Do I need an unlocked phone to use an eSIM in New Caledonia?+
Yes. The phone has to support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked, otherwise it can't attach to the local networks used in New Caledonia. Recent iPhones (XS and newer), Pixel phones and modern Samsung Galaxy models are common examples, but the full list is longer. Run your device through the eSIM compatibility checker if you're unsure.
How much does an eSIM for New Caledonia cost?+
Plans start at €30.49. There are currently 5 plans for New Caledonia. 1 GB suits short visits that lean on Wi-Fi, and 20 GB covers longer stays or heavier mobile use. Fixed GB plans are valid for 30 days. Validity begins when the bundle actually starts, not when you buy it.
When does my New Caledonia data bundle start?+
Your New Caledonia data bundle starts automatically the first time My eSIM connects to a supported network in the plan’s coverage area. Install My eSIM before you travel. Installation and purchase do not start the bundle or its validity. Your account shows the real start and end dates after the network confirms first use. Whether you're staying in one city or moving between islands, Start automatically is the simplest choice when you want the bundle to begin the moment your phone attaches to a local network in New Caledonia.
How do I install and use My eSIM in New Caledonia?+
Install My eSIM once, before you travel, on stable Wi-Fi or your home mobile internet. Installing My eSIM is separate from starting your New Caledonia data bundle. The bundle only starts when you choose it to (see the activation options). On arrival in New Caledonia, set My eSIM as your mobile-data line. If the setup instructions ask, enable data roaming on the eSIM line. That controls the eSIM line, not your home SIM. Keep mobile-data roaming disabled on your home SIM so your home carrier doesn't charge for data, but leave the home SIM in the phone for calls and SMS. Whether you're staying in one city or moving between islands, having My eSIM installed before you leave means you're online the moment you land in Oceania. My eSIM stays installed for future trips and additional data purchases. There's no new QR code to scan and no reinstall when you buy more data.
Do I need a separate VPN in New Caledonia?+
Yes. Every eligible eSIMbundle plan includes the VPN at no extra cost. Connect through the VPN app on your phone, tablet or laptop when you want to encrypt your traffic on local mobile networks or public Wi-Fi. It adds privacy for logins, payments, browsing and messaging on networks you don't control. VPN access becomes available once your New Caledonia data bundle starts. The VPN doesn't switch on automatically just because My eSIM connected. The website dashboard only manages your VPN account; you can't establish the connection from the dashboard. In New Caledonia, use the VPN whenever you want privacy on hotel Wi-Fi, airport Wi-Fi or unfamiliar café networks.
Will my usual apps and websites work in New Caledonia?+
Your data bundle provides normal mobile data in New Caledonia. How individual sites and apps behave can still depend on the specific network and service. The included VPN, switched on in the app, adds a layer of privacy on unfamiliar carriers and public Wi-Fi.
Will I still get calls and texts on my home number in New Caledonia?+
Destination data bundles are data-only. WhatsApp, FaceTime, iMessage, Telegram and similar apps run over the eSIM data. WhatsApp keeps using your existing number because it's tied to your phone number, not the SIM currently carrying data. Keep your home SIM in the phone for calls and SMS, but disable mobile-data roaming on the home SIM so your home carrier doesn't start charging for data. Typical examples travellers rely on: airline gate-change alerts and booking confirmations. Your home carrier may still charge for normal roaming calls or SMS on the home line. Using the destination data bundle doesn't replace your home phone number. In New Caledonia, calls and texts to your home number keep arriving as normal while your data traffic goes through the travel eSIM.
Can I buy more data for New Caledonia without another eSIM install?+
Run out of data in New Caledonia? You can add more data by buying another New Caledonia destination data bundle from your account or from the New Caledonia plans page. The new bundle attaches to My eSIM. No reinstall is needed and no new QR code to scan. Your account combines the available New Caledonia data into one balance. Each purchase keeps its own start date and expiry, so new data doesn't extend older data. Whether you're staying in one city or moving between islands, this is straightforward: add data during your trip and keep using the same My eSIM. Additional fixed-GB bundles are what's on offer, and each keeps its own 30-day validity from the point it starts. Travellers often add more data when a trip runs longer than planned, or when a big download landed at the wrong moment.