Is your smartphone eSIM-compatible?
The majority of recent smartphones are compatible with eSIMs. You can check if that’s the case for your phone:
Check eSIM compatibility
How much mobile data should I plan for my trip?
Here’s a reference table to help you better estimate your mobile data needs in the British Indian Ocean Territory:
| Typical usage | 7 days | 15 days | 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low messages, email, GPS | 1 to 3 GB | 2 to 5 GB | 3 to 7 GB |
| Medium social media, moderate web browsing | 3 to 5 GB | 5 to 10 GB | 10 to 15 GB |
| High video, streaming, remote work, tethering | 10 GB or more | 15 GB or more | 25 GB or more |
How to save mobile data
Preload your Google Maps for offline use, download your media content before departure, and disable automatic app updates over mobile data.
Beware of travel eSIM rerouting
With a travel eSIM, your data doesn’t always take the most direct path to the Internet. It can be rerouted through another country before reaching the Internet, which can result in high latency, geoblocking (Netflix, banking services), or issues with video calls and online gaming.
If you plan heavy use (HD streaming, video conferencing, gaming), favor a local eSIM in the British Indian Ocean Territory, which generally guarantees direct routing. To fully understand this phenomenon, check out our complete guide to eSIM rerouting.
Get a local number with calls included
Do you want a local phone number during your stay? This option can be useful for booking services on site, facilitating professional exchanges, or allowing your local contacts to call you easily without additional fees.
Several eSIM providers offer plans that include a local phone number with incoming and outgoing calls, in addition to mobile data. In The British Indian Ocean Territory, examples include: Esimatic and iRoamly.
However, if your priority is simply to contact your loved ones in your home country, the simplest and most economical solution remains using apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, or Telegram over your data plan or the many free Wi‑Fi connections available locally in hotels and cafés. Before choosing an eSIM with a local number, check the exact conditions of the included calls with the selected provider (traditional GSM calls, SMS included, local or foreign number, etc.).
How to easily install your eSIM
Travel eSIMs generally do not require an identity verification process (eKYC). You can simply buy your eSIM and activate it online right away.
Here are the very simple steps to activate your eSIM in the British Indian Ocean Territory:
- Choose your plan on esim.info and purchase it on the provider’s website.
- You will immediately receive a QR code by email.
- Scan this QR code from your smartphone’s network settings.
- Activate your eSIM now—don’t worry, it will only actually start when you arrive in the British Indian Ocean Territory.
In just a few minutes, you’re connected!