Foldable phones and eSIM: what savvy autumn travellers need to know

Are digital SIMs ready for your next adventure?

A chill in the air, suitcases shoved under the bed, and Halloween looming – it’s that in-between season when the world feels open for a quick escape. This week, waiting for a delayed train at London Bridge, I noticed three separate people juggling foldable phones: one streaming a video, another video calling home, the third rifling through digital travel documents. It struck me how much travel tech has moved on, yet how connectivity questions still catch even the most well-kitted wanderers off guard.

Has your phone kept up with all these changes? If you’re eyeing up a foldable for your next trip, especially with half-term or an autumn city break on the cards, here’s something not everyone realises: not every foldable is ready for eSIM out of the box, and that can make or break your mobile experience abroad.

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Quick Facts

Not all foldable phones support eSIM – always check before you travel
eSIMs offer flexibility for last-minute plans and shifting itineraries
Some destinations have better eSIM coverage and pricing than others
Using Graba SIM’s Data Pulse and instant activation makes life easier at the airport
eSIM compatibility varies by model, region, and carrier

Autumn travel and mobile connectivity: why it’s not one-size-fits-all

October brings pumpkin spice and crowded airports – and if you’re heading for a long weekend in Barcelona or a family break in Tokyo, your phone’s adaptability matters more than you might think. In some cities, like New York, network congestion hits a peak around school holidays; in others, like Athens or Mykonos, spotty coverage can make even the snazziest device feel like a brick if you’re relying on a single provider. I once lost half a day of photos in Seoul after my SIM card glitched mid-transfer – a reminder that even tech journalists get caught out!

What’s striking is how quickly eSIM coverage is improving in places popular for autumn getaways. Japan’s major networks – NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and au – have all boosted eSIM support this year, but their plans and compatibility quirks differ. Meanwhile, in the US, most new foldables work with digital SIMs, but some carrier-locked models still snub international eSIM plans. I wish I had a pound for every time a reader’s messaged me from JFK, frustrated by a device that ‘should’ work but won’t.

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Why This Matters

Understanding your device’s eSIM compatibility before you set off can save hours of airport stress and prevent costly roaming bills, especially when you’re trying to wrangle family, luggage, and a crammed itinerary.

Do foldable phones really support eSIM?

Here’s where things get a bit technical – and yes, even as someone who reviews gadgets for a living, I double-check every time I switch phones. While the big names (Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series, Flip models, and the Huawei Mate X line) have mostly jumped on the eSIM bandwagon, not every variant is equal. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 supports eSIM in its European and US versions, but the models sold in some Asian markets are physical SIM only. The Huawei Mate X3 I tested in Singapore refused to play ball with eSIM no matter what I tried.

If you’re curious whether your device is eSIM-ready, Graba SIM has a compatibility checker that’s up to date for 2025’s roster of phones – worth bookmarking before you book flights, in my view. For more on the latest, see this guide to eSIM-compatible phones in 2025.

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Pro-tip from Tom H

Bought your foldable in one country, planning to use it elsewhere? Your phone’s model number (found in Settings > About Phone) is key – it may look the same but the chips inside can differ!

The practical perks of eSIM on the road

Once you’re set up, eSIMs can be a genuine game-changer. Forget searching for a shop to swap SIM cards, or fumbling with pins in taxi queues – a digital SIM lands in your inbox, and you’re online in minutes. Graba SIM’s instant activation came in handy for me during a sweaty dash through Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi, when a delay meant I needed to update airport pickups on the fly. Some features stand out for frequent flyers: Data Pulse lets you monitor usage in real time (no more nasty surprises), and the home screen widget makes it easy to keep tabs without digging through menus. If you do hit a snag, there’s 24/7 live chat support – I’ve tested it at 2am in Lisbon, and they really do reply!

A thought for the autumn holiday crowd: with city breaks and half-term trips, the flexibility to buy or swap plans on the fly is invaluable. Plans start from as little as £5/$7/€6 for several destinations. Browse all eSIM plans here or use the plan finder wizard if you want a tailored fit.

Get Connected

Check eSIM compatibility, compare countries and data packages, and set up before you travel – all in one place.

Browse Plans

Step-by-step: how to set up eSIM on your foldable phone

Check your model

- Go to your phone’s settings, select ‘About phone’, and find the model number. Use Graba SIM’s compatibility tool to double-check.

Buy a plan

- Pick your country or region on Graba SIM’s browse page. Popular autumn destinations like Japan, the US, and Spain have multiple options.

Receive your eSIM QR code

- You’ll get a QR sent to your email – keep it handy or print it out if you’re a paper fan like me.

Activate eSIM

- In your foldable’s settings, select ‘Mobile Network’, then ‘Add Mobile Plan’. Scan your QR. Most eSIMs activate within 30 seconds (sometimes it’s faster; I’ve rarely waited longer).

Monitor and manage

- Use Data Pulse or home screen widgets to track data. Switch plans if needed (especially useful for multi-country autumn trips).

For more troubleshooting and walk-throughs, see the autumn adventurer’s guide to checking device compatibility.

Local travel tips: autumn in the world’s eSIM hotspots

Local Tips

New York: Subway Wi-Fi drops out between stations – download maps offline.

Paris: Pickpockets target tourists fiddling with new gadgets on the Métro.

Tokyo: Most convenience stores offer free charging, but plan for limited public Wi-Fi in shrines/gardens.

Seoul: Street-level 5G is superb, but inside basements or markets, reception drops – eSIM with multi-network access helps.

Barcelona: Main squares have public Wi-Fi, but speed crawls after 5pm during holidays.

Dubai: Airport eSIM kiosks are often busy at half-term – activate in advance.

How do foldable phones compare for eSIM?

Foldable phone eSIM compatibility (2025)
Model	eSIM Support	Region caveats
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5	Yes	All regions except some SEA imports
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5	Yes	US/EU/UK only
Huawei Mate X3	No (most models)	China/Singapore variants lack eSIM
Motorola Razr 40 Ultra	Yes	Check carrier lock
OPPO Find N3	Partial	Some models, not all

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Why This Matters

Carriers and manufacturers sometimes disable eSIM features depending on where the phone’s sold. Always check before you buy or travel.

Business jet-setter

Needs quick swaps between UK and Dubai – eSIM lets them switch plans mid-trip without downtime.

Family on autumn break

Multiple devices, one activation point. eSIM widgets help monitor kids’ usage in real time.

Solo backpacker in Japan

Lost paper SIM on bullet train. Digital SIM was reissued in under 10 minutes with Graba SIM support.

Get Connected

Not sure which plan to pick for your autumn travels? Graba SIM’s wizard helps you choose by region, duration, and data needs.

Try Plan Finder

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

There’s something liberating about travelling with only what fits in your pocket – and these days, a foldable phone plus an eSIM covers a lot of ground. My advice? Take ten minutes to check compatibility before you go, and you’ll save yourself hours of hassle when you’d rather be wandering a market or sampling something seasonal. As always, the small details make the biggest difference.

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Foldable phones and eSIM: what savvy autumn travellers need to know

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