The Revolut eSIM offers a simple way to get mobile data abroad without having to swap out a physical SIM card. Revolut, the well-known travel finance app, has expanded its lineup to include data packages via eSIM. It promises fast connectivity abroad with no need to change a physical SIM — all directly inside the app you might already be using. But does Revolut keep pace with its specialised rivals? Let’s take a closer look in our review.
TL;DR
- Revolut has added eSIM data packages covering more than 100 countries. Activation happens right in the app in about 3 minutes — no QR codes needed. Prices are often cheaper than Airalo — for example, 20 GB for Europe costs around £42 compared with roughly £80 from the competition.
- Main advantages: Quick installation, competitive prices, clear data management in the app, and Ultra plan users get 3 GB free every month.
- Main drawbacks: Data-only packages (no calls/SMS), a 20 GB maximum, smaller coverage than rivals, and technical issues in some countries.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) — ideal for existing Revolut users and everyday travellers. For heavy users or exotic destinations, consider Airalo or Holafly.
What is the Revolut eSIM?
The Revolut eSIM is a digital SIM card that gives you mobile data in more than 100 countries worldwide. Unlike traditional carriers, you activate it directly in the app within a few minutes — no complicated orders and no waiting for delivery.
The service is powered by technology partner 1GLOBAL, which means Revolut doesn’t run the network itself but resells a proven solution. The upside is having everything in one place — money, insurance and internet.
How does it work?
Once you’re logged into the app, you’ll find the eSIM under “Lifestyle”. There you pick your destination and data package, and in a moment your data is ready to use. No QR codes, no emails and no fiddly installation — it all happens automatically in the app.
Installation is among the fastest on the market. In real-world tests, it takes less than 3 minutes from opening the app to having a working connection.
Coverage and availability
Revolut currently offers eSIMs in more than 100 countries, covering most tourist destinations:
- USA, United Kingdom, Australia,
- China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam,
- Turkey, Egypt, Iceland,
- Europe (regional packages),
- global packages for those travelling between continents.
Compared with rivals like Airalo (200+ countries), the lineup is smaller, but it still covers all the major destinations. Don’t expect more exotic spots like the Maldives, Mauritius or Cuba, though — for those you’ll need a different eSIM.
Watch out for limitations
Although Revolut advertises availability in dozens of countries, the reality can be different. Users report problems in Vietnam, for example, where the package does appear in the app but the service doesn’t actually work. So always check before you travel whether your destination is genuinely supported.
Data packages and validity
Revolut keeps its package structure simple and clear:
- 1 GB — valid for 7 days,
- 3 GB to 20 GB — valid for 30 days,
If you run out of data, you can top up anytime directly in the app. And the Revolut app keeps working even after your data runs out, so you’ll never get stuck unable to buy another package.
What if you need more data?
For heavier users, the 20 GB maximum over 30 days can feel restrictive. Rivals like Airalo or Holafly offer unlimited data or packages with 50+ GB, which Revolut currently lacks.
Price comparison with the competition
Revolut presents its prices as competitive — and in most cases that holds true. Let’s look at a concrete comparison with the popular service Airalo:
| Destination | Data amount | Revolut | Airalo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 10 GB | £20 | £21 | Revolut cheaper by £1 |
| China | 10 GB | £21 | £22 | Revolut cheaper by £1 |
| Turkey | 10 GB | £13.50 | £14.50 | Revolut cheaper by £1 |
| Australia | 20 GB | £27 | £32 | Revolut cheaper by £5 |
| Europe | 20 GB | £42 | £80 | Revolut cheaper by £38 (!!) |
Verdict: In the vast majority of cases Revolut works out cheaper than Airalo, especially on the bigger data packages. The savings can run to tens of pounds.
When is the competition better value?
Revolut isn’t always the cheapest choice:
- Thailand: Airalo offers 50 GB + 100 minutes of calls for around £8, or unlimited data for about £16 — Revolut has no such packages.
- Flash sales: Airalo often tempts you with time-limited discounts (e.g. 10 GB for the USA at around £6).
- Specialised destinations: In some countries, local or specialised services offer better prices.
A perk for Revolut Ultra users
If you pay for the Revolut Ultra plan (around £45 a month), you get 3 GB of global data free every month. That’s handy mainly for:
- occasional trips and business travel,
- emergency connectivity at airports,
- short stays abroad.
For regular travellers with higher data needs, though, it probably won’t be enough.
Installation and activation
So how do you install and activate the Revolut eSIM?
Compatible devices
To use the Revolut eSIM you’ll need a phone that supports eSIM technology. Compatible devices include:
- Apple: iPhone 11 and newer,
- Samsung: Galaxy S20 and newer, Galaxy A54 5G, Z Flip, Z Fold,
- Google Pixel: Pixel 3 and newer,
- Xiaomi, Honor, Huawei: newer models (check in your settings).
Important: Your phone must be unlocked (carrier-unlocked), otherwise you won’t be able to install the eSIM.
How to install the eSIM
The process is simple and quick:
- Open the Revolut app.
- Go to “RevPoints” → select “Get data plan”.
- Choose your country and data package.
- Proceed to payment (you can pay with RevPoints).
- Follow the in-app instructions to install.
On iPhone:
- Open Settings → Mobile Data → Add Revolut eSIM.
- Turn on “Data Roaming” for the Revolut eSIM.
On Android:
- Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Download eSIM.
- Enter the code from the Revolut app.
The whole process takes less than 5 minutes and you don’t have to scan any QR codes like with the competition.
User experiences: what do travellers say about the Revolut eSIM?
What people like ✅
- Fast activation — everything happens in the app in just a few taps.
- Wide coverage — more than 100 countries including the USA, Asia and Europe.
- Competitive prices — often cheaper than Airalo or traditional roaming.
- Clarity — you can see your data usage right in the app.
- Flexibility — top up your data whenever you need to.
- Pay in your own currency — no juggling dollars or euros.
The most common complaints ❌
- Technical issues during activation — sometimes you need to try installing more than once.
- Slow customer support — responses to technical problems can be sluggish.
- Weaker coverage outside cities — in more remote areas the signal can be unstable.
- No calls or SMS — data only, so you’ll need to use WhatsApp/Messenger.
- Limited lineup — only up to 20 GB, with no unlimited data.
- Misleading offers — some countries listed in the app aren’t actually supported (Vietnam).
Revolut vs. the competition: who wins?
The Revolut eSIM is tied to your Revolut account and lives inside the app. For the full picture, we’ll also compare it with standalone eSIMs that don’t require any account. This is a rough comparison — prices vary by destination.
| Service | Coverage | Data type | Price from (approx.) | Hotspot | English support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revolut | 100+ countries | Data packages (Revolut account required) | from ~£1.50/GB | Yes | ✅ App in English |
| Airalo | 200+ countries | Data packages | ~€3.50/GB | Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Holafly | 160+ countries | Mainly unlimited data | Higher (unlimited) | Limited | ✅ Yes |
| Saily (NordVPN) | 200+ countries | Data packages | ~$3.99/GB | Yes | ✅ App in English |
| lk-sim.com (ours) | 200+ countries | Data packages (no account) | from €3 | Yes | ✅ Yes |
Let’s pit Revolut against the competition.
Revolut vs. Airalo
| Criterion | Revolut | Airalo |
|---|---|---|
| Number of countries | 100+ | 200+ |
| Price | Often cheaper | Pricier, but frequent discounts |
| Installation | Directly in the app | QR code from email |
| Maximum data | 20 GB | 100 GB (some countries) |
| Unlimited data | No | Yes (selected countries) |
| Registration | Bank-level identity verification | Email only |
Verdict: If you already use Revolut, it’s the easiest option. For more complex needs or exotic destinations, Airalo is still the better choice.
Revolut vs. N26
N26, another popular digital bank, doesn’t offer its own eSIM service yet. You’d have to use external providers like Airalo or Yesim. So on this front, Revolut is clearly ahead.
Security and fraud protection
Revolut places a strong emphasis on security:
- AI fraud detection — the system evaluates suspicious transactions in real time.
- Two-factor authentication — protects access to the app.
- Data encryption — all communication is secured.
- Card protection — the option to set spending limits.
How to spot a scam
Be cautious if:
- You receive an unexpected email asking for personal details.
- Someone asks for your PIN, password or verification code.
- Suspicious payments appear on your account.
- You get a message with an unfamiliar link.
Important: Revolut will never ask you to share passwords or PINs by email or phone. Always verify any communication directly in the app.
Practical tips for using the Revolut eSIM
We’ve put together some practical tips for getting the most out of the Revolut eSIM.
1. Test the service in advance
Take advantage of the 100 MB free promo (if it’s still available) and try out the connection before an important trip.
2. Share data via hotspot
You can share data via a personal hotspot, but expect it to use up faster.
3. Keep an eye on usage
The app gives you a precise overview of remaining data and package validity.
4. Combine it with a local SIM
The Revolut eSIM works brilliantly as a backup data connection alongside your main SIM card.
5. Use your RevPoints
If you’re collecting RevPoints, you can use them to pay for data packages and save money.
Travel insurance and other perks
Revolut offers a comprehensive solution for travellers:
- travel insurance right in the app,
- airport lounge access (higher plans),
- fee-free currency exchange,
- virtual cards for secure online payments.
It means you’ve got everything in one place — no juggling between different apps and services.
Common problems and how to fix them
Let’s take a look at the most common problems and their solutions.
The eSIM isn’t working
- Restart your device.
- Check that the eSIM is correctly installed.
- Make sure roaming is turned on for the Revolut eSIM.
- Try removing the profile and reinstalling it.
- Contact customer support via the in-app chat.
Slow connection
- Change your network settings (LTE/5G/3G).
- Move to a spot with a better signal.
- Check whether you’ve hit your data limit.
Can’t top up data
- Check your account balance.
- Make sure your account is active.
- Try updating the app.
Final verdict
So how does the Revolut eSIM stack up?
Who is the Revolut eSIM ideal for? ✅
- Existing Revolut users — the easiest integration.
- Occasional travellers — a quick, hassle-free solution.
- People who want convenience — everything in one place.
- Travellers heading to standard destinations — USA, Europe, Asia.
Who isn’t it suited to? ❌
- Heavy data users — a max of 20 GB isn’t enough.
- Travellers heading to exotic destinations — smaller coverage.
- People without a Revolut account — sign-up is more involved than with rivals.
- Those who need to make calls — data only, no SMS or voice calls.
Overall rating: 4/5 ⭐
Pros:
- ✅ Competitive prices
- ✅ Easy and fast installation
- ✅ Multi-purpose app (bank + eSIM)
- ✅ A good selection of data packages
- ✅ Prices in your own currency
Cons:
- ❌ A smaller number of countries on offer
- ❌ You can only see the lineup after registering
- ❌ Data packages only (no calls)
- ❌ Technical issues in some countries
Bottom line: The Revolut eSIM is a solid choice for travellers who already use the Revolut app and are after a simple data connection abroad. The prices are competitive and the installation is among the fastest on the market. But if you need exotic destinations, unlimited data or more comprehensive packages, it’s worth also checking out specialised rivals like Airalo, Yesim or Holafly.
Prices, coverage and terms for eSIM services change often. The figures in this article are indicative and were checked in June 2026 — always verify the current offer directly in the provider’s app before buying.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of using eSIM with Revolut?
Revolut eSIM provides mobile data abroad without the need to change your physical SIM. It offers competitive rates and easy setup through the app. You’ll have internet access in over 100 countries and only pay for the data you actually use.
How can I activate an eSIM on my Revolut account?
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To activate the eSIM, simply open the Revolut app, find the eSIM section and follow the instructions. The app will generate a QR code that you scan with your phone in the mobile network settings. Installation is quick and pretty intuitive.
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Are there any specific requirements for using Revolut eSIM abroad?
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Using Revolut eSIM abroad requires a device with eSIM technology support. You need to have sufficient funds in your account to purchase a data package. Sometimes you need to enable roaming and verify that your phone isn’t locked to local carriers.
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Which devices is Revolut eSIM compatible with?
Revolut eSIM works with most modern phones that support eSIM. These are most commonly newer models from Apple, Samsung, Google, Xiaomi and others. However, support may vary depending on the specific model and region.
What is the procedure for resolving issues with a non-working Revolut eSIM?
When your eSIM refuses to cooperate, try a simple device restart first. Quite often that does the trick.
Also check whether the eSIM profile is installed correctly. Sometimes it’s just a small thing and everything starts working.
If nothing changes, try removing the eSIM profile and loading it again via the QR code in the app. It might take a bit of patience. If still nothing works, or you really don’t know what to do anymore, contact Revolut support through the chat in the app. Sometimes it’s just better to ask.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
