International eSIM at Lyca Mobile Polska - a buying guide before going abroad

Studying abroad — or simply moving overseas for work or a holiday — is a huge adventure. A new place, culture, friends, and educational or career opportunities await. However, the first weeks after arrival can be demanding: you need to sort out accommodation, documents, university matters, work… and staying connected with your loved ones.

Reliable internet access and affordable international calls are essential for expats coming to Poland. That’s why more and more people are choosing an international eSIM instead of a traditional SIM card.

In this guide, we explain:

• what eSIM is,
• why it’s a great solution for students and people moving to Poland,
• what to look for before buying,
• how much mobile data you actually need,
• how to buy and activate eSIM with Lyca Mobile Poland.

What is an international eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital version of a physical SIM card, built directly into your device. Instead of inserting a card into your phone, you download the operator’s profile and activate it in just a few minutes.

Key eSIM features:

• no physical card,
• online activation,
• ability to store multiple profiles,
• quick number switching.

Thanks to this, a student can have at the same time:

• a number from their home country,
• a Polish Lyca Mobile number,
• an additional profile for roaming.

Why should students choose an international eSIM?

1. Convenience and fast activation

There’s no need to look for a store or wait for delivery. You can buy, register, and activate your eSIM online — even using airport Wi-Fi.

2. Multiple numbers on one phone

Modern smartphones allow you to store several eSIM profiles. You can easily switch between your Polish and foreign numbers whenever needed.

3. Cost savings

Students usually have a limited budget, so it’s important to look for:

• affordable data packages,
• free international minutes,
• EU roaming included.

Lyca Mobile Poland prepaid plans and eSIM offers provide a strong balance between price and service value.

4. Greater security

Because eSIM is built into the device:

• it can’t be lost,
• number theft is more difficult,
• if your phone is lost, the operator can remotely deactivate the profile.

What should you check before buying an eSIM?

Device compatibility

Not every phone supports eSIM. How can you check?

Method 2: Go to Settings → Mobile Network → Add eSIM.

Coverage in your destination country

Before choosing an operator, make sure they provide stable coverage where you’ll study or live.

Lyca Mobile operates on major network infrastructure, ensuring wide coverage and access to 3G / 4G / 5G connectivity.

Data allowance and speed

Students need internet access for:

• online learning,
• video calls,
• navigation,
• social media,
• streaming.

A safe minimum is 30–50 GB per month, although many users opt for unlimited plans.

Student-friendly pricing

It’s worth looking for offers that combine:

• large data bundles,
• international minutes,
• SMS,
• EU roaming,
• no contract.

How much internet data does a student need abroad?

Estimated data usage:

How to buy an eSIM from Lyca Mobile Poland – step by step

Step 1: Choose a Lyca Mobile prepaid plan or eSIM on the Lyca Mobile website.
Step 2: Add the offer to your cart.
Step 3: Select the eSIM option.
Step 4: Enter your personal details and email address.
Step 5: Pay for your order online.

How to register and activate your eSIM?

After purchase, you will receive an email with a QR code.

To register and activate:

1. Go to: https://www.lycamobile.pl/pl/aktywacja-sim/
2. Open your phone camera or device settings.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

The entire process takes just a few minutes.

Can you use WhatsApp on eSIM?

Yes — apps work normally because they use mobile data or Wi-Fi, not the physical SIM card.

Can you keep your home country SIM card?

Yes. Dual SIM (SIM + eSIM) allows you to:

• receive bank verification SMS,
• use your local number,
• access affordable mobile internet in Poland.

To help you make the right decision, below we present data showing the usage levels for each of these needs.

Please Note: Read the fine print carefully before choosing a plan.  

How to buy and activate an international eSIM card: step-by-step guide

Now that you know everything about international eSIM cards, we’ll show you how to purchase and activate an eSIM card + bundle with Lyca Mobile.

How to buy an eSIM bundle with a plan from Lyca Mobile?

Step 1: Choose a Pay As You Go SIM or eSIM offer, depending on your needs.
Step 2: Click the “Buy now” button. You can also select “View more” to review the plan’s terms and details.
Step 3: In the cart, select the eSIM option. At this stage, you can also add a top-up. Click “Checkout now.”
Step 4: On the delivery and payment page, enter your personal details such as first name, last name, and email address. Click “Confirm & continue.”
Step 5: In the payment section, choose your preferred payment method.
Step 6: Review the order summary and click “Confirm & pay.”
Step 7: Complete the payment by entering the required details.

How to activate your international Lyca Mobile eSIM bundle?

After a successful purchase, you will receive a confirmation email containing a QR code for activation.

Simply scan the QR code using your phone’s camera or a QR scanning app and follow the on-screen instructions to activate your Lyca Mobile eSIM.

Please note that an active internet connection is required to activate your eSIM.

If you’ve just landed in Poland, you can use free airport Wi-Fi to purchase and activate your Lyca Mobile eSIM card.

eSIM for expats studying and working in Poland

For many international students, Poland is not only a place to study but also to work and build everyday life. An international eSIM from Lyca Mobile Poland is a convenient solution for expats who want to stay connected with family abroad while using local mobile services.

With affordable international calls and high-data 4G/5G plans, you can easily call loved ones, use messaging apps, manage mobile banking, or access official services — without worrying about high roaming costs.

Importantly, prepaid plans with no contract provide full flexibility — especially valuable for people staying in Poland temporarily. eSIM can be activated even before arriving in the country, ensuring internet access from day one. This makes it much easier to arrange accommodation, university formalities, or work matters.

Affordable international calls for expat communities

Expats often need regular contact with family and friends across the world. Lyca Mobile Poland offers plans with international minutes to multiple destinations, significantly reducing call costs compared to standard operator rates.

This is particularly important for students and young professionals who want to keep expenses under control.

Additionally, EU roaming allows you to travel freely between countries without losing connectivity or needing to buy new SIM cards. A single eSIM profile can support both your life in Poland and weekend trips or visits back home.

You’ve now learned everything worth knowing about international eSIM cards in Poland.

eSIM is no longer the future — it’s the present, rapidly replacing traditional SIM cards. More and more smartphone manufacturers equip their devices with this technology, and to be honest, in 2026 it’s hard to find a phone brand that doesn’t produce models supporting eSIM.

If you’re coming to Poland to study, work, or simply choosing Poland as a place to live and build your future, choosing an eSIM from Lyca Mobile is one of the best decisions you can make.

Lyca’s international eSIM bundles include ultra-fast 5G internet, minutes for domestic and international calls, and dedicated roaming data — including coverage for Ukraine and Moldova within EU roaming zones. All these benefits are available at highly competitive prices, making Lyca Mobile a budget-friendly option for everyone.

Choose a Lyca Mobile eSIM bundle and enjoy reliable coverage and incredibly fast data speeds — at prices that are hard to believe.

Frequently Asked Questions about international eSIM cards for students

Can I use WhatsApp with an eSIM card?

Yes, you can use WhatsApp with an international eSIM. WhatsApp requires an internet connection (mobile data or Wi-Fi) to send and receive messages after initial verification. It works regardless of whether your device uses a physical SIM or eSIM.

Can I keep my home SIM card active?

Yes, you can keep your home SIM card active while using a Lyca Mobile eSIM. Your home SIM can be used to receive banking OTP codes and similar messages, while your Lyca Mobile international eSIM can be used in the UK or Poland. You can use both lines without any issues.

Is an international eSIM secure?

Yes, international eSIMs are secure. Because they are embedded in the device, they are resistant to theft and protected against certain types of SIM-swap fraud.

Can I top up my eSIM abroad?

Yes, you can top up your Lyca Mobile eSIM while abroad. Simply visit the official Lyca Mobile website and use the quick top-up feature, or recharge via the official Lyca Mobile PL app (available on Android i iOS).