Opera for Android now includes a travel eSIM, and the first 3GB of data is free

Opera for Android now lets you purchase a travel eSIM directly from inside the browser. In 11 supported countries, the company is also offering 3GB of data for free to try it out first.

Opera posted this information in the mobile blog and newsroom, further highlighting that the eSIM is functional for the entire smartphone, and not just Opera tabs.

About the free data, it’s valid for three days after it first connects in the destination country, and it’s limited to 3GB. You don’t have to enter your card information or email address to claim the free data pack. For now, the offer is limited to these countries: United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Canada, the UAE, Brazil, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Poland.

The other supported countries (47 in total, including the 11 mentioned above) — you can still buy the data packs, but you won’t get the 3GB for free. The eSIM itself can still be bought from anywhere for any of the 47 supported destinations.

At the time of writing, Opera hasn’t published a list of supported carriers. However, we do know that it’s powered by Holiday.com, and it also uses 5G wherever the country’s network allows it. If it doesn’t, then it falls back to whatever is available.

For those unaware, an eSIM is a software-based SIM that’s technically already “inside” your phone. You don’t have to insert a physical SIM for it to work. All you have to do is install it once, and then buy the data pack for whichever country you’re heading to. Since the plans are data-only, they’re not going to replace your call or SMS lines.

Here’s how you can claim the free data pack:

1. Update your browser.
2. Tap the profile icon and open “eSIM.” Tap the Claim now button from here.
3. Pick your desired destination and confirm. The phone will then ask you to install the profile.

Note: This only works in the Opera browser for Android, and not on Mini or GX. You need Android 10 or newer, an unlocked phone that supports eSIM, and it’s not available on iOS yet.

Once the 3GB of free data has been exhausted, you can go back to the same eSIM and purchase either a 3GB, 5GB, or 10GB data pack. These paid plans last 30 days after activation, or until the data runs out. You don’t have to install another eSIM even if you move between countries.

Recently, Opera officially explained how you can get more out of the browser on Android. We highlighted all the features in previous coverage, and the free data pack now joins the list of features.

You can find the official blog announcement here. The company has also posted an FAQ if you have further questions about the service. Another official post answers further questions about the free package.

In other Opera news, the browser now has auto-VPN on public Wi-Fi. However, you have to switch it on yourself. More on that here.

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