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Thank you all, Airolo it is;I liked Airalo too. For me it was easy to use, turning it on when I landed. No need to mess around with physical SIMS.
Yeah, we've used Airalo as well, they tend to have better options than KeepGo in Asia while we prefer KeepGo for Europe or North America. The big difference for us is that the cheaper Airalo plans are generally just 30 days and the longer ones quite a bit more expensive. Whereas most KeepGo packages last a year even for smaller amounts. This works well for us since we will be taking 3 separate trips to Europe this year. But if you are travelling for less than 30 days and not returning again this year it won't make much difference which one you choose.Our last couple trips to Europe we've been using KeepGo eSIMs - you just put in the countries you're visiting and it will give you package options. Pisces is the one we've had - $14/23 for 5/10GB. Good for a whole year too in case you're returning.
Forgive my total ignorance in this area, I didn’t know there was any such thing as an Esim!. I will be in central Asia for one month, (Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan), then five weeks doing the Camino in Spain. Do you know if there is one plan that will do all of that? Also I assume I have to get my Sim unlocked first in my iPhone? Thanks! Previously I have always just used my Vancouver plan (Telus), about $20 a day. I need something with a lot of data because I will be working.Yeah, we've used Airalo as well, they tend to have better options than KeepGo in Asia while we prefer KeepGo for Europe or North America. The big difference for us is that the cheaper Airalo plans are generally just 30 days and the longer ones quite a bit more expensive. Whereas most KeepGo packages last a year even for smaller amounts. This works well for us since we will be taking 3 separate trips to Europe this year. But if you are travelling for less than 30 days and not returning again this year it won't make much difference which one you choose.
@Liltravlr, an eSIM is different than a regular SIM card. Newer phones now have TWO sims, one PHYSICAL SIM and one EMBEDDED SIM which is necessary to get an eSIM. You will first need to find out if your phone has dual SIM capability. If it has only the physical SIM, you will have to remove that SIM in the country where you will be and purchase a local SIM. That means that you will not be able to use your phone for anything from your home country.Forgive my total ignorance in this area, I didn’t know there was any such thing as an Esim!. I will be in central Asia for one month, (Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan), then five weeks doing the Camino in Spain. Do you know if there is one plan that will do all of that? Also I assume I have to get my Sim unlocked first in my iPhone? Thanks! Previously I have always just used my Vancouver plan (Telus), about $20 a day. I need something with a lot of data because I will be working.
Yikes! I guess that’s why I haven’t done it before. I think my phone is really old, iPhone 8.@Liltravlr, an eSIM is different than a regular SIM card. Newer phones now have TWO sims, one PHYSICAL SIM and one EMBEDDED SIM which is necessary to get an eSIM. You will first need to find out if your phone has dual SIM capability. If it has only the physical SIM, you will have to remove that SIM in the country where you will be and purchase a local SIM. That means that you will not be able to use your phone for anything from your home country.
Can you talk about how these “e-sims” work?Our last couple trips to Europe we've been using KeepGo eSIMs - you just put in the countries you're visiting and it will give you package options. Pisces is the one we've had - $14/23 for 5/10GB. Good for a whole year too in case you're returning.
Can you talk about how these “e-sims” work?
Yeah, unfortunately an iPhone 8 won't have dual sim capability. I think it started at iPhone 11 and SE 2. And if you have a phone with dual sim it will also need to be unlocked. That applies to use an eSim or a local physical SIM.Forgive my total ignorance in this area, I didn’t know there was any such thing as an Esim!. I will be in central Asia for one month, (Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan), then five weeks doing the Camino in Spain. Do you know if there is one plan that will do all of that? Also I assume I have to get my Sim unlocked first in my iPhone? Thanks! Previously I have always just used my Vancouver plan (Telus), about $20 a day. I need something with a lot of data because I will be working.
I studied the Airalo page a bit, and they tell you what settings to change so that your home SIM is not used and you aren't charged by your home provider.I’ve been following this thread (from Canada) as much as my limited understanding would allow, because I expect to be in Europe later this spring and want to have some kind of cell coverage, so I’ve been making some inquiries myself. The person I spoke with recently at my provider’s call centre, although very willing to help - and I’m not faulting him as I don’t expect my provider to be up on everything their competitors offer - could not assure me, were I to purchase an eSIM package, that I wouldn’t also be charged my provider’s daily rate ($15). At the moment I’m back to purchasing a SIM card when I get to where I’m going.
Which orange plan do you use? Is this the proper website?AIRALO UPDATE!! I’ve used Airalo in the past as recently as a week ago in Mexico. However while in Mexico I received a message that they could no long provide coverage with 1 of the 3 carriers they had contracts with. Unfortunately it was the only one in my area. So… no coverage at all.
I prefer Orange eSim in Europe as I get a phone number as well. Which means Albergues are more likely to call me back.
With Airalo I believe you only get data.
Do you wait to get your e-sim in an actual Orange store once in Spain or can you do it online ahead of time?AIRALO UPDATE!! I’ve used Airalo in the past as recently as a week ago in Mexico. However while in Mexico I received a message that they could no long provide coverage with 1 of the 3 carriers they had contracts with. Unfortunately it was the only one in my area. So… no coverage at all.
I prefer Orange eSim in Europe as I get a phone number as well. Which means Albergues are more likely to call me back.
With Airalo I believe you only get data.
Thx!I bought orange eSim ahead of time. Installed it in Canada, then on plane deactivated mine activated theirs.
If you go longer then 14 days you have to register the sim. Online easy peezy.
Thank you!I bought orange eSim ahead of time. Installed it in Canada, then on plane deactivated mine activated theirs.
If you go longer then 14 days you have to register the sim. Online easy peezy.
Hi there, i have a few questions if you can help.I bought orange eSim ahead of time. Installed it in Canada, then on plane deactivated mine activated theirs.
If you go longer then 14 days you have to register the sim. Online easy peezy.
Do you just get their 14-day plan with 8 GB for 20 Euros? That seems expensive if you're in Spain for a few weeks. (I'll be taking my time from the Pyrenees and then staying in Spain for additional time.) Online it looks like their only esims that have a phone number are these 14-day ones.AIRALO UPDATE!! I’ve used Airalo in the past as recently as a week ago in Mexico. However while in Mexico I received a message that they could no long provide coverage with 1 of the 3 carriers they had contracts with. Unfortunately it was the only one in my area. So… no coverage at all.
I prefer Orange eSim in Europe as I get a phone number as well. Which means Albergues are more likely to call me back.
With Airalo I believe you only get data.
Will it have a Spanish number so albergues orOur last couple trips to Europe we've been using KeepGo eSIMs - you just put in the countries you're visiting and it will give you package options. Pisces is the one we've had - $14/23 for 5/10GB. Good for a whole year too in case you're returning.
Me too. Orange it isAIRALO UPDATE!! I’ve used Airalo in the past as recently as a week ago in Mexico. However while in Mexico I received a message that they could no long provide coverage with 1 of the 3 carriers they had contracts with. Unfortunately it was the only one in my area. So… no coverage at all.
I prefer Orange eSim in Europe as I get a phone number as well. Which means Albergues are more likely to call me back.
With Airalo I believe you only get data.
Just be a bit cautious, some of the holiday SIMs are aimed at youngsters who come to Spain to party and they provide heaps of data (good) but you can only use the data in Spain (not good if you start your Camino in France). The phone service will roam because that is an EU requirement but data does not have to roam.Please check that I am correct here. There are Spanish holiday SIMs/eSIMs available from Spanish networks. They may not require information from your passport. They are probably more expensive per day than a 30 day prepaid plan for residents or longer term visitors that do require passport information. These non-holiday plans can probably be renewed and maybe renewed online. Yeah, I know I'm giving much help here but keep these things in mind as you search for a plan.
Best to check their website directlyI have seen references to Orange eSims - but do they offer anything longer than 14 days? Looking for a eSim for 30 days that offers date, text and voice
I had the same question. 6 months back when i looked at Orange, they definitely had a 30 day talk+text+data option with either a french or spanish phone number with the eSIM. Now it is only the 14 day option.I have seen references to Orange eSims - but do they offer anything longer than 14 days? Looking for a eSim for 30 days that offers date, text and voice
I checked out this site but it appears you need a spanish phone with an existing spanish sim - basically a burner phone offering prepaid packagesYou might get better results for SIMs/eSIMs if you perform the search in Spanish. That could get you to webpages designed for the locals. Also I think a month's service is usually 28 days, not 30.
I searched for the following:
Orange España 28 Dias Móvil Prepago
The first non-sponsored hit I got was:
Dispositivos Prepago | Orange
Contrata con Orange las mejores tarifas prepago. Habla y navega desde 10€ a máxima velocidad. ¡Ahora tarifas prepago con llamadas ilimitadas!www.orange.es
It seems they don't, but you can extend their 14-day one. If you do that for longer than 30 days, you need to register the number on their site. Their 8 GB one is pretty reasonable, if you're mostly going to be using stuff via wifi anyway.I had the same question. 6 months back when i looked at Orange, they definitely had a 30 day talk+text+data option with either a french or spanish phone number with the eSIM. Now it is only the 14 day option.
Not sure where the 40 day went !
I’m a little confused. Perhaps you’re reading something different than me but the FAQ for Orange specifically says you can dial worldwide (Canada) for a set number of minutes.I went on to the Spanish Orange site and discovered a few more things:
If you purchase the 14 day holiday package, you can renew it but after 30 days you need to register yourself (I assume you need a passport number)
Voice and text is only for Europe, ie no calls or text back to Canada I gather
You are actually assigned a French phone number (not Spanish
Even though my iPhone SE 2022 is capable of using eSims, Orange does not list as a compatible device
Looking like if I want international voice and text along with data I need a physical Sim or just go with eSim and stick to email (data)
Select a Country to find an eSIM/SIM offer in the Europe area | Orange Travel
Planning a trip to Europe? Get prepaid sim & esim cards, top-up recharge mobile in any country. Stay connected during your holidays, trips, and sports events abroad with Orange Travel.travel.orange.com
You are correct 30 mins of worldwide callsI’m a little confused. Perhaps you’re reading something different than me but the FAQ for Orange specifically says you can dial worldwide (Canada) for a set number of minutes.
I think that is a requirement now in Canada, for all cell phones.FWIW, when I inquired (from my provider’s people) about having to get my phone unlocked, I was told that all phones purchased since about 2018 are already unlocked. I don’t know if that only applies to iPhones; I have an iPhone.
Hi, last September I bought a 3 UK through Amazon and it worked fine in London, France, Switzerland and Italy. I was there only 30 daysI'm checking now if it will also work in Spain.Anyone used Holafly? unlimited data, no calls or texts and $US99 for 90 days ( I will be in Europe that long)...Orange more expensive and am unsure on the need for a number, calls and texts, plan to use Whats App for calls
Thanks for the info! Did the e-sim from Orange give you data plus a phone number or just a data plan? Do you know if you can top it off (if needed) electronically or if you would have to stop in at a physical store? Also, I imagine that to add the second 28 days you had to show your passport to register the card, right? I heard it was required for a card that went beyond 30 days.E-SIM experience TODAY in Spain. I am here now.
If you have an iPhone 13 or earlier with dual sim and are looking for a physical SIM, you can easily pick one up at many places in the Madrid airport. Orange is 20 euro for 100GB for 28 days.
If you have an I-phone 14 with dual sim you will not be able to get one in the airport, as they only carry physical SIM cards. I waited until Pamplona and easily got an e-sim from the Orange store. It too was 20 euro for 100GB and some calling. They charged 5 euro for the e-sim and also let me go ahead and pay another 20 euro for the next 28 days.
It was very easy and the Orange store is a short walk from historical center.
You have a phone number and a number of minutes of calling. I didn’t ask about topping off once they offered me the option to go ahead and pay for another 28 days. I’m sure they have easy options if you don’t want to extend it initially.Thanks for the info! Did the e-sim from Orange give you data plus a phone number or just a data plan? Do you know if you can top it off (if needed) electronically or if you would have to stop in at a physical store? Also, I imagine that to add the second 28 days you had to show your passport to register the card, right? I heard it was required for a card that went beyond 30 days.
Good to know! This seems like a way better deal for an esim than the ones Orange offers for purchase online, which are around $30 for just 14 days, although with unlimited and calling and texting (but way less data). This makes me think I'll just wait till I get to Spain and go to an Orange store first thing in Madrid, where I'll be landing for a few days anyway, before heading up to the Camino.E-SIM experience TODAY in Spain. I am here now.
If you have an iPhone 13 or earlier with dual sim and are looking for a physical SIM, you can easily pick one up at many places in the Madrid airport. Orange is 20 euro for 100GB for 28 days.
If you have an I-phone 14 with dual sim you will not be able to get one in the airport, as they only carry physical SIM cards. I waited until Pamplona and easily got an e-sim from the Orange store. It too was 20 euro for 100GB and some calling. They charged 5 euro for the e-sim and also let me go ahead and pay another 20 euro for the next 28 days.
It was very easy and the Orange store is a short walk from historical center.
Yeah, with most of the esims I've looked at (all except Orange), you only get data. If you also want a phone number, you need Orange.AIRALO UPDATE!! I’ve used Airalo in the past as recently as a week ago in Mexico. However while in Mexico I received a message that they could no long provide coverage with 1 of the 3 carriers they had contracts with. Unfortunately it was the only one in my area. So… no coverage at all.
I prefer Orange eSim in Europe as I get a phone number as well. Which means Albergues are more likely to call me back.
With Airalo I believe you only get data.
There are, of course, many locations, but there is one conveniently located in Puerta del Sol.Good to know! This seems like a way better deal for an esim than the ones Orange offers for purchase online, which are around $30 for just 14 days, although with unlimited and calling and texting (but way less data). This makes me think I'll just wait till I get to Spain and go to an Orange store first thing in Madrid, where I'll be landing for a few days anyway, before heading up to the Camino.
So does this eSIMcome with international calls and texts (limited amount) like the online Orange eSIMs ?E-SIM experience TODAY in Spain. I am here now.
If you have an iPhone 13 or earlier with dual sim and are looking for a physical SIM, you can easily pick one up at many places in the Madrid airport. Orange is 20 euro for 100GB for 28 days.
If you have an I-phone 14 with dual sim you will not be able to get one in the airport, as they only carry physical SIM cards. I waited until Pamplona and easily got an e-sim from the Orange store. It too was 20 euro for 100GB and some calling. They charged 5 euro for the e-sim and also let me go ahead and pay another 20 euro for the next 28 days.
It was very easy and the Orange store is a short walk from historical center.
I know it comes with some calling but honestly I didn’t ask about texting. No one in Spain text, they use WhatsApp and since there is Wi-Fi everywhere I can text or make a Wi-Fi call home if I really need too….: which is a high bar for me. I live in the states and have t-mobile which is free texting anywhere I go.So does this eSIMcome with international calls and texts (limited amount) like the online Orange eSIMs ?
Ah ok. Im still on crappy AT&T so they want you to get on some ridiculous $10 a day international plan.I know it comes with some calling but honestly I didn’t ask about texting. No one in Spain text, they use WhatsApp and since there is Wi-Fi everywhere I can text or make a Wi-Fi call home if I really need too….: which is a high bar for me. I live in the states and have t-mobile which is free texting anywhere I go.
I always buy a Spanish sim card with internet. It works perfectlyAh ok. Im still on crappy AT&T so they want you to get on some ridiculous $10 a day international plan.
But they will only charge you up to $100 per billing cycle, regardless of how many days you use it.Ah ok. Im still on crappy AT&T so they want you to get on some ridiculous $10 a day international plan.
Be aware though; your Camino may coincide with the last ten days of one billing cycle and the first ten days of the next cycle for a $200 total charge if you call each day.But they will only charge you up to $100 per billing cycle, regardless of how many days you use it.