Why your eSIM shows another country
Some plans send your data through another country, so websites see that country's IP address. A Japan plan may show Hong Kong, for example. Your speed and connection are unaffected.
What's going on
Every connection to the internet has an IP address, a bit like a return address on a letter. Some travel eSIM plans pass your data through a hub in another country before it reaches the internet. Websites then see the hub's address, not the country you're standing in.
Example: on a Japan plan, Google might greet you in Chinese and show Hong Kong adverts, because your data reaches the internet from Hong Kong.
Is that a problem?
For everyday use, no. Maps, messages, calls, email and social apps all work as normal. Your phone's GPS still knows exactly where you are, so maps and taxi apps find you.
What you might notice
- Language and adverts: search pages may open in another language. Switch it at the bottom of the page.
- Banking apps: some may ask you to confirm it's you. That's normal when travelling.
- Streaming: your TV and video apps may show a different catalogue or ask you to sign in again.
- Local sites: some booking sites may show prices in another currency.
How to know before you buy
Each plan page shows how the plan routes data. In some places, routing via another country is a big win: on most of our China plans, it means your usual apps open as they do at home.
Data slow? See slow eSIM speeds.
Will maps show the wrong location?
No. Maps use your phone's GPS, so they show where you really are.
Why is Google in another language?
Google guesses your language from your IP address. Change it at the bottom of the search page.
