Last year too, it was only some of their eSIMs that routed via Israel. For each national, regional and the global data eSIM type, it seems like the country whose operator is used for the eSIM at time of purchase varies based on what Airalo thinks works for it. Then that eSIM operator uses its own roaming partners to keep us connected. They are playing some kind of arbitrage game this way, and I do like it if they can keep it going and these throttling and offlining issues start to drop off in frequency for my purposes.

Last year, I saw at least three countries ‘ operators being the backbone of some of the Airalo eSIMs.

More stupid questions on eSIMs that route through their home country...

1 - if I use a VPN on my device, how would my IP be presented? I guess the path is Device -> Local Cellular Network -> Provider Gateway -> VPN On Ramp -> Destination?
2 - I know some providers detect irregularity by looking at where you are. So, if my phone comes in on one side of the world but my computer connecting to a local Wifi is from another city, that could cause problems, right?

Thanks.

eSIM for Alaska
 

What is the most cost effective way to get data plan for my week-long visit to Alaska?

I wanted to just get eSIM like Airalo or even Tello, but quick Google suggests that on Alaska I should go with AT&T.
I saw couple eSIM providers that explicitly uses AT&T (RedTeaMobile, BNESIM, Nomad), are they good to go?

What would you use?

1. Same as any other time you're using the VPN: your public IP is the VPN exit point regardless of how you got there.
2. Not really, I do it all the time. Other than services that are looking at all your devices at once (think Google Maps) whatever service you're using only sees the connection you're using to access it. You do get some weirdness from ad trackers though, e.g. ads for stuff in Hong Kong on your computer in Whereverstan because your phone has a HK IP address.

Last time I used Airalo in the U.S. their carrier roamed on AT&T. 3HK will also work--they have roaming agreements with both AT&T and T-Mobile.

Red Pocket is an AT&T MVNO with esim support. I have used several times for short term service. RP also supports T Mobile and Verizon. Pure Talk is another AT&T MVNO with esim support.

I have a BNESIM eSIM for backup data and it's worked fine.

Airalo seems to have changed that to T-Mobile/Verizon only now:

For 3HK.. stupid question: are those prices in HKD or USD? They seem to really high. (3GB - $138)

RP's $20 looks good! Do I have to activate it after land in US, or before is possible (it needs internet right)?
PureTalk seems to only support iPhone for eSIM, and I have only Android.
Thanks for all suggestions.

I have BNESIM physical sim actually, I can also get the eSIM, but do you know/can you please check if you get US-based IP?
Also what speed/latency should I expect? I'm fine as long it is usable for Google Maps, Uber, etc.

Yes.

Prices are in HKD, so the 30 day plan with 10GB for US/CA/UK etc. or 3GB "worldwide" is ~18 USD.

You should be able to install the Red Pocket eSIM and pay for service before you leave but it likely won't fully activate until you can hit a network where it has service. Worst case you'll need to access wifi while in the U.S. but that shouldn't be hard to do on arrival at the airport.

Did you buy a 3HK SIM? I'm thinking of buying a physical one when I get back to HK later this year.

I've used their eSIMs for a couple years now but never had any reason to buy a physical one.

Assuming you haven't done them before, I would look into the trial eSIMs offered by various US MVNOs.

I have, even the ones offered normal operators not only MVNO.

1. Verizon: won't let me download the app, US Play Store only. Require US number.
2. T-Mobile: will try it once I land, but no guarantee roaming in Alaska's GCI will work for trial/not capped to 200mb
3. Cricket: iPhone only
4. US SIM: wants US number to port over.

I would go with Visible. You can get a 15 day free trial with unlimited data, talk, and text. That should cover your entire trip. https://www.visible.com/free-trial/

Visible doesn’t have good coverage in Alaska. AT&T has the best coverage for a cruise in Alaska.