What did you end up going with?
I switched from Optus to amaysim (as my primary mobile) a few months ago and haven't looked back! I took the eSIM options for amaysim - which freed up my physical SIM slot for local SIMs (if required).
The amaysim $20, 12mth international add-on is excellent value (100mins of calls / 100 text). During 6 weeks away, used 1 text and 20 odd mins of call time and that will just sit in the background until I head OS next. I'll renew that before the 12mths is up and any unused calls/text will roll-over.
I didn't take the roaming bundle with data. Whilst convenient, it's not good value.
I just used Flexiroam eSIM mostly with a layered set of Country (Spain), Regional (Europe) and Global plans that generally worked seamlessly for data access.
MasterProzac going to Europe in a week. I am not sure how to advise him. Last time I went there were no eSims and I'd just swap my Sim over with one from a local Lebarra or Vodaphone store. MasterP says he wants to use his Australian phone whilst there and Vodaphone (his telco) have roaming for $5/day. He is only going for 22 days so it won't break the bank, but does he have the same data etc as here in Oz. I don't know.
Vodafone roaming is probably the best of the big telcos. He'll be able to receive SMS overseas for free and if he needs to make a call (eg emergency), he can trigger the $5 fee as a once off (and use that data for 24hrs!). But otherwise, leave "Data roaming" turned off and just use a separate eSIM for data. So long has he doesn't make a call, send an SMS or use Vodafone data roaming, he shouldn't be charged $5 a day (only when he intentionally used it).
I've not used them yet, but a Monty eSIM for Europe (5 GB / 30 Days) is only US$7.50.
MontyeSIM provides the best connectivity you can ask for, whether you’re a regular traveler, or just someone enjoying their vacation.
www.montyesim.com
Airalo is quoting me A$30.50 and Flexiroam, similarly US$20 for 5 GB / 30 Europe Regional plan.
What is everyone doing in this regard?
eSIMs are proving a lot more convenient than the old physical local SIM, but they're still times when that's useful.
On my trip I just completed (and sort of related to this thread), I topped up my UK GiffGaff physical SIM for £8 which gave me unlimited local/euro calls and text and 4 GB of data for 30 Days. Since I re-activated in the UK, that was all available to me to use when I went back across to Europe. But given I didn't really need the local number calls/text this time around, that Monty eSIM above would have been better value (if mainly after data).
How much data do young people use a day/week/month?
Probably too much but I bet they can sniff out free wifi.
www.lycamobile.com.au
