eSIM questions

[Esimasia]

We are travelling to Singapore and Vietnam in a few days and I’ve bought a data only eSIM from Holafly. All installed and ready to activate when we land. I’ve got a few queries about roaming though:

I have an iPhone 12. Want to be able to receive phone calls on normal line but don’t want data roaming on that line, but obviously do want roaming on the eSIM for data whilst I’m there.

Can anyone talk very slowly to me about how I manage this in Settings on the iPhone?

I think I’ve worked it out. No replies! Guess I’m ahead of the curve on this one.

Oh op can you tell me please? I’m just about to buy an eSIM for Europe!

Martin Lewis posted an article on this.
Are you sure you need an eSIM for Europe? Our carrier gives us free roaming.

I think we can still get EU roaming? Not sure how long for, mind. And not for all European countries either eg Albania I don’t think is covered?

I bought mine from Holafly - Asia one unlimited data for about £30 for 12 days. I’ve downloaded it but will activate it only once I’m in my destination. Once activated you go to Mobile Services in Settings and set the eSIM for data roaming but switch it off for the other line.

Hoping to also be able to hotspot with the fam so we can share but will let you know if that works….

Once you activate it, the eSIM should show in your settings -> mobile service, under SIMs.

For example mine are named “Personal” (my normal phone number) and “Mobile Data” or “Travel” (I have several and you can give each new one a new that you choose).

Just above that there is “Default Voice Line”. Click on that and select Personal, then your calls will be able to come through your usual number.

Come back and right at the top there is “Mobile Data” and “Personal Hostpot”. Once the eSIM is running, you should click on “Mobile Data” and select the name of your eSIM for the internet to come out of.

Make sure that your eSIM has Data Roaming activated (as the phone’s default might be to keep it off at first). Click on your eSIM’s name, and at the bottom “Data Roaming” should be on (green).

Numpty question here if you don’t mind me asking…
Have looked on Amazon but all the references are to ESim card and delivery which confusing… assumed eSIM was not an actual card…? Since you need to have the phone’s own card sim on the slot…
would appreciate any advice…

I'm using an eSIM at the moment. My main line does not work. I've received zero texts on my iPhone.

I can make calls on WhatsApp and Snapchat etc.

The main line is switched off. I'm not going to switch it on and get a potential charge.

@Bewareofthisonetoo it is not a physical card. You downoload an app.

What is the difference between Holafly and Nomad? I'll be travelling to Thailand and Malaysia, never used an eSIM before so is there one provider that is better?

Yes that’s what I though so confusing that they refer to it as a card and give a delivery date 😁😁😁

I use a different provider from those two, and chose it because it had good reviews (coverage, was mainly concerned in the US as I am often travelling through quite rural areas).

Bear in mind there are 2 types of eSIM - those that just provide you with mobile data, and those that also give you a new virtual number on top of the data (which is why a PP might be struggling to get her own phone line to work).

Are you looking just for internet coverage, or do you also want local / international minutes for the time you’re out there?

I'll just need data I think, because I'll be able to make calls on WhatsApp when I have WiFi. It's mainly for getting around using google maps, or the local equivalent app.

Holafly was great for us in Mexico. Going to use again on our summer trip

I’ve heard good things about Holafly. I can also recommend Airalo. They do packages per country as well as per region - so for example if you’ll be visiting 2/3 neighbouring countries you can buy a package that works for them all instead of individual eSIMs for each one of them.

Checking in to report back that Holafly Asia package working well. Easy peasy in Singapore.

Vietnam a bit more problematic as had to uncheck automatic network selection a few times and select manually to make it work - plus despite having WiFi off it constantly reverts back to it given half a chance. But no biggie.

DC also using it via hotspot. Bit of a bargain at about £30 for two weeks for 3 of us, unlimited data. So good not having to find free wifi places and just being able to use it as at home, would highly recommend.