The reason why some of these app make you complete your purchase on a webpage, is because of the attrious percentage fees Apple will charge them for in-app purchases. I don't blame them.
I just got back from a trip to Germany, France, and Switzerland -- we used Maya, it was $47 total for unlimited data and it was fantastic. over the course of 3 weeks I used 20gb of data, running CarPlay in our rental car, kids streamed RUclips Kids without a hitch. Highly recommend for its ease of use and extremely low price point.
Travelled from Kazakhstan to Turkey, Austria, Spain and France. Used Holafly as per your advice from home airport. Worked perfectly everywhere! Thank you!
Video well done. One note though. Some "Digital Nomads" (maybe not who you referred to as Globetrotters) have run into problems using Google Fi internationally. Quote: Google Fi’s Terms of Service require you to activate and use Google Fi service mainly in the United States. If you try to activate Google Fi abroad or mostly use Google Fi service internationally, we might suspend your international capabilities. If you plan to stay abroad for an extended time, we recommend you use a local carrier until you can return to the US. We grant exceptions to military and State Department employees who serve abroad.
@@lNowHerel I have an unlocked, dual sim phone. l'll keep my Google Fi for emergency backup only. I've read that longterm travelers that are not "heavy" Google Fi users (very light to intermittent users) don't have a problem. Plus, Google sends a notification first. They won't just cut you off with no warning (from what I've gathered). My primary plan is to stay at places that have free wi-fi (I'll use it through a VPN). On travel days, download a small e-sim package. When we land, use e-sim data until a local, reloadable sim card can be purchased (as a backup to the free-wifi) at an airport kiosk, 7-11, etc. Local sim used while out and about. NOTE: I actually have 2 duel sim phones. If I had only 1 I would have to swap out the local sim card for the Google Fi sim card whenever I needed it. Google has e-sim too, but I prefer the card in order to keep my e-sim bands available for other world countries, on the fly. No local sim yet or having problems with provider? Buy an e-sim package. More expensive but worth it in a pinch. Don't have e-sim? Buy country's sim cards in advance on Amazon. Also OneSimCard Expedition is an option; available on Amazon. Data is very pricey though.
I used Maya eSim in Europe. Best part is you get unlimited data. I would turn off the automatic network selection and choose your own network and switch them out if you’re gm getting poor reception.
Thank you so much for this video! Super informative and I love how organized each point was made. I’m new to esim and was concerned about not knowing how to set everything up correctly, but you were able to explain everything perfectly. Thank you again and I look forward to watching your other videos
For the last 7 years we have been using T-Mobile in the US and traveling several months a year. A few times I have paid the upgrade to High speed and calls but mostly the base speed works fine.
Thanks - also have T-Mo and will be in Australia and NZ for six weeks. Was debating just using T-Mo as is, or pay for 15gb and unlimited voice for $50. Also was looking at eSIM providers but doesn't seem necessary with T-Mo. Your comment helped solidify that view. Cheers!
@@DanStroot We are also spending 8 weeks in NZ & Australia. Planning on using our Tmobile. I might upgrade for the 15 gb, see how it works for maps without it or try local esim purchased there.
Great. I had not tried Airalo or Simly. I have tried now. I am seeing that it helps greatly in some countries like Brazil where you need to activate the card with a local tax ID which is very difficult for a foreigner, and you end up paying an expensive card on landing at the airport to someone who preactivated it. However, I have found the rates not always competitive vs local rates, Morocco for example you get 1 G 7 days for 1 USD, not 8. But Canada on the contrary I found super competitive vs local
The only thing missing is that if your home carrier supports WiFi calling, on an iPhone at least. There is a way to do WiFi calling and texting via WiFi calling via your home number/sim. So you are not stuck to 3rd party apps etc
Yes, but when Airalo does not work, there is no support office to contact. You will have to email them and troubleshoot, sometimes it takes days to get a solution. How does it make sense it is the best when they respond to you on day 5 of a 7 day data plan....
Nice review, but heavily US- and Apple-biased. Android users don't care about access to Apple Pay, and there are more eSIM-capable Android phones out in the world than iPhones. Also, Google Fi is a non-starter for people outside the US. Another option for Americans is to use Google Voice for foreign calls/SMS to complement the eSIM for data. FWIW, I've been using Ubigi for years. Its prices are generally cheaper that Airolo for Europe and the Americas (but more expensive in Asia) But what I like best is that Ubigi is just a single eSIM that I keep in place wherever I go; Airolo is a reseller that requires installing a new eSIM for each destination. Ubugi supports 5G for faster speeds if your phone does, I don't know about Airolo. I have no idea why you disqualified Ubigi last year, I find it easier to use and cheaper for at least the destinations I go to. No relationship with Ubugi, just a satisfied customer that doesn't understand the hate.
Great video, I'm travelling into New York for 6 days and was looking for a number to make calls to restaurants etc. Or does everyone arrange bookings via opentable these days. I know in Belgium phone is still the preferred way of booking tables at more local restaurants. None of these USA data only plans really suit me.
I installed Dent, based on your previous review. I have only tried it in the USA, but it seems ok, especially with the option for 365 day plans. I also like their marketplace, which allows for a lot of flexibility and good pricing for your typical traveler. So I am wondering why it is no longer one of your picks?
I do like DENT, but I’ve noticed their pricing going up quite a bit in the marketplace over the past couple of months. Thanks for supporting the channel.
I was using DENT last week in Seattle, USA. This is my first time to use eSim for data in overseas. I experienced that I was unable to receive a verification code from a bank app sent to phone. I was very frustrated. Did I do something wrong with the set up? I put my primary phone number onto the eSim. Should I do that or leave it blank? Please advise .
@@amazing123Grace I had the same issue in Europe, I think it's a bank /credit card issue. I am going to contact Mastercard this week to see if they have a solution.
Fantastic! So thankful to discover your video. We’ve traveled for decades and did old school with sim cards.. Thank you. wonderfully straight forward and all the details we needed:))). Appreciate you and the simpler reality ahead:)).
Great video! It is very well made!! My problem is iMessages in US number. Once I changed sim, my iMessage failed to work … :< One tips for activating eSIM via QR code (by email)) for iPhone. Instead of reading from another device or printing QR code, just taking screenshot or photo. Once opening QR code image by photo app, iPhone still can read QR code. Please try!
Thank you for existing. I have bought a new iphone with esim only option and I am super confused since I am abroad and cannot use my old physical sim card from my country carrier. I appreciate your videos and helpful content. Take care.
Fi Unlimited Plus for $65 sounds attractive for 50 GB of high speed data in 200 countries...only if you plan to stick with Fi as your main service for at least 3 months before going abroad. They added lots of gotchas here...makes it impractical as a replacement for the other mentioned eSIM services.
I will need an eSim soon, for I will be traveling to Spain and stay in Spain for a whole month. I wonder if 5G of data will be enough for a month since I will be trying to buy a home in Spain, and I'm sure I'll be using my phone in Spain a lot. I guess my only option is Holafly, but I would like to hear more about Holafly with a tutorial how to set up my iPhone SE 2022. By the way, how can my wife, who doesn't have an iphone compatible with eSim, use that small router so she can share my eSim connection while we are in Spain? Anyhow, thank you for your video. 🤔
Thank you Michael. We used Airlo in the Mediterranean countries last spring and it worked flawlessly. We are going to the UK and Scandinavia next year. Airlo is our first choice for esim, but I am open to other plans too. Question, can I make a WhatsApp call using my Airlo data?
Loved the Video. I should have seen this few days before traveled. Holafly is a new and great find. I think its still costlier than buying a lycamobile but say for a 5 day trip it beats a local sim.
There won’t be any mobile signal at all when at sea so none of these options are feasible. Your only option for connectivity will be through the ship’s expensive WiFi satellite offerings
Great video, Michael! I am going to New Zealand and Australia for 3 1/2 weeks. I would guess I need a regional eSim, but when I type in Australia and select regional, it takes be back to regions that do not include Australia. Am I looking at this incorrectly?
I used Airolo on a recent trip to Canada from my home in the UK. I also found it simple to install and it worked flawlessly the whole trip, even occasionally switching itself to a different provider with a stronger signal! I'd definitely use it again.
I am from the UK, and travel to South Africa every year on holiday, with the usual headaches of data. Am glad I saw this video, I didn’t realise it could be so easy! Airalo for me now! Thanks for such an informative and useful video mate.
Great review! I will be in Europe for 18 days. I would not consider myself a "data burner" and will mostly be staying in Airbnb's (with wifi). If I were to go with Airalo, how much data would you recommend, the 3 GB or 5 GB? Thanks for your time!
Hi! You will get a small discount for going with 5gb over 3gb. What you’ll want to double check is the expiration date of the data. Some only last for 7 days, and you’ll probably want a plan with 30-days.
thank you for the comparison, i consider my self a data burner so my question is which one is the best regarding fast internet and quality of coverage and download
Brilliant video. I only knew about Airalo which I recently purchased. Now I know about the rest. What is the model name of your cool monitor behind you?
Thanks I appreciate the feedback! It’s the LG49WL95C. It’s definitely not made for gaming or anything like that but it’s great for video editing and remote work.
Have you ever tried Orange? I saw it being highly recommended, so I was curious why it's not included. It lets you have calls, not just data. And the price is better. I'm just trying to find the best one for my upcoming trip.
Great content. Ok crazy dumb question headed your way…… Heading to Thailand on a travel agent trip in a week. How does arelo affect my number. For example we are going to have a WhatsApp group chat. Do I have to use a new number with new sim? And how do I “top up” with arelo? I am away for 20 days. Thanks
Brilliant vid, quick and straight to the point. 👏🏽👏🏽. I've looked through the list of which phones support esmin. I don't see my phone listed in your link. Does Samsung A32 use esim? I'm travelling to the Middle East and Rome for 3wks
Thank you for the video! We want to use Simly for the first time. Since this is our first time using esim, please tell me which number Whatsapp will connect to. Will I be able to receive Whatsapp calls linked to the main number?
Hi! As long as you setup WhatsApp before you go, it will keep using that number while you travel. You won’t get a new phone number with Simly, but calls and texts will appear to be from your main number on WhatsApp.
I’ve heard various different opinions on that. I unfortunately dont have first hand experience with that. If you plan to be out of the country longer than that, you may want to get a local plan in the country you are visiting.
Very informative, very useful. I can’t believe i didn’t know this existed before. I live in Dubai and i spend 30$ per day for roaming data whenever i travel!! Can’t believe how much this will help me. Really, thank you so much! I think i will be using Airalo since it has the best features I’m looking for. I usually travel for 3-4 days and use 10GB on average so i think Airalo will do it for me.
Saw your settings had T-Mobile as your US provider. Have you ever tried the International Data Pass that T-Mobile offers? If so, what did you think of it?
FT globetrotter w/no permanent home. Use wifi in my airbnb's & only use around 5-7 GB/month for normal cell data use when out and about. Need no phone or sms - data only. I find Airalo less than $30/month. So, not sure why I would go with google Fi as that is $65. Also true - in developing countries the physical SIM cards from the actual telecom provider store are a MUCH better deal. Some independent shops with good reviews on google might get you a great deal on a SIM card as well. I recall getting a month with 5 GB somewhere in South America for 68 cents !!
Much appreciated on this updated video. I am going to Europe for 2 months so Halofly will be my choice given the time and likely amount of data I will use
Hi Michael, Thank you so much for this useful straight to the point video. As you mentioned Chile for Airalo, maybe it will be ok in Argentina? I'm in Brazil (i live here) and will try it here before I go there next week. What do you think? Thanks a lot and safe travels.
Great video, I am going to Switzerland for two weeks and would like a local phone number so local business can call me without having to use my USA phone number and data. Holafly doesn’t have local numbers in Switzerland, what would you recommend?
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If it‘s still relevant, just get a Swisscom traveller SIM where you‘ll also get a +41 number.
I just had a look a pricing and I just can't see the point of an esim compared to buying a local SIM as pricing is so expensive, especially somewhere like SE Asia. Even more so if you need to call a local number. The only way I can see this making sense is if you are in and out of multiple countries and don't have the time to buy a sim card but any more than 3 day's in a country and just buy a local sim which is way cheaper.
Thanks for the video. From your first video I tried Airalo. From Canada to the US. Data was great. But I could not receive text messages. However if I sent a person a text first then it work. Canadian carriers have terrible data plans, like 1Gb. So my solution for now is by a monthly plan from my carrier and a data plan from Airalo. For now it’s the only solution I have at this point. I use allot of data with google maps. Anyway your videos are informative and helpful. Much appreciated cheers Vancouver Island Canada
Hi James. I just switched from Koodo to Freedom for my everyday plan. They've made some interesting changes lately that make it a good choice. And if you call in, from or to the US a lot Freedom has an unlimited (40GB at 5G) US/Canada plan for CAD$50/month.
Google maps of an area of interest can be downloaded to your phone ahead of time via Wi-Fi. So while you are away from Wi-Fi, the area map you downloaded is available on your phone without using cellular data. 😊
I enjoyed your video, but I'm still searching for the right esim. Is there any esim that supports local calls and allows you to hotspot to your laptop?
Most of the eSIMs for this review are data-only. For calling and messaging, usually your home mobile carrier will have international roaming but generally that is very expensive. What many travelers do for local calls is have an app on their phone that will allow you to call regular phone numbers using your (eSIM-based) data plan. The cost for this will not be free but much less than your usual carrier would charge. In the US the best option is Google Voice, but Skype and Viber also offer this for users in many countries. Most of the eSIMs in this review will allow you to use your phone as a hotspot for your laptop, but some (like Holafly) do not.
I'll be going to Ireland to studenr there for about 5 years and on the vacations I will come back to my country, I was wondering if the best option for me is to buy a sim from the carriers in Ireland or there is another way.
What is the advantage of using an ESIM, compared to just getting a new sim card at the airport? Is it simply a cost issue? If you cant call or SMS locals. whats the use?
Do you have any recommendations for 'globe trotters' that isn't Google Fi? First of all it's only available to people living in the US, and even if I did, they cut you off after 3 months abroad. Planning to travel for about 6 months all over the place, and would hate to have to buy a new eSIM every few days.
Hi Michael - thanks for the review. What about connections speed? I found that most of the countries that I went to with Airalo are 4G. Only Ubigi has 5G plans. Has that been your experience?
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Truphone also has 5G. But you really don‘t want to utilize it.
Great review! Its seems esim is still relatively expensive and not available to older phones. If one has to get an esim wifi router, then it is probably better to purchase a mifi hotspot (e.g from Netgear or Huawei) and use it with a local sim card. Much cheaper, versatile, and great for data burners. P.S. Holafly isn't unlimited for every country.
Expensive comapared to what? if i use a Canadian plan for roaming would be 2 or 3x the price. However i see that would be better to maybe purchase a SIM card in my destination. But sometimes this can be a hassle to get started
Hi Michael! Thanks for this video. I'll be travelling in 3 weeks to the Netherlands, Paris, and Brussels. How do I know if I'm a 'data burner'? I want to be able to post my travels mostly to my Instagram (but not all the time so I can save phone battery) and plan to video call/ call/ text my family through WhatsApp (probably once a day). I'll be 8 days in Europe. Will Airalo 10GB be enough for me or which app do you recommend? I really need to know because I want good connectivity through those countries and be able to stay always connected when I need it. Thank you in advance! Will be waiting for your response.
Thanks for the comment! 10gb should be plenty. As long as your not endlessly scrolling instagram over cellular, you should be fine. Just connect to wifi when you get the chance. Safe travels!
I used Airalo this spring with the regional esim. It was good but customer service was usually slow to get back to me. I am going to South America this winter. Their regional esim is a lot more expensive than world one. Why is South America so much more expensive? Have you used the world coverage? Thoughts? Thanks!
Quick question: Mikek, can you make local calls, like emergency calls, in the country where you are using these eSIM cards, meaning if I am in France, I make calls to hospitals in France?
Fantastic video but I have a question for you... Does the Holyfly eSim support the faster 5G signal? I noticed some international eSims might have unlimited data but it's restricted to 4G speeds only!
Great informative video thank you. Simly best price for turkey. If the daya runs out does it start charging at different rate or do i need to buy another plan? Regards Renee
Thank you! When it runs out it will just stop working unless you purchase a top up. The app will tell you how much data you have left so you can add additional before you run out
I put together some notes this year, but they weren't pretty to look at. I'm planning to share a Google Sheet with the comparison video next year. Thanks for watching!
Hey the video creator. Can you tell me which one is better for getting virtual phone number for creating a US based tiktok account if someone is not in US?!! Please help
Good video! If I buy the eSunFi and I get the 90 day holafly, do you think I will be ok to connect my laptop and phone at the same time, to use heavy data for the full 90 days?
Great and informative video, thank you so much. We are travelling to Albania in September for 3 weeks, including 1 night in Kosovo, and 3 nights in North Macedonia. Michael which option do you recommend? We are renting a car and driving during most of the time. Appreciate your time, Cheers!
Hi, I'm going to Switzerland next month. What do you think is the best one to use? What are your favourite travel E-sim apps? Thank you! Love the video.
Are there any apps that also support sms in the USA? For example I’m traveling to Europe and would want to text my grandmother back in the US? Or is that really expensive and I should just download WhatsApp on her phone before I leave?
It is typically a lot more expensive to get a plan that supports SMS and calling. I'd recommend having her install WhatsApp or something similar before you leave.
Hi I am going just to Italy this year and I already have an account with Numero because I needed an American number. Do I have to use their data plan since they already are connected to my phone or can I sign up to Airlo? And if I can only use them what do you think of Numero? You didn't review it in either of you videos? Thanks.
Great video with a lot of useful information! I was able to see that my iPhone 11 is unlocked AND supports eSIM! Thank you! Since my phone also supports Wifi calling, will I be able to make calls from abroad to home while I travel or would I still need to use Whatsapp to call friends and family that do not have iPhones?
WiFi calling is really touch and go for me in general even o Verizon here in the US so I tend to use cellular but more often as the years go by I use Discord or other apps. I have an iPhone 11 as well and its my backup phone to my iPhone 14 Pro Max. The eSIM + SIM is a nice feature to have too if unlocked
Gret video very useful thanks a lot
Thank you!
The reason why some of these app make you complete your purchase on a webpage, is because of the attrious percentage fees Apple will charge them for in-app purchases. I don't blame them.
I love people like you who take the time out to do this. Thank you.
Wow. JUST WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR. Headed over to the UK for business and YOU explained it better than anyone else that I've found on RUclips. Bravo!!!
Thank you, I appreciate the complement! Safe travels
UK has very easy sim card companies to purchase from with better deals than these apps
I just got back from a trip to Germany, France, and Switzerland -- we used Maya, it was $47 total for unlimited data and it was fantastic. over the course of 3 weeks I used 20gb of data, running CarPlay in our rental car, kids streamed RUclips Kids without a hitch. Highly recommend for its ease of use and extremely low price point.
That’s a great deal, sounds like a great trip!
My wife and I are also headed to those same countries, how did you do this plan?
Did you need an unlocked phone ?
I'm using an eSIM for the very first time in a month, and I didn't even know where to start. This is exactly what I needed. Thanks a ton!
Travelled from Kazakhstan to Turkey, Austria, Spain and France. Used Holafly as per your advice from home airport. Worked perfectly everywhere! Thank you!
You’re welcome! I hope you had a great trip
Used Airalo in numerous countries and never had a problem.
Video well done. One note though. Some "Digital Nomads" (maybe not who you referred to as Globetrotters) have run into problems using Google Fi internationally. Quote: Google Fi’s Terms of Service require you to activate and use Google Fi service mainly in the United States. If you try to activate Google Fi abroad or mostly use Google Fi service internationally, we might suspend your international capabilities. If you plan to stay abroad for an extended time, we recommend you use a local carrier until you can return to the US. We grant exceptions to military and State Department employees who serve abroad.
That’s good to know! Thanks
This is correct. If you are out of the USA for more than three months, Google will cut you off.
@@lNowHerel I have an unlocked, dual sim phone. l'll keep my Google Fi for emergency backup only. I've read that longterm travelers that are not "heavy" Google Fi users (very light to intermittent users) don't have a problem. Plus, Google sends a notification first. They won't just cut you off with no warning (from what I've gathered). My primary plan is to stay at places that have free wi-fi (I'll use it through a VPN). On travel days, download a small e-sim package. When we land, use e-sim data until a local, reloadable sim card can be purchased (as a backup to the free-wifi) at an airport kiosk, 7-11, etc. Local sim used while out and about. NOTE: I actually have 2 duel sim phones. If I had only 1 I would have to swap out the local sim card for the Google Fi sim card whenever I needed it. Google has e-sim too, but I prefer the card in order to keep my e-sim bands available for other world countries, on the fly. No local sim yet or having problems with provider? Buy an e-sim package. More expensive but worth it in a pinch. Don't have e-sim? Buy country's sim cards in advance on Amazon. Also OneSimCard Expedition is an option; available on Amazon. Data is very pricey though.
I used Maya eSim in Europe. Best part is you get unlimited data. I would turn off the automatic network selection and choose your own network and switch them out if you’re gm getting poor reception.
Did you activate it before you arrived to your travel destination?
I really like the simple, professional look to your video. You speak clearly, and provide good information, glad to see channels like yours
Thank you! I really appreciate that
Thank you so much for this video! Super informative and I love how organized each point was made. I’m new to esim and was concerned about not knowing how to set everything up correctly, but you were able to explain everything perfectly. Thank you again and I look forward to watching your other videos
You’re welcome, thanks for watching!
Czech Republic o2 works in all of the eu and costs less then the eu regional sim on Airalo and it has a phone number
That’s a fair point!
Heading to Italy and France in 3 weeks. This video is very helpful! Thank you 😊
Have a great trip!
For the last 7 years we have been using T-Mobile in the US and traveling several months a year. A few times I have paid the upgrade to High speed and calls but mostly the base speed works fine.
Thanks - also have T-Mo and will be in Australia and NZ for six weeks. Was debating just using T-Mo as is, or pay for 15gb and unlimited voice for $50. Also was looking at eSIM providers but doesn't seem necessary with T-Mo. Your comment helped solidify that view. Cheers!
@@DanStroot We are also spending 8 weeks in NZ & Australia. Planning on using our Tmobile. I might upgrade for the 15 gb, see how it works for maps without it or try local esim purchased there.
Safe travels! @@placesonthelist
Thanks!
Thanks for supporting my channel!
Great. I had not tried Airalo or Simly. I have tried now. I am seeing that it helps greatly in some countries like Brazil where you need to activate the card with a local tax ID which is very difficult for a foreigner, and you end up paying an expensive card on landing at the airport to someone who preactivated it. However, I have found the rates not always competitive vs local rates, Morocco for example you get 1 G 7 days for 1 USD, not 8. But Canada on the contrary I found super competitive vs local
The only thing missing is that if your home carrier supports WiFi calling, on an iPhone at least. There is a way to do WiFi calling and texting via WiFi calling via your home number/sim. So you are not stuck to 3rd party apps etc
Yes, but when Airalo does not work, there is no support office to contact. You will have to email them and troubleshoot, sometimes it takes days to get a solution. How does it make sense it is the best when they respond to you on day 5 of a 7 day data plan....
Nice review, but heavily US- and Apple-biased.
Android users don't care about access to Apple Pay, and there are more eSIM-capable Android phones out in the world than iPhones.
Also, Google Fi is a non-starter for people outside the US.
Another option for Americans is to use Google Voice for foreign calls/SMS to complement the eSIM for data.
FWIW, I've been using Ubigi for years. Its prices are generally cheaper that Airolo for Europe and the Americas (but more expensive in Asia)
But what I like best is that Ubigi is just a single eSIM that I keep in place wherever I go; Airolo is a reseller that requires installing a new eSIM for each destination.
Ubugi supports 5G for faster speeds if your phone does, I don't know about Airolo.
I have no idea why you disqualified Ubigi last year, I find it easier to use and cheaper for at least the destinations I go to.
No relationship with Ubugi, just a satisfied customer that doesn't understand the hate.
Thanks! I had little understanding of how to use esim's before I checked out your video. Now I'm good for my trip to Europe.
Glad I was able to help, have a great trip!
You have a Tandy computer that’s still running!!! Respect!
Thanks!
Thank you so much!
Great video, I'm travelling into New York for 6 days and was looking for a number to make calls to restaurants etc. Or does everyone arrange bookings via opentable these days. I know in Belgium phone is still the preferred way of booking tables at more local restaurants. None of these USA data only plans really suit me.
I installed Dent, based on your previous review. I have only tried it in the USA, but it seems ok, especially with the option for 365 day plans. I also like their marketplace, which allows for a lot of flexibility and good pricing for your typical traveler. So I am wondering why it is no longer one of your picks?
I do like DENT, but I’ve noticed their pricing going up quite a bit in the marketplace over the past couple of months. Thanks for supporting the channel.
I was using DENT last week in Seattle, USA. This is my first time to use eSim for data in overseas. I experienced that I was unable to receive a verification code from a bank app sent to phone. I was very frustrated. Did I do something wrong with the set up? I put my primary phone number onto the eSim. Should I do that or leave it blank? Please advise .
@@amazing123Grace I had the same issue in Europe, I think it's a bank /credit card issue. I am going to contact Mastercard this week to see if they have a solution.
Fantastic! So thankful to discover your video. We’ve traveled for decades and did old school with sim cards.. Thank you. wonderfully straight forward and all the details we needed:))). Appreciate you and the simpler reality ahead:)).
You’re welcome! I’m glad I was able to help, safe travels!
@ Michael Vance ... tell us about the eSIM and the Caribbean Islands. Thank you in advance.
Great video! It is very well made!! My problem is iMessages in US number. Once I changed sim, my iMessage failed to work … :< One tips for activating eSIM via QR code (by email)) for iPhone. Instead of reading from another device or printing QR code, just taking screenshot or photo. Once opening QR code image by photo app, iPhone still can read QR code. Please try!
Just bought Airalo for upcoming trip to Italy. 20 GB for $16.50 (50%), not including additional discounts.
holafly is my favorites i can use as much data as i can and never worry about it
Thank you for existing. I have bought a new iphone with esim only option and I am super confused since I am abroad and cannot use my old physical sim card from my country carrier. I appreciate your videos and helpful content. Take care.
Does the SIM card expire after the 7days ?
This is really good I am using it in the USA now, but it does not have a local number I can use or get calls from has this feature gone??
Fantastic video! BTW on airalo, the code doesn't seem to work, it says the code is invalid
Thank you, I'll look into it!
Fi Unlimited Plus for $65 sounds attractive for 50 GB of high speed data in 200 countries...only if you plan to stick with Fi as your main service for at least 3 months before going abroad. They added lots of gotchas here...makes it impractical as a replacement for the other mentioned eSIM services.
Yeah, its pretty unfortunate, but I haven't been able to find anything better so far.
I will need an eSim soon, for I will be traveling to Spain and stay in Spain for a whole month. I wonder if 5G of data will be enough for a month since I will be trying to buy a home in Spain, and I'm sure I'll be using my phone in Spain a lot. I guess my only option is Holafly, but I would like to hear more about Holafly with a tutorial how to set up my iPhone SE 2022. By the way, how can my wife, who doesn't have an iphone compatible with eSim, use that small router so she can share my eSim connection while we are in Spain? Anyhow, thank you for your video. 🤔
Oh you dear man you just saved me. Thank you. Subscribed.
You’re welcome, safe travels!
Thank you Michael. We used Airlo in the Mediterranean countries last spring and it worked flawlessly. We are going to the UK and Scandinavia next year. Airlo is our first choice for esim, but I am open to other plans too. Question, can I make a WhatsApp call using my Airlo data?
Thank you for this video. What a standout in terms of clear and efficient delivery of information
Thank you, I really appreciate the complement.
Loved the Video. I should have seen this few days before traveled. Holafly is a new and great find. I think its still costlier than buying a lycamobile but say for a 5 day trip it beats a local sim.
Great review. One question: how do they work on cruise ships when the ships are a bit far from the land? Thanks.
There won’t be any mobile signal at all when at sea so none of these options are feasible. Your only option for connectivity will be through the ship’s expensive WiFi satellite offerings
Great video, Michael! I am going to New Zealand and Australia for 3 1/2 weeks. I would guess I need a regional eSim, but when I type in Australia and select regional, it takes be back to regions that do not include Australia. Am I looking at this incorrectly?
Safe travels! It looks like there isn't a regional eSIM for Australia and New Zealand. You may need to get separate eSIMs for each place.
Great video- which is recommended to have Local number criteria. Thanks
I used Airolo on a recent trip to Canada from my home in the UK. I also found it simple to install and it worked flawlessly the whole trip, even occasionally switching itself to a different provider with a stronger signal! I'd definitely use it again.
Glad you had a good experience as well! A lot of people only comment when something goes wrong. Thanks for watching and supporting my channel.
@@MichaelVance which one is the best when we are in Canada?
I am from the UK, and travel to South Africa every year on holiday, with the usual headaches of data. Am glad I saw this video, I didn’t realise it could be so easy! Airalo for me now! Thanks for such an informative and useful video mate.
No problem! Thanks for watching
You note that you have to turn off default line from home country and enable data roaming on ESIM. Can you show us how to do that please
Yes! I actually made another video all about installing esims on my channel
Great review! I will be in Europe for 18 days. I would not consider myself a "data burner" and will mostly be staying in Airbnb's (with wifi). If I were to go with Airalo, how much data would you recommend, the 3 GB or 5 GB? Thanks for your time!
Hi! You will get a small discount for going with 5gb over 3gb. What you’ll want to double check is the expiration date of the data. Some only last for 7 days, and you’ll probably want a plan with 30-days.
thank you for the comparison, i consider my self a data burner so my question is which one is the best regarding fast internet and quality of coverage and download
Brilliant video. I only knew about Airalo which I recently purchased. Now I know about the rest. What is the model name of your cool monitor behind you?
Thanks I appreciate the feedback! It’s the LG49WL95C. It’s definitely not made for gaming or anything like that but it’s great for video editing and remote work.
Have you ever tried Orange? I saw it being highly recommended, so I was curious why it's not included. It lets you have calls, not just data. And the price is better. I'm just trying to find the best one for my upcoming trip.
Great Video. Just arrived in Iceland. Never done esim. Suggestion for here?
Hi Michael! Great work! would love to know more about each one, and how you would rank them.
Would be great if you could share that in a google sheet
That’s a great idea! I made some notes this past time, I’ll defiantly have to do that for next year!
Great content. Ok crazy dumb question headed your way……
Heading to Thailand on a travel agent trip in a week.
How does arelo affect my number. For example we are going to have a WhatsApp group chat. Do I have to use a new number with new sim?
And how do I “top up” with arelo? I am away for 20 days.
Thanks
Brilliant vid, quick and straight to the point. 👏🏽👏🏽. I've looked through the list of which phones support esmin. I don't see my phone listed in your link. Does Samsung A32 use esim? I'm travelling to the Middle East and Rome for 3wks
Thank you! I don’t think that the A32 does. Safe travels!
Thank you for the video! We want to use Simly for the first time. Since this is our first time using esim, please tell me which number Whatsapp will connect to. Will I be able to receive Whatsapp calls linked to the main number?
Hi! As long as you setup WhatsApp before you go, it will keep using that number while you travel. You won’t get a new phone number with Simly, but calls and texts will appear to be from your main number on WhatsApp.
I keep hearing that Google Fi is kicking people off who are out of the country over 60 days. Does the Plus Unlimited allow people to stay on?
I’ve heard various different opinions on that. I unfortunately dont have first hand experience with that. If you plan to be out of the country longer than that, you may want to get a local plan in the country you are visiting.
Very informative, very useful. I can’t believe i didn’t know this existed before. I live in Dubai and i spend 30$ per day for roaming data whenever i travel!! Can’t believe how much this will help me. Really, thank you so much!
I think i will be using Airalo since it has the best features I’m looking for. I usually travel for 3-4 days and use 10GB on average so i think Airalo will do it for me.
Thanks! I'm travelling soon and this was very helpful
Hi great video! Can i activate it in the usa on the day i leave. This way i don't have to go looking for a wifi in the country of arrival.?
What a great video, thank you very much.
I have one question: Does Holafly work with this eSunFi device?
No problem! Unfortunately, their unlimited plans don’t. That would be perfect!
Saw your settings had T-Mobile as your US provider. Have you ever tried the International Data Pass that T-Mobile offers? If so, what did you think of it?
This was so helpful ❤ thank you Michael
You're welcome! Thanks for supporting my channel.
FT globetrotter w/no permanent home. Use wifi in my airbnb's & only use around 5-7 GB/month for normal cell data use when out and about. Need no phone or sms - data only. I find Airalo less than $30/month. So, not sure why I would go with google Fi as that is $65. Also true - in developing countries the physical SIM cards from the actual telecom provider store are a MUCH better deal. Some independent shops with good reviews on google might get you a great deal on a SIM card as well. I recall getting a month with 5 GB somewhere in South America for 68 cents !!
@1:50 and @4:52 are super helpful!
Thank you! I appreciate the feedback.
Much appreciated on this updated video. I am going to Europe for 2 months so Halofly will be my choice given the time and likely amount of data I will use
You’re welcome, safe travels!
Thank you so much, such a great video! I have a question tho, can i connect to the hotel wifi in order to save on esim data?
Thank you, I appreciate it! Yes, I always connect to wifi when I get the chance, you won’t need nearly as much data if you do. Safe travels!
Hi Michael,
Thank you so much for this useful straight to the point video.
As you mentioned Chile for Airalo, maybe it will be ok in Argentina?
I'm in Brazil (i live here) and will try it here before I go there next week. What do you think?
Thanks a lot and safe travels.
Great video, I am going to Switzerland for two weeks and would like a local phone number so local business can call me without having to use my USA phone number and data. Holafly doesn’t have local numbers in Switzerland, what would you recommend?
If it‘s still relevant, just get a Swisscom traveller SIM where you‘ll also get a +41 number.
I just had a look a pricing and I just can't see the point of an esim compared to buying a local SIM as pricing is so expensive, especially somewhere like SE Asia. Even more so if you need to call a local number. The only way I can see this making sense is if you are in and out of multiple countries and don't have the time to buy a sim card but any more than 3 day's in a country and just buy a local sim which is way cheaper.
Great video Michael!
Thank you!
Thanks for this video, Michael! Much appreciated! 🙌
What's the best plan for someone rotating between the US, Colombia, and Thailand?
Thanks for the video. From your first video I tried Airalo. From Canada to the US. Data was great. But I could not receive text messages. However if I sent a person a text first then it work. Canadian carriers have terrible data plans, like 1Gb. So my solution for now is by a monthly plan from my carrier and a data plan from Airalo. For now it’s the only solution I have at this point. I use allot of data with google maps. Anyway your videos are informative and helpful. Much appreciated cheers Vancouver Island Canada
Thank you James! Hopefully data will improve in Canada, that’s frustrating.
Hi James. I just switched from Koodo to Freedom for my everyday plan. They've made some interesting changes lately that make it a good choice. And if you call in, from or to the US a lot Freedom has an unlimited (40GB at 5G) US/Canada plan for CAD$50/month.
Google maps of an area of interest can be downloaded to your phone ahead of time via Wi-Fi. So while you are away from Wi-Fi, the area map you downloaded is available on your phone without using cellular data. 😊
I enjoyed your video, but I'm still searching for the right esim. Is there any esim that supports local calls and allows you to hotspot to your laptop?
Most of the eSIMs for this review are data-only. For calling and messaging, usually your home mobile carrier will have international roaming but generally that is very expensive. What many travelers do for local calls is have an app on their phone that will allow you to call regular phone numbers using your (eSIM-based) data plan. The cost for this will not be free but much less than your usual carrier would charge. In the US the best option is Google Voice, but Skype and Viber also offer this for users in many countries.
Most of the eSIMs in this review will allow you to use your phone as a hotspot for your laptop, but some (like Holafly) do not.
Great video. Very informative and well produced.
I'll be going to Ireland to studenr there for about 5 years and on the vacations I will come back to my country, I was wondering if the best option for me is to buy a sim from the carriers in Ireland or there is another way.
What is the advantage of using an ESIM, compared to just getting a new sim card at the airport? Is it simply a cost issue? If you cant call or SMS locals. whats the use?
Do you have any recommendations for 'globe trotters' that isn't Google Fi? First of all it's only available to people living in the US, and even if I did, they cut you off after 3 months abroad. Planning to travel for about 6 months all over the place, and would hate to have to buy a new eSIM every few days.
Hi Michael - thanks for the review. What about connections speed? I found that most of the countries that I went to with Airalo are 4G. Only Ubigi has 5G plans. Has that been your experience?
Truphone also has 5G. But you really don‘t want to utilize it.
Great review! Its seems esim is still relatively expensive and not available to older phones. If one has to get an esim wifi router, then it is probably better to purchase a mifi hotspot (e.g from Netgear or Huawei) and use it with a local sim card. Much cheaper, versatile, and great for data burners.
P.S. Holafly isn't unlimited for every country.
Expensive comapared to what? if i use a Canadian plan for roaming would be 2 or 3x the price. However i see that would be better to maybe purchase a SIM card in my destination. But sometimes this can be a hassle to get started
Hi Michael! Thanks for this video.
I'll be travelling in 3 weeks to the Netherlands, Paris, and Brussels. How do I know if I'm a 'data burner'? I want to be able to post my travels mostly to my Instagram (but not all the time so I can save phone battery) and plan to video call/ call/ text my family through WhatsApp (probably once a day). I'll be 8 days in Europe. Will Airalo 10GB be enough for me or which app do you recommend? I really need to know because I want good connectivity through those countries and be able to stay always connected when I need it.
Thank you in advance! Will be waiting for your response.
Thanks for the comment! 10gb should be plenty. As long as your not endlessly scrolling instagram over cellular, you should be fine. Just connect to wifi when you get the chance. Safe travels!
I used Airalo this spring with the regional esim. It was good but customer service was usually slow to get back to me.
I am going to South America this winter. Their regional esim is a lot more expensive than world one. Why is South America so much more expensive? Have you used the world coverage? Thoughts?
Thanks!
Very carefully explained, thanks!
Happy to help!
Quick question: Mikek, can you make local calls, like emergency calls, in the country where you are using these eSIM cards, meaning if I am in France, I make calls to hospitals in France?
Hi michael, there’s like zero info on simly online. Could you say which countries in europe have you used simly and found any connection issues ?
Hi! Italy is where I used it. No issues whatsoever, just a smaller company with really competitive pricing
Fantastic video but I have a question for you...
Does the Holyfly eSim support the faster 5G signal?
I noticed some international eSims might have unlimited data but it's restricted to 4G speeds only!
good day have you ever heard of Sparks esim? the prices seem cheaper but I cannot find any reviews?
I haven’t, I’ll have to try it out.
Great informative video thank you. Simly best price for turkey. If the daya runs out does it start charging at different rate or do i need to buy another plan? Regards Renee
Thank you! When it runs out it will just stop working unless you purchase a top up. The app will tell you how much data you have left so you can add additional before you run out
Did I miss where this comparison chart is?
I’m thinking the same thing
I put together some notes this year, but they weren't pretty to look at. I'm planning to share a Google Sheet with the comparison video next year. Thanks for watching!
Hey the video creator. Can you tell me which one is better for getting virtual phone number for creating a US based tiktok account if someone is not in US?!! Please help
7:46 that’s bad advice because you’ll be slow af with 128 kbits after 10GB or so after burning trough that “unlimited” data
Good video! If I buy the eSunFi and I get the 90 day holafly, do you think I will be ok to connect my laptop and phone at the same time, to use heavy data for the full 90 days?
Hi Veronica, I don’t think all the fly will allow it. Their plans only work for phones most of the time unless the plan says it supports hotspot.
Thank you@@MichaelVance !
Great and informative video, thank you so much. We are travelling to Albania in September for 3 weeks, including 1 night in Kosovo, and 3 nights in North Macedonia. Michael which option do you recommend? We are renting a car and driving during most of the time. Appreciate your time, Cheers!
I’m guessing Google Fi is available for US residents/credit card holders only?
Hi, I'm going to Switzerland next month. What do you think is the best one to use? What are your favourite travel E-sim apps? Thank you! Love the video.
Airalo and Simly have been great for me in Europe! Thanks for your support
Does that eSim router works with Holafly, to overcome their block on hotspot sharing?
Are there any apps that also support sms in the USA? For example I’m traveling to Europe and would want to text my grandmother back in the US? Or is that really expensive and I should just download WhatsApp on her phone before I leave?
It is typically a lot more expensive to get a plan that supports SMS and calling. I'd recommend having her install WhatsApp or something similar before you leave.
Hi I am going just to Italy this year and I already have an account with Numero because I needed an American number. Do I have to use their data plan since they already are connected to my phone or can I sign up to Airlo? And if I can only use them what do you think of Numero? You didn't review it in either of you videos? Thanks.
Great video with a lot of useful information! I was able to see that my iPhone 11 is unlocked AND supports eSIM! Thank you! Since my phone also supports Wifi calling, will I be able to make calls from abroad to home while I travel or would I still need to use Whatsapp to call friends and family that do not have iPhones?
Hi! I’ve had mixed results with Wi-Fi calling over an international eSIM plan. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. Happy travels!
@@MichaelVance okay, thanks! I guess I'll download the WhatsApp and give it a try.
WiFi calling is really touch and go for me in general even o Verizon here in the US so I tend to use cellular but more often as the years go by I use Discord or other apps. I have an iPhone 11 as well and its my backup phone to my iPhone 14 Pro Max. The eSIM + SIM is a nice feature to have too if unlocked
Will I have to buy 2 separate purchases on Holafly if I’m doing multi city