Frequently Asked Questions
General
Zapme is a mobile app that lets you instantly activate eSIM data plans and use global phone numbers. Whether you’re traveling, studying, or running a business, Zapme keeps you connected without swapping physical SIM cards or paying roaming charges.
After you have created your account with Zapme, you will be asked to either buy a new Zapme number or ‘connect your existing number’. Once you press ‘connect your existing number’, choose your country code and enter your number in the field where we will send that number an OTP for you to use. Our system will confirm and then that’s it! Your number is connected. It’s that easy.
Zapme works on most newer phones and tablets including iPhones (XS and newer), Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy S20 and up, Huawei P40, and more. You can find the full compatibility list on zapme.co.
What are Zapme eSIM data plans like?
Zapme offers flexible data plans — local, regional, or global — starting from $5. Plans are prepaid, with no contracts or hidden fees. You only pay for the data you need.
How do Zapme eSIM plans compare to roaming?
Zapme is much cheaper than traditional roaming. Instead of surprise charges from your local carrier, you get fixed, transparent pricing — saving up to 80% on data when abroad.
Can I run out of data with Zapme?
Yes, but the app notifies you when you’re running low. You can instantly top up or buy another plan without leaving the app.
Can I use Zapme as a mobile hotspot?
Yes! Zapme eSIM supports tethering and mobile hotspot features (device-dependent), so you can share your data with your laptop or other devices on the go.
Do I need a subscription to use Zapme?
No subscriptions required. All Zapme eSIM plans are prepaid. You buy what you need, when you need it.
Traditional telco providers issue numbers and data domestically that are usually ‘post-paid’ services, meaning you receive a phone bill where you pay for your plans after receiving your service or you pay for what you’ve used. To use their services when traveling abroad (eg. data, SMS and phone calls) you will typically need to activate international roaming, this will also be added to your post-paid bill, often at high daily roaming costs.
Zapme on the other hand is a global communications company that issues multiple global numbers and data in 200+ countries. We allow you to send and receive SMS messages and calls while in any country, WITHOUT the daily international roaming costs – and all with 500 minutes of FREE Zapme number-to-Zapme number phone calling. We also give you our unique ZapChat messaging and calling service, all from your unique @handle. With Zapme you truly are a global citizen and completely connected.
Unlike the other providers Zapme provides both multiple numbers & global data together in the one, simple-to-use app. Not only that, but Zapme also gives you the ability to instantly add multiple numbers and multiple data plans. Your Zapme telephone number makes you truly global, allowing you to travel anywhere, anytime and be connected. Everything is also seamless and automatic, there is no need to receive emails or QR codes every time you buy a new number or data plan.
Just download the Zapme app, pick a destination or region, select a plan, and install your eSIM profile by scanning a QR code or following the in-app guide.
Yes! On dual-SIM devices, you can run your existing physical SIM and Zapme eSIM at the same time. That means you can keep your usual number while using Zapme for data or international calling.
eSIM
An eSIM, or Embedded Subscriber Identity Module, is a digital SIM card that is built directly into a mobile device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch, rather than being a physical, removable SIM card. eSIM technology eliminates the need for a physical SIM card slot in a device, making it more convenient for users to switch between mobile carriers and activate cellular plans. Zapme uses this technology to offer global mobile data and phone numbers without hassle.=
We suggest you search online or check with your telco provider if your phone has e-sim functionality.
Once you have purchased your number or data package, your eSIM will be installed within approximately 2 minutes and your data should be ready to go within 10 minutes – see our Set Up Guide for more information about this process.
No. If you are using an Android, your Zapme eSIM is installed without you having to do anything and works on a hierarchy system. Zapme recommends connecting to wifi to save your data for when you don’t have wifi and really need it. Once you leave the wifi, it will automatically switch back to Zapme data or your preferred telco provider (usually your SIM card). For info on how to install your eSIM on iOS, see here.
No. Unlike other providers, Zapme only requires 1 eSIM installed for multiple data packages.
Yes, you can have multiple eSIMs – however the great thing about Zapme is you only need 1 eSIM to have multiple Zapme data packages – with Zapme it’s magic.
Yes, you can absolutely download and use ZapChat and messaging services. If you want to buy numbers or data plans then multiple numbers will work and you’ll just need to unlock your phone for Zapme data by contacting your provider or any other means.
APN stands for Access Point Name. It tells your device how to connect to the internet. Some Zapme eSIMs require you to manually update your APN settings in order to access data.
If your Zapme eSIM does not connect to mobile data automatically, Click here for instructions
eSIM for Travel & Digital Nomads
Absolutely. You can land in a new country and activate data instantly. No need to search for a local SIM or rely on patchy Wi-Fi.
Zapme works in 150+ countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, India, Singapore, UAE, and across Europe and Asia.
Zapme saves you time and hassle — no language barriers, no need to queue in stores, and no need to switch out SIMs physically.
Yes. Zapme offers regional and country-specific data packages that are tested to work even in restrictive environments like China and the UAE.
Yes. With strong coverage, instant activation, and global phone numbers, Zapme is the ideal connectivity tool for freelancers, content creators, and remote teams.
Zapme for Business and Remote Teams
Yes. Zapme supports team-wide eSIM plans and global numbers.
Absolutely. It’s a scalable, cost-efficient way to stay connected across countries with one app.
Yes. Use them for account setups, SMS logins, 2FA, and customer interactions.
Yes. Zapme plans are flexible and contract-free.
Yes. Zapme uses encrypted data channels and secure servers.
eSIM for Overseas Students
Zapme keeps students connected with family, schools, and apps — without paying for international roaming.
Yes. Your global number allows anyone to call or message you from your home country, no matter where you are.
Nope. With Zapme, your eSIM works across countries. Just buy a new data plan and stay connected.
Yes. All Zapme plans are prepaid — no risk of bill shock.
Yes. WhatsApp is tied to your original number, and Zapme doesn’t interfere with that.
Multiple Numbers
What is a Zapme global phone number?
A global phone number from Zapme lets you make and receive calls, SMS, and OTP verifications anywhere in the world, as if you were still in your home country.
Why are global numbers useful for students, travelers, and businesses?
You can receive bank OTPs, two-factor codes, and important messages from services that don’t support international numbers.
Can I make and receive calls using Zapme?
Yes. Zapme numbers support voice over data (VoIP), letting you place and receive calls in the app — great for international use and local presence.
Do Zapme numbers work for SMS verification and OTPs?
Yes. Zapme supports most banking apps, email providers, and social platforms like WhatsApp, Gmail, and Telegram for SMS-based verification and authentication.
Can I manage multiple numbers through Zapme?
Yes! You can manage multiple global phone numbers and eSIM plans in one account — perfect for managing a business or juggling personal and work lines.
Yes, Zapme allows you to buy multiple numbers for multiple countries all linked to your Zapme account and any existing mobile telephone you have. You can also switch between those numbers any time while keeping them all active and being able to make and receive calls, as normal. It’s magic!
To purchase numbers from Zapme, please follow these steps:
- Log in to your Zapme account
- Click on the ‘Numbers & Data’ icon, then the phone + icon above the home button. You should be able to see an option to purchase multiple numbers and data.
- Tap ‘Get a new global number & data!’ button
- Select the country and the number you want to purchase
- Choose the desired plan and whether it’s 1 month or a rolling 1 month subscription (there are no lock-in contracts in subscriptions)
- Click the ‘Confirm’ button
- Provide any Know Your Customer (KYC) identity verification documents that we are required to request by applicable law
- Review your order and click on the ‘Process Payment’ button
- Enter your payment information, then click ‘Pay’ or ‘ Subscribe’ depending on your purchase.
- You can purchase a new number for multiple countries anytime, anywhere.
- All numbers are managed from your Zapme app and connected to your one Zapme account.
- No more second or third phones
- No swapping out fiddly SIM cards
- No daily international roaming fees
- It allows you to be local, while being global! Whether you have overseas friends, family or overseas dealings in those countries or you want a second domestic number for a side hustle, privacy, online dating, the list goes on.
- Helps you to better manage multinational phone numbers. As long as the number is active, you can receive SMS and calls as usual. There are no limitations on the amount of active numbers you can have.
- We even offer toll-free numbers for some of our countries if you’re running a business with customers in another country.
Your Zapme numbers are always active and receiving communication even while switching between your numbers. If you receive a message or call from any of your numbers, your phone will operate as normal. This means that your phone will ring as if you just had the one number.
Yes. Your Zapme numbers are yours forever, unless you cancel or stop paying for your subscription. But don’t worry, if you forget to make a payment your number will only be deleted after 14 days.
No. Just the cost of the prepaid package itself which is either a 1 month purchase or a monthly rolling subscription. There are no lock-on contracts. It’s simple!
Yes, you can make calls and receive calls (and even SMS messages) just like normal.
No, the beauty of Zapme is that you have the power to call other mobile or landline numbers from your Zapme number!
Data Packages
To purchase data from Zapme, please follow these steps:
No, you can purchase your data plan at any time and your time will start once you activate it.
You would need to deactivate your current mobile carrier’s SIM card or turn off international roaming. All phones are different so you can research how to or contact your carrier to find out how.
No, having Zapme data does NOT require you to activate international roaming when you travel abroad. You simply choose when you want your Zapme data plan to be activated and it’s ready to use as soon as you arrive in the country your plan covers. If you do have your current mobile carrier’s data roaming or international roaming activated you could incur daily roaming charges from them directly. If you’re not sure, check with your carrier about managing your global or international roaming settings before you leave.
No! When using Zapme data you can ignore international roaming which can sometimes cost you between $5 – $10 a day when traveling internationally. Use Zapme, which allows you to use your Data for 1 month (no daily roaming costs). Massive savings!
No, Zapme gives you the ability to have multiple numbers and multiple data plans.
Connecting Existing Numbers
When you download Zapme, you will be able to connect your existing number. By doing this it will allow you to receive SMS messages and make or receive calls directly to the app. Yes amazing, we know!
Actually, you don’t have to connect your existing number. Instead you can buy a Zapme number and connect that or you can bring your existing mobile number – the choice is yours.
Yes. How cool is that!
Nope, it’s free!
No, everything continues as usual with you current phone service provider. By having Zapme you well you’ve now opened up more possibilities for being completely connected and possibly saving on expensive daily international roaming costs.
Multiple Data Packages
No, you can use the data in the country or any of Global 100+ countries you’re in – enjoy.
Yes, you can add as many data plans to your account as you like. You will have the ability to switch between data plans and activate as required.
If you have purchased a ‘Global 100+’ plan, your data will work in the countries that are listed in that plan. If you have chosen a particular country, your data will work within that country only. If you travel to a new country, you need to purchase a plan for that country. The good news is you can add a country or countries any time to the Zapme app, there is no need to keep installing new eSIMs depending on where you go.
There are currently 103 Countries – yes we’ve given you bonus countries! See list of countries here
Yes, when you purchase Zapme data for more than one country, you have the ability to switch between them and make active whichever data plan you like. It’s all done from within the Zapme app – it’s magic!
Managing my Zapme Account and Settings
You can easily go to the Google Playstore or Apple Appstore to download the Zapme app for free! You can also use ZapChat for free and start chatting or instant messaging with your friends and colleagues right away.
To become a customer with Zapme, it only requires your current email address and having access to an existing phone number (or you can choose to purchase a number from Zapme). Best of all, it’s FREE to set up a Zapme account and start chatting with friends and colleagues using our cool ZapChat feature.
Payment
Zapme accepts multiple payment options for credit cards and debit cards via Stripe (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, UnionPay, JCB, etc) and PayPal. We will soon add payment facilities for Google Pay and Apple Pay.
All charges by Zapme are billed in US dollars (USD).
Data Usage & Connectivity
You have the option to purchase a plan on a monthly subscription or just 1 month only.
For a subscription plan you will be charged on the same day of each month and you can cancel at any time or until your data is used up. Don’t forget you can always Upgrade or Top Up your Zapme data at anytime within the month.
No, once your data plan is active, you will have 1 month to use it.
Yes. Your data is yours to use freely, so go for it.
This depends on the country you’re using your Zapme data in. Zapme gives you 5G, 4G, 3G and 2G data and we always try to maintain a consistent quality of service with multi-network coverage. This means we don’t just use a single telco provider in the country and we will connect to the closest tower.
You go to your Zapme app and click on ‘Numbers & Data’ and choose the plan you want to view. It shows you how much data and time is remaining.
Subscriptions
No, your data starts again for a new month.
Yes! Go to the Zapme app and go to ‘Numbers & Data’ in the bottom left of your app. Select the plus button ‘+’ in the top right hand corner and you can either ‘add new data’, ‘change’ or ‘Top Up’ your data plan. Your changes take effect immediately and you will start a new monthly billing cycle when you upgrade. You will lose any unused data in your current subscription.
Yes, absolutely! Upgrading to a subscription is available any time before the subscription anniversary.
Yes! Go to the Zapme app and go to ‘Numbers & Data’ in the bottom left of your app. Select the plus button ‘+’ in the top right hand corner and select ‘change’ to downgrade your subscription. Your changes take effect on the u cycle of your next month and will reflect in your next monthly payment. You will lose any unused data in your current subscription.
Yes! Go to the Zapme app and tap the home button. Go to your Settings (gear icon on the top left of your Zapme app) and select ‘Manage Profile’ then go to ‘Numbers & Data’ to cancel a subscription. Your Zapme data will finish at the end of your current monthly billing cycle for your subscription.
Phone Number Fees & Rates
All the phone number (and data) services Zapme provides are pre-paid. This means you know what you’re getting up-front. You can buy either a one month or rolling monthly subscription with no lock-in contracts.
If you have subscribed to a number package, it will be charged on the same day of the following month – your subscription anniversary. For example, if you buy a number on a subscription package on the 4th of July you will be billed the same day on the following month, being the 4th of August.
Remember, you can always set numbers in ‘On ice’ status or cancel subscriptions, which will be implemented immediately after your next subscription anniversary.
We currently offer either one off monthly or rolling monthly subscriptions and we know some of you would like the ease of an annual subscription so stay tuned.
We currently offer simple and clear phone number packages that are either 1 off monthly or rolling monthly subscriptions that you can cancel at any time.
Calls are charged in 1 minute blocks. Our rates are always available within the App by clicking the ‘Phone rates’ link.
To calculate your available calling time (which is always available in the App), simply deduct the monthly telephone number charge from the package value. This gives you the available spend based on your call rates and SMS usage.
Example: if your package value is US$9.95, your monthly number charge is US$5.95, then your available calling time is US$4. This means that you can use up to US$4 of your package value for calls and SMS messages.
You can always check your available calling time in the App. The app will show you how much calling time you have remaining, as well as your call rates and SMS rates.
On Ice feature
If you decide you don’t want to use your phone number for a while and want to keep it (rather than lose it) then you can choose to put your phone number ‘On Ice’. We’ll show you the reduced price before you proceed. Once you select our On-Ice feature this means your number will be kept just for you until you decide to use it again. Only available for monthly subscriptions. Your On Ice reduced price will be charged at the beginning of your next Subscription Anniversary.
There will always be an option to put your number ‘On Ice’. The On Ice feature will cost you only a limited amount to keep your number, which is perfect for customers who don’t need the numbers for a short period but still want to keep the number for afterwards. You can reactivate your number any time you want.
When you select the On Ice price, we’ll be sure to show it to you before you proceed. The price for On Ice will always be cheaper than the normal price – that’s the whole point and the benefit to you. It’s a good way to save money while keeping all the benefits of a Zapme number.
No. When your Zapme phone number is On Ice it means you still own that number but it’s inactive, meaning you can’t make or receive calls until you decide you want to re-activate the number.
If you do decide to re-active your number it will be active instantly to make and receive calls and SMS just like normal.
Zapme Social
Zapme Social is a next-generation social ecosystem designed to bring social networking, communities, communication and rewards together in one place.
Users can create a profile, connect with others, share and discover content, join communities through ZapZones, communicate directly using ZapChat, and participate in rewards programs through engagement and referrals.
Zapme Social brings together several connected experiences within the Zapme ecosystem.
You can use the main social platform to connect with people and discover content, join or create ZapZones to organise communities and topics into dedicated subchannels, and use ZapChat to communicate privately with friends, groups and contacts.
If you already use Web3 and have a compatible crypto wallet, you can connect your wallet address and use it as part of your Zapme identity. This approach allows Zapme to welcome everyone, whether you’re completely new to Web3 or already active in the decentralised ecosystem.
You can use the main social platform to connect with people and discover content, join or create ZapZones to organise communities and topics into dedicated subchannels, and use ZapChat to communicate privately with friends, groups and contacts.
The ecosystem also includes opportunities to earn rewards through eligible engagement and referral activities, creating a social experience where users can participate in the growth of the network rather than simply consume content.
You can create your Zapme account using your email address and begin using the platform normally.
For users who already have a crypto wallet, Zapme also provides the ability to connect using a wallet address. This helps bridge the gap between traditional social platforms and the decentralised web.
Your available rewards and ZAPs activity can be viewed through your Zapme account under ‘wallet’ where the relevant functionality is available.
If you have a compatible crypto wallet, you can connect it to participate in the Zapme ecosystem.
ZapChat
Nothing, zilch, nada… it’s free. So go for it!
Yes. ZapChat can be used for business as well as personal communication. Businesses and teams can use it to communicate with colleagues, customers, clients and communities, while keeping conversations connected to the wider Zapme ecosystem.
Yes. ZapChat allows users to share files and other content directly within conversations, making it useful for both personal communication and business collaboration.
Yes. ZapChat allows you to communicate privately with individual users or create group conversations with multiple people. Whether you’re chatting with friends and family, coordinating with a community or communicating with business contacts, ZapChat provides a flexible way to stay connected.
Zapme centralises many of your popular social and chat messaging services.
This makes it far easier to manage your different communications from one simple location. It can be frustrating keeping track of your different messaging services across multiple apps and platforms, so now with the Zapme app you can go to “All Messages” where you can pull many of the popular messaging services into the one location to easily manage – how much better is that!
Yes. Your unique @handle makes it easier for other Zapme users to find and connect with you. Instead of needing to share personal contact details, you can use your Zapme identity to connect with other people across the ecosystem.
Yes. Your unique @handle makes it easier for other Zapme users to find and connect with you. Instead of needing to share personal contact details, you can use your Zapme identity to connect with other people across the ecosystem.
Yes. ZapChat is designed to make it easy to stay connected across your devices. You can access your conversations and continue communicating with your contacts wherever you use your Zapme account.
Yes. You can create group chats to bring multiple people together in one conversation. Group chats are useful for keeping in touch with friends and family, coordinating teams, managing communities or communicating with customers and clients.
Legal
You can always visit our website https://zapme.co/ and easily locate our Legal Hub or within the Zapme app in our Settings.
For ‘Terms & Conditions’ (https://zapme.co/terms-and-conditions/), ‘Privacy Policy’ (https://zapme.co/privacy-policy/ and GDPR https://zapme.co/gdpr/) and other relevant information for you to understand our services.
Customer Support & Privacy
Yes, certainly! You can navigate towards the ‘Help & Support’ option within the Zapme app. Alternatively, you can contact us at support@zapme.co. We’ll always try our best to resolve your issue.
We take privacy seriously and do our utmost to ensure we respect and protect your privacy. Please review our ‘Privacy Policy’ (https://zapme.co/privacy-policy/and GDPR https://zapme.co/gdpr/) and other relevant information for you to understand our services. You can always contact us with any questions too.
Fraud & Scams
We take scam and fraud protection very seriously. If you receive a suspicious call or message, do not provide any personal information. Hang up immediately and report the details to us via the Zapme app ‘Help & Support’ option or email at support@zapme.co. Please provide as much detail as possible, such as the date/time of the incident, contact details (phone number, email, Zapme handle) and other relevant details.
We need to work together to help make communications safer and within our Zapme ecosystem. There are great resources available online for how to deal with and minimise harm from scams. Like with on-line safety, generally prevention is better than the cure so take a moment to educate yourself about scam calls. Here’s some helpful third party resources which are not affiliated with Zapme but it’s a good start: https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/threats/how-to-avoid-mobile-phone-scams
These often involve, but are not limited to, urgent requests for money, personal info, threats, too good to be true offers, suspicious links and attachments, etc. If you experience any of these and suspect malicious activities, please report them to us via the ‘Help & Support’ option on the Zapme app or via email at support@zapme.co
