How to Get an eSIM for Another Country

Complete guide to obtaining and setting up eSIMs from other countries for use with WhatSnap SMS, including Tello US eSIM setup for non-US users.

Getting an eSIM for a country where you don't reside can be challenging due to verification requirements. This guide covers your options and provides detailed setup instructions.

ID Requirements: Most countries require local identification (driver's license, national ID, address) to purchase an eSIM. This guide covers workarounds and accessible options.

Why Use an International eSIM?

Common Use Cases:

  • Agency clients: Set up SMS for clients in other countries

  • Local presence: Send from a local number while working remotely

  • International marketing: Reach audiences with trusted local numbers

  • Cost savings: Avoid international SMS charges

Best Practice: We recommend having the phone in the same country as your contacts for optimal deliverability and ease of setup. However, international eSIMs over WiFi can work when necessary.

Option 1: Tello eSIM (USA) - Setup Guide

For Non-US Users: Tello is one of the few US carriers that allows eSIM registration from outside the United States, making it accessible for international WhatSnap users who need a US number.

Important Tello Warnings

Use with Extreme Caution: Tello is a budget carrier with significant limitations:

Limitations:

  • Very prone to blocks even at low usage (~10-20 msgs/day can trigger blocks)

  • Requires extremely slow warm-up (start 1 SMS every 10 minutes)

  • Maximum sustainable volume: 100-150 msgs/day (some reach 250/day)

  • SMS with links sometimes don't send

  • Accounts randomly stop working even when not blocked

  • Requires constant monitoring and troubleshooting

Only Recommended If:

  • You're outside the US and need a US number

  • You have no better options

  • You're willing to accept unreliable service

  • You need low volume (not for large campaigns)

Tello eSIM Purchase & Setup

1

Visit Tello Website

  1. Go to tello.com (or use referral link: mycrmsim.com/tello if provided)

  2. Navigate to "Plans" section

2

Choose a Plan

Recommended Plan: $10/month

  • Includes sufficient SMS for WhatSnap use

  • Data is NOT needed for SMS (uses minimal data: ~50-100 MB/month)

  • Can choose lower plans if they include unlimited SMS

Select your plan and click "Get This Plan"

3

Sign In or Create Account

  1. Sign in to existing Tello account or create new account

  2. Click "CheckOut"

4

Configure Number

In "My Number" section:

  1. Click "New Tello line" (not port existing number)

  2. Tello will assign you a US number

Number Selection: Standard Tello doesn't let you choose your area code. You'll be assigned a random US number.

5

Enter US Address

In "Tello Line" section:

  1. Enter a US address

  2. At the time of writing, Tello does not verify this address during signup

  3. You can use any valid US address format

If you need an actual US address:

  • Use a virtual mailbox service: physicaladdress.com

  • Or use an address generator (for signup purposes only)

Emergency Services: The address you provide is used for E911 (emergency services). While not verified at signup, providing a real address is recommended for safety.

6

Select eSIM Option

In "Tello SIM" section:

  1. Click "eSIM ($0)" option (not physical SIM)

  2. You'll be prompted to enter your device IMEI/ESN

7

Enter Device IMEI

Find your IMEI:

  • Open phone dialer

  • Dial: *#06#

  • Your IMEI will be displayed

Enter the IMEI in the Tello form.

IMEI Compatibility Workaround: Some users report that if their Android IMEI is rejected as "incompatible," they successfully used an iPhone IMEI during ordering, and the eSIM still worked on their Android device at activation. We recommend using your actual device's IMEI, but this workaround has been reported to work.

8

Complete Billing Information

  1. Scroll down and fill in billing information

  2. Click "Next > Calculate Taxes"

  3. Review your order total

9

Make Payment

  1. Choose payment method:

    • Credit Card

    • PayPal

  2. Complete payment

  3. Click "Finalize Order"

Order Confirmed! You'll be redirected to your Tello account dashboard.

10

Access QR Code

  1. After payment, go to: tello.com/account/my_sim

  2. Or: Navigate to "MY SIM" section in your account

  3. Wait for the QR code to appear (can take a few minutes)

  4. Do NOT close this page - you'll need the QR code next

Activating Tello eSIM Outside the US

Critical: Since you're outside the US, you need to enable WiFi Calling and RCS to send/receive SMS over WiFi. Standard cellular won't work internationally.

1

Scan the eSIM QR Code

  1. On your Android device, open Settings

  2. Go to Network & Internet → SIMs → Add SIM

  3. Select "Download a SIM instead?" or "Add eSIM"

  4. Scan the QR code displayed in your Tello account

  5. Wait for eSIM to download and install

  6. Give the eSIM a name (e.g., "Tello US")

2

Configure Emergency Address in Tello

This step is REQUIRED for WiFi calling:

  1. Log in to your Tello account

  2. Go to "My Settings"

  3. Find "WI-FI Calling" section

  4. Under "Emergency E911 Address", enter a US address

  5. Click "Save"

Must Be a US Address: Use the same address you provided during signup, or any valid US address. This is required to enable WiFi calling.

3

Enable WiFi Calling on Your Device

On your Android phone:

  1. Open Phone app

  2. Tap More (⋮) → Settings

  3. Tap Calls → WiFi Calling

  4. Toggle ON: "WiFi Calling"

  5. Set preference to "WiFi Preferred" or "WiFi Only"

Resources:

4

Enable RCS on Your Device

Required for eSIM SMS over WiFi:

  1. Open Messages app (Google Messages)

  2. Tap your profile icon (top right)

  3. Go to Messages settings

  4. Tap RCS chats or "Chat features"

  5. Toggle ON: "Enable chat features"

See: RCS Settings Guide for detailed instructions

5

Restart Your Device

After enabling WiFi Calling and RCS:

  1. Restart your Android device

  2. Wait for it to fully boot up

  3. Check that WiFi is connected

  4. Verify eSIM shows as active

Activation Complete! Your Tello eSIM should now be able to send/receive SMS over WiFi.

6

Test SMS Functionality

Before connecting to WhatSnap:

  1. Send a test SMS from the native Messages app to your personal number

  2. Verify the SMS is delivered

  3. Reply to yourself and verify reception

  4. If working, proceed to WhatSnap installation

If SMS doesn't work:

  • Ensure WiFi Calling is enabled and working

  • Check RCS is enabled

  • Verify eSIM is active (Settings → SIMs)

  • Contact Tello support if issues persist

Tello Troubleshooting

eSIM Downloaded But No Signal

Problem: eSIM installed but shows "No service" or "Not registered"

Solutions:

  1. Toggle Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds, then off

  2. Restart device

  3. Check eSIM is enabled in Settings → SIMs

  4. Verify your Tello account is active and paid

  5. Wait 30-60 minutes (activation can be slow)

WiFi Calling Won't Enable

Problem: WiFi Calling option is grayed out or not working

Solutions:

  1. Ensure you've added an E911 address in Tello settings (required)

  2. Wait 15-30 minutes after adding address

  3. Restart device after adding address

  4. Try toggling eSIM off and on in Settings

  5. Contact Tello support to verify WiFi calling is enabled on your account

SMS Not Sending Over WiFi

Problem: SMS fails to send even with WiFi Calling enabled

Solutions:

  1. Enable RCS (RCS Settings Guide)

  2. Verify WiFi calling is working (try making a call over WiFi first)

  3. Disable cellular data for the eSIM (WiFi only mode)

  4. Check you have strong WiFi signal

  5. Some users report SMS with links don't send on Tello - avoid links in messages

Tello Account Suddenly Stops Working

Problem: SMS was working, now it's not (but account isn't blocked)

Solutions:

  1. Log in to Tello account at: tello.com

  2. Go to Settings

  3. Find "Text messages" setting

  4. Ensure it's turned ON

  5. Save settings

  6. Restart your device

Note: This is a known Tello issue where the SMS feature randomly disables itself in account settings.

See: Tello SMS Settings Screenshot

Getting Blocked by Tello

Problem: Account blocked after sending messages

Solutions:

  1. Contact Tello support immediately

  2. Explain: Legitimate business use, CRM messaging

  3. Request unblock

  4. If unblocked, reduce volume drastically (start over with warm-up)

Prevention:

  • Start very slowly: 1 message every 10 minutes for first week

  • Max 10-20 messages/day for first week

  • Never send more than 150 msgs/day on Tello

  • Avoid spam-like content

  • Remove all links from messages

  • Vary your message content

If repeatedly blocked:

  • Consider this is not the right carrier for your use case

  • Look into US carriers with better business plans (requires US presence)

  • Or use Twilio for high-volume US SMS

Option 2: Get Your Client's ID

Best for Agency Use: If you're setting up SMS for a client in another country, use their local ID and credentials to purchase the eSIM legitimately.

How It Works

Process:

  1. Explain to your client that you need their local ID to order a SIM for their business

  2. Request required documents:

    • Driver's license or national ID

    • Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement)

    • Sometimes: Payment method from their country

  3. Order the eSIM using their credentials

  4. Activate on your device (or theirs) via QR code

Benefits:

  • Legitimate, properly verified eSIM

  • Better carrier support if issues arise

  • Likely fewer restrictions than workarounds

  • Client owns the number (proper business setup)

What to Tell Clients:

"To set up SMS messaging for your business through our CRM system, we need to order a business SIM card. This requires local ID verification (similar to if you were ordering it yourself). We'll need your driver's license and address to complete the carrier verification. This is standard procedure for business communications."

Required Documents by Country

Most Common Requirements:

  • United States: Driver's license + SSN (or Tax ID) + US address

  • United Kingdom: Proof of address + ID (passport or driver's license)

  • Australia: Driver's license + Australian address

  • European Union: National ID + address proof

  • Canada: Driver's license + Canadian address

Check with specific carriers in your target country for exact requirements.

Option 3: Get Someone in the Country to Order for You

Remote Activation: eSIMs can be activated remotely via QR code scanning, allowing someone in another country to order it and you to activate it on your device.

Process

1

Find a Contact in the Target Country

  • Business partner

  • Friend or family member

  • Freelancer or virtual assistant

  • Service provider offering SIM registration

2

They Order the eSIM

Using their local credentials:

  1. They create an account with the carrier

  2. Purchase an eSIM plan

  3. Complete ID verification

  4. Receive eSIM activation QR code

3

Screen Share During Activation

  1. Set up a video call or screen share (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.)

  2. They log into their carrier account

  3. They navigate to the eSIM activation page

  4. QR code is displayed on their screen

4

Scan QR Code Remotely

  1. On your Android device, open Settings → SIMs → Add eSIM

  2. Point your phone camera at their screen

  3. Scan the QR code displayed during the screen share

  4. eSIM downloads and installs on your device

5

Configure for Your Use

  1. Set up WiFi calling and RCS

  2. Test SMS functionality

  3. Connect to WhatSnap

Payment Considerations:

  • You'll need to reimburse your contact for the SIM plan costs

  • Consider setting up recurring payment arrangement

  • Or: Have them add your payment method if carrier allows

Option 4: Virtual Number Services (Alternative)

Limited Compatibility: Some virtual number services may not work with WhatSnap SMS as they don't provide a true SIM/eSIM. Always verify before purchasing.

Services to Investigate:

  • Sonetel: Virtual numbers with SMS capability

  • MySudo: Virtual numbers for privacy

  • Hushed: Temporary numbers with SMS

Check Compatibility:

  1. Verify they provide actual eSIM (not just app-based numbers)

  2. Confirm SMS API access or Android integration

  3. Test with small commitment before bulk purchase

  4. Ask WhatSnap support if specific service is compatible

Recommendations by Country

🇺🇸 United States (Non-US Residents)

Best Option: Tello eSIM (accessible internationally)

Better Options (if you can get US verification):

  • Google Fi: More reliable

  • Verizon Business: High volume support

  • Lycamobile: Budget friendly, better than Tello

🇦🇺 Australia (Non-AU Residents)

Option: More Mobile eSIM

  • Link: more.com.au

  • May allow international purchase

  • Used by overseas users sending to Australia

🇬🇧 United Kingdom (Non-UK Residents)

Options:

Challenge: Most require UK address verification

Other Countries

General Approach:

  1. Research carriers in target country

  2. Contact carriers directly to ask about international registration

  3. Look for MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) - often have looser requirements

  4. Consider Option 2 (client's ID) or Option 3 (local contact) as most reliable

After Getting Your eSIM

1

Test Basic Functionality

  1. Send test SMS to your personal number

  2. Verify delivery and reception

  3. Test WiFi calling if available

2

Install WhatSnap Gateway App

Follow standard installation:

3

Configure Dual-SIM (If Applicable)

If using both physical SIM and eSIM:

4

Start Slow Warm-Up

Critical for eSIM success:

  • Week 1: 10-20 messages/day

  • Week 2: 50-100 messages/day

  • Week 3+: 100-250 messages/day (if carrier supports)

See: Database Reactivations - SIM Warm-Up

Related Resources

Questions about international eSIM setup? Contact WhatSnap support at support@whatsnap.ai for guidance on your specific country requirements.

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