eSims, what is your experience.

[siri]

I am interested in the concept of eSims but have no experience with them.
The notion of running my local sim plus having an international sim for phone use while in USA and EU could be handy.
What have members experience been? TIA

I use Airalo app for int esim.. no complaints so far..

 

[SYD]

Eskimo has an 11.11 promo on. US$11 off their 2 yr 10GB and 30GB Global Plans (currently sell for US$39 and US$90.

A 2yr / 10 GB plan for US$28 isn’t too bad as something sitting in the “back pocket” and used in conjunction with other local eSIM plans.

 

[VPS]

It is going to be local calling in vietnam. Just in case if we have to call the hotel or travel agent or any other local business. Thanks

also if you have an Office 365 account you get 60 minutes of Skype free included

 

[moa999]

Eskimo has an 11.11 promo on.

Interesting. Have you used them? Scant web reviews are pretty mixed.

Strangely they appear to be based in Singapore but Singapore isn't one of their included countries

 

[RealtimeY]

Have had no problems with Eskimo. The long expiry package i have has come in handy a few times with short layovers or when another eSIM didn’t work.

 

[SYD]

Interesting. Have you used them? Scant web reviews are pretty mixed.

Strangely they appear to be based in Singapore but Singapore isn't one of their included countries

I have one of the freebie 1GB/2yr plans mentioned up thread (I think there’s still a 500MB deal going)?

As above, the long expiry is really handy as a back plan (literally!). Saved my bacon in Uruguay earlier this year. Optus didn’t roam at all and my FLX roam eSIM misbehaved.

 

[Brissy1]

Not uncommon depending on how you install it (and apple v android). Not all the methods manage to change the APN. Always important to read the instructions.

Is this an esim issue? If I want a hassle-free experience am I better off sticking with physical sim?
Very OT but kogan nz have a good 1 mth intro offer (no esim) if you can work out how to get a sim $NZ5 Kogan Mobile – Amazing Prepay Prices

 

[SYD]

Is this an esim issue? If I want a hassle-free experience am I better off sticking with physical sim?

Not unique to eSIMs (a physical SIM will still have an APN that needs to be configure when first setup).

To install an eSIMs, there’s usually three installation methods (in order of user friendliness*):

1. Via app (you have the eSIM provider app on your phone so you can purchase eSIMs, install, buy plans, check usage, manage multiple plans - as applicable).

With this method, you’d expect to have the APN setup automatically, but it always pays to double check. Like a physical SIM, it should be a one off, set and forget.

2. Scan a QR code. When you buy an eSIM, the provider will normally send you a confirmation email with installation instructions and a QR code that you can scan to start the installation process.

The problem with this method is you can’t scan the email on your phone with your phone! Not an issue if you open the email on an iPad or laptop etc…

Edit: handy tip mentioned below for iPhones. Press and old the QR code image in the email to kickoff the installation process!

3. Manual installation. In the confirmation email, there’ll be unique codes to enter to do a manual setup (the process varies by phone type). It’s actually not that hard, just a bit clunky.

*there’s probably not too much difference between 1 & 2 if you can scan the code.

The most important thing and main difference with a physical SIM is you must have a stable wifi connection to install a new eSIM. If you use your existing primary SIM data, there’s a good chance the installation process will turn off that line or try and switch primary Data line and cough out at that point.

Anyway, if you’re primarily just after roaming data while OS, an eSIM is generally more convenient and often cheaper than a local SIM. If you’re a regular visitor to the same place and want to make/receive local calls, texts etc. Then, yes a local SIM still has its advantages (but they might actual be an eSIM now anyway).

For relatively hassle free (but not necessarily the cheapest), a provider like Flexiroam you only install one eSIM once and then add plans as required.

 

[burmans]

I’ve had no better or worse experience with installing eSIMs vs regular Sims but regard the ability to have both Aus Sim and overseas eSIM installed as a huge advantage as I still get those 2FA texts!

 

[SYD]

I’ve had no better or worse experience with installing eSIMs vs regular Sims but regard the ability to have both Aus Sim and overseas eSIM installed as a huge advantage as I still get those 2FA texts!

When I ported to amaysim earlier this year, I took the opportunity to take the eSIM option to free up the physical slot - so I’ve the flexibility now of using an eSIM or physical local SIM when travelling.

 

[Captain Halliday]

Interesting. Have you used them? Scant web reviews are pretty mixed.

Strangely they appear to be based in Singapore but Singapore isn't one of their included countries

I used Eskimo eSIM for Japan, Malaysia and Thailand 12 months ago.

No issues at all.

Changed phone this year and moving the eSIM over to the new device was easy, taking about five mins.

A benefit in our situation is the free data gifting.

We each signed up for a free 1GB trial and rather than buy data individually for three plans, I can buy a larger data plan on my account at lower overall cost and gift data to Mrs H and Miss H as required.

 

[Cynicor]

. Scan a QR code. When you buy an eSIM, the provider will normally send you a confirmation email with installation instructions and a QR code that you can scan to start the installation process.

The problem with this method is you can’t scan the email on your phone with your phone! Not an issue if you open the email on an iPad or laptop etc

On the iPhone, if the QR is for a sim, just tap the qr and it will ask if you want to install it

 

[SYD]

On the iPhone, if the QR is for a sim, just tap the qr and it will ask if you want to install it

That would make perfect sense and very cool in an Apple kind of way.

But trying that on some existing ones doesn’t work. Possibly because it’s smart enough to know it’s already installed?

BUT if I remember, I’ll try that next time!

 

[Brissy1]

Not unique to eSIMs (a physical SIM will still have an APN that needs to be configure when first setup).

To install an eSIMs, there’s usually three installation methods (in order of user friendliness*):

1. Via app (you have the eSIM provider app on your phone so you can purchase eSIMs, install, buy plans, check usage, manage multiple plans - as applicable).

With this method, you’d expect to have the APN setup automatically, but it always pays to double check. Like a physical SIM, it should be a one off, set and forget.

2. Scan a QR code. When you buy an eSIM, the provider will normally send you a confirmation email with installation instructions and a QR code that you can scan to start the installation process.

The problem with this method is you can’t scan the email on your phone with your phone! Not an issue if you open the email on an iPad or laptop etc…

3. Manual installation. In the confirmation email, there’ll be unique codes to enter to do a manual setup (the process varies by phone type). It’s actually not that hard, just a bit clunky.

*there’s probably not too much difference between 1 & 2 if you can scan the code.

The most important thing and main difference with a physical SIM is you must have a stable wifi connection to install a new eSIM. If you use your existing primary SIM data, there’s a good chance the installation process will turn off that line or try and switch primary Data line and cough out at that point.

Anyway, if you’re primarily just after roaming data while OS, an eSIM is generally more convenient and often cheaper than a local SIM. If you’re a regular visitor to the same place and want to make/receive local calls, texts etc. Then, yes a local SIM still has its advantages (but they might actual be an eSIM now anyway).

For relatively hassle free (but not necessarily the cheapest), a provider like Flexiroam you only install one eSIM once and then add plans as required.

Worked!
Signed up to Eskimo with 1g free as captain Halliday mentioned above.
Thanks.

 

[SYD]

Worked!
Signed up to Eskimo with 1g free as captain Halliday mentioned above.
Thanks.

Now the question is how will that stack with a new paid plan? I don’t know.

I still have over 900 MB and 12 mths to run on my freebie but keen to buy the 10GB plan with the current promo….

 

[Pete98765432]

That would make perfect sense and very cool in an Apple kind of way.

But trying that on some existing ones doesn’t work. Possibly because it’s smart enough to know it’s already installed?

BUT if I remember, I’ll try that next time!

A simple tap on the QR code didn’t give me the option to install the eSIM, but a long press on it brought up a different menu with the option.

 

[SYD]

A simple tap on the QR code didn’t give me the option to install the eSIM, but a long press on it brought up a different menu with the option.
View attachment 414508

Yes, ditto for my most recent purchase!

I probably would still logically go with install via app but handy to know.

 

[Cynicor]

Sorry, yes, it’s a long press. I call everything a tap… but it’s still a thing at least!

 

[SYD]

Now the question is how will that stack with a new paid plan? I don’t know.

I still have over 900 MB and 12 mths to run on my freebie but keen to buy the 10GB plan with the current promo….

I think I can answer my own question. Eskimo has a data rollover scheme. Buy a new plan before the current one expires and any unused data will automatically rollover.

 

[encryptededdy]

Where does the Eskimo data routes via (if in roaming mode)? A lot of these go via. Thailand or Singapore.

It's not a big deal but a non-local IP sometimes breaks country specific services, and it also just makes general usage worse due to increased latency.