E SIM

[Houltt]

Any advice on the best 30 day eSIM for my Android phone on Verizon?

 

[Laynni]

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.

 

[mla1]

I’ve used Airalo and will likely use it again next month in Spain.

 

[Elle Bieling]

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.

 

[fernweh]

Ditto on Airalo - easy and inexpensive.

 

[Houltt]

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.

Thank you all, Airolo it is;

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

eSIMs can be loaded not only with data plans but also the combination of data, text voice and international voice plans. These can come with more than enough data for typical pilgrim use and give you the flexibility of a Spanish phone number.

 

[BombayBill]

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.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

I always use Vodafone

 

[Laynni]

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.

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]

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.

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.

 

[Elle Bieling]

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.

@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.

 

[Liltravlr]

@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.

Yikes! I guess that’s why I haven’t done it before. I think my phone is really old, iPhone 8.

 

[Wanderingfriend]

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?

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Can you talk about how these “e-sims” work?

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/cell-phone-use-in-spain.78991/#post-1110919

 

[Wanderingfriend]

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/cell-phone-use-in-spain.78991/#post-1110919

Thank you

 

[Laynni]

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, 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.

As for your destinations - so far the Stans are not well-covered by most eSim packages. Definitely not Airalo or KeepGo. There may be one out there but you'd have to do some searching. Probably the best best would be to make sure you phone is unlocked and just buy a local SIM when you arrive there. In most countries they sell them right in the airport now.

 

[Icacos]

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.

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.

 

[trecile]

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.

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.

 

[ilbestro12]

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.

Which orange plan do you use? Is this the proper website?

Orange Holiday Sim Card - Top Up

top-up.orange.com

On one orange website it only had 14 day plans. On the one above, it has a 30 day plan that seems much cheaper, but I'm suspicious.

Offers - Travel

travel.orange.com

Spain all-inclusive on this website says 40 for 14 days all inclusive, but it's only 14 day plans for some reason.

 

[KathyRugg]

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?

 

[BombayBill]

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.

 

[Liltravlr]

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.

Thx!

 

[KathyRugg]

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!

 

[camino0515-lt]

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.
did the Orange eSim give you data, calls and SMS?
If so for how many days (i´ll need 30 days)? I am going to do the Portugués and the Finesterre, so I need an eSim for Portugal and Spain.
Were you able to easily topit up?
Merci, thank you, muchas gracias, obrigada

 

[AnneMarie1]

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 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.

 

[Canche]

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.

Will it have a Spanish number so albergues or
Hotels can reach you? Whatsapp ?

 

[Canche]

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.

Me too. Orange it is

 

[BombayBill]

The best way to stay up to date on this issue is to look directly at the provider’s web page. One of the key issues is that some countries require you to register your ID to receive service for longer periods. This was easy to do online.

I suggest you read thru this -

All inclusive - Travel

travel.orange.com

It’s very hard to provide advice in this area as technology changes rapidly and my experience last year may no longer be valid.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

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.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

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.

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.

This might have been the case with a recent pilgrim who got lost coming over the Pyrenees (how he got lost is beyond me) and he needed to call for help. He was able to phone emergency services but couldn't get a GPS position with the apps available on his phone without data (probably Google Maps which requires a data connection if you haven't downloaded offline maps).

Regardless of safety, having no data while in France or elsewhere is a pain.

 

[JWST]

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

 

[jirit]

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 data, text and voice

 

[BombayBill]

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

Best to check their website directly

Orange Travel - FAQ - Frequently asked questions

All you need to know to use your SIM card, to install your eSIM card and select your recharges for your next trip across the world.

travel.orange.com

 

[ilbestro12]

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 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 !

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

You 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:

Tarjeta Prepago Móvil | Tarifas Prepago Datos Ilimitados | 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

 

[jirit]

You 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:

Tarjeta Prepago Móvil | Tarifas Prepago Datos Ilimitados | 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

I checked out this site but it appears you need a spanish phone with an existing spanish sim - basically a burner phone offering prepaid packages

 

[jirit]

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)

All inclusive - Travel

travel.orange.com

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Have you seen these? Lots and lots of details.

Spain: 11 Best Prepaid SIM Cards Buying Guide (2023)

A complete guide to SIM cards in Spain. Find out which one is the best, the costs, plans, how to top-up, see coverage maps, how to check your balance & much more. Read now!

www.phonetravelwiz.com

Spain: 15 Best eSIMs Compared + Discounts (2023)

Looking to buy the best local and travel eSIMs for Spain? This guide will cover all you need to know and compare several eSIMs so that you can choose the best!

www.phonetravelwiz.com

Orange Spain Review: Surprisingly the Better SIM Card (+Speedtests)

Is Orange the best Spanish SIM card? I tried it out in Barcelona & Madrid and compared it with its competitors. I share my results in this review!

www.phonetravelwiz.com

 

[DoughnutANZ]

Perhaps try Vodafone

 

[AnneMarie1]

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 !

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.

 

[BombayBill]

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)

All inclusive - Travel

travel.orange.com

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.

 

[jirit]

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.

You are correct 30 mins of worldwide calls

 

[C clearly]

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.

I think that is a requirement now in Canada, for all cell phones.

 

[Elfaro]

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

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.

https://www.amazon.com/Three-UK-25GB-Destinations-Including/dp/B09NMQPWYW/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=3%2Bsim&qid=1679864132&sr=8-4&th=1