eSIM thread
#601



Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: FRA
Programs: LH HON
Posts: 1,308
This is sort of what I ended up doing - except I went for a physical SIM rather than an eSIM. "Reserved" it from LG U+ in advance which gives 10% off, and it cost ~US$26 for 10 days which isn't what I'd really call cheap, but it is "unlimited" data (3GB/day at LTE speeds).
I went for the physical SIM over an eSIM for 2 reasons - one was because the eSIMs are data only where the pSIMs can also receive calls. The second is because with a pSIM the card that the SIM come in doubles as a TMoney card to use on the subway, saving a few thousand won over buying one separately. Unfortunately the voice option didn't work out, as apparently their voice SIMs don't work on Google Pixel phones, only Apple/Samsung., so I ended up with a data-only one anyway, but otherwise it worked fine.
I went for the physical SIM over an eSIM for 2 reasons - one was because the eSIMs are data only where the pSIMs can also receive calls. The second is because with a pSIM the card that the SIM come in doubles as a TMoney card to use on the subway, saving a few thousand won over buying one separately. Unfortunately the voice option didn't work out, as apparently their voice SIMs don't work on Google Pixel phones, only Apple/Samsung., so I ended up with a data-only one anyway, but otherwise it worked fine.
$2.6 / day for 3GB per day is not cheap? T-Mobile Germany would have charged me $50 for 3GB....(not per day!) I guess all things being relative it's a case of personal perception.
#602


Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,600
If you are going to Singapore, Singtel (the biggest national mobile provider) now offers eSIMs for tourists. You can buy online and complete the identity verification on your device, without needing to bring your passport to a physical location. Nice improvement!
https://www.singtel.com/personal/pro...ans/hi-tourist
https://www.singtel.com/personal/pro...ans/hi-tourist
https://www.m1.com.sg/mobile/prepaid-plans/tourist-sim
$12 for 15d/100GB/300mins/100msgs+extra. Buy at the airport and do KYC on your device.
[EDIT]Actually, I see Singtel is offering a $12 plan with 14d/100GB/500min+extras too, so basically on par. The roaming data options available if any do differ between Singtel & M1.
Having said that M1s $14 physical SIM is the best tourist deal if your phone has a SIM tray: 30d/100GB/1000min/500msgs+extras (plus an extra 90d of SIM validity after that).
Last edited by crackjack; Oct 28, 2023 at 8:55 am
#603


Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,600
Several good options have already been mentioned, but I'd also suggest looking at US Mobile. $12.50 for their "Unlimited Starter" for the first month on an eSIM and you're set. It's prepaid, so just cancel the auto-pay and/or delete your credit card using either their app or their website and you won't pay more than that.
The $12.50 pricing with no lock-in is quite surprising given how it so severely undercuts other telcos, but I am not complaining
Last edited by crackjack; Oct 28, 2023 at 5:50 pm
#604




Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SJC
Programs: AA, AS, Marriott
Posts: 6,961
#605




Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Marriott Titanium, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 8,529
Actually, perhaps not... I've had a few people in Australia that tried to sign up tell me that they were unable to do so using a foreign credit card, so it may not be an option. Worth trying, but be sure to have a backup plan...
I've used Mint on-and-off for years (the only way to get their good pricing without a 12-month commit to to flip between them and others) and also Boost Mobile who I think have the same prioritization level on the T-Mobile network. You are correct in that in some situations the (data) performance takes a dive. In my experience it's fairly rare, but it likely depends a lot on the areas that you're in. For low-bandwidth stuff I've never had a problem with it, but if you're looking to do higher-bandwidth streaming it might be more of an issue.
I've used Mint on-and-off for years (the only way to get their good pricing without a 12-month commit to to flip between them and others) and also Boost Mobile who I think have the same prioritization level on the T-Mobile network. You are correct in that in some situations the (data) performance takes a dive. In my experience it's fairly rare, but it likely depends a lot on the areas that you're in. For low-bandwidth stuff I've never had a problem with it, but if you're looking to do higher-bandwidth streaming it might be more of an issue.
#606




Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Marriott Titanium, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 8,529
All depends on what you're after, doesn't it! I may have had "Unlimited" (and 3GB highspeed/day), but I only used just under 3GB total in the 8 days I was there. If I'd instead gone with Mogo eSIM, that same 3GB would have cost me US$6 rather than the $25 I paid (more likely I would have picked their 5GB for $10 option, but even so).
#607



Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: DAL
Posts: 2,226
I've used Mint on-and-off for years (the only way to get their good pricing without a 12-month commit to to flip between them and others) and also Boost Mobile who I think have the same prioritization level on the T-Mobile network. You are correct in that in some situations the (data) performance takes a dive. In my experience it's fairly rare, but it likely depends a lot on the areas that you're in. For low-bandwidth stuff I've never had a problem with it, but if you're looking to do higher-bandwidth streaming it might be more of an issue.
#608




Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Marriott Titanium, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 8,529
Yes and no. Boost Mobile use both, but any individual SIM uses only one network.. The SIM's I was referring to above were T-Mobile-based SIMs and have no access to the AT&T network.
(Boost Infinite is different, and does allow cross-network access)
(Boost Infinite is different, and does allow cross-network access)
#609



Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: DAL
Posts: 2,226
I was pointing out Boost has sims for multiple networks which is confusing because there doesnt appear to be an option on the Boost website to specify the preferred carrier network with the plan. Red Pocket lists the network with the sim which does matter regionally.
#610




Join Date: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,959
Does this option work well? Im going to be in the States in Nov, had been looking at Mints 3mth unlimited data (40GB at 5g) plan for $15/mth, so $45 total plus taxes.
The $12.50 pricing with no lock-in is quite surprising given how it so severely undercuts other telcos, but I am not complaining
The $12.50 pricing with no lock-in is quite surprising given how it so severely undercuts other telcos, but I am not complaining
#611




Join Date: Sep 2022
Programs: United Mileage Plus
Posts: 1,735
Is anyone familiar with this one?
https://esim2fly.com/buy/checkouts/?...978&aero-qty=1
Both the vendor eSIM2Fly or the carrier DTAC?
Do these eSIMs include tethering?
Also, I notice that the Thailand prepaid market includes a lot of low-speed (under 10Mbps) products.
So are there eSIMs which include Thailand with tethering included and at least the capability to provide over 20 Mbps?
https://esim2fly.com/buy/checkouts/?...978&aero-qty=1
Both the vendor eSIM2Fly or the carrier DTAC?
Do these eSIMs include tethering?
Also, I notice that the Thailand prepaid market includes a lot of low-speed (under 10Mbps) products.
So are there eSIMs which include Thailand with tethering included and at least the capability to provide over 20 Mbps?
#612


Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,600
Is anyone familiar with this one?
https://esim2fly.com/buy/checkouts/?...978&aero-qty=1
Both the vendor eSIM2Fly or the carrier DTAC
https://esim2fly.com/buy/checkouts/?...978&aero-qty=1
Both the vendor eSIM2Fly or the carrier DTAC
(DTAC was part of the Telenor group, same as Digi in Malaysia. DTAC recently merged with True, THs 2nd largest telco, combined company now 30% Telenor owned.
I used them before in TH too, they were perfectly fine. The merger shouldnt affect that in the short term at least.)
No idea on the SIM2Fly plan, but others have discussed it before in this thread - use the search thread function found at the top of the page - and the wiki also mentions it. It should be fine too.
[EDIT] Huh, I just saw the Wiki has been edited to remove the list with more details for some of the better-known international eSIM providers. this is what it said there before:
- AIS eSIM2Fly
- Proxy/Exit IP: Thailand
- Pro:
- they're an actual network provider in Thailand, you're routing back to their network. +66 thai number for (payg) calls/texts
- Con:
- Refilling data can be painful via 3rd party sites, may require Visa VFV or Mastercard SecureCode, which may not be supported on your credit card
- 365day plan cannot be purchased outright, only as topup
- Other:
- Balance expires after 1 year but can be extended after topup
- Cheap for regional asia ($10 for 4GB/8days or $2.5/GB)
- Global $75 for 15GB/365 day
Last edited by crackjack; Oct 31, 2023 at 11:08 pm
#613




Join Date: Sep 2022
Programs: United Mileage Plus
Posts: 1,735
Looks like better value if you order Thai eSIM directly from carriers.
https://www.reddit.com/r/ThailandTou..._physical_sim/
However, there is a question as to whether you can pay via US credit card.
https://www.reddit.com/r/ThailandTou..._physical_sim/
However, there is a question as to whether you can pay via US credit card.
#614


Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,600
eSIM2Fly is likely not an authorised reseller for AIS (same with thaiprepaidcard), so adding their markup over what they are likely paying themselves. Also, they could be pre-registering the cards?
AISs target audience is those in Thailand planning on travelling out from there; that S2F works for others is a happy benefit they probably dont really care about, and may even shut down as KYC becomes more cumbersome (or is being sidestepped altogether).
AISs target audience is those in Thailand planning on travelling out from there; that S2F works for others is a happy benefit they probably dont really care about, and may even shut down as KYC becomes more cumbersome (or is being sidestepped altogether).
#615



Join Date: Aug 2005
Programs: AA Platinum for Life (2MM), Marriott Lifetime Gold
Posts: 1,041
Looks like better value if you order Thai eSIM directly from carriers.
https://www.reddit.com/r/ThailandTou..._physical_sim/
However, there is a question as to whether you can pay via US credit card.
https://www.reddit.com/r/ThailandTou..._physical_sim/
However, there is a question as to whether you can pay via US credit card.

