eKYC for eSIM: How the Process Works and Why It Is Required

What is eKYC, how it works, and why it is required for some eSIM plans

In the era of digital travel, where instant connectivity is not just a convenience but a necessity, eSIM cards have become the preferred way to communicate abroad. They offer flexibility, fast activation, and eliminate the need for a physical SIM card. However, you may have encountered the term eKYC and wondered what it means, what mandates this procedure, and why it is required when purchasing your new plan.

In this article, we will explain in detail what eKYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) is, why this process is crucial for your security and compliance with international laws, how it works step-by-step, and most importantly – why, despite initial concerns, it is your guarantee for peace of mind when traveling with HandySIM.

1. Definition: What is eKYC and the Difference from Traditional KYC

1.1. From KYC to eKYC – The Fundamentals of Verification

KYC (Know Your Customer) is a standard, yet extremely important, procedure in the banking, financial, and telecommunications sectors. Its main objective is to establish and verify the identity of an individual before a service is provided to them.

eKYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) is the digital, automated, and much faster version of this process. Instead of filling out documents in an office, eKYC allows you to verify your identity completely online, using your phone or computer, often within minutes.

1.2. Comparison: Why eKYC is Better for eSIM Services

Traditional KYC is often slow and relies on the human factor for document review. eKYC, on the other hand, is a revolution in customer service:

eKYC is crucial for digital services like eSIM because it allows the fully legal provision of mobile services to customers who cannot visit a physical office.

2. Why eKYC is Mandatory for eSIM Security?

2.1. Compliance with International Regulations and Standards

In the telecommunications field, eKYC is an international requirement for security. Numerous countries worldwide are introducing increasingly strict laws that require every SIM user to be identified, especially for prepaid / data services.

2.2. Preventing Fraud (SIM Fraud)

The eKYC process stops the abuse of stolen identity or attempts to acquire mobile numbers for criminal purposes. It ensures that the phone number you activate belongs to the person who purchased it.

2.3. Important Exception: When is eKYC Not Needed for eSIM?

eKYC is mandatory only for local eSIM plans that operate under the jurisdiction of one specific country and are subject to its strict regulations.

If you purchase regional or global plans, which cover multiple countries simultaneously, these eKYC requirements are often waived in most cases.

Check the plan details: Any plan on the HandySIM platform that requires eKYC is described additionally in the package information. We recommend that you check the details of the specific plan before purchase.

3. How Does the eKYC Process Work? (Step-by-Step Verification)

Learn how to activate your eSIM quickly. The process is designed to be as fast and intuitive as possible, ensuring you receive your active eSIM plan within minutes.

3.1. Detailed Steps for Successful eSIM Activation

1. Receive the Link: After completing the purchase, you will receive an email with a link from the respective operator, which must be used for verification.

2. Access Verification: Click on the link. We recommend using a mobile phone for a more convenient process, as it facilitates document scanning and facial recognition.

3. Choose Nationality and Document: You will first be asked about your nationality. Depending on the answer, the system will require you to scan one of the following verification documents: Passport, ID Card (National Identity Card), or Driver's License.

4. Scanning and Facial Recognition: After scanning the document, the system will request facial recognition (a selfie or a short video clip). Simply follow the steps displayed on the screen.

5. Completion and Activation: After you complete the process successfully, you will receive your eSIM within 5 minutes. Important: The package validity starts after the installation of the eSIM card.

3.2. Our Guarantee in Case of eKYC Denial

If for any reason you receive a denial, contact us immediately. We will arrange a full refund (to the original payment method) as quickly as possible.

4. Technologies Behind eKYC: AI and Deepfake Protection

The eKYC process is not simply comparing two photos. Behind it are high-tech systems that make identity verification many times more secure:

• AI Algorithms for Document Validation: Artificial intelligence checks hundreds of security elements on the document to guarantee that it is authentic and not fraudulent.
• Deepfake Protection (Anti-Fraud Systems): These systems check whether the selfie is digitally generated, often requiring the user to move their head or blink.
• Biometric Matching: This is the process of comparing the unique biometric features of the face, extracted from the document photo, with those from the selfie.

5. Security and Rights: Why There is No Need for Concern Regarding eKYC Verification

We understand that submitting personal documents online can cause concern. Nevertheless, eKYC systems are built around maximum security and full compliance with legal regulations.

5.1. eKYC – Your Defender Against Abuse

eKYC eliminates the possibility of unauthorized use of your eSIM. This process is a guarantee that your account and phone number will not be used by third parties for illegal activities.

• How Security is Guaranteed:
  • Data Encryption: Your data is transmitted and stored using the highest standards of encryption.
  • Software-Only Processing: All essential verification steps are performed by AI algorithms and software, not by a human operator.
  • Automatic Deletion: Data is stored only for the legally required period and is then subject to automatic and secure deletion.

5.2. GDPR and Personal Data Protection

The eKYC systems we use are obliged to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union.

6. Key Benefits of eKYC for the Consumer

Although eKYC might seem like an extra step, it brings significant and direct benefits to you as an eSIM services user:

• Higher Account Security: eKYC is the first and best defense against unauthorized access.
• Prevents Identity Theft: Biometric verification ensures that no one can use your personal data to acquire an eSIM.
• Real-Time Approval: The process eliminates long waiting times in an office.
• Guarantee of Legality: The service complies with all international and local laws.

7. Conclusion: The Future of eSIM is in Security

eKYC is not a "spy mechanism," but a guarantee of your security and legality.

Choose your plan on HandySIM today and enjoy instant and secure connectivity worldwide!

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about HandySIM eSIM

Can I use HotSpot with my eSIM?

Yes. You can safely use HotSpot with your eSIM — simply activate your personal hotspot and share the internet connection with another device, friend, or family member.

If I use an eSIM, will my current SIM card continue to work?

Yes. Most phones with eSIM support simultaneous operation with a physical SIM card, so you can use both cards at the same time without any problem.

How do I check how much mobile data is left on my eSIM plan?

You have two ways. The first is directly from your phone, where you can see the current mobile data consumption without needing to register. The second is through your profile in the customer panel (Orders) — if you are registered, you can check the remaining data, top up the plan, and find the saved QR code there at any time.

What happens if I run out of data during my trip?

If you run out of data, you can top up the plan, provided the specific package supports top-ups. To do this, you must have a registered account, from which the purchase of additional data is made.

What should I do if I accidentally delete the eSIM profile?

If you delete the eSIM profile, it is mandatory to contact us. We work with different providers, and each operator has its own rules — for some, the profile can be restored for a small fee, and for others, it is not possible at all. Therefore, always write to us before taking any action.

Does the eSIM automatically connect to the strongest network in the country?

It depends on the plan. If your eSIM package supports multiple mobile operators in a given country, the phone will automatically connect to the network with the strongest signal. If the package only works with one operator, the connection is made only to it.

Do I need to enable roaming to use the eSIM package?

Yes. For the eSIM package to work, you must activate Data Roaming. Without roaming enabled, the mobile data from the eSIM will not load.

Will my primary SIM card be charged if I use the eSIM for internet?

No. Your primary SIM will not be charged when you use the internet from the eSIM plan. It is only important that roaming is enabled exclusively for the eSIM card, and for the primary SIM — disabled, if both cards are operating in parallel.

Does the eSIM work if there is no coverage from local operators?

No. The eSIM does not work if there is no coverage from any mobile operator in the area. It is a digital SIM card that still uses a mobile network — without a signal, there is no connection and no internet, regardless of whether it is a physical SIM or an eSIM.