eSIM question
Jan 6, 2023 | 5:40 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: London
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 2,717
eSIM question
Sorry, this is only tangently related to BA (i'm flying BA on a BA ticket!). Feel free to move mods (hopefully after a few responses) although i'm not sure which forum it should live in.
So, I'm off to Egypt and Japan soon. I was looking at getting an eSIM for roaming rather than using my UK plan at a bargain 6 per MB.
I've found two companies that seem reasonably priced. The cheaper of the two is Airolo (https://www.airalo.com/japan-esim), and eSIM a bit more expensive (https://esim.holafly.com/esim-japan/).
Has anyone used either of these before, or got any recommendations?
Cheers
So, I'm off to Egypt and Japan soon. I was looking at getting an eSIM for roaming rather than using my UK plan at a bargain 6 per MB.
I've found two companies that seem reasonably priced. The cheaper of the two is Airolo (https://www.airalo.com/japan-esim), and eSIM a bit more expensive (https://esim.holafly.com/esim-japan/).
Has anyone used either of these before, or got any recommendations?
Cheers
Jan 6, 2023 | 8:34 pm
#3
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: IAD
Programs: BAEC Gold, Hilton Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 408
I used Airalo last month in the Dominican Republic - again due to lack of coverage.
Using the e-sim was seamless, worked great. All I wanted is data (please, no text messages from work while on holiday!) and that's what I got. Great pricing, as well.
This was easier than the physical SIM transition I've had to go through when traveling in the UK and IE (especially in Ireland as topping off SIMs there can't be done with a US credit card - at least for three.ie. All I managed to do was to get my card suspended.)
Using the e-sim was seamless, worked great. All I wanted is data (please, no text messages from work while on holiday!) and that's what I got. Great pricing, as well.
This was easier than the physical SIM transition I've had to go through when traveling in the UK and IE (especially in Ireland as topping off SIMs there can't be done with a US credit card - at least for three.ie. All I managed to do was to get my card suspended.)
Jan 6, 2023 | 9:27 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Juneau, Alaska.
Programs: AS 75K;BA Silver;AA G;HH Dia;HY Glob
Posts: 16,680
Quite a bit of discussion of e-sims for various countries in the Travel Technology forum:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-technology-169/
I've used airalo for several years without issue, including in Japan (among other places).
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-technology-169/
I've used airalo for several years without issue, including in Japan (among other places).
Jan 6, 2023 | 10:16 pm
#5
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: London
Programs: BA GGL (for now) and Lifetime Gold, Marriott fan thanks to Bonvoy Moments
Posts: 5,266
Another multiple Airalo user here - can confirm comments above about how easy it is via iPhone app. Just remember that you need to have a connection to activate it!
Jan 6, 2023 | 10:44 pm
#6
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: American Airlines ExecPlat, Asiana Diamond
Posts: 140
Always use Airolo here, super easy to just save eSIMs for countries and top up whenever you go back!
Well you can just connect with the eSIM to the local network for the first time and it activates upon connection. I always install the eSIM before I leave the US and keep it disabled/unactivated, then when I land I turn it on and it connects and activates. Some eSIMs dont start the timer until activation so doing it this way saves a lot of time if you have a long flight.
Well you can just connect with the eSIM to the local network for the first time and it activates upon connection. I always install the eSIM before I leave the US and keep it disabled/unactivated, then when I land I turn it on and it connects and activates. Some eSIMs dont start the timer until activation so doing it this way saves a lot of time if you have a long flight.
Jan 7, 2023 | 12:06 am
#7
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: AMS/RTM
Posts: 2,848
I was about to use Airalo for a SIN/NZ trip and the day I was to download the e-sim they seemed to have pulled NZ from their offer.
I switched to Nomad and I am currently using it, very simple setup and flawless operation.
Such a great technology!
I switched to Nomad and I am currently using it, very simple setup and flawless operation.
Such a great technology!
Jan 7, 2023 | 6:01 am
#9
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Edinburgh
Programs: Mucci, BA Gold, FB Plat, Over 60 bus pass
Posts: 259
I have used both Airalo and GlobaleSim- both easy to set up. The latter gives you options of a UK/US/CA mobile number linked to your data allowance. You need to maintain the number by topping up, so unless you specifically need this its not worth the additional cost, since you can just use whatsapp or skype for calls. I think Airalo has the edge in ease of use since it has an app, so my preference would also be for Airalo
Jan 7, 2023 | 7:53 am
#10
Join Date: Jan 2018
Programs: AF/KL FB Platinum, DL Diamond, Hertz PC, Bonvoy Gold Elite; Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,170
I use Sim cards for data when I travel extensively. Im based in Canada and the easier option for me was to enable eSIM with Bell Mobility Canada for my primary Canadian number so that leaves the physical Sim card slot in the phone empty. When I travel I can just get the cheaper Sim cards and not have to worry about finding eSIM support internationally. It depends if your primary carrier allows you to use eSIM at home.
Jan 7, 2023 | 5:16 pm
#14
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: YVR
Programs: AA
Posts: 1,624
I've used Airalo at least a dozen times now and have no reason to look elsewhere at this point. I have used their local one country offerings and also used their regional European one which was handy as it allowed me to visit multiple countries on one sim. Easy to use, fair prices, and great customer service. Accumulation of "air money" is also handy. Each purchase credits your account a percentage and you can use this for future orders. They also send out discount codes a few times per year I've noticed and they don't have a use by date. Just save it for your next purchase.
OP, I have a referral code that get you $3 off your first purchase. Message me if you want it. I would also get $3 credit if you use it.
OP, I have a referral code that get you $3 off your first purchase. Message me if you want it. I would also get $3 credit if you use it.
Jan 7, 2023 | 5:20 pm
#15
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Taichung, Taiwan
Programs: AA Lifetime Platinium
Posts: 378
I've used HolaFly a few times and it works ok. I did have one issue where Sim worked for a few days and then stopped. I suspect its because I used a TON of data but there was no warning or anything. Ended up just buying a local sim for last few days.