eSIM is a built-in microchip in a smartphone that stores a digital operator profile and eliminates the need to change plastic cards. Just scan the QR code, and the network parameters are loaded into the phone in a few seconds.

You can create a profile in advance through the service— eSIM in Georgia MTS Payment. The received QR code is saved in the device’s memory or in cloud storage and is activated immediately after arrival.

This is especially convenient for traveling around Georgia: 4G/5G networks cover both cities and remote mountainous areas, so a virtual SIM allows you to quickly switch between local tariffs without the risk of losing a tiny card somewhere on a serpentine road.

Before purchasing a virtual SIM, it is important to make sure that the smartphone, the SIM chip itself and the firmware “speak” the same language as Georgian networks.

Which models support eSIM

• Apple: iPhone XS / XR and newer, as well as all versions of iPhone SE (2nd generation and later).
• Samsung: Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23 series; ZFlip and ZFold of all generations; Note20.
• Google Pixel: starting with Pixel 3 (but without models for the Japanese market).
• Huawei / Honor: P40, Mate40Pro, but only global versions.
• Other brands: Xiaomi12TPro, OppoFindX3Pro, SonyXperia1IV and newer.
  

Local operators
Magti and Silknet are already fully activating eSIM; Cellfie Mobile (former Beeline) has launched a test mode - check with customer support when purchasing.

Where to look for EID and IMEI

• On any smartphone, dial *#06# - a window will open with the IMEI and long EID number, which is needed for activation.
  
• iOS: “Settings → General → About” - scroll to the “EID” line.
  
• Android 12/13:“Settings → About phone → eSIM” or “SIM cards and mobile networks” - the name depends on the shell.
  

If the EID does not appear on the screen, and there is no "Add eSIM" item in the "Cellular" menu, then the device is either "blocked" by the operator or uses firmware without virtual SIM support. In this case, you will have to contact the service or choose a plastic card.

iOS (iPhoneXS/XR and later)

1. Connect to Wi-Fi, open “Settings→ Cellular→ Add eSIM”.
2. Click “Use QR code” and scan it from the screen of the second device or printout.
3. If there is no camera or Internet, select “Enter data manually” and enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code from the letter.
4. Give the tariff a name (for example, “Georgia Data”), enable “Data in roaming” — done.
   

Android 12/13 (Pixel, Samsung, Xiaomi)

1. Wi-Fi must be active. Go to "Settings→ Connections→ SIM manager→ Add eSIM".
2. Click "Scan QR code" and point the camera; confirm the profile installation.
3. If there is no Internet, use the "Enter activation code manually" option and paste the received parameters.
4. After loading the profile, mark it as "mobile data" and check that "Data roaming" is enabled.

🔄 A QR code saves time and eliminates errors: use manual entry only if the camera does not focus or the letter arrived without an image.

The cost of mobile Internet for eSIM in Georgia is within 5-8 GEL per gigabyte, if you take a package at once, and about 15-20 T/MB with per-second billing. It is most profitable to take the average volume (10-20 GB): it is enough for navigation, social networks and WhatsApp calls, but does not “eat up” the budget, like unlimited. Below is an average showcase of current packages from the three largest operators

You can connect in two ways—online in advance or offline at the airport:

Online registration before the trip

• Fill out an application on the operator's website or in the aggregator service, immediately link your passport and card - the profile will be sent to your e-mail as a QR code.
• Activation can be postponed: packages usually have 30 days to "scan" the code after purchase, so it's not scary if the flight is delayed.
• Pros: you save time, you will already have Internet in a taxi from the airport. Cons: there is no live consultant if the smartphone "does not see" the QR.
  

Physical connection points at airports

• Tbilisi (TBS) — sales counter right after the Duty Free exit, open 24/7; here you can also exchange SIM for eSIM if the device supports it.
• Batumi (BUS) — communication pavilion in the arrivals hall, open from 07:00 to 02:00; the queue is shorter, but the choice of packages is limited.
• Kutaisi (KUT) — mobile kiosk next to the car rental point, 24/7 mode during the tourist season; consultants help to activate the profile right on the spot.
  

If you're short on time, apply for an eSIM online in advance - this way you'll avoid queues and be able to call a taxi or share your coordinates immediately after boarding.

Profile crashed after reboot

• Check if the date/time settings have been reset: an incorrect time zone makes the eSIM inactive.
• On the iPhone, turn off Battery Saver Mode and restart the device again—sometimes the profile “rises” after the second start.
• If the eSIM is marked as “inactive” in the list of SIM cards, select it and click “Enable” manually.
  

QR code activation error

• Make sure the camera is focusing: if the barcode is blurry, select "Enter data manually" and enter the SM-DP+ address from the email.
• On Android, clear the cache of the Google Play Services app - an incorrect cache can block the profile from loading.
• The QR code is valid only once: if you scanned it before on another device, request a new one from your operator.
  

Mobile internet does not work

• Check that Data Roaming is enabled (iOS: Cellular → Settings, Android: Network → SIM Manager).
• Set the access point (APN) manually: "internet" or "mobile" - the exact name can be found on the operator's website.
• In the mountains, switch to 3G mode: sometimes there is a 4G signal, but the data channel does not rise.

The virtual card and the classic "plate" provide the same access to the network, but differ in connection speed, security and convenience on the road. The summary table below will help you quickly understand which option to choose for your trip.

Below is a short checklist that will help you save traffic and nerves during your trip. Add the block to "Favorites" and take a look before heading to the mountains; the sticker image can be placed at the top or side of the list.