Originally Posted by
zyxlsy
The problem with local SIM is that you first have to be there once to get the SIM, so next time you can do the swap on the plane. And if you are traveling through Europe, getting local SIMsssssssss can really be a challenge.
Also, if you use iPhones, swapping SIM cards can cause some technical issues on iMessage and so.
That's why I have a China Unicom iPhone for China, a 3HK HTC for HK, and a AT&T HTC for USA. I also have a AT&T hotspot, and I always activate the $120 for 800MB before any week long vacation. That will survive the internet surfing of me and my wife for about 10 days.
I'm pretty sure someone will think I'm silly for juggling all the SIMs I do. 3HK card for HK/mainland internet (HK$98/day for unlimited unfiltered internet on the mainland!), T-Mobile for US and some overseas voice/data ($50/500MB is a bit more affordable than $120/800), SoftBank for voice in Japan, China Unicom HK card for HK/Mainland/Taiwan voice/internet, Wind for most US/Canada data, and Virgin Mobile for voice and backup data in Canada, and China Mobile for mainland voice and for cheap full-speed data roaming in places like South Korea. I've got half of Asia and North America covered.
Originally Posted by
Majuki
I think all Discover cards are issued by Discover, but I could be mistaken. That gives them more control over the end-to-end process and less likely to allow DCC on their networks.
Even Discover isn't the sole issuer of cards on its network in the US (WalMart credit cards are on the Discover network, for instance), to say nothing of UnionPay/JCB/Diners Club cards on their network in the US and vice-versa making end-to-end control more complex.