eSims, what is your experience.

[djkelly69]

keeping the same phone number might be handy but that's it

I thought Airalo was data only (ie. no number)?

 

[VPS]

I thought Airalo was data only (ie. no number)?

sorry I was talking about physical sims - not sure about Airalo

 

[RooFlyer]

Any top up is buying a new plan.

So, with a skinny amount of data (eg 10GB over 30 days) it could end up being more expensive than it looks. OR I might use maps.me for navigation rather than Google maps.

But it looks like a V good option to start with until I can organise myself to get a local SIM and put it in my spare phone. I also see that one of my countries, Bosnia & Herzegovina, isn't covered by their Europe plan but is available individually.

 

[serfty]

So, with a skinny amount of data (eg 10GB over 30 days) it could end up being more expensive than it looks. OR I might use maps.me for navigation rather than Google maps

You can pre dowload with google maps for much of the world.

With most developed counties and abundent wifi, unless you are streaming, 300MB average a day via a SIM is realistic.

 

[RooFlyer]

You can pre dowload with google maps for much of the world.

With most developed counties and abundent wifi, unless you are streaming, 300MB average a day via a SIM is realistic.

I'm sure its better now, but I've had some bad experiences with GM off-line and wouldn't risk it. Maps.me is straightforward and I've used it a lot.

And yes, I agree re the wi-fi; I'll see how I go

 

[SuePa]

also see that one of my countries, Bosnia & Herzegovina, isn't covered by their Europe plan

I bought a physical sim ( old phone) through Simsdirect to cover most of the countries I'll be travelling through in Europe. It doesn't cover B&H either, but I saw a comment in a review that the sim worked in Montenegro, when that wasn't on the list, so I'm just hoping for the best.
With 12 gb of data and calls, I will probably have run out by then anyway.

 

[transpactraveller]

via OzBargain:

• 242/365-day | 4GB | 40+ countries | $20 @ Felix Mobile

International Roaming Phone Plan Add-On

Share your favourite moments and stay connected to friends and family when you are overseas in over 40 selected countries with our International Roaming pack.

felixmobile.com.au

Thanks very much for this, I hadn't heard of Felix before but it seems to fit exactly what I'm looking for. I'll probably just port my number over to them instead of getting a bunch of travel eSIMs!

 

[VPS]

So, with a skinny amount of data (eg 10GB over 30 days) it could end up being more expensive than it looks. OR I might use maps.me for navigation rather than Google maps.

But it looks like a V good option to start with until I can organise myself to get a local SIM and put it in my spare phone. I also see that one of my countries, Bosnia & Herzegovina, isn't covered by their Europe plan but is available individually.

Is there any reason why you don't go with Esim for Aussie number and get a sim from Sims Direct or someone before you go so you only have one phone and you're ready to hit the ground running. I found most places I stayed had wifi so 15 gb over 30 days was enough for when I was out and about

 

[TheRealTMA]

Is there any reason why you don't go with Esim for Aussie number and get a sim from Sims Direct or someone before you go so you only have one phone and you're ready to hit the ground running. I found most places I stayed had wifi so 15 gb over 30 days was enough for when I was out and about

That's what we do. Esim frolm Optus and buy a local sim at destinatrion from vodafone / Three etc or best deal available at destination.

 

[RooFlyer]

Is there any reason why you don't go with Esim for Aussie number and get a sim from Sims Direct or someone before you go so you only have one phone and you're ready to hit the ground running. I found most places I stayed had wifi so 15 gb over 30 days was enough for when I was out and about

No reason other than my own inertia I'm with Telstra and the thought of dealing with their call centre, if I don't get the Oz one, is off-putting. I'll take a spare phone anyway, in case something happens to my 'main' one. I keep my spare (my previous handset) up to date using wi-fi at home so its completely interchangeable with my current handset.

Esim frolm Optus

Is it a matter of just calling (Telstra) and saying 'Hey, can I convert my current physical SIM to an eSIM', and they should be able to do it in the background, then I adjust settings on my handset? And then, regardless of overseas travel, my day-to-day SIM is an eSIM.

Else, how is it accomplished, pls?

 

[VPS]

No reason other than my own inertia I'm with Telstra and the thought of dealing with their call centre, if I don't get the Oz one, is off-putting. I'll take a spare phone anyway, in case something happens to my 'main' one. I keep my spare (my previous handset) up to date using wi-fi at home so its completely interchangeable with my current handset.



Is it a matter of just calling (Telstra) and saying 'Hey, can I convert my current physical SIM to an eSIM', and they should be able to do it in the background, then I adjust settings on my handset? And then, regardless of overseas travel, my day-to-day SIM is an eSIM.

Else, how is it accomplished, pls?

I just googled it and did it at home. There were a couple of minor things I had to change but it worked fine (and I'm with Telstra) so didn't have to call or visit the Telstra store - although I'm looking forward to going into a couple of Telstra stores when I go past and ask them if I can receive calls and texts while I'm overseas (and they will so no not without paying our daily rate) and then I'll tell them I've just been away for four months and got all my texts and calls

 

[TheRealTMA]

No reason other than my own inertia I'm with Telstra and the thought of dealing with their call centre, if I don't get the Oz one, is off-putting. I'll take a spare phone anyway, in case something happens to my 'main' one. I keep my spare (my previous handset) up to date using wi-fi at home so its completely interchangeable with my current handset.



Is it a matter of just calling (Telstra) and saying 'Hey, can I convert my current physical SIM to an eSIM', and they should be able to do it in the background, then I adjust settings on my handset? And then, regardless of overseas travel, my day-to-day SIM is an eSIM.

Else, how is it accomplished, pls?

My day-to-day uses an Esim as primary in Australia. I set that to be secondary when travelling so I can receive incoming calls and sms but all outgoing and wifi is done with the primary, the local sim, in country. With Optus, I did it all online as I remember to convert from physical to ESim but can't quite remember. I may have had to call the call centre but the process was quite painless as I remember and easier than I had thought it would be. RTFM.

 

[RooFlyer]

I just googled it and did it at home.

rant/

OK, I did that, and now I'm sorry . Found a Telstra page that said, easy to do, just go to MyTelstra app, under support just select the eSim (thing .. other words). I have the app, go there and there's no mention of eSIMS ... anywhere.

Ho, hum, call Business tech support. As usual, they have recording which says "You will be answered up to 4 times faster if you call through the app ..." Several times. Wait time on the phone 30-40 mins.

I go to the app and the only 'call us' mention under support is for NBN tech support.

So, against my better judgment, while I'm on hold, I go to the app and do a chat (I absolutely loath 'chats') and ask "How do I make a call through the app?" The answer is "Just call 13____ and they can help you". .

Now have gone back and forth where I say "The phone tells me to use the app to call. How do I do that?" And the reply is "Call tech support on 13____".

Oh, now they are asking if they can help with the problem I'm calling about. I reply that I'm having a problem with the app - how do I call from it, please.

Fortunately I'm still on hold with the phone mob, so I'll get through eventually, I hope.

Now the chat admits that calls from the app are only for NBN. Wonder if I should lodge a complaint with the Telecommunications Ombudsman, just for a bit of sport? End chat.

Oh, the phone just answered - Perth - and took a few minutes to determine if they need to ID me further. NFI about the app - they say to chat through the app to get help on the app They go off and ask someone. Need to transfer me to Business. But I called Business tech support!! "Oh, no, this is general billing".

40 mins and counting.

VPS, this is all your fault!

Lastly - OK, got transferred to a 'proper' business help guy. And, just like when you get the Hobart call centre with Qantas, all of a sudden, everything is clear. He doesn't mince words - basically the App is for residential customers; if a business customer uses it, its hit and miss as to whether it can source the business account data, so basically useless. OK, that explains a lot of my problems in using the app, including its billing function. We move onto e-mail bills. Last year, Telstra said they will charge $2 to get paper bills. So I moved to e-mail bills. Endless problems since with not getting e-mail bills. Multiple calls. This guy admitted that it was a system-wide issue, has been for months, hopefully resolved now.

And eSims? Well, he uses an 'old phone', so didn't know anything about them ... suggested I go into a Telstra store.

/rant

 

[VPS]

rant/

OK, I did that, and now I'm sorry . Found a Telstra page that said, easy to do, just go to MyTelstra app, under support just select the eSim (thing .. other words). I have the app, go there and there's no mention of eSIMS ... anywhere.

Ho, hum, call Business tech support. As usual, they have recording which says "You will be answered up to 4 times faster if you call through the app ..." Several times. Wait time on the phone 30-40 mins.

I go to the app and the only 'call us' mention under support is for NBN tech support.

So, against my better judgment, while I'm on hold, I go to the app and do a chat (I absolutely loath 'chats') and ask "How do I make a call through the app?" The answer is "Just call 13____ and they can help you". .

Now have gone back and forth where I say "The phone tells me to use the app to call. How do I do that?" And the reply is "Call tech support on 13____".

Oh, now they are asking if they can help with the problem I'm calling about. I reply that I'm having a problem with the app - how do I call from it, please.

Fortunately I'm still on hold with the phone mob, so I'll get through eventually, I hope.

Now the chat admits that calls from the app are only for NBN. Wonder if I should lodge a complaint with the Telecommunications Ombudsman, just for a bit of sport? End chat.

Oh, the phone just answered - Perth - and took a few minutes to determine if they need to ID me further. NFI about the app - they say to chat through the app to get help on the app They go off and ask someone. Need to transfer me to Business. But I called Business tech support!! "Oh, no, this is general billing".

40 mins and counting.

VPS, this is all your fault!

Lastly - OK, got transferred to a 'proper' business help guy. And, just like when you get the Hobart call centre with Qantas, all of a sudden, everything is clear. He doesn't mince words - basically the App is for residential customers; if a business customer uses it, its hit and miss as to whether it can source the business account data, so basically useless. OK, that explains a lot of my problems in using the app, including its billing function. We move onto e-mail bills. Last year, Telstra said they will charge $2 to get paper bills. So I moved to e-mail bills. Endless problems since with not getting e-mail bills. Multiple calls. This guy admitted that it was a system-wide issue, has been for months, hopefully resolved now.

And eSims? Well, he uses an 'old phone', so didn't know anything about them ... suggested I go into a Telstra store.

/rant

Sorry but it worked perfectly for me but I don't have a business account.

 

[qaz]

That's what we do. Esim frolm Optus and buy a local sim at destinatrion from vodafone / Three etc or best deal available at destination.

My day-to-day uses an Esim as primary in Australia. I set that to be secondary when travelling so I can receive incoming calls and sms but all outgoing and wifi is done with the primary, the local sim, in country.

+1

Yes, having a primary/Australian mobile number on an eSIM gives the flexibility of adding a physical and/or another digital SIM

Unlike an SMS, receiving a call to an Australian mobile number when overseas is not free, unless via Wi-Fi calling, which is currently available when roaming only to those using Telstra's network here (e.g. Boost)

Using your secondary sim for Wi-Fi calling with your primary is only possible if the secondary is not roaming, so likely local to its location

If you have a VoIP provider like Crazytel for your fixed/landline phone number, then you could divert your Australian mobile number to it, and receive (as well as make) calls via their app, which also allows you to set its caller ID as your mobile number

Crazytel | CrazyPhone - Softphone | Make & Receive Calls, Send and Receive SMS

www.crazytel.com.au

• 242/365-day | 4GB | 40+ countries | $20 @ Felix Mobile

Amaysim international roaming packs are available from next week (e.g. 365-day | 5GB | 90+ destinations | $50)

International Roaming

Ditch daily roaming charges. Add roaming in 90+ selected destinations to your plan from just $20, with 365 days to use.

www.amaysim.com.au

https://www.amaysim.com.au/content/dam/amaysim/documents/critical-information-summary/critical-info-summary-RP-282200-281101-280005-282205.pdf

Thanks very much for this, I hadn't heard of Felix before but it seems to fit exactly what I'm looking for. I'll probably just port my number over to them instead of getting a bunch of travel eSIMs!

why port when you could just have it as a secondary sim (Felix uses Vodafone)?

if I get a Europe 30 day, 5 GB package for US$20

why spend US$20 for 5GB when you could have 15GB for just A$0.35?

• 1-month | 15.34GB | Europe | PLN1 (AU$0.35) @ Orange Poland

 

[RooFlyer]

why spend US$20 for 5GB when you could have 15GB for just A$0.35?

That's a great tip, thanks, but to answer your question - I'm going in and out of the EU and given the trepidation I have of doing it once, swapping in and out of different plans/eSims is probably not going to be a starter! But for the price its worth having a go, at least initially when I am in the EU for .a couple of weeks.

And this goes against other advice up-thread to convert my Telstra physical SIM and go physical SIM for overseas ...

 

[Pushka]

My day-to-day uses an Esim as primary in Australia. I set that to be secondary when travelling so I can receive incoming calls and sms but all outgoing and wifi is done with the primary, the local sim, in country. With Optus, I did it all online as I remember to convert from physical to ESim but can't quite remember. I may have had to call the call centre but the process was quite painless as I remember and easier than I had thought it would be. RTFM.

Just curious why you felt the need to change to esim in Australia? Your explanation above is helpful and confirms what I thought we will need to do in April. And have set it up this way.

 

[qaz]

That's a great tip, thanks, but to answer your question - I'm going in and out of the EU and given the trepidation I have of doing it once, swapping in and out of different plans/eSims is probably not going to be a starter! But for the price its worth having a go, at least initially when I am in the EU for .a couple of weeks.

installing an esim just requires scanning a qr code and entering an activation code, then turning it on/off in your phone's settings

the monthly ongoing/renewal price of the Orange Flex plan ranges from 5.76GB | PLN30 (A$10.40) to 15.34GB | PLN80 (A$27.80)

else perhaps consider a 365-day option

And this goes against other advice up-thread to convert my Telstra physical SIM and go physical SIM for overseas ...

Yes, having a primary/Australian mobile number on an eSIM gives the flexibility of adding a physical and/or another digital SIM

Unlike an SMS, receiving a call to an Australian mobile number when overseas is not free, unless via Wi-Fi calling, which is currently available when roaming only to those using Telstra's network here (e.g. Boost)

Using your secondary sim for Wi-Fi calling with your primary is only possible if the secondary is not roaming, so likely local to its location

If you have a VoIP provider like Crazytel for your fixed/landline phone number, then you could divert your Australian mobile number to it, and receive (as well as make) calls via their app, which also allows you to set its caller ID as your mobile number

Crazytel | CrazyPhone - Softphone | Make & Receive Calls, Send and Receive SMS

www.crazytel.com.au

 

[TheRealTMA]

Just curious why you felt the need to change to esim in Australia? Your explanation above is helpful and confirms what I thought we will need to do in April. And have set it up this way.

Seemed easier and I then had plenty of time to install and understand the use of Esims before we left. And so that I could use multiple others either esim or normal sim when OS and not have to fiddle around with ability to get loacl calls when OS.

 

[SYD]

The eSIM or Physical SIM for home v roaming question is proving to be less obvious than I once thought. I was of the view that leaving home as physical and accessing one of many eSIMs for roaming makes the most sense (certainly provides a lot of flexibility and avoids the need to visit a bricks and mortar store - not to mention language barriers).

But the roaming eSIM providers don’t appear to be providing 5G network access - if that’s important. So that could tilt someone towards old school local sim approach.

If Optus ditches my included roaming data, I may well port my local number to eSIM and go from there.