I saw this ad outside of the customs hall at SFO today:

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1c13c8ca4e.jpg

While we've extensively talked about cheaper eSIM options, this is the first time I'm seeing a tourist eSIM ad from the big 3 US mobile providers at an airport.

They would probably sell more if they told people how to log into the airport wifi - people just coming out of customs would not necessarily know there is free wifi that they could use to download the advertised app.

The QR code on the banner takes you to a T-Mobile app or site where the purchase options are available. I don't know if it also autoconnects to the airport WiFi, but that would make sense.

For this year's SIN DO I bought the $12 version (4G vs 5G), activated and used successfully in Singapore, but was unable to use it in Penang or Phuket even after futzing with the APNs (it was already set to PrePaid). Another FTer I know had a similar experience shortly after mine (usable in SG, but could not roam)

Also, although I was able to complete activation/registration using the hi! app, I was never able to login (I had thought to track data usage out of curiosity) -- the phone number showing in my Android phone settings didn't seem to be able to receive texts. On Googling around, I found some discussions on reddit etc. suggesting that the defaut condition if you register/activate via the app is that it only works for data, no voice/text, but if you go to an actual Singtel location they can enable it, but said FTer tried this and was unable (I forget why, will let him comment if he feels like it :D)

In the end I guess I won't complain too hard about S$12 for essentially unlimited data (100GB over 14 days) that doesn't require a trip to a booth upon landing, but the failure to deliver promised roaming capability seems poor.

As we talked about in Singapore - I'm posting for the benefit of others here - I have purchased the prepaid Singtel tourist SIM at the airport after arriving, and I've had no problems roaming in Malaysia or using the hi! app to check data allowances. On that basis, I'd agree that a visit to a Singtel booth or store would have fixed the limitation, but I also agree that such limitations should be stated for those who purchase an eSIM online.

When purchasing at the airport did they ask for ID? Lots of countries seem to allow data without showing ID but insist on ID for phone call capabilities.

Singapore require KYC/ID for sim. Seems like data-only also require KYC. Many Singapore mvnos will only take NRIC (local) ID, no passports

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sing...n-imda-2494656.

https://www.eight.com.sg/faq-data-only-sim

Just for the record, activating the esim I mentioned purchasing above does require doing through a registration process including KYC steps by scanning your passport and taking a selfie in their app. But maybe that's not considered robust enough to enable voice/text, and/or foreign passport vs NRIC as mentioned above.

Yes, they copy your passport for SIM purchases from the Singtel booth at the airport.

On Android it goes to something called the "T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM" app which seems to be primarily for tourists.

I don't think that's possible. You can put Wifi details into a QR code, but I don't think you can put Wifi details PLUS a URL. That said, I think anyone that's cluey enough to setup an eSIM is going to at least suspect there's free wifi available in an airport.

A couple of years ago, I got a Singtel eSIM without going to any store.

Ordered all online. I may have uploaded a photo of my passport though, not sure.

It worked right away, it was great.

I didn't try to buy it before I got to Singapore, only did it after I was in my hotel room in Singapore.

As was mentioned above, they've had this for a few years.

You need to use their app to scan your passport and your face - and you can only do that once you are physically in Singapore. You can purchase the eSIM and install the app before arriving in country, but you can not go through the registration process beforehand.

As at last time I used it, the self-registration process does NOT get you sms/voice, only data - even though the plans do include voice. I've been told you can go to a Singtel store with your passport to activate voice but haven't tried, however it would make sense given that SIMs purchased at SingTel stores (with a passport) do support voice/sms.

HI, which eSIMs got these results?

I'd heard that NOS was a distant third in coverage, compared to MEO and Vodafone.

Yet it has some of the best performance in the Azores?

Also heard that the Portuguese carriers themselves don't offer 5G on prepaid?

https://roamless.com/.

Roamlesss is the name of esim. They're a favorite because

1. Payg, no expiry
2. Often have signups bonuses/promo code/referral code, ($10 for $20 credits)
3. Often have multiple providers per country (some esim providers have multiple too)
4. You have choice of 3 exit IPs via APN name (USA, Belgium for Europe, SG for asia), or use the automatic one that chooses for you, which means less latency (there are asia esims that route via Poland, high latency).
5. Good support response from app
6. Paid credit can be used for calling thru their app (but cannot receive calls or send/receive text, they said it's "soon")

Haven't had to deal with eSIMs and travel for a few years and am wondering if how you deal with dual eSIMs and iPhones when traveling has changed. When traveling, I would get a local data eSIM and set my home/US Verizon eSIM settings to a non-roaming network to force it to use the local data eSIM for WiFi calling. Is this how you still have to do it, or is there an easier way with newer iOS versions? Please direct me to another thread if this discussion is somewhere else. If it is, I couldn't find it. Thx.