eSims, what is your experience.

[SYD]

Well, yeah ... that's also 3, too!

Mrs FB and I have Giffgaff (O2) and 3. 3 is usually rubbish and O2 solid, but there's some times when I have a tiny bit of signal and Mrs FB has nada.

Pays to have a Plan B, and C, and D….

 

[Askance]

I understood that EE was one of, if not the largest for coverage.

Have you tried turning off 5G? Or making sure 5G isn’t always “On”?

On iPhone, click on the Airalo eSIM to “Voice & Data”.

Yeah, im using Android not iPhone but ive already tried keeping it to 4G, no difference. Re-registering on the network didnt help either. Back to London tomorrow anyway.

 

[serfty]

Need a little data for up to four days in Japan and Hong Kong.

I could just Optus roam for $20 but see Eskimo can do 1GB "Asia" for a year at USD5.

Then again I could plan ahead and get 5GB "worldwide" for a year for USD18.75*.

Do any have thoughts, suggestions on this?

* "LOVEMOM" has been extended until June 7th.

 

[SYD]

Need a little data for up to four days in Japan and Hong Kong.

I could just Optus roam for $20 but see Eskimo can do 1GB "Asia" for a year at USD5.

Then again I could plan ahead and get 5GB "worldwide" for a year for USD18.75*.

Do any have thoughts, suggestions on this?

* "LOVEMOM" has been extended until June 7th.

As mentioned earlier, I bought the 10GB / 2yr Global option with Eskimo (25% off). Which is just under US$3 / GB. My plan is to keep it simple and use that most of the time.

Depending on where I’m heading, if I’m in one country/region for a week or more and there are cheaper/reliable options, I may supplement Eskimo.

Alternatively, for only 4Ds, you can probably get 1GB / 7D for each Japan / HKG for about $1 ea from some of the cheap and cheerful providers.

 

[serfty]

As mentioned earlier, I bought the 10GB / 2yr Global option with Eskimo (25% off). Which is just under US$3 / GB. My plan is to keep it simple and use that most of the time.

USD30 - yeah it's a thought - it would reduce the amount of faffing around.

Depending on where I’m heading, if I’m in one country/region for a week or more and there are cheaper/reliable options, I may supplement Eskimo.

Alternatively, for only 4Ds, you can probably get 1GB / 7D for each Japan / HKG for about $1 ea from some of the cheap and cheerful providers.

Other sim needed for Singapore.

I still have 75% of the Eskimo freebie to use by February2027 - it does seem to indicate that if I buy a pack the additional data will attached to that and extend the validity. Can anyone confirm?

 

[SYD]

Other sim needed for Singapore.

SIN isn’t covered by Eskimo…

I still have 75% of the Eskimo freebie to use by February2027 - it does seem to indicate that if I buy a pack the additional data will attached to that and extend the validity. Can anyone confirm?

Yes, both SYD+1 and my freebies extended. I had 500MB expiring in Oct but that’s been extended to May 2027.

The 10GB will kick in at some point when I finish the freebie and start using the new plan - then run two years from then.

 

[moa999]

Also don't forget the annual Mastercard benefit (for some cards including Latitude Platinum) of a Free 3Gb/15 days on Flexiroam.
Good for a short trip.

I've always found Flexiroam works well, though it's not as cheap as others for regional plans.

 

[SYD]

Also don't forget the annual Mastercard benefit (for some cards including Latitude Platinum) of a Free 3Gb/15 days on Flexiroam.
Good for a short trip.

Yes, I’m saving that for a bounce around Asia later in the year.

I've always found Flexiroam works well, though it's not as cheap as others for regional plans.

Unfortunately, they’re not as cheap as anything (even with the MC 15% off) with their new pricing model…..

They used to have long duration, lower data allowance and regular promos that were excellent for longer trips.

Now if you want a longer duration plan, you have to buy more gigs for much more $$$ and their more recent promos haven’t been particularly exciting.

 

[Lat34]

Yes, I’m saving that for a bounce around Asia later in the year.

Unfortunately, they’re not as cheap as anything (even with the MC 15% off) with their new pricing model…..

They used to have long duration, lower data allowance and regular promos that were excellent for longer trips.

Now if you want a longer duration plan, you have to buy more gigs for much more $$$ and their more recent promos haven’t been particularly exciting.

That is very sad news - had great experiences with Flexiroam last year throughout Europe and WAS very well-priced eg 3GB Europe / 30 days US$13

Just checked now and 3Gb EUR/ 30 days they want US$34!!!

 

[serfty]

SIN isn’t covered by Eskimo…

exactly

 

[SYD]

That is very sad news - had great experiences with Flexiroam last year throughout Europe and WAS very well-priced eg 3GB Europe / 30 days US$13

Yeah, I was using FLX in Europe last year. Seamlessly switching between a Spain country plan (where I was the most), a Euro regional plan and Global plan as a moved around.

Just checked now and 3Gb EUR/ 30 days they want US$34!!!

There was probably a sale on for 3GB+ but yep, I’ve noticed their rack rates go up and up…

 

[Flashback]

That is very sad news - had great experiences with Flexiroam last year throughout Europe and WAS very well-priced eg 3GB Europe / 30 days US$13

Just checked now and 3Gb EUR/ 30 days they want US$34!!!

At $13 I'd say that is expensive still, for 3GB.

I've looked at the Eskimo global one just as a backup but most of the countries I goto aren't on their list so I'm still pondering. My 3 UK SIM covers a good chunk of everywhere else I go.

 

[serfty]

Also don't forget the annual Mastercard benefit (for some cards including Latitude Platinum) of a Free 3Gb/15 days on Flexiroam.
Good for a short trip.

I've always found Flexiroam works well, though it's not as cheap as others for regional plans.

Yes - I have mine earmarked for a two week planned trip to Europe later this year.

 

[RealtimeY]

TravelKon is running a sale at the moment. Their prices are very competitive during sales, the support is quite good, and they're based in Perth.

3GB/30 day Europe going for A$10.50

30% off All Travel eSIMs and SIM Cards - Europe, USA, NZ, Japan, Asia & Unlimited Plans from $2.10 + Free Shipping @ TravelKon

Deal: 30% off All Travel eSIMs and SIM Cards - Europe, USA, NZ, Japan, Asia & Unlimited Plans from $2.10 + Free Shipping @ TravelKon, Store: TravelKon, Code: EOFY30, Category: Mobile

www.ozbargain.com.au

 

[SYD]

At $13 I'd say that is expensive still, for 3GB.

That’s about what Airalo and Kolet are charging for 3GB/30d before any discounts (over US4/GB).

I've looked at the Eskimo global one just as a backup but most of the countries I goto aren't on their list so I'm still pondering.

Yes, it’s has gaps and why a premium provider like FLX does come into its own - if you’re prepared to pay.

My 3 UK SIM covers a good chunk of everywhere else I go.

A UK SIM/eSIM is always a good option for Euro (and obviously the UK!). But still, my GiffGaff SIM will be a min £8 (US$10+) for 4GB/1mth (useable in Europe) - albeit includes calls/txt.

Yes - I have mine earmarked for a two week planned trip to Europe later this year.

Ironically, I’m going to turn mine on mid Asia trip to straddle my time in SIN (where Eskimo doesn’t cover)!

 

[Flashback]

A UK SIM/eSIM is always a good option for Euro (and obviously the UK!). But still, my GiffGaff SIM will be a min £8 (US$10+) for 4GB/1mth (useable in Europe) - albeit includes calls/txt.

Even better, with 3 I get a lot of countries outside the EU too including US, good chunks of Central and South America as well as chunks of Asia.

 

[clifford]

Even better, with 3 I get a lot of countries outside the EU too including US, good chunks of Central and South America as well as chunks of Asia.

Yes, I'm with Three UK as well. It's pretty good, but unfortunately doesn't cover Thailand, which I visit fairly often, so I then have to fall back on my Amaysim plan. Not a huge deal, though.

 

[luckypierre]

But still, my GiffGaff SIM will be a min £8 (US$10+) for 4GB/1mth (useable in Europe) - albeit includes calls/txt.

Just be careful with GIFF Gaff with regard to not residing in UK and/or not using the service in UK. A copy of the terms here:

Terms and Conditions | giffgaff

Our terms and conditions make it fair for everyone. The giffgaff rules apply to all members.

www.giffgaff.com

 

[SYD]

Just be careful with GIFF Gaff with regard to not residing in UK and/or not using the service in UK. A copy of the terms here:

Terms and Conditions | giffgaff

Our terms and conditions make it fair for everyone. The giffgaff rules apply to all members.

www.giffgaff.com

I’ve had the same GG SIM since 2018 and my registered address is my home address in Oz. No issues.

Yes, you need to be in the UK prior to using Euro roaming. But I factor that in to whether I purchase a bundle or not.

 

[VPS]

Interesting article about UK phone networks

The real 5G conspiracy: How Londoners are being lied to about their phone signal

Plus: We reveal how much the capital's councils actually make from festivals in their parks.

www.londoncentric.media