E-SIM or other travel data options?

Scania · 2025-11-05T06:35:18+0000

I'm currently in Turkey with my partner, I have data roaming as part of my contract whereas she doesn't, as you do I'm currently getting bombarded with E-SIM advertising on social media - which appear to be app based rather than replacing the SIM - but, don't know the good from the bad, she won't need to make calls but wants data for the next 10 days...

Are these E-SIMs a thing? Or do we just find a replacement pay as you go SIM card...

Any recommendations appreciated.

VaderDSL · 2025-11-05T06:49:06+0000

I’ve personally used Airalo and Holafly before, they seemed to work fine, but I guess as they piggyback on different networks, in different countries you may find service different wherever you go.

Clarkson · 2025-11-05T07:37:25+0000

Used Ubigi in Japan with no issue at all.

sigma · 2025-11-05T10:20:33+0000

E-sims are a thing but not usually a function on older phones.

Scania · 2025-11-05T15:12:41+0000

sigma said:
E-sims are a thing but not usually a function on older phones.

Hadn't appreciated this, just checked her phone (iPhone X) and it's not supported, so much for that idea!

Thanks anyway guys.

sigma · 2025-11-05T17:53:59+0000

Scania said:
Hadn't appreciated this, just checked her phone (iPhone X) and it's not supported, so much for that idea!

Thanks anyway guys.

Can you hotspot and let her use your data?

Scania · 2025-11-05T18:51:53+0000

sigma said:
Can you hotspot and let her use your data?

I've tried but for some reason my hotspot is greyed out and not available, no idea as to why?

radderfire · 2025-11-05T19:10:07+0000

Scania said:
I've tried but for some reason my hotspot is greyed out and not available, no idea as to why?

Do you have an active internet connection yourself when it's greyed out?

sigma · 2025-11-05T19:29:30+0000

Scania said:
I've tried but for some reason my hotspot is greyed out and not available, no idea as to why?

It might be disabled whilst roaming, if not, suggest looking online for answers. I know it won't work if connected to a WiFi network on my phone (but it pops up stating as such).

Scania · 2025-11-05T20:45:47+0000

sigma said:
It might be disabled whilst roaming, if not, suggest looking online for answers. I know it won't work if connected to a WiFi network on my phone (but it pops up stating as such).

Maybe because I'm roaming, I have a hotspot permanently on for her daughter when in the UK for her daughter and I haven't changed anything since we flew yesterday...

SeatIbiza · 2025-11-05T21:18:28+0000

E-sim in Thailand recently, although I had to get the shop to set it up - I think it was just buggy as they basically did what I did about 5 times and it suddenly worked!

john_smith · 2025-11-05T21:25:29+0000

I’ve used this company for trips to Copenhagen, Zadar and Budapest recently.

Very cheap and “just works”*

eSIM for travellers

Choose your destination, activate your eSIM in 3 minutes and use our data plans to avoid unexpected charges all over the world.

esim.sm

*except iPhone hotspot.