eSIM Plans for Malawi

Yes. Buying and installing your Telisco eSIM doesn't start the clock - for most plans, the validity period begins when the eSIM first connects to a network in Malawi. Install it while you still have Wi-Fi at home, then just turn on data roaming when you land.

Right after checkout we email your eSIM and installation instructions. You install it by tapping the link in that email, then turn on data roaming for that eSIM once you arrive in Malawi. You can also find it any time in My account.

Your Telisco eSIM uses local partner networks in Malawi, and your phone decides which one it sits on. The networks each plan uses are listed on the plan itself, under Plan details. Usually the phone chooses well, but if data feels slow you can pick a network yourself: on iPhone go to Settings > Cellular > your Telisco line > Network Selection and turn Automatic off, then choose from the list; on Android it is Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > your eSIM > Automatically select network.

Start by turning Airplane mode on for 10 seconds and back off, and check that Data Roaming is on for the Telisco line and any VPN is off. If it is still slow, the usual cause is the phone sitting on a slower local network, so choose one by hand instead of leaving it on Automatic (iPhone: Settings > Cellular > your Telisco line > Network Selection; Android: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > your eSIM > Automatically select network). Also check you are not locked to 3G: set Voice & Data to 5G Auto or LTE. Wait about 30 seconds after each change before testing. Please do not delete the eSIM, it will not help and most plans can only be installed once. If every network is slow it is the coverage where you are standing rather than the eSIM, and our team will troubleshoot it with the operator if you contact us.

Your phone needs to be eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked. Most phones from the last few years qualify, including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy models. On iPhone, check Settings → General → About for an EID number - if you see one, it supports eSIM.

Telisco eSIMs are data-only. You can use internet while keeping your regular number active for calls and SMS on your primary SIM.

You can top up your existing eSIM in seconds from My account - no need to install a new one. The extra data is added to the same eSIM and available right away.