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Rakuten Viber today announced that it has introduced a seamless, in-app travel eSIM service, offering great value and instant connectivity to travelers. The first phase has rolled out in the Philippines, where Viber users can now purchase data-only roaming packages for international trips directly in the app. The service runs on Rakuten Mobile’s AI-enabled, cloud-native eSIM platform, which has a proven track record of delivering integrated travel solutions at scale.
Travelling internationally often involves expensive roaming charges. It also brings the inconvenience of purchasing and swapping physical local SIM cards. eSIMs, or embedded SIMs, are digital SIM cards built directly into mobile devices. They offer convenience and flexibility. Users can instantly choose and activate a mobile plan and switch carriers without needing a physical SIM card. With eSIM support now common on modern devices, global travel eSIM revenue is projected to grow by 380% from 2025 to 2030.
Activating the Viber eSIM is a simple process designed for user convenience:
- 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.
This new feature marks an important step in Viber’s mission to become a super app, bringing essential services into one place to simplify everyday life and support global connectivity. With eSIM mobile plans available directly in Viber, users can purchase, install, and activate a plan within the app. Combined with Viber Out, which enables low-cost international calls to landlines and mobile numbers, Viber offers a single place to manage connectivity and stay in touch while abroad.
The collaboration also offers a blueprint for brands in the travel, fintech, and telecom sectors that want to expand their product portfolios and unlock new revenue streams. By embedding mobile connectivity directly into the user experience, companies can launch travel-focused digital offerings without the complexity of traditional telecom operations. It also reflects Rakuten’s vision to revolutionize mobile connectivity worldwide by extending it beyond traditional operators and into digital platforms.
Nadav Melnick, CPO at Rakuten Viber, commented on the launch: “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. 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.”
Tarek Zeid, SVP International Wholesale Business at Rakuten Mobile, Inc., added: “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. 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.”
