eSims, what is your experience.

[Pushka]

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.

Optus ditched ours without advising me when they decided that they could offer us a better business plan. No mention whatsoever that this change meant we no longer had free roaming.

 

[TheRealTMA]

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.

Last year, we found physical sims were better value and more capable than eSims in UK hence why we use eSims for Australia and physical sims for europe.

 

[SYD]

Last year, we found physical sims were better value and more capable than eSims in UK hence why we use eSims for Australia and physical sims for europe.

Yes, the UK has always been a sweet spot for prepaid SIMs. Even my Woollies Global Roaming SIM from years ago had a UK number attached. As mentioned earlier, GiffGaff is particularly good value, it’s just that PITA to juggle SIMs or spare phones. Hence why on paper, an eSIM ought to be better for convenience at least.

 

[VPS]

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)

I received a number of calls on my Aussie mobile while I was away and not on wifi and wasn't charged.

 

[SYD]

I received a number of calls on my Aussie mobile while I was away and not on wifi and wasn't charged.

That would be unusual unless you’re on a plan that includes OS calls/txt or one of the roaming add-ons.

Otherwise making and receiving calls plus sending SMS would normally be PAYG.

Telstra wifi calling is an excellent workaround for those in the know.

 

[VPS]

That would be unusual unless you’re on a plan that includes OS calls/txt or one of the roaming add-ons.

Otherwise making and receiving calls plus sending SMS would normally be PAYG.

Telstra wifi calling is an excellent workaround for those in the know.

I am on a prepaid plan so not sure if that made a difference

 

[TheRealTMA]

Yes, the UK has always been a sweet spot for prepaid SIMs. Even my Woollies Global Roaming SIM from years ago had a UK number attached. As mentioned earlier, GiffGaff is particularly good value, it’s just that PITA to juggle SIMs or spare phones. Hence why on paper, an eSIM ought to be better for convenience at least.

The problem also seemed to be the lack of availability of comprehensive eSims for calls, sms AND data and 5G. Vodafone was only UK20 for TWO sims wih calls and 20Gb monthly data.

Post automatically merged: Mar 31, 2023

That would be unusual unless you’re on a plan that includes OS calls/txt or one of the roaming add-ons.

Otherwise making and receiving calls plus sending SMS would normally be PAYG.

Telstra wifi calling is an excellent workaround for those in the know.

Any and all Australian international roaming plans are a huge rip off. Never should be used IMHO!

UK/European sims all have free international (*pan european) roaming. Some mention that Brexis will change this in the future.

 

[SYD]

Any and all Australian international roaming plans are a huge rip off. Never should be used IMHO!

Except the Optus plan - until we get “enhanced”….

 

[transpactraveller]

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

Why would I continue to pay Optus $50 a month for something I don't need or use.
I don't need 2 Aussie numbers or plans.

Optus is $50 per month, which I still pay while I'm overseas and not using it. Until now it included roaming, but from May they want +$5 per day for what's been included at no extra cost.

Felix covers both home and overseas. $35 for the months I'm in Aus and $20 for the months I'm overseas.

I don't need huge GB of data, I probably use about 2 or 3 a month.

Post automatically merged: Mar 31, 2023

Except the Optus plan - until we get “enhanced”….

You haven't got the email yet for yours?

 

[TheRealTMA]

Except the Optus plan - until we get “enhanced”….

Even then!

 

[daft009]

I used to keep a Vodafone Netherlands prepaid SIM bought on eBay Australia valid for 18 months as I used to go to Europe quite often but can't seem to buy anymore.. anyone found anything else similar?

 

[SYD]

You haven't got the email yet for yours?

No. Nor SYD+1.

Maybe it’s a “targeted offer”

 

[qaz]

Why would I continue to pay Optus $50 a month for something I don't need or use.
I don't need 2 Aussie numbers or plans.

Optus is $50 per month, which I still pay while I'm overseas and not using it. Until now it included roaming, but from May they want +$5 per day for what's been included at no extra cost.

Felix covers both home and overseas. $35 for the months I'm in Aus and $20 for the months I'm overseas.

I don't need huge GB of data, I probably use about 2 or 3 a month.

fair enough, but if you prefer the Optus network, then Amaysim could be cheaper and better - assuming away for 4mths/yr, using 2.5-3GB/mth:

• Felix: 8mths x $35 (or 50% off 3mths with FELIX50) + 3x 4GB/$20 = $340 ($287.50)
• Amaysim: 365-day $120 (frequently $99, occasionally $60) + 2x 5GB/$70 = $260 ($239, $200) - $35 Cashrewards

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

for those unaware of Crazytel, their Whirlpool CrazySaver PAYG Plan costs $0.35/mth ($0.09/min calls to Australian mobiles), whilst their standard PAYG Untimed Plan costs $1/mth ($0.05/min) - international call rates

 

[MARTINE]

This from Amaysim may be of interest starting @ $20 for a years international travel roaming

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

 

[SYD]

This from Amaysim may be of interest starting @ $20 for a years international travel roaming

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

There’s also a seperate thread now.

New amaysim roaming plans April 2023

I’ve had a prepaid amaysim plan for a while now and was a little nervous when they advised they were introducing new roaming plans this month. 365 day expiry and 90 countries covered and reasonable costs for casual, minimal use. I’ve used the Airalo esim in UK but the convenience of roaming...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[exceladdict]

Can anyone confirm if you go overseas with a Telstra service that uses day pass, but don't turn on data roaming, whether you can access inbound calls/SMS without incurring the $10 a day fee?

 

[SYD]

Can anyone confirm if you go overseas with a Telstra service that uses day pass, but don't turn on data roaming, whether you can access inbound calls/SMS without incurring the $10 a day fee?

I’m not on Telstra now but in the past, no issue receiving SMS for free always. However, answering a call ought to trigger the day pass or PAYG charges (except if you have wifi calling working).

 

[exceladdict]

I’m not on Telstra now but in the past, no issue receiving SMS for free always. However, answering a call ought to trigger the day pass or PAYG charges (except if you have wifi calling working).

Thanks, my read of the website is that day pass is now the only option for those on prepaid upfront plans. So yes, wanting to ensure I don't trigger it by receiving otps etc.

 

[SYD]

Thanks, my read of the website is that day pass is now the only option for those on prepaid plans. So yes, wanting to ensure I don't trigger it by receiving otps etc.

Ah, “prepaid” might be different. I recall someone commenting about that - possibly up thread.

But you’d think that if your phone does “roam” on arrival the “Welcome to <wherever>” text from a telco doesn’t trigger the roaming package!

 

[exceladdict]

Ah, “prepaid” might be different. I recall someone commenting about that - possibly up thread.

But you’d think that if your phone does “roam” on arrival the “Welcome to <wherever>” text from a telco doesn’t trigger the roaming package!

Sorry poor use of 'prepaid' on my part - I meant to say 'upfront' (Telstra's new plans, basically).