SIM card for occasional foreign use
Apr 30, 2017, 3:34 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,763
SIM card for occasional foreign use
I need a SIM card just to be able to use services like Uber, Grab, Lyft etc. in various places such as SE Asia, Australia, India, Egypt & Central Europe. I do not need it to make calls or send/receive SMS messages.
In some places I have managed to get by using local pre-paid SIM cards, but in many others this is not feasible because of the activation time needed and/or local rules (e.g. India, which requires complex ID proof).
Is there any pre-paid SIM card that I can buy in the US or Australia which I can use for this purpose and which can be topped up online as and when needed, or cheap enough to be simply discarded?
In some places I have managed to get by using local pre-paid SIM cards, but in many others this is not feasible because of the activation time needed and/or local rules (e.g. India, which requires complex ID proof).
Is there any pre-paid SIM card that I can buy in the US or Australia which I can use for this purpose and which can be topped up online as and when needed, or cheap enough to be simply discarded?
Apr 30, 2017, 4:05 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: GRR, USA
Posts: 3,298
Apr 30, 2017, 6:35 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,763
I was thinking of something like a Google FI SIM, that I could fire up for occasional use.
Apr 30, 2017, 7:36 pm
#4
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 26
Not sure that Fi will fit your needs as you can only pause service for 3 months and I think that you are limited to doing that twice in a year (???): https://support.google.com/fi/answer/6079346?hl=en
In the past I've had great experience with Piranha Mobile: https://piranha-mobile.com/
In the past I've had great experience with Piranha Mobile: https://piranha-mobile.com/
May 1, 2017, 9:05 pm
#5
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 70
If these occasional uses are of short durations, you may be adequately served by looking at international roaming packages from providers in your home country. Many of those I've come across charges on a per-day basis and only if you use it.
In the US, for instance, T-mobile One plan includes free data roaming to 140+ countries including India, Egypt, Australia, Czech Republic, and Thailand (those are what I checked). Intra-EU speaking, all roaming fees by EU providers should be abolished starting this June.
In the US, for instance, T-mobile One plan includes free data roaming to 140+ countries including India, Egypt, Australia, Czech Republic, and Thailand (those are what I checked). Intra-EU speaking, all roaming fees by EU providers should be abolished starting this June.
May 2, 2017, 5:00 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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If these occasional uses are of short durations, you may be adequately served by looking at international roaming packages from providers in your home country. Many of those I've come across charges on a per-day basis and only if you use it.
In the US, for instance, T-mobile One plan includes free data roaming to 140+ countries including India, Egypt, Australia, Czech Republic, and Thailand (those are what I checked). Intra-EU speaking, all roaming fees by EU providers should be abolished starting this June.
In the US, for instance, T-mobile One plan includes free data roaming to 140+ countries including India, Egypt, Australia, Czech Republic, and Thailand (those are what I checked). Intra-EU speaking, all roaming fees by EU providers should be abolished starting this June.
Last edited by Jimmie76; May 2, 2017 at 5:18 pm
May 2, 2017, 11:03 pm
#7
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 70
Well that's something to worry about after March 2019. So that's almost 2 years of hassle free roaming!
May 3, 2017, 2:49 am
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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May 4, 2017, 3:48 am
#9
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 603
I use 2 different roaming services, KeepGo and just recently Flexiroam X. They both have data only service that is good for a year from date of purchase. KeepGo charges $99 for 3Gb and Flexiroam $80 with an annual $9.95 plan renewal for 3Gb also. I just left Portugal and got good service from both. Generally 10-15Mbps downloads, with multiple carriers usually available. Both plans Allow for old data balances to carry over to new purchases, so you don't have to "Use It Or Lose It". I used KeepGo in Australia, Bali & Singapore last fall and it worked fine from day one. Check both websites to see all the countries covered and other details that may be pertinent to your needs, but they are an easy way to have trouble free data available in most commonly visited locations.
May 4, 2017, 11:53 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,763
Thanks! Much appreciated.
May 5, 2017, 11:48 pm
#11
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 70
I don't mean to imply that you should switch your plan altogether. Merely that you should look into what roaming options your home carrier provides. The T-Mobile one is merely an example of something that is already included in many people's plans. But it sounds like maybe a dedicated global provider may be a better option for you considering your legacy prepaid plan.
May 8, 2017, 4:59 pm
#12
Join Date: Jun 2011
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Look at the Piranha or Toggle plans discussed on FT. I have used both, they both were decent, but just decided to go with Fi since it was easier.
May 10, 2017, 11:38 am
#13
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NYC
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In the past I've had great experience with Piranha Mobile: https://piranha-mobile.com/
May 10, 2017, 12:02 pm
#14
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 70
To reiterate though, after June 15, literally any EU-issued sim card that is capable of roaming will work well in any EU country for no extra charge. If EU countries are where you will most frequently be I would not bother getting something like a Piranha card when there are a lot better deals to be found.
May 10, 2017, 2:25 pm
#15
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Sign up for Three (3) Feel at Home and get 200MB free per month of data in these countries. That's what I do and it is great for Uber, I don't do social media so never ever blow my 200MB. And, you can order as many of the cards as you like.