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Post by chedanemi on Sept 19, 2024 22:53:54 GMT
Does anyone have first hand experience with using an eSim while in a foreign country? Wondering if I purchase, install and activate for say the UK, do I need to reactivate it when we cross into another country, or once it's activated, is it good to go for however long you've purchased it?
Thanks for any input!
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Post by AussieMeg on Sept 19, 2024 23:12:22 GMT
I have used Holafly a couple of times overseas. The prices were good, and the customer service people were really helpful. You need to install the eSIM before you leave (you need internet access), then you activate it as soon as you get to your destination. They give you good instructions on how to do it.
You have to buy an eSIM for each country you are going to, so if you're using one for the UK, then you go to another country, you will have to get another one for that country. That's how it works in SE Asia, I assume it's the same for Europe. eg. I had to get one for Thailand, then another one for Singapore.
This year when we went back to Thailand, I ended up using my service provider's roaming service, because it was only $5 per day, which worked out to be the same as an unlimited eSIM plan with Holafly for the same period of time. And it meant that I could still ring someone if I needed to (whereas an eSIM is only for data).
When my friend goes to the UK, she usually buys a physical SIM with its own phone number, instead of an eSIM, so she can call people.
Oh, and you will need to take a photo of the QR code for your eSIM with another phone, so that you can then use your phone to scan it when you install it.
ETA: Oh, and check that your phone is compatible first! They have a list of compatible phones on the Holafly site.
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scrappinmama
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,124
Jun 26, 2014 12:54:09 GMT
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Post by scrappinmama on Sept 19, 2024 23:16:53 GMT
I have used Airalo while overseas. It's easy to use, but when I had some technical issues, their support helped walk me right through it! With Airalo, you can buy packages that cover more than one country. www.airalo.com/global-esim |
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sueg
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,574
Location: Munich
Apr 12, 2016 12:51:01 GMT
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Post by sueg on Sept 20, 2024 7:14:07 GMT
My DS used airalo when he visited us in Germany last year. For the EU, any SIM (e or physical) sold has to allow roaming in all other EU countries, so he could use his not only in Germany, but also in Hungary, Austria, Czechia and France while he was here. I am not sure how the UK fits in these days - my German SIM in my iPhone still allows roaming in the UK, a holdover from pre-Brexit days, but I am not sure how long that will last.
When DS looked at airalo, they had a range of geographical options, so you would need to read where your eSIM is valid - it may be you can get a UK/EU combo.
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Post by kamper on Sept 20, 2024 13:31:13 GMT
Another vote for Airalo. Just make sure you set it up before you get to your destination.
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milocat
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,617 
Location: 55 degrees north in Alberta, Canada
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Post by milocat on Sept 20, 2024 13:42:31 GMT
I'm going to use an esim for the first time next week. I see the Europe package will cover me and I know to purchase it at home. I've seen Airalo mentioned a lot in my Googling and also have seen you can go to esimdb.com and find the best rate. So cheap compared to $16/day that my service provider charges. I won't even pay that for the whole trip. But I still have a few questions.
What do I set my phone to? Airplane mode, data, roaming are these supposed to be on or off?
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scrappinmama
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,124
Jun 26, 2014 12:54:09 GMT
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Post by scrappinmama on Sept 20, 2024 14:13:55 GMT
I'm going to use an esim for the first time next week. I see the Europe package will cover me and I know to purchase it at home. I've seen Airalo mentioned a lot in my Googling and also have seen you can go to esimdb.com and find the best rate. So cheap compared to $16/day that my service provider charges. I won't even pay that for the whole trip. But I still have a few questions. What do I set my phone to? Airplane mode, data, roaming are these supposed to be on or off? Off the top of my head, I can't remember. But I highly recommend looking up YouTube videos. I found some that give step by step instructions. And if you get to your destination and have trouble, use the chat feature in the app and they will help you. They have great support available if you can't figure it out. |
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Chinagirl828
Drama Llama
Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 6,688
Jun 28, 2014 6:28:53 GMT
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Post by Chinagirl828 on Sept 21, 2024 5:13:24 GMT
What do I set my phone to? Airplane mode, data, roaming are these supposed to be on or off? I've used airalo and they have really clear pictures and written instructions to walk you through what needs to be switched on or off to allow the esim to work. |
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