[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "when%20I%20sign%20up%20with%20Lebara%2C%20can%20I%20choose%20to%20get%20an%20e-sim%20instead%20of%20a%20phyisical%20sim%20card"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Yes \u2014 but whether you *can* choose an eSIM instead of a physical SIM when signing up with Lebara depends on which country you're in and what kind of phone you have. Here\u2019s a breakdown based on the latest available info as of April 2026:\n\n---\n\n## \u2705 Where it is possible\n\n- **Lebara Travel eSIM**  \n  For travelers, Lebara offers \u201cTravel eSIM\u201d plans that are **data-only** and usable in over 190 destinations. These can be bought and installed via the Lebara Go app. ([travel.lebara.com](https://travel.lebara.com/?utm_source=openai))\n\n- **Lebara Germany**  \n  As of August 27, 2025, Lebara Germany supports eSIM for **all** new mobile subscription customers (contract plans), whether they choose one-month or longer terms. Existing customers can swap from a physical SIM to an eSIM using self-service tools. ([lebara.de](https://www.lebara.de/content/dam/lebara/markets/de/de/assets/2025/4_about-us/pressemitteilungen/20250826_LEBARA_eSIM_PM.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n- **Lebara Switzerland**  \n  In Switzerland, Lebara has also rolled out full eSIM support. New orders can choose eSIM, and all plans (prepaid and postpaid) are eSIM-compatible. ([lebara.ch](https://www.lebara.ch/en/mobile-products-mobile?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## \u26a0\ufe0f Restrictions in the UK (as of recent)\n\nIf you're signing up with **Lebara UK**, there are important limitations:\n\n- In **October 2025** Lebara UK *started* supporting eSIMs, but **only for new customers using Apple\u2019s \u201ciPhone Air\u201d model**\u2014which is a phone that doesn\u2019t have a physical SIM tray. ([esim.holafly.com](https://esim.holafly.com/reviews/lebara-esim-uk/?utm_source=openai))  \n- For **other smartphone models**, standard physical SIMs are still required. Other devices aren't yet generally supported for eSIM by Lebara UK. ([esim.holafly.com](https://esim.holafly.com/reviews/lebara-esim-uk/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Existing customers *may* be able to switch to an eSIM if their device supports it, by contacting Lebara support. But this option seems limited and depends on device compatibility. ([community.lebara.co.uk](https://community.lebara.co.uk/forum/welcome-what%25E2%2580%2599s-new/4304-esims-are-now-available-to-lebara-customers?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udd0d What you should check or ask when signing up\n\n- Is your **device eSIM-compatible** (not locked to a carrier)?  \n- Are you signing up in a country where Lebara supports eSIM for your type of plan (prepaid/postpaid)?  \n- For UK customers: do you have the *iPhone Air*, or another device that Lebara has officially approved for eSIM?  \n- If you\u2019re already a Lebara user: can you request a switch to eSIM via customer service?\n\n---\n\nIf you tell me which country you\u2019re in (UK, US, Australia, etc.) and what phone model you have, I can check more precisely for your situation. Would you like me to do that?"
    }
]