# Eazi eSIM — How it works

## Why the data is cheaper

Most travel eSIMs resell roaming data through an intermediary at a markup.
Eazi eSIM makes the buyer a prepaid subscriber on the actual local network
(for example Vodacom or MTN South Africa) at the local prepaid rate. Same
towers a local uses, at the price a local pays.

## Buying

1. Pick a destination and data bundle ([pricing](https://easy-esim.flickswitch.cloud/pricing.md)).
2. Create an account with an email address — sign-in is by magic link.
3. Pay by card (Stripe) in EUR or USD. The checkout total is the whole
   price; there are no contracts or recurring charges.
4. The eSIM (QR code / install profile) is delivered immediately.

## Activation timing

The buyer chooses at checkout when the data bundle activates, so the
validity clock starts when the trip does — install the eSIM now, land
later, data goes live at the chosen time. If provisioning fails, the
purchase is refunded automatically.

## Identity registration (KYC / RICA)

Some countries legally require SIM registration — South Africa's RICA Act
is one. Where the pricing page marks a network "passport registration
required", the buyer's passport details and an identity document are
collected at checkout and submitted to the network operator. Activation
waits for the network's approval.

## Keep it, top it up

The eSIM persists after the data expires. Returning travellers top up the
SIM they already have from their dashboard instead of buying a new one —
top-ups are instant and cost the bundle price only (no repeat eSIM fee).

## Bring your own SIM

A traveller who already holds a physical local SIM can link it to manage
balance and top-ups. Possession is verified with a one-time SMS code to
that number. Linked SIMs get a 7-day free balance-check window; buying
data keeps balance checks available after that.

## Requirements

- An eSIM-capable, carrier-unlocked device.
- An email address for the account.
- For KYC networks: a passport valid beyond the date of registration.