Seamless Connectivity: How the eSIM Feature Works
London, 6 October 2026 – Wise has rolled out two new tools inside its Travel Hub for customers with a Wise account. The updates let users purchase flexible eSIM data packages and scan QR codes to pay with local schemes across five continents, all from the same app. The features went live on 6 October and are available to all account holders traveling abroad.
Breaking news
Capsafa Unveils Free Financial Life Organizer for UK Households
JPMorgan Expands Digital Payments Network
Three in Ten Brits Say High‑Street Banks Have Worsened
Sam Bankman-Fried Takes FTX Fraud Case to US Supreme CourtThe eSIM addition replaces the need for physical SIM cards, offering data bundles that can be tailored to the length of a trip and the destination’s network speeds. Travelers can select a plan, receive a digital profile, and activate it instantly on compatible devices. The QR scanner works like a universal checkout, reading codes from merchants and routing the payment through regional payment networks, from Europe’s SEPA to Asia’s QR‑based systems. Wise says the move aims to simplify money‑and‑connectivity management for globetrotters, reducing the hassle of juggling multiple providers.
Wise’s eSIM service integrates with over 100 carriers worldwide. Users choose a data allowance, ranging from 1 GB to 20 GB, and the app automatically provisions the profile. Activation takes seconds, and the plan can be paused or topped up without leaving the app. „We wanted to give travelers the freedom to stay online without hunting for local SIM cards,” said Maya Patel, product lead at Wise. Early testers reported a 30 percent drop in connection‑related issues compared with traditional SIM swaps. The eSIM also supports dual‑SIM phones, allowing users to keep their home number active while using the data plan.
Can One QR Scan Replace All Local Payment Methods?
The new QR scanner consolidates payment options by detecting the merchant’s QR code and routing the transaction through the appropriate regional network. In Europe, it links to SEPA Instant; in Latin America, it connects to local QR platforms; in Africa and Asia, it taps into emerging QR payment ecosystems. Wise handles currency conversion at its usual interbank rate, eliminating hidden fees. „Our goal is to make paying abroad as easy as tapping a phone at home,” explained Patel. The scanner also stores receipts in the transaction history, helping users track spending across borders.
The dual launch positions Wise as a one‑stop shop for both financial and connectivity needs on the road. Analysts expect the features to attract a younger, tech‑savvy traveler segment and to boost account activity during peak holiday seasons. As more airlines and hotels integrate QR payments, Wise’s scanner could become a standard gateway for cross‑border commerce.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I activate an eSIM on my phone? Open the Wise app, select the desired data plan, and follow the on‑screen prompts to download the eSIM profile. The phone will prompt you to confirm activation, after which you’re online.
Will the QR scanner work with any merchant’s code? It supports QR codes that conform to regional payment standards in the supported continents. If a merchant uses an unsupported format, the scan will not process.
Are there extra fees for using the eSIM or QR scanner abroad? Wise applies its standard interbank exchange rate with no markup. Data plan prices are fixed in the local currency, and QR payments incur no additional transaction fees beyond the normal conversion rate.
