eSims, what is your experience.

[Mumanddad]

I'm on Boost so forward my calls to a local Sydney VOIP number which costs me 35c per month. Then I tend to use Airalo, Flexiroam, Ubigi, whichever is the cheapest for my destination.

We used an Airalo eSim for a recent trip to Asia and the US, it worked like a charm - took it over 12 months which will cover our next few trips in the period. We're also on Boost, and would like to know more about call forwarding incoming calls to a VOIP.

 

[RooFlyer]

The 3rd party data eSIMs are usually data only (some, like Airalo do provide calls/txt for certain countries).

Flexiroam now have “unlimited“ data roaming plans. Not cheap but not outrageous either if you are a big data hog.

I've been using Flexiroam for my past 3-4 overseas trips (thanks to you mainly ) and its going well. Can save data when not with wi-fi by using maps.me for navigation. Also much better now there is the 'permanent' eSim, and not a new one every plan.

But I would much prefer that it has a number attached to receive SMSs & make calls in particular. On my last trip I had to break open my Telstra roaming plan ($10/day) to attend to some urgent stuff. Do you know why more eSim providers don't offer that, and if you can suggest others that have both data and voice/SMS?

I do have Airalo installed and on a loom around popular countries, I couldn't see any mention of voice.

 

[SYD]

I've been using Flexiroam for my past 3-4 overseas trips (thanks to you mainly ) and its going well. Can save data when not with wi-fi by using maps.me for navigation. Also much better now there is the 'permanent' eSim, and not a new one every plan.

Yeah, navigation (especially driving A to B) can chew through data. Fortunately most the apps now allow caching but none are perfect IME.

But I would much prefer that it has a number attached to receive SMSs & make calls in particular. On my last trip I had to break open my Telstra roaming plan ($10/day) to attend to some urgent stuff. Do you know why more eSim providers don't offer that, and if you can suggest others that have both data and voice/SMS?

Yep, Telstra’s “Full service plans” offer lousy roaming. $10 a day…. Geez.

As per the recent discussion upthread, I’d consider porting to amaysim (or one of the other LCC). If you pay for you own telco, you’ll save heaps month to month to start with. But as a regular traveller, starting at $20 amaysim will give you roaming* voice/txt on your home number for 1yr.

*amaysim roams in about 90+ countries and Felix in about 40+ (from memory).

If you need the Telstra network coverage, there are some other options.

I do have Airalo installed and on a loom around popular countries, I couldn't see any mention of voice.

I think posted some examples up thread. I initially noticed Thailand (Country plan) had an option but that seems to have gone. I’m sure I saw a Euro (Regional plan) just a few days ago but it’s not leaping out at me. But they now have it on the “Discover+” (Global plan).

Look for a banner that’s actually a selection menu “Data”, “Data / Calls / Text” and click on the “Data / Calls / Text”. For example:



I’ve not used one of these - yet. But they come with a +43 (Austria) number and you need to verify your ID to purchase. I assume if you top up it will hold the same number but I’d treat it as a temporary thing.


The nice feature of Airalo is that “Check available networks” will list the country specific roaming networks and type eg LTE, 4G or 5G.

 

[RooFlyer]

Thanks - will look at all that.

 

[moa999]

I'd also add if only wanting outgoing calls, a VoIP provider or even Skype can do that.

 

[SYD]

I'd also add if only wanting outgoing calls, a VoIP provider or even Skype can do that.

Great option for calling friends and family (app to app). But gets a little more complicated trying to call a landline/mobile direct.

I started this thread to bounce ideas (since it wasn’t eSIM specific) but there is quite a bit of overlap.

Best options for making cheap calls/text when overseas?

So what are peeps doing these days for cheap calls/text back to Oz, or local/international calls/text while you’re travelling OS? Background. Since 2019 I’ve had the Optus $50 plan that included roaming data, unlimited calls & text when OS (to/from select countries) and calls/text from Oz to OS...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

As discussed in the other thread, if you have credit on your Skype account you can call landline/mobiles direct.

WhatsApp seems to have been embraced by a lot hotels and car rental places and they use it to message you as well as allowing you to call them over wifi. Which is handy.

 

[RooFlyer]

Just looked closely at amaysim. It doesn't support smartwatches, which is a dealbreaker for me (I use my Apple watch as a phone and SMS & e-mail reader very frequently), but they are saying "watch this space!", so it might be my choice before too long.

Also, they use the Optus network; Optus has been typically much more restricted coverage in Tas, so I'll have to check if they have caught up. 4G Vs 5G will be a bummer, too.

But if the stars align, I'll be there like a rat up a drainpipe!

I'd also add if only wanting outgoing calls, a VoIP provider or even Skype can do that.

Yes, I use them, but not useful when I get an e-mail and need to make a call back home from the side of the road in Japan, as happened recently

 

[moa999]

looked closely at amaysim. It doesn't support smartwatches, which is a dealbreaker for me (

Don't think any of the MVNOs support that unfortunately.
The big telcos like to hold back features from the MVNOs.

 

[SYD]

Just looked closely at amaysim. It doesn't support smartwatches, which is a dealbreaker for me (I use my Apple watch as a phone and SMS & e-mail reader very frequently), but they are saying "watch this space!", so it might be my choice before too long.

That‘s a level of detail I’ve not looked into!

Despite being a bit nerdy, I’ve resisted getting a SmartWatch. There’s some great features but I like my battery free Tag too much!

Also, they use the Optus network; Optus has been typically much more restricted coverage in Tas, so I'll have to check if they have caught up. 4G Vs 5G will be a bummer, too.

amaysim is 5G for the $30 pm plan and up. The cheaper monthly plans and prepaid are capped at 4G.

Boost and Belong are on Telstra. But not sure if Belong is eSIM yet.

Felix uses the Vodafone network.

 

[VPS]

Great option for calling friends and family (app to app). But gets a little more complicated trying to call a landline/mobile direct.

I started this thread to bounce ideas (since it wasn’t eSIM specific) but there is quite a bit of overlap.

Best options for making cheap calls/text when overseas?

So what are peeps doing these days for cheap calls/text back to Oz, or local/international calls/text while you’re travelling OS? Background. Since 2019 I’ve had the Optus $50 plan that included roaming data, unlimited calls & text when OS (to/from select countries) and calls/text from Oz to OS...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

As discussed in the other thread, if you have credit on your Skype account you can call landline/mobiles direct.

WhatsApp seems to have been embraced by a lot hotels and car rental places and they use it to message you as well as allowing you to call them over wifi. Which is handy.

On my recent European trip quite a few hotels used WhatsApp - one was great because I was in an apartment and they sent me a video of what the front door looked like and right up until you got inside

I use Office 365 so get 60 minutes of Skype free each month and that's always been plenty as a back up to WhatsApp

 

[RooFlyer]

I use Office 365 so get 60 minutes of Skype free each month

Oooh - I wonder if my university MS365 gets me that. Must investigate, thanks ...

 

[Big John]

I use Holafly because :

1. They offer unlimited data, so its one less thing to worry about.
2. I don't have to download separate app.

Holafly | International eSIM card for travelers

Buy an eSIM card for travel and don't pay for roaming abroad. Holafly is the highest rated eSIM store by travelers.

esim.holafly.com

 

[SYD]

I use Holafly because :

1. They offer unlimited data, so its one less thing to worry about.
2. I don't have to download separate app.

Holafly | International eSIM card for travelers

Buy an eSIM card for travel and don't pay for roaming abroad. Holafly is the highest rated eSIM store by travelers.

esim.holafly.com

Looks about the same pricing as Flexiroam unlimited data. With 28° MC you can get an additional discount.

The apps are usually just so you can easily manage your eSIM / plans / top etc. You can usually also install eSIMs via QR code or manually entering the details if you prefer.

 

[VPS]

Oooh - I wonder if my university MS365 gets me that. Must investigate, thanks ...

it should do

 

[kookaburra75]

Just looked closely at amaysim. It doesn't support smartwatches, which is a dealbreaker for me (I use my Apple watch as a phone and SMS & e-mail reader very frequently), but they are saying "watch this space!", so it might be my choice before too long.

Also, they use the Optus network; Optus has been typically much more restricted coverage in Tas, so I'll have to check if they have caught up. 4G Vs 5G will be a bummer, too.

But if the stars align, I'll be there like a rat up a drainpipe!



Yes, I use them, but not useful when I get an e-mail and need to make a call back home from the side of the road in Japan, as happened recently

I've had a good run with Woolies mobile, which sits on top of the Telstra network - which does 5G now. I have a Google Pixel 7a, so I have a physical SIM slot which I use for Woolies, and then eSims for other packs when travelling. The roaming deals with Woolies aren't too bad ($5-$6/day) if you need something short term.

And you get 10% off one shop per month if that's of interest to you.

 

[Flashback]

it should do

I think it only comes with the personal plan, whereas the other is Education / Enterprise (where it doesn't). Difference in O365 vs M365.

 

[tassie6]

Have been using Orange Flex from Poland for the last 6wks in France/Italy/Netherlands and has been great, can recommend.

As detailed here previously can get first month for 1PLN (30cents or thereabouts), using promo code FLEX, which can get you up to about 17GB of EU data. I renewed for a second month and that same amount of EU data was about $25 for the month. There are cheaper plans with less data.

Definite benefit is having an actual EU number and the plans include unlimited texting/calling

If you run out of data, can add additional data packs as required (other people travelling with needed to as we stayed for a couple weeks without wifi, was no drama). If have some portion of your trip in the UK can also add packs for different areas at decent value

Easy to setup via app in Aus, just needed passport details

Can cancel anytime and plan will stay active to end of current month, so can cancel as soon as you start whatever your last month is going to be

I started my plan before left home, so that the month end rollover would fall at the midpoint of the trip, as knew I needed longer than a month. That way maximised data available instead of having a months worth for two weeks at the end. This probably saved me a data pack after no wifi for a while in the first half.

Note, no need to actually be in Poland at be anytime

Personally for a shorter trip I would probably just use Airalo or similar, but the duration of this trip meant would have cost a fair bit more, plus benefit of having a local number to call from definitely helped a few times

 

[RooFlyer]

I notice many (?all) Flexiroam plans currently have to be activated before 28/9/24. Could this mean a general price rise coming or something else universal?

Currently have a 25% off unlimited plans.

 

[SYD]

I notice many (?all) Flexiroam plans currently have to be activated before 28/9/24. Could this mean a general price rise coming or something else universal?

Currently have a 25% off unlimited plans.

That’s a generic 3 mths activation period which may have come in with the pricing restructure a couple of months ago? I do recall some plans having upto 6 mths.

 

[n7of9]

Can I ask dumbo questions, please?

If I get Flexiroam Regional, then a 30 day Asia plan, at the end of the 30 days it just expires? And then in 6 months I activate 30 days Europe and use that?

And in phone settings when travelling I can set my phone to use Telstra for calls and sms, and esim for Internet?