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-   -   eSIM thread (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-technology/1954827-esim-thread.html)

bukzin Sep 27, 2023 8:45 pm


Originally Posted by docbert (Post 35617979)
That used to be true, but no longer is. They changed it a year or more ago. Pretty sure they fixed it on all models, but at least Pixel 6 and later.

I've successfully used Backup Calling on a Pixel 7 over a roaming data eSIM.

+++++++++++++++++++++++

So with my Pixel 6 if I want my incoming calls to my Google Fi service to be automatically
forwarded (making my phone ring). I should set my eSim to roaming while international ?

Is that correct? Can a successful user confirm that set up worked for them ?

not2017 Sep 27, 2023 11:07 pm


Originally Posted by BigFlyer (Post 35618095)
That's great that they changed that - it might have made sense before the ubiquity of roaming eSIMs.

While I'm checking out things to find out what works and what doesn't - it it still correct that background calling does not work in US model Samsung Galaxy phones (I know it has worked on non US Galaxys for a while)?

"Background calling"? Do you mean calls connected by Wi-Fi? Samsung Galaxy devices have had wi-fi calling for the last 4 generations.

BigFlyer Sep 28, 2023 9:41 am


Originally Posted by not2017 (Post 35618834)
"Background calling"? Do you mean calls connected by Wi-Fi? Samsung Galaxy devices have had wi-fi calling for the last 4 generations.

No, that's wifi calling.

Background calling (or called Auto Data Switching by Samsung) means that if the SIM that you use for talk and SMS (we'll call that SIM 1) has no usable signal, the phone will use the data signal in the other SIM (SIM 2) to put the call through. This can be useful when roaming. iPhones have it by default.

TGarza Sep 28, 2023 10:08 am


Originally Posted by brwnsfan (Post 35616515)
Hi,

Longtime lurker here. I have a new iPhone 15 on its way but due to a problem with AT&T it will not arrive in time for my Italy trip in 2 weeks.
My iPhone 11 does have a physical SIM and a second slot for another one.

We fly into Rome and depart for Florence on the train. Upon departing Florence several days later I will pick up a car and we have several days of free time in Tuscany, with our hotel located in Siena. I imagine I will rely on Waze or Google Nav quite a bit.

What is the best method/company in Italy for me to get a local SIM for a 10 day trip?

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

fyi, AT&T will lock their iPhones requiring the user has to submit an unlock request after completing the payments. Your iPhone 15 may be locked which would prevent adding an esim.

To check your iPhone 11status: go to settings, general, about then scroll to Carrier Lock for the status. My iPhone 14 has “No Sim restrictions” which is unlocked. You can submit an unlock request through this link.

docbert Sep 28, 2023 2:19 pm


Originally Posted by BigFlyer (Post 35619918)
Background calling (or called Auto Data Switching by Samsung)

"Backup" calling, not background calling. (Just a typo I'm sure, but correcting to avoid any confusion)

MattyWelch Oct 3, 2023 3:40 am

Hi Guys,

I recently came across Just eSIM.

They offer a 200MB free trial whilst their data rates seem cheaper than some of the leading brands.

gizzard Oct 4, 2023 1:17 am

Note that the trial is only for one country per email address used. You sign up with an email address and are then sent a promo code which you can use in the Just eSim app. Make sure that you set it up for the country where you will be visiting the most. If you want the 200Mb for other countries then you must sign up again.


Originally Posted by MattyWelch (Post 35632108)
Hi Guys,

I recently came across Just eSIM.

They offer a 200MB free trial whilst their data rates seem cheaper than some of the leading brands.


paperwastage Oct 4, 2023 5:39 am


Originally Posted by gizzard (Post 35635057)
Note that the trial is only for one country per email address used. You sign up with an email address and are then sent a promo code which you can use in the Just eSim app. Make sure that you set it up for the country where you will be visiting the most. If you want the 200Mb for other countries then you must sign up again.

How long does the free data last? 1 day, 7day, 30?

they're not the cheapest pricing but they say refund if <10% data used or not activated within 6 months.

Their FAQ suggests no proxy, but who can confirm with the trial?

IslesFan Oct 4, 2023 9:41 am

Any folks in the UK around? Does three UK now support eSim on PAYG?

gizzard Oct 5, 2023 1:12 am


Originally Posted by paperwastage (Post 35635454)
How long does the free data last? 1 day, 7 day, 30?

Only for 3 days after activation but you don't have to activate immediately you sign up and get the promo code.

shuuy Oct 5, 2023 12:04 pm

Just had a great experience with Monty SIM - US$18 for 30 day 10GB in the global countries I was travelling to (AU/NZ/JP/US/IT/UK/DE/FI). 5G in most areas.

WhatsApp customer support responsive.

immaculate Oct 7, 2023 7:59 pm

I’ve been trying to figure this out for ages without luck. Perhaps someone here has the answer?

I have 3 eSIMs on my iPhone 15 Pro (same config as previous 3 iPhones). My 2 domestic plans are Verizon and AT&T. I have those turned on stateside and everything works great. My 3rd eSIM is Google Fi (full cell eSIM, not data-only). I use the Google Fi eSIM whenever I am overseas. I usually turn off both my Verizon and AT&T lines and turn on the Google Fi eSIM upon landing OCONUS. Unfortunately, this process apparently disassociates my Verizon and AT&T numbers from my iCloud account, and I stop getting iMessages intended for those numbers on my phone.

When I tested this process domestically, I get a little message under settings/cellular that says that my Verizon and AT&T numbers will be removed from iCloud in 30 days, which would work just fine for me (since my trips are usually 2 weeks tops and then I return home, turn them back on, and everything works). This hasn’t been the actual behaviour I’ve seen, though.

Is there a way to keep my domestic numbers associated with iCloud when I turn the eSIM off? How are you folks doing it?

draver Oct 8, 2023 6:04 am

I'm guessing here, but IMS service may provide a solution to your dilemma. That should keep your US line active without incurring roaming charges by using the Fi service for network access. Your i15 Pro should work for this configuration and will also give you 24/7 free US number calling while overseas. You can test it here at home for familiarization prior to travel. Your voice line will need to find a non roaming partner at your destination, but that only takes a minute or two typically. I use this feature on every trip now, and I can call my wifes' phone wherever we are, and have all US numbers available without roaming charges.

IMS simply uses a data line as a pseudo WiFi connection for a voice line and simulated WiFi calling. The voice line needs to be set to a non roaming carrier in Settings-Network Selection, then after a few moments it will display no bars, and "Using Cellular Data" in the status bar, top of screen. It is very stable and reliable, with good voice quality if your Fi line has a decent connection. I assume your VZ and AT&T lines do not have roaming plans. If you need more details, search here on FT, or myself or others here can probably answer most questions you may have.

Edited to add: I just realized your VZ & AT&T lines need to have free WiFi US calls while roaming for this to give you free calling. I have T-Mobile and that feature is included in my plan. If not, you might need to look into an app that does give US WiFi calling.

username Oct 8, 2023 6:23 am


Originally Posted by izint (Post 35412114)
Just found out about esim being more popular to be used when traveling, is there any downsides to the esims, besides not being able to move the sim to another phone easily like a physical sim?

I am now in my post-retirement not-home-in-the-US-a-lot mode. I moved my Vonage to Tello since you can change the plan every month and Vonage's taxes and fees are crazy. I then bought a 3HK 30+5GB 1 year eSIM that works in the US, Canada, HK, UK, AU and NZ for about US$35. It is a little slow due to the latency but works.

One problem I found out setting up my Tello is that for Visual Voicemail to work, you have to be connected to the Tello network via cellular. This apparently is how Visual Voicemail was designed and is not unique to Tello. So, it is a downside if you rely on Visual Voicemail (which downloads and transcribes voicemail messages to your phone) and are overseas using a data eSIM (instead of having your native carrier's data roaming enable). In Tello's case, they don't even offer roaming so this is not possible at all.

TGarza Oct 8, 2023 5:05 pm


Originally Posted by username (Post 35646674)
One problem I found out setting up my Tello is that for Visual Voicemail to work, you have to be connected to the Tello network via cellular. This apparently is how Visual Voicemail was designed and is not unique to Tello. So, it is a downside if you rely on Visual Voicemail (which downloads and transcribes voicemail messages to your phone) and are overseas using a data eSIM (instead of having your native carrier's data roaming enable). In Tello's case, they don't even offer roaming so this is not possible at all.

With AT&T postpaid, I receive Visual Voicemail when using WiFi calling and cellular data disabled.


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