Pay for an eSIM with Stablecoins: USDT, USDC and DAI Compared

You can pay for a HelloSIM travel eSIM with three stablecoins: Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC) and DAI. The plan is priced in euros, the secure payment page converts that price into your chosen stablecoin at the moment of payment, and you send exactly the figure it shows on the network it shows.

A stablecoin is a token whose value is designed to track a currency; for USDT, USDC and DAI, that currency is the US dollar. This guide explains what that means for the amount you send at checkout and compares the networks each of the three can be sent on at HelloSIM.

Why a euro-priced eSIM is easy to pay in a stablecoin

HelloSIM prices every plan in euros. When you pick a coin on the payment page, the euro price is converted into that coin at the moment of payment, and the page shows the exact amount along with a payment address and a QR code.

With a stablecoin, that conversion is easy to follow. Because USDT, USDC and DAI each aim to track the US dollar, you can estimate the figure before you start by thinking of the plan's euro price in US dollars. In practice this means:

• The stablecoin figure will not equal the euro price. Euros and US dollars are different currencies, so the number changes in the conversion. Send the figure the page shows.
• Preparing is simple. Keep a little more than your estimate in the wallet, plus whatever the network fee requires.
• The same applies to the HelloSIM wallet. Adding money to your wallet balance with a stablecoin works the same way, from €1.00.

This is simply how the checkout amount is worked out. It is not a recommendation about which coins to hold.

USDT, USDC and DAI: which networks are accepted?

At checkout, the main difference between the three is where each one can be sent from. The payment page shows the current list, which can change. The verified options are:

Tether (USDT): eight networks

• TRON (TRC-20)
• Ethereum (ERC-20)
• BNB Smart Chain (BEP-20)
• TON
• Solana
• Polygon
• Arbitrum
• Avalanche

USD Coin (USDC): five networks

• Ethereum
• Polygon
• BNB Smart Chain
• Arbitrum
• Avalanche

DAI

DAI is accepted as well. Select DAI on the payment page, check the network the page shows, and send on exactly that network.

Where USDT and USDC overlap

USDT and USDC share five networks: Ethereum, Polygon, BNB Smart Chain, Arbitrum and Avalanche. USDT is also accepted on TRON, TON and Solana. If your USDC sits on a network outside its list above, check whether the payment page currently offers it before you start. Never assume a network is accepted just because the coin is.

USDT, USDC or DAI: which stablecoin should you use?

For this purchase, the sensible choice is usually the stablecoin you already hold, on a network that is listed for it. Converting or moving funds to another network first adds steps, and every extra step is another chance to pick the wrong network.

• USDT on TRON, TON or Solana: pay in USDT on that same network, since all three are listed for USDT.
• USDC on an exchange: choose one of the five USDC networks in the withdrawal form, and the same one on the payment page.
• DAI: select DAI on the payment page and match the network it shows.
• Several of them: use the coin and network your wallet or exchange can send most easily.

Whichever accepted stablecoin you choose, you get the same plan and the same eSIM, issued once the payment is confirmed on the blockchain.

How to pay for an eSIM with a stablecoin, step by step

1. 1Check the coin and the network you hold. In a wallet, see which network the balance sits on; on an exchange, see which withdrawal networks it offers for that coin.
2. 2Choose a plan. Pick a country, regional or global plan, enter your email address and select "Pay with crypto" at checkout on the website or in the app.
3. 3Select the stablecoin and the matching network. The page shows a payment address, a QR code and the exact amount.
4. 4Send the exact amount within one hour. Network fees are paid by you on top of the amount shown. If an exchange deducts its withdrawal fee from the amount, less arrives, and that can leave the payment incomplete.
5. 5Receive the eSIM. Once the payment is confirmed on the blockchain, the eSIM appears in your account or the app and the QR code is emailed.
6. 6Install it over Wi-Fi. Validity starts when the eSIM first connects to a network at your destination, so buying and installing before the trip is fine.

What you need

• An email address to receive the eSIM
• A phone that supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked
• USDT, USDC or DAI on a network accepted for that coin
• A small amount of the network's own coin for the fee, if you send from your own wallet
• Wi-Fi to install the eSIM

Rules that apply to every stablecoin payment

• Sending less than the amount shown can leave the payment incomplete; overpaying still completes the order.
• A transfer on a different network from the one shown can leave the payment incomplete.
• A payment request stays open for 1 hour. If it expires, start a new one from checkout and never send to the expired request.
• The minimum for a crypto payment is €1.00.
• Blockchain transfers cannot be recalled once sent, and all sales are final once an order is paid.

Stay connected with the stablecoin you already use

Pick the stablecoin you hold, match its network on the payment page and send the figure shown. The euro price is converted for you, and your eSIM is ready to install before you travel.