07.12.2025
In the era of digital travel, where instant connectivity is not just a convenience but a necessity, eSIM cards have become the preferred way to communicate abroad. They offer flexibility, fast activation, and eliminate the need for a physical SIM card. However, you may have encountered the term eKYC and wondered what it means, what mandates this procedure, and why it is required when purchasing your new plan.
In this article, we will explain in detail what eKYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) is, why this process is crucial for your security and compliance with international laws, how it works step-by-step, and most importantly – why, despite initial concerns, it is your guarantee for peace of mind when traveling with HandySIM.
KYC (Know Your Customer) is a standard, yet extremely important, procedure in the banking, financial, and telecommunications sectors. Its main objective is to establish and verify the identity of an individual before a service is provided to them.
eKYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) is the digital, automated, and much faster version of this process. Instead of filling out documents in an office, eKYC allows you to verify your identity completely online, using your phone or computer, often within minutes.
Traditional KYC is often slow and relies on the human factor for document review. eKYC, on the other hand, is a revolution in customer service:
Feature | KYC (Traditional) | eKYC (Electronic) |
| Speed | Hours or days for processing | Minutes for processing and approval |
| Convenience | Requires physical presence and time | Extremely convenient, anywhere in the world (24/7 access) |
eKYC is crucial for digital services like eSIM because it allows the fully legal provision of mobile services to customers who cannot visit a physical office.
In the telecommunications field, eKYC is an international requirement for security. Numerous countries worldwide are introducing increasingly strict laws that require every SIM user to be identified, especially for prepaid / data services.
The eKYC process stops the abuse of stolen identity or attempts to acquire mobile numbers for criminal purposes. It ensures that the phone number you activate belongs to the person who purchased it.
eKYC is mandatory only for local eSIM plans that operate under the jurisdiction of one specific country and are subject to its strict regulations.
If you purchase regional or global plans, which cover multiple countries simultaneously, these eKYC requirements are often waived in most cases.
Check the plan details: Any plan on the HandySIM platform that requires eKYC is described additionally in the package information. We recommend that you check the details of the specific plan before purchase.
Learn how to activate your eSIM quickly. The process is designed to be as fast and intuitive as possible, ensuring you receive your active eSIM plan within minutes.
1. Receive the Link: After completing the purchase, you will receive an email with a link from the respective operator, which must be used for verification.
2. Access Verification: Click on the link. We recommend using a mobile phone for a more convenient process, as it facilitates document scanning and facial recognition.
3. Choose Nationality and Document: You will first be asked about your nationality. Depending on the answer, the system will require you to scan one of the following verification documents: Passport, ID Card (National Identity Card), or Driver's License.
4. Scanning and Facial Recognition: After scanning the document, the system will request facial recognition (a selfie or a short video clip). Simply follow the steps displayed on the screen.
5. Completion and Activation: After you complete the process successfully, you will receive your eSIM within 5 minutes. Important: The package validity starts after the installation of the eSIM card.
If for any reason you receive a denial, contact us immediately. We will arrange a full refund (to the original payment method) as quickly as possible.
The eKYC process is not simply comparing two photos. Behind it are high-tech systems that make identity verification many times more secure:
We understand that submitting personal documents online can cause concern. Nevertheless, eKYC systems are built around maximum security and full compliance with legal regulations.
eKYC eliminates the possibility of unauthorized use of your eSIM. This process is a guarantee that your account and phone number will not be used by third parties for illegal activities.
The eKYC systems we use are obliged to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union.
Although eKYC might seem like an extra step, it brings significant and direct benefits to you as an eSIM services user:
eKYC is not a "spy mechanism," but a guarantee of your security and legality.
Choose your plan on HandySIM today and enjoy instant and secure connectivity worldwide!
eKYC is Electronic Know Your Customer, a digital client identification required by regulators and mobile operators in specific countries. Its purpose is to prevent SIM fraud and ensure compliance with local security laws.
The requirement depends on local legislation for prepaid services. It is often required in countries like Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Albania, Hong Kong, and others. Check the details: Any plan on the HandySIM platform that requires eKYC is described additionally in the package information.
The requirements are determined by the operator and regulations in the specific country, not by the eSIM provider (HandySIM). Generally, regional/tourist data plans are without eKYC, while some local plans for specific countries require it.
The process includes: 1) entering personal data, 2) uploading an identification document (photo or scan), and 3) selfie verification (facial recognition) to prove your identity in real-time.
Passport, ID card, or Driver's License are usually required. In rare cases, additional information to confirm your address may be requested.
In most cases, approval is automatic and takes from a few minutes to a few hours. It may sometimes take up to 24 hours for manual review if the system detects ambiguities in the document.
If for any reason you receive a denial, contact us immediately. We will arrange a full refund (to the original payment method) as quickly as possible.
Yes, eKYC is completely safe. Data is processed encrypted and in compliance with GDPR and local data protection regulations.
Yes, you can. Most tourist eSIM plans in many countries are without eKYC. Only a small fraction of the plans, which operate at a local level, require verification depending on the country's legislation.
Yes. The eKYC process is online and can be completed from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
