Truecaller Launches Travel eSIM Plans in 29 Countries as It Expands Beyond Caller ID
Truecaller is moving deeper into digital services with the launch of travel eSIM plans, giving users a new way to stay connected while abroad without needing a physical SIM card. The move comes as the company looks to diversify its revenue sources and reduce its reliance on advertising, which has recently faced pressure.
The new Truecaller eSIM service is designed for international travelers who want quick mobile data access when visiting another country. Instead of buying a local SIM card or paying high roaming charges, users can activate an eSIM directly through the Truecaller app.
Truecaller’s travel eSIM plans will start from 1 GB of data valid for 7 days and go up to 20 GB of data valid for 30 days. At launch, the service will be available in 29 countries, covering several popular travel destinations across Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
The initial country list includes Italy, Sweden, Spain, France, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Romania, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, Austria, Finland, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway, Chile, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria.
One notable absence from the launch list is India, Truecaller’s largest market. The omission is likely linked to India’s strict telecom rules and regulatory environment around eSIM services. The country has previously taken action against some international eSIM providers over concerns related to misuse and fraud.
To power its eSIM platform, Truecaller is partnering with global cellular connectivity provider Telna and telecom software company Telness Tech. These partnerships will help Truecaller manage mobile connectivity, plan activation, and service delivery across supported countries.
The travel eSIM market is becoming increasingly competitive, with several companies already offering international mobile data plans for tourists, business travelers, and digital nomads. However, Truecaller believes it has a major advantage: its massive existing user base.
With more than 500 million monthly users, Truecaller can introduce eSIM services directly inside an app that people already use regularly. The company sees this as a key difference compared with newer eSIM providers that have had to build customer trust and distribution from the ground up.
Truecaller’s leadership has described the eSIM launch as a strategic step that makes the app more useful beyond caller identification and spam protection. By adding travel connectivity, the company is positioning Truecaller as a broader utility platform for mobile users.
The timing is significant. Truecaller has been working to strengthen its business as advertising revenue declines. The company recently reported weaker quarterly results, with net sales falling 27% to 362 million SEK, or about $39.34 million. Advertising revenue dropped even more sharply, declining 44%.
The company has also reduced its workforce, cutting 70 jobs across multiple teams. Against this backdrop, Truecaller is placing more emphasis on subscription-based and service-driven revenue streams.
In recent years, Truecaller has introduced paid features such as AI Assistant and Family Protection as part of its push to grow recurring revenue. The new eSIM offering fits into that broader strategy, giving the company another potential income source while improving the app’s usefulness for travelers.
The rise of eSIM technology has been driven by greater smartphone compatibility and growing demand from international travelers. Many newer phones now support eSIM activation, making it easier for users to switch mobile data plans without handling a physical SIM card.
For frequent travelers, eSIM services can offer a more convenient alternative to traditional roaming. Users can often choose a data plan before departure, activate it on arrival, and avoid searching for a local carrier store. This convenience has helped make travel eSIM plans one of the fastest-growing categories in mobile connectivity.
Truecaller’s entry into this space shows how established mobile apps are looking for new ways to monetize their audiences. By combining its global reach with travel-focused connectivity, Truecaller hopes to turn its trusted caller ID platform into a more complete mobile service ecosystem.
The success of the new eSIM service will depend on pricing, coverage quality, ease of activation, and how well Truecaller can promote the feature to its large user base. If the company can deliver a smooth experience, travel eSIM plans could become an important part of its next growth phase.
