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Personal  >  Mobile  >  eSIM

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What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM that's already installed in a device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

It's quick to set up, easy to use, and entirely digital so it's great for the planet.

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Vodafone Postpay monthly customers can get an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card with compatible devices.

The flexibility of an eSIM means you can:

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Have the best of both worlds

No need to have a work place and personal phone or need to switch out SIM cards when travelling overseas.

Travel Ready

When you're travelling theres no need to swap SIM cards and end up losing your physical SIM.

Be nice to our world

Having an eSIM helps reduce waste like plastic, packaging and manufacturing.

eSIM with Vodafone Cook Islands

You can get eSIM on a range of smartphones

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eSIM Compatible phones

esim compatible phone

Which Apple devices support eSIM?

iPhone 15

iPhone 15 Plus

iPhone 15 Pro

iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 14

iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 14 Pro

iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone 13 mini

iPhone 13

iPhone 13 Pro

iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 12 mini

iPhone 12

iPhone 12 Max

iPhone 12 Max Pro

Phone 11

iPhone 11 Pro

iPhone 11 Pro Max

iPhone XS

iPhone XS Max

iPhone XR

iPhone SE (2020)

iPad Air (3rd Generation)

iPad Pro (3rd Generation)

iPad Mini (5th Generation)

Other Android devices

Huawei P40

Huawei P40 Pro

Huawei P50 Pro

Huawei Mate 40 Pro

Oppo Find X3 Pro

Oppo Reno 5A

Oppo Find X5

Oppo Find X5 Pro

Motorola Razr 2019

Motorola Razr 5G

Gemini PDA

Rakuten Mini

Rakuten Big-S

Rakuten Big

Rakuten Hand

Rakuten Hand 5G

Sony Xperia 10 III Lite
Sony Xperia 10 IV

Xperia 5 IV

Xperia 1 IV

Surface Pro X

Honor Magic 4 Pro

Fairphone 4

Sharp Aquos Sense6s

Sharp Aquos Wish

Xiaomi 12T Pro

DOOGEE V30

Which Android devices support eSIM?

Samsung Galaxy S24

Samsung Galaxy S24+

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S23

Samsung Galaxy S23+

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S22

Samsung Galaxy S22+

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S21

Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G

Samsung Galaxy S20

Samsung Galaxy S20+

Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy Note 20

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G 

Samsung Galaxy Fold

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4

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Google Devices

Google Pixel 2 (only phones bought with Google Fi service)

Google Pixel 2 XL

Google Pixel 3 (not including phones bought in Australia, Taiwan or Japan. Phones bought with US or Canadian carriers other than Spring and Google Fi don’t work with eSIM)

Google Pixel 3 XL

Google Pixel 3a (not including phones bought in Japan or with Verizon service)

Google Pixel 3a XL

Google Pixel 4

Google Pixel 4a

Google Pixel 4 XL

Google Pixel 5

Google Pixel 5a

Google Pixel 6

Google pixel 6a

Google Pixel 6 Pro

Google Pixel 7

Google Pixel 7 Pro

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If you have bought any of the above phones from Vodafone Cook Islands and you're using a physical SIM card, you  can switch to an eSIM. You'll need to visit us in store so we can move your connection.

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If your mobile device isn't listed above, you can check if it is compatible by dialing
USSD code *#06# 
If an EID code appears in the prompt on your screen, your device is compatible with an eSIM.

Get your eSIM today!

You can buy an eSIM for Travel SIM plans from our online recharge website, or from a Vodafone Cook Islands store.

Buying an eSIM online​

You can buy your Travel eSIM online from our website here​

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  1. Firstly - is your device network locked to your home service provider?  If it is - then unfortunately you will not be able to use our local sim cards.

  2. Secondly - you will need to check that your device is eSim compatible.  Review the list above to ensure your device is compatible to use eSim.

  3. Go to our online website at www.recharge.vodafone.co.ck and select eSIM from the option

  4. You will need to register to use our online website services - please ensure that you have the correct email address entered to receive the eSIM email 

  5. You will then need to register by uploading a valid photo ID (passport) and a facial scan*

  6. After the registration process has been completed, you will move on to the eSIM plan selection

  7. Select the Travel eSIM of your choice:

    1. TSIM49 - $49NZD, comes with 10GB data, 30minutes of calling and 300TXTs, valid for 15 days​

    2. TSIM69 - $69NZD, comes with 20GB data, 60minutes of calling and 600TXTs, valid for 28 days

  8. After selecting the plan of your choice you will move on to the payment section

  9. Once payment is confirmed you will get an email with the instructions to install your new Travel eSIM

  10. To activate your Travel eSim - you need to be in the Cook Islands connected to the Vodafone Cook Islands network.

Buying an eSIM in-store​

Before you arrive in-store:

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  • Transfer or backup your contacts and other information to your device or to your email account as only your mobile number is transferred to the new eSIM (to do this,  search for "import contacts" in your device guide)

  • Check that you have a current photo ID with you ( a driver's licence or passport for example) and bring this in with you - this is required for SIM card registration by law

How to install your new eSIM

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Samsung/Android

Once you have received a QR code or Activation code for your eSIM make sure you have internet connectivity as its required to download the eSIM.

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  1. Go to Settings > Connections > Sim Manager

  2. Then select “Add eSIM”
     

    • If you don’t see this “Add eSIM” then it’s likely your phone does not support eSIMs
       

  3. Select “Scan QR code from service provider”

  4. The camera will open up for you to scan the QR code you received
     

    • Or you can select “Enter Activation Code” then it will prompt you to enter the code received, activation code sample below
       

      • LPA:1$RSP-0026.OBERTHUR.NET$xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx
         

    • Or you can select “Gallery” icon which will open up your gallery and you can select the QR Code you downloaded
       

  5. Then your eSIM will install. It may take a few minutes.

Apple/iOS

Once you have received a QR code or Activation code for your eSIM ensure you have internet connectivity as it is required to download the eSIM.
 

  1. Go to Settings > Mobile 

  2. Select Add eSIM > this should take you to a “Set up Mobile” screen

  3. Select “Use QR Code”

  4. The camera will open up for you to scan the QR code you received:
     

    • You will need to take a photo of the QR code on your phone from another device then scan the code from your phone

    • Or you can manually enter the activation code by selecting “Enter Details Manually” > then “Activation code” The Activation code needs to be split.

      Sample of activation code below:
       

    • LPA:  1$RSP-0026.OBERTHUR.NET$xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx

    • SM-DP+ Address:   RSP-0026.OBERTHUR.NET

    • Activation Code:   xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx
       

  5. Follow on-screen instructions to complete setup

  6. Then your eSIMwill activate and be ready for use. Activation may take a few minutes.

Google Pixel

  1. Open Settings then tap Network & Internet

  2. Tap SIMs

  3. Tap Download a SIM instead

  4. Follow onscreen instructions to complete installing your eSIM
     

For more detailed information - see the link here: https://guidebooks.google.com/pixel/explore-your-phone/set-up-esim

FAQs

About eSIM

What is dual SIM?​

Every SIM has its own phone number which in turn has its own mobile plan. And a lot of phones offer dual SIM capability, meaning you could potentially have two SIMs in one phone. Now, you can have an eSIM and the other can be a physical SIM. You can use both SIMs on one phone to send and receive calls, TXTs and data.​

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What is a an eSIM?​

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a SIM card that is built into a device such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. Unlike traditional physical SIM cards, an eSIM is integrated into the device's hardware and can be programmed with multiple carrier profiles.

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What are the advantages of using an eSIM?

There are several advantages of using an eSIM:

  1. Convenience: Since there is no physical SIM card to insert or remove, you can easily switch between different mobile carriers or plans without needing to physically change the SIM card.

  2. Dual SIM functionality: With an eSIM, you can have two active phone numbers on a single device, allowing you to use two different mobile plans simultaneously.

  3. Easy activation: eSIMs can be activated remotely, saving you the hassle of visiting a physical store or waiting for a SIM card to be delivered.

  4. Space-saving: Without the need for a physical SIM card slot, devices can be made smaller and sleeker.

  5. Easy for travellers who can purchase and download the QR code to activate their eSim prior to travelling.

  6. Environmentally friendly: using an eSim means less reliance on plastic SIM cards which reduces plastic wastes from manufacturing and packaging.

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Which devices support eSIM?

Many newer smartphones, tablets, and other connected devices support eSIM technology. However, the availability of eSIM support may vary depending on the device model and manufacturer. It is best to check the specifications or the settings on your device to check compatibility. At this point in time, our eSIMs work on mobile phones only.

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Can I swap between two SIMs on my phone?

Yep. Most dual SIM phones are Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) and if your phone supports this, you can assign each SIM to  voice, data and or TXT. To learn how to turn a SIM on or off, check your device's user guide for more information.

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Can I use an eSIM and physical SIM on my device?

Depending on the model of the device and eSIM compatibility, you can use a physical SIM and an eSIM simultaneously. In settings, select which sim you want to use when making a call, sending SMS or using data.

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Is it possible to use both SIM cards at the same time?

Unfortunately, no. You can only use one network at a time. For example: if you are on a call on one line (SIM 1), you can't get a call on the other line (SIM 2) at the same time.

Buying a Vodafone Cook Islands eSIM

How do I purchase an eSIM?

There are a few ways to purchase an eSIM.  If you are visiting the Cook Islands, you can purchase before you travel.

 

  1. Online:  go to  https://recharge.vodafone.co.ck/login to register on the Vodafone Cook Islands Recharge site and complete KYC (Know Your Customer) details where a valid passport is required prior to purchase of an eSim. Upon completion of registration and payment, you will be provided with a QR code that you can use to activate the eSim on your device.

  2. Instore: you can visit any Vodafone Retail outlet in Rarotonga to get your eSIM profile downloaded and activated to your device.

 

In order to activate an eSIM profile to your device, please ensure you have the following: 

 

  • An eSIM capable device

  • A valid ID

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​Can I transfer my existing physical SIM to an eSIM?

Yes, we can convert your existing Vodafone mobile number to an eSIM - you will need to come in to our Vodafone Parekura store in order to get this process done as it is only available in Rarotonga.

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Can I get a Vodafone Cook Islands (VFCI) eSIM on a phone I bought from another provider?

Yes. You can get a VFCI eSIM on any phone that supports eSIM - however, we can't guarantee ​eSIM will be supported if your device is locked by a telco in another country. You can check with the provider that you bought your device from if it is indeed locked and request a network unlock code.

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What should I do with my old physical SIM?

You can give this in to us and we can dispose of it for you.

eSIM portability

Does Vodafone Cook Islands support eSIM for watches?

No. At the moment we only support eSIM for mobile phones.

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Can I move my eSIM to a new device?

You can move your current mobile number on your eSIM to a new eSIM for if you're swapping devices. E.g: if you've upgraded from a Galaxy S22 to a Galaxy S23. Each device will need to download a new eSIM profile and then your mobile number can be programmed onto it hence not allowing you to transfer one eSIM profile from a device to another.Currently this can only be done at the Rarotonga Main Office in Parekura.

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How do I switch back to a physical SIM card after getting an eSIM

To switch back to a physical SIM card after getting an eSIM, come in to a Vodafone Cook Islands store with a valid photo ID and proof of address. Our store staff can complete a SIM swap for you.

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Can I use an eSIM when travelling internationally?

Yes, if you are a postpay plan customer with roaming enabled on your eSIM number. 

eSIM troubleshooting

I switched to an eSIM - now I have no service

Make sure that your eSIM is enabled on your phones settings. If your new eSIM card has not started working after 2 hours:

  • Ensure that the new SIM is in your phone

  • Turn your mobile off and on

  • If its still not working - please contact customer services on 123.

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I can't find the QR code for my eSIM

If you bought your eSIM online, we've emailed the QR code to the email address that you gave us:

  • double-check the email address you gave us, or​

  • check your spam folder

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I can't scan the eSIM QR code!

If you're having problems scanning the eSIM QR code:

  • Make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi or a hotspot

  • Don't scan the QR code using your camera app - go through the Settings menu on your phone

  • Check you're using the QR emailed to you when you placed your order

  • Try scanning the QR code again 

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The eSIM download failed partway through

If the eSIM profile download fails partway through, restart your device and try downloading the profile again

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I lost or broke my phone which had the eSIM

Call us on 123 (+682 29680 if you're overseas) to block your old SIM if your phone is stolen or lost. You can grab a new SIM for your new device from online or instore.

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What happens if I removed/deactivated my eSIM?

Once eSIM is removed/deactivated from a device, it cannot be reused. You will need to get a new eSIM profile or use a physical SIM card. 

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How do I complete a factory reset on my phone without removing my eSIM?

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For Apple (iOS) devices:

  1. Go to settings

  2. Select General

  3. Select Reset

  4. Select Erase All Content & Settings

  5. Select Erase iPhone

  6. Select Erase All and Keep mobile plan - please ensure you select the correct one - selecting Erase All may remove your eSIM plan.

  7. To reinstate one or more eSIM plans to your device, you'll need to visit a Vodafone Store for each plan to continue using them again on your device.

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For Samsung (Android)

  1. Go to settings

  2. Select General Management

  3. Select Reset

  4. Select Factory Data Reset

  5. Select Reset

  6. Your eSIM will automatically be retained

  7. If you choose eSIMs however, any eSIM plans on your device will be removed

  8. To reinstate one or more eSIM plans to your device, you'll need to visit a Vodafone Store for each plan to continue using them again on your device.

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For Huawei 

  1. Go to settings

  2. Select Systems and Updates

  3. Select Reset

  4. Select Reset Phone

  5. Select Reset but Keep ESIMS

  6. If you choose Reset, any eSIM plans on your device will be removed

  7. To reinstate one or more eSIM plans to your device, you'll need to visit a Vodafone Store for each plan to continue using them again on your device.

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For Google (Android)

  1. Go to settings

  2. Select System

  3. Select Advanced

  4. Select Reset Options

  5. Select Erase All Data

  6. Your eSIM will automatically be retained

  7. If you choose Erase downloaded SIMs however, any eSIM plans on your device will be removed

  8. To reinstate one or more eSIM plans to your device, you'll need to visit a Vodafone Store for each plan to continue using them again on your device.

eSIM Terms

  1. These terms and conditions ("Terms") govern the use of Vodafone Cook Islands eSIM for Prepay, Postpay, and Travel Plan SIM cards ("eSIM"). By activating and using the eSIM, you agree to be bound by these Terms. Please read them carefully before proceeding.

  2. Activation and Compatibility:

    1. The eSIM can be activated and used on compatible devices that support eSIM technology.

    2. It is your responsibility to ensure that your device is compatible with the eSIM. You may check compatibility by visiting our designated website or contacting our customer support.

    3. Vodafone Cook Islands reserves the right to modify the list of compatible devices on our website at any time.

  3. Usage and Access:

    1. The eSIM is intended for personal use only and must not be shared, transferred, or resold to any third party.

    2. You must use the eSIM in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and these Terms.

    3. Vodafone Cook Islands reserves the right to monitor and restrict usage if there is a reasonable belief of non-compliance or misuse of the eSIM.

  4. Prepay, Postpay, and Travel Plan Terms:

    1. If you are using the eSIM for a Prepay SIM card, the terms and conditions applicable to Prepay services shall govern your usage.

    2. If you are using the eSIM for a Postpay SIM card, the terms and conditions applicable to Postpay services shall govern your usage.

    3. If you are using the eSIM for a Travel Plan SIM card, the terms and conditions applicable to Travel Plan services shall govern your usage.

  5. Charges and Payments:

    1. Usage charges for the eSIM will be as per the applicable Prepay, Postpay, or Travel Plan rates and pricing.

    2. You are responsible for all charges incurred through the use of the eSIM, including but not limited to data usage, calls, messages, and any additional services.

    3. Payment terms and methods will be as per the applicable Prepay, Postpay, or Travel Plan terms and conditions.

  6. Limitations and Liability:

    1. Vodafone Cook Islands shall not be held liable for any loss, damage, or inconvenience caused by the use or unavailability of the eSIM, including but not limited to technical issues, interruptions, or unauthorized access.

    2. Vodafone Cook Islands reserves the right to suspend or terminate the eSIM service at any time without prior notice.

    3. In no event shall Vodafone Cook Islands be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from the use of the eSIM.

  7. Modifications and Termination:

    1. Vodafone Cook Islands reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time by providing notice through appropriate channels.

    2. You may terminate your eSIM service by contacting our customer support.

  8. Governing Law and Jurisdiction:

    1. These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Cook Islands. Any disputes arising out of or in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Cook Islands courts.

  9. Registration:

    1. Every eSIM purchased and Vodafone number allocated to a customer must be registered. When purchasing an eSIM from Vodafone, we will keep a record that the eSIM card has been issued to you. You will be required to provide a valid proof of identification and residence and we will register your name, residential and email address in connection with the eSIM and Vodafone number.

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By activating and using the Vodafone Cook Islands eSIM, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.

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