Originally Posted by lamphs

Lots of information out there re: SIMs on arrival and eSIMs.

Month long trip, unlocked Samsung S9 - UK, Ireland, and Norway. Normally I'd just turn on the phone (AT&T) on the rare occasion that I'd need to make a call or SMS. Unfortunately, my two banks have eliminated the e-mail code option for secondary verification. The code must be SMS or I guess calling the bank.

As I understand it:

• the UK is no longer in the EU and would need a separate SIM/eSIM
• even though Norway is not EU, a single EU SIM/eSIM still can be used for Ireland and Norway
• if I purchase a EU SIM, purchase in Ireland rather than Norway as Norway will be considerably more expensive

Is my information correct and any recommendations?

In addition, if I purchase an eSIM in advance of the trip, would I have a phone number in advance? Why do I want to know? I'd need to set up the banks with my new phone number prior to leaving the US so as to not to incur a roaming fee upon arrival in the UK for the purpose of receiving a SMS from my banks in order to login and setup the new phone number.

Thanks and safe holidays to all!