Rakuten Viber has rolled out an in-app travel eSIM service in the Philippines, allowing users to purchase data-only roaming packages for international trips without installing another application or replacing their physical SIM cards.
The service uses Rakuten Mobile’s AI-enabled, cloud-native eSIM platform. Viber said users can access the eSIM store through the app’s More or Calls screen and select data plans covering hundreds of destinations.
Users can purchase a plan through integrated payment methods and install the eSIM using a quick-install link, QR code, or manual setup. The company said transactions are screened using Viber’s existing spam and fraud detection models as well as Stripe’s anti-fraud tools.
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM built into a compatible mobile device. It allows users to activate mobile plans and switch carriers without inserting or replacing a physical card.
The company said the feature complements Viber Out, its service for making international calls to landlines and mobile numbers, as it seeks to expand the messaging platform into a broader “super app.”
“Bringing eSIM to Viber is a major milestone. It highlights the power of the Rakuten Ecosystem and our commitment to building a true super app. We’ve already integrated services such as Business Accounts, Viber Dating, and Viber Pay, and eSIM expands that momentum with a new connectivity option,” Rakuten Viber chief product officer Nadav Melnick said.
“This launch reinforces Viber as a single platform that supports a wide range of user needs. We’re evolving from a messaging app into an everyday utility, making international travel simpler and more affordable. With Rakuten Mobile, users can access Viber internationally and stay reliably connected across borders,” he added.
Rakuten Mobile senior vice president for international wholesale business Tarek Zeid said the platform allows Viber to integrate travel connectivity without operating a traditional telecommunications service.
“We are proud to partner with Rakuten Viber in advancing its leading super app vision. By leveraging Rakuten Mobile’s eSIM platform and our role as a mobile network operator, we are enabling Rakuten Viber to seamlessly embed travel eSIM and global connectivity into its ecosystem,” Zeid said.
“With cost-effective, internationally available connectivity, we are removing barriers and ensuring that staying connected while traveling is no longer a luxury, but an affordable and seamless convenience for everyone,” he added.
Steps in activating the Viber eSIM:
- Access the eSIM store directly from the Viber app: Open the eSIM section from either the More screen or the Calls screen in Viber – no need to install a new app.
- Browse and select a plan: Choose from a range of travel data plans covering hundreds of destinations. These are tailored to your travel needs.
- Purchase securely: Complete your purchase using integrated payment methods. Viber uses its existing spam and fraud models. It also integrates with Stripe’s anti-fraud tools to ensure secure transactions.
- Install the eSIM: Follow the easy on-screen instructions to install the eSIM, using a Quick Install link, scanning a QR code, or entering details manually.
- Activate and connect: After installation, activate your eSIM. You can then immediately enjoy smooth international data connectivity without needing to swap a physical SIM card.
