Do eSIMs provide any value when traveling abroad?

Further to "eSIM any drawbacks", if you need more than WhatsApp for person-to-person calling and texting, what value do eSIMs provide while you are traveling? So far, eSIMs are data only, so while it's possible to complement a TravelPass plan with an eSIM, what value does the eSIM add? Can it access 4G and 5G networks that TravelPass cannot? Does the eSIM access local networks while TravelPass uses distant ones?

Accepted answers

Verizon_Support

An eSIM can be beneficial when traveling long term and you want to use a local carrier instead of your home carrier. Here's a link from Apple which explains some of the benefits: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213448

~Jesse

All comments

Verizon_Support

~Jesse

joubert1

Hi Jesse @ Verizon,

Thanks for your answer and the informative link. It's difficult to get my head wrapped around eSIMs because carriers and MVNOs offer comprehensive [costly] roaming solutions including calling + texting + data solutions, while companies like Airalo offer inexpensive , data-only point products. Offerings may or may not include a new phone number which certainly complicates things. Then, we must compare these offerings with SIM cards which are country-specific, involve a new phone number, and can be cost-effective. Oh, and don't forget the plethora of data-only apps, e.g. - WhatsApp, and Wi-Fi Calling.

Best regards,

Jim

Verizon_Support

joubert1, if you turn your Roaming off while overseas or in another country, you will not be able to access that country's cellular network options and will not receive calls, texts, or be able to use data. Texts will fail to deliver and not be stored. Depending on your device, voicemails may also not be delivered (Apple operates its own Visual Voicemail, for example, and we don't control their voicemail system).

If you use an international SIM for that country, you'll need to get service with that international carrier for the stay.

TravelPass is designed for use for short trips, if staying longer, we recommend looking into one of our 30-day options, which can be reoccurring or one-time use. See our International options here: https://www.verizon.com/plans/international/international-travel/

-John

HowardInPA

I had similar questions on our recent trip abroad, I had never used an esim before, but had used Travelpass. Here is what I did and it worked good for me.

First, I went into my Verizon account and turned on Travelpass for International Calling. That way I couldn't accidentally incur a day of Travelpass when I didn't want it (I learned that the hard way...).

I got an eSim from Holafly, there are many vendors. It was easy to install. It cost me something like $25 for unlimited data for 7 days (in Ireland). There are many vendors and various combinations of data and days.

I kept the Verizon sim card active while the esim was active. That way I could receive and send Verizon text messages when on WiFi.

Otherwise for text messaging and a couple of phone calls I used Whatsapp. And I could use my phone for other stuff pretty much anywhere I went, it accessed data from whatever Ireland network was there.

joubert1

Hi @HowardInPA

Did you mean that you turned OFF your TravelPass?

I was told by Verizon that if I turned OFF TravelPass but kept my Verizon SIM installed, I would be charged Pay As You Go rates if I did anything that activated the SIM. With an eSIM installed, I can redirect data to the eSIM, but I believe that any calling or texting will incur PAYG rates. That includes local calling.

Is there any way to logically turn Verizon international plans on and off? I was told by Verizon that , once I am outside the U.S., I must REMOVE Verizon's SIM card in order to prevent activation of international plans. Ideally, I would like to be able to logically turn on TravelPass once a week to check texts and make calls to the U.S. and then turn it off.

I will be using WhatsApp, especially for local calling and texts. Crossing my fingers that touring companies, restaurants, etc. all have WhatsApp accounts.