Assistance with eSim

Candystore

Candystore

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I am considering using an eSim while traveling abroad (Europe), but am not familiar with it.

As far as I understand, I can convert my physical SIM to an eSIM on the same iPhone without removing my SIM. (FWIW, I have an Iphone 14.)

When I go to my settings, and select Add eSim, it wants to set up the service by "Transferring from nearby iPhone" or "Use QR Code".. Not sure what to pick and how to proceed? I do not have a QR Code and not sure what is meant by transferring from a nearby iPhone.

For more background, I intend using the Airalo app for purchasing data while traveling.
 
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Not sure on that
But why not just buy an eSIM in Europe that usually has great bundles for inside and throughout europe?
 
Candystore said:
I am considering using an eSim while traveling abroad (Europe), but am not familiar with it.

As far as I understand, I can convert my physical SIM to an eSIM on the same iPhone without removing my SIM. (FWIW, I have an Iphone 14.)

When I go to my settings, and select Add eSim, it wants to set up the service by "Transferring from nearby iPhone" or "Use QR Code".. Not sure what to pick and how to proceed? I do not have a QR Code and not sure what is meant by transferring from a nearby iPhone.

For more background, I intend using the Airalo app for purchasing data while traveling.
Click to expand...
Who is your Service Provider? (Voda, MTN, Telkom) - they all have slightly different ways of converting your physical to an eSim

That said, the advice above is the best route - don't convert your physical sim - purchase/activate an eSim in Europe. When you buy the eSim you'll be given a QR code to scan.

As an aside, I've never managed to successfully transfer an eSim from 1 phone to another - had to go into the store for it to be done (Telkom eSim which is my 2ndary sim on the phone)
 
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Candystore said:
I am considering using an eSim while traveling abroad (Europe), but am not familiar with it.
Click to expand...
It's great,but has some caveats
Candystore said:
As far as I understand, I can convert my physical SIM to an eSIM on the same iPhone without removing my SIM. (FWIW, I have an Iphone 14.)
Click to expand...
Not too sure about this,afaik it's entirely up to your provider
Candystore said:
When I go to my settings, and select Add eSim, it wants to set up the service by "Transferring from nearby iPhone" or "Use QR Code".. Not sure what to pick and how to proceed? I do not have a QR Code and not sure what is meant by transferring from a nearby iPhone.
Click to expand...
You'll get a QR to scan when you buy/activate your eSIM
Candystore said:
For more background, I intend using the Airalo app for purchasing data while traveling.
Click to expand...
Reportedly one of the best,but same caveat I mentioned earlier

What many of these eSIM providers don't tell you,and it's not all too well documented,is the Internet/App Restrictions of the eSIM provider's host country gets applied. I came to realize this when travelling through Asia and having the TikTok app specifically completely broken - even on Wifi or with a VPN (TikTok disabled access in HK after exiting the country). Only way to resolve is to "disable" the eSIM and reconnect to Wifi/VPN. Funny enough the Website works fine - just app was broken. Other than that it was great,activate eSIM before leaving,on landing enable/disable Airplane mode and you're online. I believe Airalo is also HK based
 
AfricanTech said:
Who is your Service Provider? (Voda, MTN, Telkom) - they all have slightly different ways of converting your physical to an eSim

That said, the advice above is best route - don't convert your physical sim - purchase/activate an eSim in Europe. When you buy the eSim you'll be given a QR code to scan.

As an aside, I've never managed to successfully transfer an eSim from 1 phone to another - had to go into the store for it to be done (Telkom eSim which is my 2ndary sim on the phone)
Click to expand...
eSim, none of the benefits of a normal sim card, but more issues.
 
DapperDanMan said:
Why wait? I mean, you can purchase it online before you leave and test it out locally to get it set up properly ...
Click to expand...

Depends on the provider. I know some of them have restrictions and conditions.
If he could then sure, makes sense.
I wouldnt convert my current sim, I would simply turn off the data, enable roam calling if he absolutely has to and then use WIFI which is prevalent in most places. The eSim can be used for local data and calling as needed when in europe
 
itareanlnotani said:
eSim, none of the benefits of a normal sim card, but more issues.
Click to expand...

Mine has worked pretty well, although to be fair I have not tried to transfer it etc
But it works well as a dual sim in my phone and because I only have one physical slot I really didnt have a choice
 
If you want to use it for travelling why on earth do you want to convert your physical SIM to eSim?

The whole idea is that you just get to the other country and not worry about an eSim and then either simply connect with one when in that country or go to a vendor and scan their QR for the configuration of one.
 
AfricanTech said:
Who is your Service Provider? (Voda, MTN, Telkom) - they all have slightly different ways of converting your physical to an eSim

That said, the advice above is the best route - don't convert your physical sim - purchase/activate an eSim in Europe. When you buy the eSim you'll be given a QR code to scan.

As an aside, I've never managed to successfully transfer an eSim from 1 phone to another - had to go into the store for it to be done (Telkom eSim which is my 2ndary sim on the phone)
Click to expand...
MTN
 
syntax said:
Not sure on that
But why not just buy an eSIM in Europe that usually has great bundles for inside and throughout europe?
Click to expand...
What is the difference between buying it here before leaving, and buying it in Europe once I am there?
 
Candystore said:
What is the difference between buying it here before leaving, and buying it in Europe once I am there?
Click to expand...

Possibly Activation.
Also if you are allowed to buy it outside the country and use it. I guess it would come down to the terms and conditions of the provider.
 
SauRoNZA said:
If you want to use it for travelling why on earth do you want to convert your physical SIM to eSim?

The whole idea is that you just get to the other country and not worry about an eSim and then either simply connect with one when in that country or go to a vendor and scan their QR for the configuration of one.
Click to expand...
I do not particularly want to do a conversion. I am just not familiar with the concept so have no idea :)

Are you saying (quoting you from your post above) that you can connect to an eSim without converting your SIM to an eSim?

I bought a package from Airalo (probably a hasty mistake on my side!!) )and they want to guide me through "installing an eSim", which is when I stopped to ask advice.
 
Candystore said:
I do not particularly want to do a conversion. I am just not familiar with the concept so have no idea :)

Are you saying (quoting you from your post above) that you can connect to an eSim without converting your SIM to an eSim?

I bought a package from Airalo (probably a hasty mistake on my side!!) )and they want to guide me through "installing an eSim", which is when I stopped to ask advice.
Click to expand...

I know for my O2 eSIM I had to buy a physical sim and then have it converted.
To be fair, I didnt research much and it was quick and easy so didnt bother to much with anything
 
Candystore said:
Are you saying (quoting you from your post above) that you can connect to an eSim without converting your SIM to an eSim?
Click to expand...

On your particular phone you have many options.

www.pcmag.com

Apple: iPhone 14 Supports Up to 8 eSIMs and Dual Active eSIMs

In a new support document, Apple lays out why the eSIM-only requirement for the US model iPhone 14 won't be a drag on international travelers.
www.pcmag.com www.pcmag.com

techcrunch.com

How to set up eSIM on your new iPhone 14 | TechCrunch

Apple has had support for eSIM since the iPhone Xs/XR, but this year it is going all in by ditching the physical SIM card slot for all iPhone 14 versions
techcrunch.com techcrunch.com
 
Candystore said:
I bought a package from Airalo (probably a hasty mistake on my side!!) )and they want to guide me through "installing an eSim", which is when I stopped to ask advice.
Click to expand...
You can switch between your SIM and an eSIM at will,just *generally* don't activate the package too long before you travel as the activation time starts your package duration. If you bought 7 days and you activate it 6 days before the trip it'll only work for a day after you leave :laugh:
 
Candystore said:
I do not particularly want to do a conversion. I am just not familiar with the concept so have no idea :)

Are you saying (quoting you from your post above) that you can connect to an eSim without converting your SIM to an eSim?

I bought a package from Airalo (probably a hasty mistake on my side!!) )and they want to guide me through "installing an eSim", which is when I stopped to ask advice.
Click to expand...

The eSIM is ‘just another simcard’ that you add to your phone. You don’t have to do anything to your existing physical simcard.
 
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