Sim for UK / Europe for over 30 days

[Pom-DownUnder]

Had a look at the SIM offers from syd airport etc and they seem mostly centered around having just 30 days usage from activation, any recommendations for deals / sites to have a look at? going to be in UK & Spain for around 45 days. Thanks.

 

[VPS]

Unless you're really set on having the same number it's probably easier to get two SIM cards or go for an Esim you can top up. Many of the European providers won't allow a top up unless you have a local credit card

 

[Pom-DownUnder]

Unless you're really set on having the same number it's probably easier to get two SIM cards or go for an Esim you can top up. Many of the European providers won't allow a top up unless you have a local credit card

yea my folks will be using it to contact me while i'm there, changing number mid trip would be ugh.

 

[danielc]

I'm currently in France for 3 months from Perth at an AirBnB. In Australia I have an Aldi plan which uses the Telstra network. Before leaving Australia I downloaded the Truphone ESim and then activated the plan when I landed at CDG. The cost is $AUD25 for 10gb/30days and I have auto-renewal turned on. Global roaming is enabled on my AU number but will use it only in an emergency. It also may be useful should I need to receive an SMS to verify security when logging into certain sites (ie MyGov) or to validate the occasional unusual debit card VISA transaction.

My AirBnB includes WiFi so I really only need the data plan when I'm out and about. Using Facebook Messenger or SKYPE to video chat/phone friends & family in AU and US. I travelled to the US back in March using this same methodology without any issues. The amount of my global roaming charges for a 3-week trip away was about $2, For me, that is a lot easier than swapping SIMs in and out. Most newer model phones should have no issues accepting an ESim and you have the flexibility of controlling via settings which sim to use. You can run them concurrently or turn one on/off as required.

I will only be in France this trip but I believe Truphone also offers plans that work in multiple European countries. Just a thought to consider.

 

[Scr77]

I'm currently in France for 3 months from Perth at an AirBnB. In Australia I have an Aldi plan which uses the Telstra network. Before leaving Australia I downloaded the Truphone ESim and then activated the plan when I landed at CDG. The cost is $AUD25 for 10gb/30days and I have auto-renewal turned on. Global roaming is enabled on my AU number but will use it only in an emergency. It also may be useful should I need to receive an SMS to verify security when logging into certain sites (ie MyGov) or to validate the occasional unusual debit card VISA transaction.

My AirBnB includes WiFi so I really only need the data plan when I'm out and about. Using Facebook Messenger or SKYPE to video chat/phone friends & family in AU and US. I travelled to the US back in March using this same methodology without any issues. The amount of my global roaming charges for a 3-week trip away was about $2, For me, that is a lot easier than swapping SIMs in and out. Most newer model phones should have no issues accepting an ESim and you have the flexibility of controlling via settings which sim to use. You can run them concurrently or turn one on/off as required.

I will only be in France this trip but I believe Truphone also offers plans that work in multiple European countries. Just a thought to consider.

Do you have a link to Truephone? Google brings up parent company but not sure if they sell direct from that website.

 

[SYD]

If you’re starting off in the UK and you have room for a physical SIM (ie spare phone or your main phone is already eSIM and you have an empty SIM lot) just grab a GiffGaff prepaid SIM in the UK (or preorder to ship to Oz). It’ll roam in Europe for free. Just add a “Goody bag” for the amount of data per month.

https://www.giffgaff.com/sim-only-deals

 

[danielc]

Do you have a link to Truephone? Google brings up parent company but not sure if they sell direct from that website.

www.truphone.com

You may need to click on the 'Personal' tab at the top left as it defaults to their 'Business' info.

Better yet, download the Truphone app which is how I manage everything for the plan. You can always delete it if you aren't interested.

 

[SYD]

www.truphone.com

You may need to click on the 'Personal' tab at the top left as it defaults to their 'Business' info.

Better yet, download the Truphone app which is how I manage everything for the plan. You can always delete it if you aren't interested.

There’s also a whole thread on eSIMs.

eSims, what is your experience.

I am interested in the concept of eSims but have no experience with them. The notion of running my local sim plus having an international sim for phone use while in USA and EU could be handy. What have members experience been? TIA

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

I’ve used Truephone in the past but doesn’t seem to get picked up by many in the thread - I thought it was ok.

Flexiroam is similar but seems to be more expensive now (it used to be cheaper). I have an eSIM installed but not used in anger.

Airalo seems to be popular.

 

[Pom-DownUnder]

Appreciate the feedback few sites to have a look around!

 

[danielc]

Appreciate the feedback few sites to have a look around!

You may already know this but I should have mentioned....Truphone sells the plans but they are not the provider. Here in France I am on the Orange France network. When I was in the US in March Truphone used T-Mobile.

In 9 days here I have had no interruptions on Orange France. Using Truphone (or similar) avoids you having to deal with a different network in each country as your plan should automatically connect as you move about assuming your plan has coverage in the new country.

 

[SYD]

You may already know this but I should have mentioned....Truphone sells the plans but they are not the provider. Here in France I am on the Orange France network. When I was in the US in March Truphone used T-Mobile.

In 9 days here I have had no interruptions on Orange France. Using Truphone (or similar) avoids you having to deal with a different network in each country as your plan should automatically connect as you move about assuming your plan has coverage in the new country.

You can also save a lot of money buying country specific or regional plans, rather than just the Global Plan. They still work the same with automatic network connection.

I’m in the UK at the moment, here’s the Truphone UK price and then the Regional (UK/EU) plan. You can also buy these in Oz before you leave and pay AUD (which can be cheaper).

 

[dvt]

I bought a SIM card from SMARTY in the uk, it has to be delivered to a uk address. Roaming in the EU is included, 30GB for 10 pounds. Operates on 3 network and has no contract. I have a referral code below:

https://i.smarty.co.uk/E0mDn7