Curious about the eSIM?

Leading telecommunications player POST is offering its customers the latest SIM generation - the eSIM. After all the talk, the eSIM is now a reality and is available with the compatible offers and devices.

Have you got questions? We’ve got the answers. The answers to all your questions are set out under the headings below.
But if you need any more information, our advisers are available seven days a week. Simply call 8002 8004 if you are a private customer or 8002 4000 if you are a business customer (freephone numbers).

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a small electronic chip that is inserted in the smartphone at the time of manufacture. This means that it is no longer the provider that supplies the SIM, as it is already built into the smartphone. So unlike previous SIM cards, the eSIM doesn’t need to be inserted or removed.

eSIM is the abbreviation for embedded SIM. So, it's an embedded or integrated SIM.

Why a new SIM?

From miniaturisation...

SIM cards have been made smaller and smaller. Originally, the format of the SIM (or full SIM) was similar to that of a bank card. However, as all the electronic devices that depend on a SIM card have become smaller, there is less space for them. And that is why the SIM became the mini-SIM, the micro-SIM, and then the nano-SIM. But this was no longer enough for our ever shrinking, ever slimming connected devices, so it became obvious that the SIM had to go.

...to dematerialisation

To gain space and allow for a slimmer design, the SIM card has therefore become a tiny electronic chip that is embedded in smartphones and other connected devices.

What is the biggest change that the eSIM has brought about?

The biggest change that the eSIM has brought is that it is built into smartphones directly at the time of manufacture. So, no more plastic SIMs to be inserted or removed. And the eSIM is activated remotely by downloading the necessary information (e.g. plans, options, apps, etc.) to the chip simply by scanning a QR code.

Does the eSIM change everything?

The primary role of the SIM is the same. Like its predecessors, the eSIM must be inside the smartphone or connected device so that it can connect to the mobile operator’s network. The eSIM, like all SIM cards, makes it possible to identify the owner and gathers lots of information, such as the phone number, details of the plan(s) taken out or the operator’s network.

What are the main benefits of the eSIM?

The eSIM has many benefits:

BENEFIT 1

Many people have two smartphones, perhaps one for personal use and the other for business. The eSIM lets you have both subscriptions on one smartphone. Your standard SIM and eSIM work alongside each other.

BENEFIT 2

Whether on holiday or travelling in another country, it is no longer necessary to buy another smartphone for a local plan or use any call time/data from your primary plan. One smartphone is enough for you on holiday to continue receiving calls and SMS to your number, while using the data purchased at your destination country. The eSIM saves you money!

BENEFIT 3

No more worrying about not having the right-sized SIM card, or having cut too much off the plastic, or not enough. The eSIM is already in your smartphone. And you can forget about having to eject the card with that pin, which you always lost anyway! The eSIM saves you time!

How is an eSIM activated?

The POST eSIM is activated by simply scanning a QR code. This QR code is provided at the time the eSIM is purchased, with or without a smartphone. Once the QR code has been scanned, the data will be uploaded to the eSIM (e.g. plans, options, apps, etc.).

eSIM activation on an iOS/Android smartphone

For more details you can visit our FAQs on post.lu, category FAQ

How many times can the QR code be scanned?

For security reasons, the QR code can only be scanned once. If the profile has to be downloaded again, a new voucher will be needed.

What about my plan?

Which plans are compatible with the eSIM?

The following plans are eligible:

SCOUBIDO
BusinessEurope
FIT

How can two plans be used at the same time?

It is possible to use two plans with:

one plan on the SIM
another plan on the eSIM

And you can easily switch between these two plans. You will have two numbers and you will be able to choose which of the two plans to use each time: for your calls, messages, apps. You can also set your preferences: e.g. always call from your 621 123 456 number and use data with your 621 456 123 subscription.

You can also decide which of the two SIMs is used for mobile data.

How many plans can a smartphone with an eSIM support?

A smartphone with an eSIM can have at least two plans:

One plan on the standard SIM
And one or more plans on the eSIM

Do eligible customers have to pay extra?

Customers purchasing eSIM compatible offers (SCOUBIDO, BusinessEurope and FIT) do not have to pay extra for their plans and options. However, they will have to pay the cost of the voucher to receive the eSIM:

€5 for private customers
€4.27, excl. VAT, for business customers

Is it necessary to take out a new subscription for an eSIM?

No, there is no need to take out a new subscription, as long as it is eSIM compatible (SCOUBIDO, BusinessEurope, FIT).

What about compatibility?

Which smartphones are compatible?

The following smartphones are compatible:

iPhone SE
iPhone XR
iPhone XS and XS Max
iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+ and S20 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip

Which tablets are compatible?

The following tablets are compatible:

11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation)
iPad Air (3rd generation)
iPad (7th generation)
iPad Mini (5th generation)

Which watches are compatible?

The Apple Watch Cellular is currently not compatible with POST's eSIM, nor is any other watch sold in Luxembourg.

I’d like one!

How can I get an eSIM from POST?

Get an eSIM from POST by:

For residential customers:

calling the Contact Center at the freephone number
8002 8004
ordering online at www.scoubido.lu

For business customers:

calling the Sales Helpdesk freephone number
8002 4000