FAQ
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The Basics
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone — no physical card required. Instead of inserting a plastic SIM, you download a data plan over the air and activate it instantly.
Your phone can store multiple eSIMs and SIM cards at the same time. On most devices, you can have two active simultaneously — for example, your home SIM for calls and your ROWM eSIM for data while travelling.
Is my device compatible with eSIM?
Most modern smartphones support eSIM, including recent models from Apple, Samsung, and Google. To check if your device is compatible:
- Go to your phone settings and look for “eSIM” or “Add eSIM”
- Or dial *#06# — if an EID number appears, your device supports eSIM
Important: Your device must be unlocked (not restricted to a single carrier). eSIM support may also vary by country and model, even within the same brand family. If you are unsure, contact your carrier or check your device manufacturer’s website.
Do ROWM plans include calls and SMS, or data only?
ROWM is a data-only eSIM service. Plans do not include a phone number, so traditional calls and SMS are not available through ROWM.
However, you can use your ROWM data to make calls and send messages through internet-based apps, including:
- iMessage and FaceTime (Apple)
- Telegram
- Signal
- Google Meet, Zoom, and other video calling apps
Your home SIM remains active alongside your ROWM eSIM, so you can still receive calls and SMS on your regular number. We recommend turning off data roaming on your home SIM to avoid unexpected charges from your home carrier.
Can I keep my home number while using ROWM?
Yes — absolutely. ROWM operates as a second data line alongside your existing SIM. Your home number remains fully active and you will continue to receive calls and SMS on it as normal.
To avoid bill shock, we strongly recommend turning off data roaming on your home SIM so that your home carrier cannot charge you for roaming data. Your ROWM eSIM handles all data while you are abroad.
Which countries does ROWM cover?
ROWM provides coverage across 200+ countries and regions worldwide through multi-carrier partnerships. Plans are available in three types:
- Local plans — single country coverage
- Regional plans — a group of countries (e.g. Europe, Middle East, Southeast Asia)
- Global plans — 200+ countries on a single eSIM
Full coverage details, including supported carriers per country, are listed on each plan page at rowm.net.
Buying & Activating
How do I purchase a ROWM eSIM?
You can purchase a ROWM eSIM directly through the ROWM app. Simply:
- Select your destination country, region, or global coverage
- Choose your preferred data plan (size and validity)
- Choose your activation date (immediately or a future date)
- Complete checkout — you will receive your QR code instantly by email and in-app
What payment methods does ROWM accept?
ROWM accepts all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Additional payment options may be available depending on your region. All transactions are processed securely.
Can I buy an eSIM in advance and activate it later?
Yes — and we recommend it. When purchasing, you can select a future activation date for your data plan. Your QR code is delivered immediately, but your data will not begin until the date you choose.
This means you can purchase and install your eSIM from home, then have it automatically activate when you arrive at your destination — with no action required on the day.
Tip: Installing the eSIM at home on WiFi is much easier than doing it on arrival. Purchase early, install in advance, and simply activate when you land.
Do I need WiFi or internet to activate my eSIM?
Yes. Downloading and installing your eSIM requires an active internet connection (WiFi or mobile data). Once installed, the eSIM works independently.
We recommend completing the installation at home before you travel so you arrive with everything ready. You will not need to find WiFi on arrival.
Can I install the eSIM before arriving at my destination?
Yes. You can install the eSIM at any time after purchase — the data will only begin being consumed once you arrive in your destination country and the plan activates.
If you set a future activation date, the plan timer begins on that date regardless of when you physically arrive. If you activate immediately, the timer begins at purchase but data is only consumed in-country.
How will I receive my eSIM after purchasing?
Your eSIM is delivered as a QR code immediately after purchase. You will receive it:
- By email to the address used at checkout
- In your ROWM account under ‘My eSIMs’
Keep the QR code safe — it is used to install the eSIM on your device. Do not share it with others, as each QR code can only be used once.
Installation
How do I install and activate my eSIM?
Installation takes less than two minutes. Follow the steps below for your device type.
iPhone
- Open the Camera app and point it at your QR code, or tap and hold the QR code image and select ‘Add eSIM’
- Follow the on-screen prompts to install the new Data Plan. The default options are fine to accept
- Once installed, go to Settings → Mobile Data and make sure Data Roaming is set to ON for your ROWM line
- Set ROWM as your primary Mobile Data line when you arrive at your destination
Android
- Open the Camera app and point it at your QR code
- Tap the notification that appears (‘Data Plan’ or similar)
- Follow the on-screen prompts to install the Data Plan
- Once installed, go to Settings → Network → SIM & Mobile Data and enable Data Roaming for your ROWM line
Key recommendations after installation:
- Turn OFF data roaming on your home (primary) SIM to avoid charges from your home carrier.
- Set ROWM as your primary Cellular / Mobile Data line when you arrive at your destination.
- Enable Low Data Mode (iPhone) or Data Saver (Android) to prevent apps consuming data in the background.
Using Your eSIM
Can I use the same eSIM across multiple countries?
Yes, if you have purchased a regional or global plan. These plans work seamlessly across all included countries without needing to switch eSIMs or take any action — your device connects automatically to the best available network as you move between countries.
Coverage details and the full list of included countries are listed on each plan page. You can also hold multiple active plans on your device for different destinations simultaneously.
Can I use my ROWM eSIM to create a mobile hotspot?
Yes. On most plans and devices, you can share your ROWM data by enabling the mobile hotspot or personal hotspot feature on your phone. This allows other devices — a laptop, tablet, or a travel companion’s phone — to connect to the internet using your ROWM data allowance.
Note: Hotspot availability depends on your plan and device. Check your plan details at rowm.net. Sharing data via hotspot draws from your plan’s data allowance, so monitor your usage accordingly.
What time do daily eSIM plans refresh?
Daily plans refresh every 24 hours from the exact time of activation, not at midnight. This is because ROWM operates in UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) for consistency across all time zones.
For example: if your plan activates at 19:20 UTC on 1 May, your data will refresh each day at 19:20 UTC. Due to time zone differences when travelling, the refresh time in your local time may shift from day to day.
What happens when I run out of data?
When your data allowance is used up, your ROWM connection will pause. You have two options:
- Top up — purchase an additional data plan or top-up through the ROWM app or rowm.net. Your connection will resume immediately
- Upgrade — if you find you regularly need more data, consider a higher-capacity plan on your next purchase
Your home SIM remains active throughout, so you will not be left without any connectivity. You can also use WiFi freely while your ROWM data is paused.
How do I top up or add more data?
You can top up your data at any time through the ROWM app or at rowm.net. Simply:
- Log in to your ROWM account
- Go to ‘My eSIMs’ and select the active eSIM you wish to top up
- Choose a top-up plan and complete checkout
Your additional data is applied instantly — no reinstallation required.
Device Questions
Can I install multiple eSIMs on my phone?
Yes. Most eSIM-compatible devices allow you to store multiple eSIMs simultaneously. This means you can have your home SIM, a ROWM travel eSIM, and additional plans all stored on the same device.
The number of eSIMs that can be active at the same time (rather than just stored) depends on your specific device model. Most devices support two active lines simultaneously — one SIM and one eSIM, or two eSIMs.
Can I use the same eSIM on more than one device?
No. An eSIM is tied to the specific device it is installed on and cannot be transferred or shared across multiple devices simultaneously. Each device requires its own eSIM.
If you want multiple devices to share your ROWM data connection, you can enable the mobile hotspot feature on the device where the eSIM is installed, and connect your other devices to it via WiFi.
What happens if I change phones?
Your eSIM is tied to the device it was installed on. If you switch to a new phone, you will need a new eSIM for the new device. Your existing eSIM cannot be transferred across.
If you change phones during an active plan, please contact our support team at support@rowm.net. We will do our best to assist you in getting connected on your new device as quickly as possible.
How many times can I use my eSIM?
Each eSIM QR code is for single-use installation only. Once scanned and installed on a device, the QR code cannot be used again. The eSIM itself remains on your device until you delete it.
If you need to reinstall an eSIM (for example, after a factory reset), please contact our support team who can advise based on your plan status.
Business & Partnerships
Is ROWM available for businesses?
Yes. ROWM offers dedicated B2B solutions for companies that want to provide eSIM connectivity to their employees, customers, or users. Whether you are a travel agency, fintech platform, corporate travel manager, or any other business serving travellers, ROWM can be integrated into your offering.
We support three business models:
- B2B — direct eSIM procurement for your employees or fleet
- B2B2C — eSIM for your end customers
- API integration — embed ROWM directly into your app, platform, or checkout
For business enquiries, contact our partnerships team at partners@rowm.net.
Can ROWM be white-labelled or co-branded for my platform?
Yes. ROWM offers full white-label integration, meaning your customers see only your brand throughout the entire eSIM experience. We also offer a co-branded option where both your logo and ROWM appear together.
Our REST API enables seamless integration into existing apps, booking platforms, and checkout flows. For more information, download the ROWM Partner Kit at rowm.net or contact partners@rowm.net.
What is ROWM's refund policy?
Refunds are available for eSIMs that have not yet been installed or activated. Once an eSIM has been installed on a device or a data plan has begun, it is no longer eligible for a refund as the service has been delivered.
If you experience a technical issue that prevents the eSIM from working correctly, please contact our support team at support@rowm.net and we will investigate and resolve it promptly.
Privacy & Security
Does ROWM record my internet activity or location?
No. ROWM does not record your device’s physical location or your web browsing activity. Your browsing is completely private.
As required by applicable law, ROWM retains only the following technical records per data session:
- The time and date of the connection
- The amount of data consumed (in megabytes)
- The cellular provider used
No website visits, search queries, or personal content are ever recorded or accessible to ROWM.
Is ROWM GDPR compliant?
Yes. ROWMNET UK LIMITED operates in full compliance with the UK GDPR and applicable data protection legislation. Your personal data is processed lawfully, securely, and only for the purposes necessary to provide the service.
Support
Is customer support available if I run into issues?
Yes — always. Our support team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist with any eSIM or connectivity issue. You can reach us through:
- WhatsApp (fastest response for urgent travel issues)
- Email: support@rowm.net
- Live chat via the ROWM app or rowm.net
ROWM is operated by ROWMNET UK LIMITED, registered in England and Wales. Our team is based in the United Kingdom and is committed to ensuring you are never left without help while travelling.
How do I contact ROWM?
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| General Support | support@rowm.net |
| Partner Enquiries | partners@rowm.net |
| Website | rowm.net |
| App | Available on iOS and Android |
| Registered Address | 27 Princess Court, Queensway, London W2 4RB |
| Legal Entity | ROWMNET UK LIMITED • Co. No. 16288179 |