How do I install an eSIM?
To set up an eSIM on your phone: Settings > Cellular Data > Add an eSIM Card. Installation takes just a few clicks.
Rony•
October 29, 2025
•5 min
Revolut eSIM Review: How it Works, Compatibility, Pricing
Looking for a clear take on the Revolut eSIM? In this article, we cover how it works, its pros, cons, pricing, and user feedback. You'll also see why a specialized voilà eSIM can deliver a better travel experience.
Rony
December 5, 2025
10 min read
⚡ Spoiler:
- Very easy activation directly in the Revolut app (no QR code).
- Decent coverage via 1GLOBAL, enough for most tourist destinations.
- Basic plans (1-20 GB) for small needs, but no unlimited data.
- Often pricier than specialist eSIMs, especially for longer trips.
- Network performance varies by country, less reliable than dedicated providers.
- Revolut support isn't specialized in eSIM questions.
Better alternative: voilà — a travel-focused eSIM that's more reliable, flexible, and usually cheaper than the Revolut eSIM.
What is the Revolut eSIM?
The Revolut eSIM is a 100% virtual SIM built right into your phone. No physical card, no store, everything happens in the app.
The idea: give you mobile internet abroad without swapping SIMs or paying expensive roaming.
Revolut offers eSIM as an add-on service in its banking app. In a few taps you can activate a data plan, track usage, or top up.
Which devices are compatible with the Revolut eSIM?
Your phone must support eSIM. Revolut has an official list last updated in December 2023.
👉 This list includes the oldest eSIM-compatible models.
If your device is newer than those listed, it should normally support eSIM.
⚠️ Some country/operator restrictions may apply.
Compatible devices with the Revolut eSIM
BRAND | COMPATIBLE MODELS |
|---|---|
Apple | iPhone 11, iPad Air (3rd gen), iPad Pro 11" (1st gen), iPad (7th gen), iPad Mini (5th gen) |
Samsung | Galaxy S20, Galaxy A54 5G, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Z Fold, Galaxy Note 20 |
Google Pixel | Pixel 3 |
Honor | Magic5 Pro, Magic4 Pro, Honor 90 |
Huawei | P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro |
Motorola | Moto G54, Edge 40 Neo, Edge 40 Pro, Edge+, Razr 40 Ultra, Razr 2022, Razr 2019, Razr 5G, G53 5G |
Nokia | G60, XR21, X30 |
OnePlus | OnePlus 12, OnePlus 11 |
Oppo | Reno6 Pro 5G, A55s 5G, Find N2 Flip, Find X3 Pro, Find X5, Find X5 Pro, Reno A |
Sony | Xperia 1 V, Xperia 1 IV, Xperia 5 IV, Xperia 10 III Lite, Xperia 10 IV |
Vivo | X90 Pro, V29 (EU version), V29 Lite 5G (EU version) |
Xiaomi | 14 Pro, 13T, 13T Pro, 13, 13 Pro, 13 Lite, 12T Pro, Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G |
Not sure your phone is compatible?
voilà offers an instant check:
👉 Just enter your device name and we'll tell you if it supports eSIM.
How to know if your phone is compatible?
Instantly check if your device supports eSIM technology.
What are the pros of the Revolut eSIM?
Even though Revolut isn't a telecom specialist, its 1GLOBAL partnership enables an easy eSIM inside the app.
The benefits are basic and mainly suit occasional travelers.
Key points:
1. Decent coverage via 1GLOBAL
Revolut relies on 1GLOBAL, present in 100+ countries.
Gives enough coverage for most tourist destinations.
Not built for peak performance, but for having “internet that works” in many countries.
2. Activation directly in the app
Install from the RevPoints tab without a QR code. Convenient for existing Revolut users.
It's still a secondary service, not designed specifically for frequent travelers.
3. Several small data packs
Revolut offers basic data packs:
- 1 GB (7 days)
- 3, 5, 10, or 20 GB (30 days)
- sometimes 100 GB (60 days)
Enough for essentials (Maps, WhatsApp, email). Limited options vs. specialist providers.
What are the cons of the Revolut eSIM?
Convenient for app users, but there are key limits to know before traveling.
1. No unlimited data
Unlike some providers, Revolut doesn't offer an unlimited data plan.
If you exceed the cap, you can top up, but it costs extra.
2. Good coverage, but less than some competitors
Revolut uses the 1GLOBAL network in 100+ countries.
Fine for classic trips, but:
- coverage is weaker than specialist providers,
- some countries aren't included,
- network performance can vary by destination.
3. Sometimes higher prices
Prices vary by country and data volume. Okay for small packs; for medium/large, not always the cheapest.
4. Non-specialized support
Support is primarily banking-oriented. eSIM is secondary, so network help is less specialized.
- less responsive customer service for network issues
- no dedicated assistance for travelers
- less support in case of compatibility or activation issues
What does the Revolut eSIM cost?
1. Local plans
Use data in a single country.
- From about €4 for 1 GB (7 days)
- Larger amounts (3-20 GB) are available
✔️ Simple if you travel to one country⚠️ Limited data, no unlimited option
2. Regional plans
These plans cover multiple countries in the same region: Europe, Asia, Americas, etc. A good solution for multi-destination trips within the same geographical area.
- Example: 5 GB for €15.50 in the US (30 days)
✔️ Convenient for a "road trip" in a region⚠️ Less coverage than truly international eSIMs
3. Global plans
Global plans let you use data in 100+ countries via the 1GLOBAL network. Best for frequent travelers, digital nomads, or extended trips.
- Example: 20 GB for €72.50 (30 days)
✔️ One plan for multiple countries⚠️ Higher price, still no unlimited data
Revolut eSIM vs voilà: which to choose?
If you're looking for a travel eSIM, it's normal to hesitate between Revolut and an eSIM specifically designed for travelers, like those offered by voilà.
To better understand the differences, let's take a concrete example: Japan, one of the most popular destinations in the world. This is exactly the kind of trip where the differences between a "generic" eSIM and one designed for travelers become very visible.
Example: Japan
Much higher price per GB with Revolut
In Japan, the average price per GB with Revolut is around $1.50, which is also the case with many other "generic" eSIM sellers.
That's relatively expensive, especially when you know that a trip to Japan often requires a significant amount of data:
- Continuous Google Maps
- Image and text translation
- Social media (Instagram, TikTok)
- Reservations (JR Pass, hotels, restaurants)
- Banking apps / security
- YouTube / light streaming
Result: the total cost of the trip can easily add up, especially without unlimited data and with paid top-ups.
❤️ A different approach with voilà
At voilà, the goal is the opposite:
- ➡️ offer accessible eSIMs,
- ➡️ with excellent value for money,
- ➡️ reliable,
- ➡️ and compatible with all essential apps (including banking and social media).
The experience is designed for travelers who really need stable and affordable data, without restrictions.
voilà vs classic eSIMs (including Revolut)
Discover why voilà is the best choice for your travels
Functionality | Other eSIMs (including Revolut) | |
|---|---|---|
Price/GB | $0.85 / GB | $2.15 / GB |
TikTok and accessible apps | — | |
Data tracking | ||
4G/5G network | ||
Instant activation | ||
Responsive customer support | — |
Revolut eSIM reviews
Trustpilot
Revolut shows on Trustpilot a high overall rating (around 4.5/5), mainly related to its banking app, but there are also many reviews about the eSIM.
Positive reviews highlight:
- the intuitive app interface,
- the ability to activate the eSIM directly in Revolut, without a QR code,
- ease of use for travelers who are already Revolut customers.
However, several points regularly come up in negative comments:
- plans that are more expensive than those of many specialized eSIM providers,
- no unlimited data,
- a solution considered practical for short stays, but limited for longer trips or intensive data use.
Trustpilot shows that the Revolut eSIM is appreciated for its simplicity, but lacks flexibility for travelers who need a robust connection and a large data volume.
On Reddit, discussions are more technical and often more direct. Users point out that:
- coverage is generally good in tourist countries,
- but can be inconsistent in less popular destinations,
- prices are considered high compared to other traveler eSIMs,
- and Revolut is mainly seen as a temporary backup solution.
One point comes up very often: the Revolut eSIM is considered very practical upon landing to get Internet in seconds, but not as an ideal solution for an entire trip.
Many users say they use it "to start", then switch to a dedicated eSIM once settled in the country.
Alternatives to the Revolut eSIM
As Trustpilot and Reddit reviews show, the Revolut eSIM is practical for emergencies or the first hours of a trip… but it remains limited when you need a more reliable, more flexible connection, or better value for money.
That's why many travelers turn to a specialized eSIM, designed from the start to meet travel needs: network stability, worldwide compatibility, responsive customer support, and prices consistent with real usage.
And that's exactly what voilà.
Why voilà is the strongest alternative
To avoid having to switch eSIMs once you arrive in the country, the ideal is to choose one that checks all the boxes from the start:
✅ Reliable eSIM for travelers
At voilà, each plan is specifically designed for travel use: navigation, translation, payments, reservations, social media… everything works without restrictions.
✅ Fast customer support
Real human support, familiar with traveler questions: activation issues, compatibility, network, advice… we respond clearly and quickly.
✅ Full app compatibility
No blocking:
- TikTok,
- Instagram,
- YouTube,
- banking apps,
- translation tools,
- work normally, whatever the destination.
✅ Better value for money
Our plans are designed to be reliable, suited to real usage, and above all more affordable than generic solutions, where the price per GB can climb very quickly (especially in Japan).
✅ A simple solution that works everywhere
No need to juggle between multiple eSIMs. voilà works upon landing… and continues to work throughout your stay.
SOUTH KOREA
active
20 Go
remaining
Operator
SKTelecom, LGU+
Expires
In 3d • Jun 12
Top up
THAILAND
active
20 Go
remaining
Operator
AIS
Expires
In 3d • Jun 12
Top up
JAPAN
active
20 Go
remaining
Operator
NTT docomo
Expires
In 3d • Jun 12
Top up
No more roaming fees
Travel abroad with confidence: no more roaming fees, connection struggles, or unexpected top-ups. With a travel-friendly eSIM, stay connected everywhere, stress-free and surprise-free.
Rony is our in-house travel-connected expert. Always curious and never too far from an airport, he explores the latest destinations while testing the newest eSIM solutions. He signs our articles on travel and mobile technology, with a single mission: to turn his discoveries into clear, reliable, and smart advice to accompany you anywhere in the world.
See also
Best eSIM Japan 2025: The Complete Comparison
Honest comparison of the best eSIMs for traveling in Japan: Voilà vs. Airalo, Holafly, Ubigi, Saily. Price, reliability, blocked apps... it's all here!
Rony•
October 26, 2025
•4 min
Internet in Japan
How to access the internet in Japan? All the solutions to stay connected during your trip (eSIM, free Wi-Fi, Pocket Wi-Fi, etc.)
Rony•
October 19, 2025
•7 min
How does the Revolut eSIM work?
Revolut partners with 1GLOBAL, a global operator, to provide the network.
Revolut doesn't run the network itself: it sells its own plans and prices, but quality depends on the telecom partner.
How it works in practice
First, you need:
Once those are set, do this: