How to travel internationally with US purchased iPhone with eSIM only

Then you should have purchased your iPhone where you live and will use it. Since iPhone 14, ALL US sold iPhones come with dual eSim and do NOT have a sim tray. Phones sold outside the US do have a sim tray and one eSim.

It's not Apple's fault you bought the phone is the US when you don't live in the US, but live where eSim isn't commonly used. That's all on you. iPhone is sold by region and they do NOT have International Warranty either.

As stedman1 suggests, sell the phone and buy the right model for your region. Apple will NOT exchange the phone for you where you live.

If by chance you purchased the phone within 14 days, you can come back to the US and return it for full refund. But you can't exchange it outside the US, nor return it for refund outside the US.

It doesn't have a SIM tray because devices sold in the US are eSIM only. If you wanted to use it in Hong Kong, or anywhere else in the world where eSIMs are not supported, then you should have purchased it in Hong Kong or whatever country you live and intend to use it in.

As always, it is important to purchase the correct model for the region where the device will be used. You will need to sell the unit, then purchase the correct unit from an authorized dealer.

Here is the list of worldwide carriers that support eSIM→Find wireless carriers and worldwide service providers that offer eSIM service - Apple Support

Tanglefoot15 wrote:

Love the just get an eSIM response. Apple knows this is not possible if it where the international phones also would not have a physical sim slot explain that away. If you been overseas besides Europe you’d know. Saying eSIM over and over doesn’t make it true

Apple is not required to sell a device that works everywhere in the world. But, if you need a phone that takes a physical SIM, the iPhone SE and the 13 meet that requirement.

I have a company phone and thus don't have access to the account. Sure I could go through the hassle and the hoops of getting them to do things for me but I'd much rather just go to France like I did, go on vacation sightsee, and purchase a European iPhone 15 Pro with the SimCard Tray. Insert my simcard and then Vioala! I have a working iPhone Pro 15.

Love the just get an eSIM response. Apple knows this is not possible if it where the international phones also would not have a physical sim slot explain that away. If you been overseas besides Europe you’d know. Saying eSIM over and over doesn’t make it true