Your phone must be unlocked and support the destination's LTE bands to use a local or eSIM plan abroad. To check: dial *#06# and look for an EID (eSIM capable) and IMEI numbers. Go to Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock on iPhone. If it says 'No SIM restrictions', the phone is unlocked and ready for any travel SIM.
Two things must be true
- Your phone is carrier-unlocked (not tied to your home network)
- Your phone supports the LTE bands used in your destination country
If either condition is not met, a local SIM card will not work. Read on to check both.
Step 1: Check If Your Phone Is Unlocked
A locked phone only works with your home carrier. You cannot insert a foreign SIM card until the phone is unlocked. Here is how to check on both iPhone and Android.
How to Check on iPhone
- 1
Open Settings
On your iPhone, go to Settings. Tap on General, then About.
- 2
Check Carrier Lock
Scroll down to find "Carrier Lock." If it says "No SIM restrictions," your phone is unlocked.
- 3
Confirm with a foreign SIM
If you have access to a SIM card from another carrier, insert it. If the phone connects to a network, it is unlocked.
- 4
Contact your carrier if locked
Call or visit your home carrier. Ask them to unlock your device. Most carriers unlock phones once you finish your contract or pay off the device.
How to Check on Android
- 1
Open Settings
Go to Settings on your Android phone. The exact menu varies by brand.
- 2
Find the About Phone section
Tap "About Phone" or "About Device." Look for a "SIM Status" or "Network" entry.
- 3
Check unlock status
Some Samsung and Pixel phones show "SIM Lock Status" directly. If it says "Unlocked" or "Network Unlocked," you are ready to travel.
- 4
Use a carrier IMEI checker
Dial *#06# to get your IMEI number. Then visit your carrier website and enter the IMEI on their unlock check page.
- 5
Request an unlock
If locked, submit an unlock request through your carrier. Most process it within 1 to 3 business days.
Check your IMEI
Dial *#06# on any phone to display your IMEI number. Write it down. Many carrier websites let you enter the IMEI to confirm unlock status without calling support. Apple's website also shows unlock status if you enter your IMEI or serial number.
What to do if your phone is locked
Contact your home carrier at least 3 to 5 days before your trip. Most carriers unlock phones for free once you have completed your contract or paid off the device. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon in the USA all offer online unlock request forms. UK carriers like EE, O2, and Vodafone also process unlocks within 24 hours for eligible devices. If you cannot get unlocked in time, consider buying or renting an unlocked travel phone.
Step 2: Confirm Your Phone Supports the Right LTE Bands
LTE bands are specific radio frequencies that mobile networks use to transmit data. Different countries use different bands. A phone sold in the USA may miss bands used in Europe or Asia. This means the phone connects but gets poor signal or very slow speeds in those regions.
To check which LTE bands your phone supports, search for your phone model plus "full specifications" on GSMArena.com or the manufacturer spec page. Look for "LTE bands" in the network section.
Europe
Key bands: Band 1 (2100 MHz), Band 3 (1800 MHz), Band 7 (2600 MHz), Band 20 (800 MHz)
Band 20 is essential for rural coverage in France, Germany, and the UK.
Americas
Key bands: Band 2 (1900 MHz), Band 4 (1700/2100 MHz), Band 12 (700 MHz), Band 66 (1700/2100 MHz)
Band 12 and Band 66 are critical for T-Mobile and AT&T coverage in the USA.
Asia-Pacific
Key bands: Band 1 (2100 MHz), Band 3 (1800 MHz), Band 8 (900 MHz), Band 28 (700 MHz)
Band 28 covers rural Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia on networks like Telstra and AIS.
Middle East & Africa
Key bands: Band 1 (2100 MHz), Band 3 (1800 MHz), Band 7 (2600 MHz), Band 8 (900 MHz)
Coverage varies greatly. Stick to Band 1 and Band 3 as the safest baseline.
5G bands follow the same logic
If your phone supports 5G, band compatibility still applies. Sub-6 GHz 5G (n1, n3, n28, n78) is the most widely deployed globally. mmWave 5G (n257, n258, n260) is only relevant in dense US cities and Japan. For most international travel, LTE band compatibility matters more than 5G support.
Phones That Work in Most Countries
Some phone models are built for global use and support a wide range of LTE bands. These are the safest choices for international travelers.
| Brand | Compatible Models | eSIM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 | Yes | Best global LTE support. iPhone 14+ in the USA is eSIM only. |
| Samsung | Galaxy S21, S22, S23, S24, S25, S26 | Yes | International variants cover more bands than USA carrier models. |
| Pixel 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 | Yes | Full global band support. Excellent for international travel. | |
| OnePlus | OnePlus 9 Pro, 10 Pro, 11, 12 | Limited | Good band coverage for Asia and Europe. Limited eSIM availability. |
eSIM Compatibility List
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone. You install a plan remotely, with no physical SIM swap needed. This is useful when local SIM registration is complicated or when you want data active before you land.
Not all phones support eSIM. Here is a quick list of models that do.
Apple
iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and newer (all models from 2018+)
Samsung
Galaxy S20, Note 20, Z Fold 2, Z Flip and newer (most flagship models)
Pixel 3, 3a, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and all newer models
Motorola
Razr 2019, Razr 5G, Edge+ 2020 and newer flagship models
Sony
Xperia 10 III, Xperia 1 III and newer
To confirm eSIM support, go to Settings and look for a "Cellular Plans" or "Add eSIM" option. If the option exists, your phone supports eSIM. You can also search your exact model plus "eSIM support" on the manufacturer site.
Want to use eSIM instead of a local SIM?
HelloRoam offers eSIM plans for 185+ countries with instant activation. No registration hassle, no airport queues. Activate your plan before you board.
Compare eSIM providersWhat to Do If Your Phone Does Not Work Abroad
If your phone is locked and cannot be unlocked in time, or if it is missing key LTE bands for your destination, you have a few options.
Rent an unlocked phone
Short-term phone rental services are available in many airports and tourist hubs. This is useful for a one-off trip to a country with unusual band requirements.
Buy a cheap local handset
In many countries, basic Android smartphones cost under $30 USD. Buying a local prepaid phone with a SIM already inside is sometimes the fastest and cheapest option.
Use your phone on Wi-Fi only
If you only need internet occasionally, disable mobile data and use hotel, cafe, and airport Wi-Fi. Pair this with a messaging app like WhatsApp for calls.
Use an eSIM on your main phone
If your phone supports eSIM but is locked for physical SIM, check whether the carrier lock also applies to eSIM. Some carriers unlock eSIM separately from physical SIM.
Phone Compatibility FAQ
How do I know if my phone is unlocked for international use?
What LTE bands do I need for Europe?
Which phones work everywhere in the world?
Does my eSIM phone need to be unlocked?
Your phone is compatible. Now find the right SIM.
Browse country guides to find local SIM card options, pricing, and where to buy. Or compare eSIM providers if you want to activate before departure.
Country SIM Card Guides
Detailed SIM card and eSIM guides for popular destinations.