built for that country, not the whole continent. Check the Peru eSIM plans page to see what that looks like in practice.

Install the eSIM Before You Fly

Do this at home, on a strong Wi-Fi connection, at least a day before departure. Trying to install on weak airport Wi-Fi is one of the more common causes of an "Unable to Complete Cellular Plan Change" message, because the download drops halfway through.

1. Check your phone supports eSIM. Dial *#06# and look for an EID number. If one appears, your device supports eSIM. Your phone also needs to be carrier-unlocked.
2. Pick your plan and complete your purchase. Your QR code arrives by email within seconds of ordering.
3. Open the confirmation email on a second device if possible, so you can scan the QR code with your phone's camera.
4. On iPhone (iOS 26 and recent versions): go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code.
5. On Samsung Galaxy: go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM.
6. On Google Pixel and other Android phones: go to Settings > Network & Internet > Add eSIM > Download SIM.
7. Label the new line something obvious, like "Travel Data", so you don't mix it up with your home SIM later.
8. Leave your home SIM active for calls and texts. You'll be running a dual-SIM setup, with your travel eSIM handling data only.

The First Five Minutes After Landing

Once you're on the ground, this is the part that actually turns the data on. Go to your phone's cellular settings, turn on the travel eSIM line, and enable Data Roaming for that specific line. On iPhone this toggle sits just below the line itself in Settings > Cellular. On Samsung and Pixel it's in the same SIM Manager or Network & Internet screen you used to install.

You should see signal bars appear within a minute or two of coming off airplane mode. The carrier name in your status bar might show a local network name rather than EscapeSIM, and that's normal, it's the partner network your eSIM is connecting through. If nothing shows up after a few minutes, toggle airplane mode on for thirty seconds and back off, then restart the phone if that doesn't help.

Common Issues and Fixes

"You can try again or contact service provider" error

This usually means the profile didn't install cleanly, or the device isn't fully unlocked from a previous carrier. Confirm the phone is carrier-unlocked, then try re-installing on a strong Wi-Fi connection rather than mobile data. If the install still fails, the QR code may have already been used, and QR codes are single-use only. Contact EscapeSIM support via the contact form with your order number so a replacement can be issued.

One person's eSIM didn't activate, but everyone else's did

Each traveller gets their own QR code tied to their own order number, so a mix-up between phones is common when several people install eSIMs on the same trip. First, check that Data Roaming is switched on for that exact line on that exact phone, not just installed. If it's still not connecting, toggle the eSIM off and on, then restart the device. If none of that works, get in touch with support and quote the specific ESCAPE-xxxxx order number for the affected device, not the whole family's booking.

eSIM shows as "on" but there's still no data

If the line is switched on and Data Roaming is enabled but nothing loads, the plan itself may not have started yet, depending on its activation trigger. Give it a few minutes after your first network connection, then try loading a simple page. If it's still stuck, try manually selecting a network under the eSIM's carrier settings rather than leaving it on automatic.

If you've worked through Data Roaming, the airplane mode cycle and a restart and you're still offline, contact EscapeSIM support with your order number. Support runs 24/7 and typically replies within an hour.