Short duration, low cost eSIM
Check if your cell phone is capable of using eSIM before
purchasing eSIM:Dial *#06#
eSIM capable phone will show a 32-digit long EID number.
Your phone must be carrier unlocked.
With data-only eSIM, you can use WhatsApp, WeChat, Rakuten Viber, Fongo, Facebook Messenger, YouTube, iMessage, Facetime, Uber, Google email, Google Chat, Google Maps, etc.
You can make "phone calls" with data-only:
e.g. use "Rakuten Viber Out" to call landlines/mobile phones. It costs a few cents/minute.
e.g. For Canadians, use "Fongo" to make free calls to Canadian landlines/mobile.
Super important setup
Settings...Cellular....
Cellular Data Options Roaming Off
if you have more than 1 SIM profile:
Settings...Cellular...
SIMs section Primary....Data Roaming... Off (slider switch is grey out, see above picture)
https://roamesim.net/
At home, download and install FiRoam eSIM app.
FiRoam eSIM is suitable for short term, low cost applications.
For example, 1 GB 1 Day Europe 35 countries) eSIM costs < US $1
FiRoam Esim is ideal for mobile subscribers without mobile data but need occasional mobile data.
Caution: clock is based on GMT +8 as the beginning of a day.
(1) Purchase a eSIM using the FiRoam eSIM app (you need
Internet connection e.g. WiFi)
Your eSIM will show up in the "My eSIM" tab after successful
payment.
(2) Two conditions must be met for install/activation:
(A) Internet connection e.g. WiFi
(B) Destination cell signal. If you don't have
destination cell signal yet, you can still proceed with (1)
above.
Click the email link sent to you after your purchase, click Install
and Activate.
make sure "Roaming" is turned on for the travel eSIM.
Caution: FiRoam ESIM uses timezone GMT +8 (Hong Kong
time) as the start/end of day. This could be an issue with short
duration eSIM when activated in other timezones.
You can get burned if you are not aware of this timezone issue.
https://www.trip.com/
A huge selection of low cost eSIM under "Attractions and Tours"
For example, 1 GB 1 Day Europe eSIM costs < CAD $1
(1) Purchase a eSIM using TRIP.COM app or on desktop.
You will receive a email with a PDF file, where there is a QR
Code and a hot link (for iOS and for Android) to activate.
Another method is send the PDF with QR code to a traveling
companion's phone so you can scan his/her phone to activate at
destination with WiFi.
(2) At home with WiFi connection,
scan the QR code, or press the hot link in the email to start
activation.
After "activation" (actually it is just an install), the Roaming switch for the new line is default to OFF.
At your destination with local signal, the installed eSIM will
activate, make sure
roaming for that line is turned ON.
You can get burned if you are not aware of this timezone issue.
The graphics below shows an iPhone with 2 eSIM profiles.
Primary is your home carrier SIM or eSIM.
Secondary is your travel eSIM.
If you want to be safe from roaming charges by your home carrier, click the Primary line and turn "Data Roaming" to OFF
To use the purchased eSIM for data feed:
Tap the Secondary line...
Set the Data Roaming switch on (green)
