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 TH-cam 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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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:)).
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.
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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
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. 😊
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 !!
The biggest problem I have with eSIM providers are that they overcharge for the little data that they provide. For example: My deployment to Africa. The cheapest eSIM provider that worked in the African country that I was in cost me $30 USD for a measly 5GB of data. Being in the military and having to use my phone for text and voice communication as well as checking emails and downloading files, 5 GB is definitely not going to cut it. That barely lasts 2 to 3 days. An average deployment is 9 months to a year long! Paying that much for measly amounts of data every couple of days isn't very cost effective. Using a wifi puck and the local telecom service is significantly cheaper. Plus, you get up to ten times the amount of data for the same price.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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....
It is legally required for Verizon as part of an agreement between them, the FCC and Google who negotiatied a clause stating that they or anyone else that used Band 13 750MHz LTE would not lock devices but that doesn't apply to the other carriers although it will apply to T-Mobile as soon as they deploy Band 13 LTE or 5G in Puerto Rico.
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.
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.
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
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.
Still seems like the consumer’s paying more with esims, esp. when you compare the pricing and offering of physical sim cards. Apple’s removal of the tray is truly frustrating.
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.
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. 🤔
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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?
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?
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?
My wife and I are planning for trip to Austria, Croatia, and Montenegro. Can anyone tell me which company has the best data network in that region Orange Vs. Buyognes? Tmobile? And how I can get eSim card from them? Thank you in advance.
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
Thanks for the great review. I wish there would be a european version of this eSunFi device. So I could have WiFi for my family. After searchig for a cheap perpaid SIM card for my "old" Huawei Mobile Wifi Router for my coming USA vacation, I am giving up. It looks like traditional SIM cards are dead.
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.
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 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 TH-cam 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 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 TH-cam. 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
Used Airalo in numerous countries and never had a problem.
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
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!
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 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
holafly is my favorites i can use as much data as i can and never worry about it
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?
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
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.
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?
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
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!
You have a Tandy computer that’s still running!!! Respect!
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!
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
Just bought Airalo for upcoming trip to Italy. 20 GB for $16.50 (50%), not including additional discounts.
Fantastic! So thankful to discover your video. We’ve traveled for decades and did old school with sim cards.. Thank you. wonderfully straight forward and all the details we needed:))). Appreciate you and the simpler reality ahead:)).
You’re welcome! I’m glad I was able to help, safe travels!
Very informative, very useful. I can’t believe i didn’t know this existed before. I live in Dubai and i spend 30$ 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.
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 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.
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.
Thanks! I'm travelling soon and this was very helpful
Oh you dear man you just saved me. Thank you. Subscribed.
You’re welcome, safe travels!
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
Thanks for this video, Michael! Much appreciated! 🙌
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.
This was so helpful ❤ thank you Michael
You're welcome! Thanks for supporting my channel.
Very carefully explained, thanks!
Happy to help!
Great video. Very informative and well produced.
Mobimatter easily makes the top 3 on this list IMO
I will have to check them out! Thanks for the tip.
@1:50 and @4:52 are super helpful!
Thank you! I appreciate the feedback.
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
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 love Gigskys esim
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 !!
Thanks bro! great video.
Thank you, happy to help!
Great video Michael!
Thank you!
Thank you! This is great
The biggest problem I have with eSIM providers are that they overcharge for the little data that they provide.
For example:
My deployment to Africa.
The cheapest eSIM provider that worked in the African country that I was in cost me $30 USD for a measly 5GB of data.
Being in the military and having to use my phone for text and voice communication as well as checking emails and downloading files, 5 GB is definitely not going to cut it. That barely lasts 2 to 3 days. An average deployment is 9 months to a year long!
Paying that much for measly amounts of data every couple of days isn't very cost effective.
Using a wifi puck and the local telecom service is significantly cheaper. Plus, you get up to ten times the amount of data for the same price.
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!
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.
Nice! Great to know that Airalo is still one of the top picks!
Thanks! Safe travels!
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!
Thank you so much!!!
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!
very informative thank you
What a great video!
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
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!
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....
You actually don’t have to pay off your phone to have it unlocked, it’s now legally required after 60 days from purchase.
It is legally required for Verizon as part of an agreement between them, the FCC and Google who negotiatied a clause stating that they or anyone else that used Band 13 750MHz LTE would not lock devices but that doesn't apply to the other carriers although it will apply to T-Mobile as soon as they deploy Band 13 LTE or 5G in Puerto Rico.
Superb video. Thank you
Thank you!
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.
Nice content. Very informative
Thanks for watching!
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.
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
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.
Still seems like the consumer’s paying more with esims, esp. when you compare the pricing and offering of physical sim cards. Apple’s removal of the tray is truly frustrating.
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.
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. 🤔
What's the best plan for someone rotating between the US, Colombia, and Thailand?
Thanks for this.
No problem!
great video and info
Thank you, I really appreciate it!
Thanks!
Thanks for supporting my channel!
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!
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.
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
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.
Great Video. Just arrived in Iceland. Never done esim. Suggestion for here?
Hey Michael. Add us to your eSIM app review video next time!
Will do!
Excellent video and thanks for the research you’ve done, I will definitely be buying eSIM for my next trip abroad 😊
Thanks, and safe travels! I appreciate you stopping by the channel.
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!
Great video- which is recommended to have Local number criteria. Thanks
Google fi boots you off after 60 days. That's why I'm watching your video
easysim and wizzsim should be on this list
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. 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
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!
I’m wondering if I can use both Holafly for unlimited data and Airalo for Call and text? Two eSIM simultaneously. Has anyone done this before?
Does the SIM card expire after the 7days ?
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?
What about using Uber internationally don’t you need a regular phone number?
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?
Thanks!
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?
My wife and I are planning for trip to Austria, Croatia, and Montenegro. Can anyone tell me which company has the best data network in that region Orange Vs. Buyognes? Tmobile? And how I can get eSim card from them? Thank you in advance.
I’m guessing Google Fi is available for US residents/credit card holders only?
Simly holafly Airalo
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
Thanks for the great review. I wish there would be a european version of this eSunFi device. So I could have WiFi for my family. After searchig for a cheap perpaid SIM card for my "old" Huawei Mobile Wifi Router for my coming USA vacation, I am giving up. It looks like traditional SIM cards are dead.
Thanks! Unfortunately, I think they are on their way out too. It’s nice to have both as an option.
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!
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.
But these Simcards are coming without the number? I need the USA number
If you need a US phone number for a short period of time, I'd recommend doing a cheap prepaid plan from someone like Mint Mobile.