Buying your eSIM
Step 1: Find and purchase your plan
Open the Pelago App or visit pelago.com
Search for your destination followed by "eSIM by Pelago"
For example, "Japan eSIM by Pelago"
Select your activation date, validity period, and data amount
Tap "Book Now" to proceed to checkout
Step 2: Choose who the eSIM is for
At the Booking Details page, you will see two options when you click on "Who will use this eSIM?":
Myself
Someone else, or a different device
❗️Important: Choose this option carefully. Your choice determines how you install and manage your eSIM.
Here's what each option means:
If you select "For myself"
Choose "For myself" if you are buying the eSIM for yourself and will use it on the same device.
With "For myself":
Your eSIM is linked to your Pelago account and to the first device where you install it.
You manage your eSIM in the Pelago App
You only need to install the eSIM once
Future Pelago eSIM purchases are added to your existing eSIM as new plans
You do not need to scan a new QR code for future purchases
Once installed, the eSIM cannot be moved to another phone or tablet
Example: If you install your "For myself" eSIM on your iPhone, you cannot later move that eSIM to a different iPhone, Android phone, or tablet.
If you select "For someone else, or a different device"
Choose "For someone else, or a different device" if:
You are buying the eSIM for another person, or
You want to install the eSIM on a different device, such as a tablet
With "For someone else, or a different device":
The eSIM is not linked to your Pelago account.
You receive a QR code in your confirmation voucher.
The QR code is used to install the eSIM on a compatible device.
Each new eSIM purchase requires a new installation.
Make sure the QR code is available on another screen or device when you are ready to scan it.
FAQs on Buying a Pelago eSIM
I want to use the eSIM on a tablet or second device, not my main device.
In this case, choose "For someone else, or a different device" at checkout. This generates a QR code you can scan onto any compatible device.
Do not select "For myself" if you plan to move the eSIM to another device later. A "For myself" eSIM is linked to the first device where it is installed.
I did not log in when I made the purchase. Is the eSIM still linked to my account?
Yes.
If the email address you used at checkout matches your Pelago account email, your eSIM will appear in the Pelago App when you log in.
To find your eSIM:
Open the Pelago App.
Log in using the email address used for your purchase.
Look for your eSIM plan in the app.
Can I use my eSIM before the activation date I selected?
Yes.
The activation date you select at checkout is the planned start date for your eSIM plan. You can install your eSIM before this date.
Once you receive your confirmation email, you can proceed with installation.
For help installing your eSIM, please see our How to Install Your Pelago eSIM article.
How long is my Pelago eSIM valid for?
There are two periods to keep in mind:
Before activation (unused eSIM): Your eSIM plan is valid for 1 month from the date of purchase if it has not been installed.
After activation: Once you activate the eSIM and connect to a network, the validity will be based on the number of days you selected at checkout or until your data is fully used, whichever comes first.
I did not receive the confirmation email for my Pelago eSIM
If you did not receive your confirmation email, here are the most common reasons:
The email address entered at checkout may be incorrect or misspelt
The booking may be an eSIM Top-Up (top-ups usually do not send a separate voucher email)
There may be a temporary technical delay in email delivery
What you can do
To help locate the confirmation email, please try the steps below:
Confirm your booking type is a Pelago eSIM Plan (not a top-up)
If it is a top-up, your data is automatically added to your existing eSIM (no email voucher is required)
Check that the email address used at checkout is correct
Look in your spam, junk, and promotions folders
Search your inbox using these subject lines:
“Setup and Activate eSIM Service”
“eSIM by Pelago”
Faster alternative (if you selected “For myself” at checkout)
You can also access your eSIM directly:
Download the Pelago App
Log in using the same email used for your purchase
Your eSIM plan will appear in the app
Follow the on-screen steps to install and activate your eSIM
If you still cannot locate the email, please contact us via the Chatbot and we’ll help you retrieve your eSIM details.
What's next: Installing your eSIM
Once you have purchased your eSIM, the next step is to install it.
See How to Install Your Pelago eSIM for step-by-step installation instructions