Help understanding esim please

BFBW

jimi_man said:

BFBW said:

jimi_man said:

To the OP.

Now all the bickering has finished, Airolo are good. Not the cheapest as you saw but not exactly expensive. And probably the most convenient as you can sort it out before you go. The first time you set it up it’s a little convoluted but every other time after that it’s easy. Just follow the guide. I’ve been using them for a couple of years. Sure you could probably save a pound or two by searching through little local back street stores, or you could pay a little more and do this. Maybe you could supply them for your daughter as a present and set them up beforehand so you know she’s going to be in contact?

It seems that you might have missed the point that most every other option posted here can be sorted before they go anywhere. In addition, there are massive differences in the amounts of data offered. 10GB for £28 with Airalo or 50GB for £14 via trip.com? 
As an aside, neither would be my choice, as I posted better options on the first page.
To which back street stores are you referring?  I see lots of links for buying eSIM much cheaper than Airalo or AloSIM.
Another thing not mentioned, is that you need to register SIM/eSIM in Thailand with your passport details. This can be done online via the network portals. If not done, certain features will not be available. This is one reason why the eSIM you buy from the companies such as Airalo and AloSIM only mention data, as unregistered SIM won't have full function and may not be able to make outgoing calls nor send SMS. VoWiFi may also be disabled. Buying an eSIM directly from the network will ensure that the eSIM is fully functional, as you register the eSIM at the same time.

Sure. But the OP asked specifically about using and setting up Airalo. Not Alosim, Trip or anything else or even what’s the cheapest eSIM. Hence my answer which was based on experience of using Airalo. If they’d asked about the cheapest way to get a local eSIM then I’d have given a different answer. 

Actually she wrote that she was trying to work out what she could and couldn't do. 
So the explanation that both Airalo and AloSIM(As recommended by another poster) will not offer a full SIM service is relevant as is the explanation of why and how it could affect someone whilst travelling.
I'm guess that knowing these things might be considered more important than simply glossing over them as an inconvenient truth.
Daughter missing. Authorities can immediately identify and track mobile signal linked to her. With an third party data connection only, cannot. Just a simple but glaring example of doing things for convenience coming back to bite you.

jimi_man

BFBW said:

jimi_man said:

BFBW said:

jimi_man said:

To the OP.

Now all the bickering has finished, Airolo are good. Not the cheapest as you saw but not exactly expensive. And probably the most convenient as you can sort it out before you go. The first time you set it up it’s a little convoluted but every other time after that it’s easy. Just follow the guide. I’ve been using them for a couple of years. Sure you could probably save a pound or two by searching through little local back street stores, or you could pay a little more and do this. Maybe you could supply them for your daughter as a present and set them up beforehand so you know she’s going to be in contact?

It seems that you might have missed the point that most every other option posted here can be sorted before they go anywhere. In addition, there are massive differences in the amounts of data offered. 10GB for £28 with Airalo or 50GB for £14 via trip.com? 
As an aside, neither would be my choice, as I posted better options on the first page.
To which back street stores are you referring?  I see lots of links for buying eSIM much cheaper than Airalo or AloSIM.
Another thing not mentioned, is that you need to register SIM/eSIM in Thailand with your passport details. This can be done online via the network portals. If not done, certain features will not be available. This is one reason why the eSIM you buy from the companies such as Airalo and AloSIM only mention data, as unregistered SIM won't have full function and may not be able to make outgoing calls nor send SMS. VoWiFi may also be disabled. Buying an eSIM directly from the network will ensure that the eSIM is fully functional, as you register the eSIM at the same time.

Sure. But the OP asked specifically about using and setting up Airalo. Not Alosim, Trip or anything else or even what’s the cheapest eSIM. Hence my answer which was based on experience of using Airalo. If they’d asked about the cheapest way to get a local eSIM then I’d have given a different answer. 

Actually she wrote that she was trying to work out what she could and couldn't do. 
So the explanation that both Airalo and AloSIM(As recommended by another poster) will not offer a full SIM service is relevant as is the explanation of why and how it could affect someone whilst travelling.
I'm guess that knowing these things might be considered more important than simply glossing over them as an inconvenient truth.
Daughter missing. Authorities can immediately identify and track mobile signal linked to her. With an third party data connection only, cannot. Just a simple but glaring example of doing things for convenience coming back to bite you.

Ok I don't want to get into a bickering match here, but isn't that rather thinking the worst possible scenario with 'daughter missing'? Way to get the OP worried!

The second and rather important point is that what you've said is wrong. If the phone is connected to a mobile network (which it would be even if a data only Airalo esim) then cell triangulation can be done with the appropriate authority. It doesn't matter that it's an eSim -  it will connect through one of the local networks and therefore it will use the local cell towers and cell triangulation data can be obtained. Pinging can also be done.

Furthermore using apps like Apple Maps (OPs daughter has an iPhone) then often that location can be obtained and similar with other apps that use the phone's GPS signal, which can often be better than triangulation although not always in built up areas. 

Doshwaster

jimi_man said:

BFBW said:

jimi_man said:

BFBW said:

jimi_man said:

To the OP.

Now all the bickering has finished, Airolo are good. Not the cheapest as you saw but not exactly expensive. And probably the most convenient as you can sort it out before you go. The first time you set it up it’s a little convoluted but every other time after that it’s easy. Just follow the guide. I’ve been using them for a couple of years. Sure you could probably save a pound or two by searching through little local back street stores, or you could pay a little more and do this. Maybe you could supply them for your daughter as a present and set them up beforehand so you know she’s going to be in contact?

It seems that you might have missed the point that most every other option posted here can be sorted before they go anywhere. In addition, there are massive differences in the amounts of data offered. 10GB for £28 with Airalo or 50GB for £14 via trip.com? 
As an aside, neither would be my choice, as I posted better options on the first page.
To which back street stores are you referring?  I see lots of links for buying eSIM much cheaper than Airalo or AloSIM.
Another thing not mentioned, is that you need to register SIM/eSIM in Thailand with your passport details. This can be done online via the network portals. If not done, certain features will not be available. This is one reason why the eSIM you buy from the companies such as Airalo and AloSIM only mention data, as unregistered SIM won't have full function and may not be able to make outgoing calls nor send SMS. VoWiFi may also be disabled. Buying an eSIM directly from the network will ensure that the eSIM is fully functional, as you register the eSIM at the same time.

Sure. But the OP asked specifically about using and setting up Airalo. Not Alosim, Trip or anything else or even what’s the cheapest eSIM. Hence my answer which was based on experience of using Airalo. If they’d asked about the cheapest way to get a local eSIM then I’d have given a different answer. 

Actually she wrote that she was trying to work out what she could and couldn't do. 
So the explanation that both Airalo and AloSIM(As recommended by another poster) will not offer a full SIM service is relevant as is the explanation of why and how it could affect someone whilst travelling.
I'm guess that knowing these things might be considered more important than simply glossing over them as an inconvenient truth.
Daughter missing. Authorities can immediately identify and track mobile signal linked to her. With an third party data connection only, cannot. Just a simple but glaring example of doing things for convenience coming back to bite you.

Ok I don't want to get into a bickering match here, but isn't that rather thinking the worst possible scenario with 'daughter missing'? Way to get the OP worried!

The second and rather important point is that what you've said is wrong. If the phone is connected to a mobile network (which it would be even if a data only Airalo esim) then cell triangulation can be done with the appropriate authority. It doesn't matter that it's an eSim -  it will connect through one of the local networks and therefore it will use the local cell towers and cell triangulation data can be obtained. Pinging can also be done.

Furthermore using apps like Apple Maps (OPs daughter has an iPhone) then often that location can be obtained and similar with other apps that use the phone's GPS signal, which can often be better than triangulation although not always in built up areas. 

Always a good idea to setup location sharing in Google Maps (or whatever the Apple equivalent is) with a parent or trusted friend

BFBW

jimi_man said:

BFBW said:

jimi_man said:

BFBW said:

jimi_man said:

To the OP.

Now all the bickering has finished, Airolo are good. Not the cheapest as you saw but not exactly expensive. And probably the most convenient as you can sort it out before you go. The first time you set it up it’s a little convoluted but every other time after that it’s easy. Just follow the guide. I’ve been using them for a couple of years. Sure you could probably save a pound or two by searching through little local back street stores, or you could pay a little more and do this. Maybe you could supply them for your daughter as a present and set them up beforehand so you know she’s going to be in contact?

It seems that you might have missed the point that most every other option posted here can be sorted before they go anywhere. In addition, there are massive differences in the amounts of data offered. 10GB for £28 with Airalo or 50GB for £14 via trip.com? 
As an aside, neither would be my choice, as I posted better options on the first page.
To which back street stores are you referring?  I see lots of links for buying eSIM much cheaper than Airalo or AloSIM.
Another thing not mentioned, is that you need to register SIM/eSIM in Thailand with your passport details. This can be done online via the network portals. If not done, certain features will not be available. This is one reason why the eSIM you buy from the companies such as Airalo and AloSIM only mention data, as unregistered SIM won't have full function and may not be able to make outgoing calls nor send SMS. VoWiFi may also be disabled. Buying an eSIM directly from the network will ensure that the eSIM is fully functional, as you register the eSIM at the same time.

Sure. But the OP asked specifically about using and setting up Airalo. Not Alosim, Trip or anything else or even what’s the cheapest eSIM. Hence my answer which was based on experience of using Airalo. If they’d asked about the cheapest way to get a local eSIM then I’d have given a different answer. 

Actually she wrote that she was trying to work out what she could and couldn't do. 
So the explanation that both Airalo and AloSIM(As recommended by another poster) will not offer a full SIM service is relevant as is the explanation of why and how it could affect someone whilst travelling.
I'm guess that knowing these things might be considered more important than simply glossing over them as an inconvenient truth.
Daughter missing. Authorities can immediately identify and track mobile signal linked to her. With an third party data connection only, cannot. Just a simple but glaring example of doing things for convenience coming back to bite you.

Ok I don't want to get into a bickering match here, but isn't that rather thinking the worst possible scenario with 'daughter missing'? Way to get the OP worried!

The second and rather important point is that what you've said is wrong. If the phone is connected to a mobile network (which it would be even if a data only Airalo esim) then cell triangulation can be done with the appropriate authority. It doesn't matter that it's an eSim -  it will connect through one of the local networks and therefore it will use the local cell towers and cell triangulation data can be obtained. Pinging can also be done.

Furthermore using apps like Apple Maps (OPs daughter has an iPhone) then often that location can be obtained and similar with other apps that use the phone's GPS signal, which can often be better than triangulation although not always in built up areas. 

The eSIM is not registered to anyone. What number will be used to 'triangulate'?
Of course I am hypothesising with worst case scenarios. Why else do you think the OP is organising it all for her daughter?
To make sure that she can stay in contact at  ANY time. I would say safety trumps being able to do a one click convenience buy.
But it's not my daughter, so I don't have to be concerned other than that. My 'job' is to provide the information.

You couldn't refute any of my other points, such as no connection until she finds someone's else free WiFi signal to activate the eSIM.

No number, to be easily reachable in case of no or poor Internet coverage. No ability to send SMS in an emergency. No VoWiFi in the case of no mobile signal.

That's the point of us helping. To point out the caveats. 

The appropriate authority....who would that be then? What information would they have on the person? Have you ever visited Asia or are you basing your knowledge on what you have seen in fictional programs?

With a number, if the Internet is down, you can still speak to her. She can still send an alerting SMS to friends if no Internet coverage. So many scenarios, but you still choose to ignore them. I guess because it's not your daughter.
My choice for someone else would always be 'belt and braces'. Just like the advice here is to take more than one Travel card. I certainly wouldn't depend on a single mode of communication.
Would you send YOUR daughter off without making sure that she had adequate travel insurance?
If you answer is "of course not!", then it follows that you are making plans for worst case scenarios. So why not do the same for when it comes to communications?

You can call it bickering if you like, except when you are doing it. You could at least TRY to be respectful. The OP wanted to understand about eSIM. I am explaining, in detail.
eSIM from the likes of Airalo are not the same as getting it from O2, Vodafone, EE etc

jimi_man

BFBW said:

jimi_man said:

BFBW said:

jimi_man said:

BFBW said:

jimi_man said:

To the OP.

Now all the bickering has finished, Airolo are good. Not the cheapest as you saw but not exactly expensive. And probably the most convenient as you can sort it out before you go. The first time you set it up it’s a little convoluted but every other time after that it’s easy. Just follow the guide. I’ve been using them for a couple of years. Sure you could probably save a pound or two by searching through little local back street stores, or you could pay a little more and do this. Maybe you could supply them for your daughter as a present and set them up beforehand so you know she’s going to be in contact?

It seems that you might have missed the point that most every other option posted here can be sorted before they go anywhere. In addition, there are massive differences in the amounts of data offered. 10GB for £28 with Airalo or 50GB for £14 via trip.com? 
As an aside, neither would be my choice, as I posted better options on the first page.
To which back street stores are you referring?  I see lots of links for buying eSIM much cheaper than Airalo or AloSIM.
Another thing not mentioned, is that you need to register SIM/eSIM in Thailand with your passport details. This can be done online via the network portals. If not done, certain features will not be available. This is one reason why the eSIM you buy from the companies such as Airalo and AloSIM only mention data, as unregistered SIM won't have full function and may not be able to make outgoing calls nor send SMS. VoWiFi may also be disabled. Buying an eSIM directly from the network will ensure that the eSIM is fully functional, as you register the eSIM at the same time.

Sure. But the OP asked specifically about using and setting up Airalo. Not Alosim, Trip or anything else or even what’s the cheapest eSIM. Hence my answer which was based on experience of using Airalo. If they’d asked about the cheapest way to get a local eSIM then I’d have given a different answer. 

Actually she wrote that she was trying to work out what she could and couldn't do. 
So the explanation that both Airalo and AloSIM(As recommended by another poster) will not offer a full SIM service is relevant as is the explanation of why and how it could affect someone whilst travelling.
I'm guess that knowing these things might be considered more important than simply glossing over them as an inconvenient truth.
Daughter missing. Authorities can immediately identify and track mobile signal linked to her. With an third party data connection only, cannot. Just a simple but glaring example of doing things for convenience coming back to bite you.

Ok I don't want to get into a bickering match here, but isn't that rather thinking the worst possible scenario with 'daughter missing'? Way to get the OP worried!

The second and rather important point is that what you've said is wrong. If the phone is connected to a mobile network (which it would be even if a data only Airalo esim) then cell triangulation can be done with the appropriate authority. It doesn't matter that it's an eSim -  it will connect through one of the local networks and therefore it will use the local cell towers and cell triangulation data can be obtained. Pinging can also be done.

Furthermore using apps like Apple Maps (OPs daughter has an iPhone) then often that location can be obtained and similar with other apps that use the phone's GPS signal, which can often be better than triangulation although not always in built up areas. 

The eSIM is not registered to anyone. What number will be used to 'triangulate'?
Of course I am hypothesising with worst case scenarios. Why else do you think the OP is organising it all for her daughter?
To make sure that she can stay in contact at  ANY time. I would say safety trumps being able to do a one click convenience buy.
But it's not my daughter, so I don't have to be concerned other than that. My 'job' is to provide the information.

You couldn't refute any of my other points, such as no connection until she finds someone's else free WiFi signal to activate the eSIM.

No number, to be easily reachable in case of no or poor Internet coverage. No ability to send SMS in an emergency. No VoWiFi in the case of no mobile signal.

That's the point of us helping. To point out the caveats. 

The appropriate authority....who would that be then? What information would they have on the person? Have you ever visited Asia or are you basing your knowledge on what you have seen in fictional programs?

With a number, if the Internet is down, you can still speak to her. She can still send an alerting SMS to friends if no Internet coverage. So many scenarios, but you still choose to ignore them. I guess because it's not your daughter.
My choice for someone else would always be 'belt and braces'. Just like the advice here is to take more than one Travel card. I certainly wouldn't depend on a single mode of communication.
Would you send YOUR daughter off without making sure that she had adequate travel insurance?
If you answer is "of course not!", then it follows that you are making plans for worst case scenarios. So why not do the same for when it comes to communications?

You can call it bickering if you like, except when you are doing it. You could at least TRY to be respectful. The OP wanted to understand about eSIM. I am explaining, in detail.
eSIM from the likes of Airalo are not the same as getting it from O2, Vodafone, EE etc

Hi

To answer some of your queries:

The eSIM is not registered to anyone. What number will be used to 'triangulate'? - It's done using the IMSI - contained on the sim card (eSim or otherwise).

such as no connection until she finds someone's else free WiFi signal to activate the eSIM. - Not so, with Airalo (we've used it for Thailand and other places), it's activated at home then when you arrive at a place you switch data roaming on (for the eSim) and you're good to go. Even so, at Bangkok airport there is free wifi anyway - even if you forgot.

No number, to be easily reachable in case of no or poor Internet coverage. No ability to send SMS in an emergency. No VoWiFi in the case of no mobile signal. - Don't forget she'll still have her original sim which still works and can call/text etc. Obviously not cheap but we're only talking about emergency situations.

The appropriate authority....who would that be then? What information would they have on the person? Have you ever visited Asia or are you basing your knowledge on what you have seen in fictional programs? - Most countries can't just track your phone willy nilly as they have to go through the network companies. So they'd need the appropriate level of authorisation in order to do so, which is usually only given in various set circumstances. These vary around the world, obviously. And yes, I've been to Asia many times (Cambodia is the only place I haven't been yet. On the list though).

Lol, fictional programs are rather far from reality (full disclosure: I have been involved in tracking phones many times - I'm a recently retired detective in the police - both for high risk missing persons and for investigations).

In terms of a single mode of communication - as I said already it isn't, because she has her other sim card. Belt and braces is good - hence two sims. 

Tbh I though I was being respectful and polite, so my apologies if you thought I wasn't. 

Hope that helps you understand. It is a complicated subject. 

BFBW

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/jul/24/thailand-cambodia-border-clashes-live-soldiers-fire-at-each-other-along-disputed-border

Problem is escalating, I suggest having a fully registered SIM and to think about your point of entry.

BFBW

jimi_man said:

BFBW said:

jimi_man said:

BFBW said:

jimi_man said:

BFBW said:

jimi_man said:

To the OP.

Now all the bickering has finished, Airolo are good. Not the cheapest as you saw but not exactly expensive. And probably the most convenient as you can sort it out before you go. The first time you set it up it’s a little convoluted but every other time after that it’s easy. Just follow the guide. I’ve been using them for a couple of years. Sure you could probably save a pound or two by searching through little local back street stores, or you could pay a little more and do this. Maybe you could supply them for your daughter as a present and set them up beforehand so you know she’s going to be in contact?

It seems that you might have missed the point that most every other option posted here can be sorted before they go anywhere. In addition, there are massive differences in the amounts of data offered. 10GB for £28 with Airalo or 50GB for £14 via trip.com? 
As an aside, neither would be my choice, as I posted better options on the first page.
To which back street stores are you referring?  I see lots of links for buying eSIM much cheaper than Airalo or AloSIM.
Another thing not mentioned, is that you need to register SIM/eSIM in Thailand with your passport details. This can be done online via the network portals. If not done, certain features will not be available. This is one reason why the eSIM you buy from the companies such as Airalo and AloSIM only mention data, as unregistered SIM won't have full function and may not be able to make outgoing calls nor send SMS. VoWiFi may also be disabled. Buying an eSIM directly from the network will ensure that the eSIM is fully functional, as you register the eSIM at the same time.

Sure. But the OP asked specifically about using and setting up Airalo. Not Alosim, Trip or anything else or even what’s the cheapest eSIM. Hence my answer which was based on experience of using Airalo. If they’d asked about the cheapest way to get a local eSIM then I’d have given a different answer. 

Actually she wrote that she was trying to work out what she could and couldn't do. 
So the explanation that both Airalo and AloSIM(As recommended by another poster) will not offer a full SIM service is relevant as is the explanation of why and how it could affect someone whilst travelling.
I'm guess that knowing these things might be considered more important than simply glossing over them as an inconvenient truth.
Daughter missing. Authorities can immediately identify and track mobile signal linked to her. With an third party data connection only, cannot. Just a simple but glaring example of doing things for convenience coming back to bite you.

Ok I don't want to get into a bickering match here, but isn't that rather thinking the worst possible scenario with 'daughter missing'? Way to get the OP worried!

The second and rather important point is that what you've said is wrong. If the phone is connected to a mobile network (which it would be even if a data only Airalo esim) then cell triangulation can be done with the appropriate authority. It doesn't matter that it's an eSim -  it will connect through one of the local networks and therefore it will use the local cell towers and cell triangulation data can be obtained. Pinging can also be done.

Furthermore using apps like Apple Maps (OPs daughter has an iPhone) then often that location can be obtained and similar with other apps that use the phone's GPS signal, which can often be better than triangulation although not always in built up areas. 

The eSIM is not registered to anyone. What number will be used to 'triangulate'?
Of course I am hypothesising with worst case scenarios. Why else do you think the OP is organising it all for her daughter?
To make sure that she can stay in contact at  ANY time. I would say safety trumps being able to do a one click convenience buy.
But it's not my daughter, so I don't have to be concerned other than that. My 'job' is to provide the information.

You couldn't refute any of my other points, such as no connection until she finds someone's else free WiFi signal to activate the eSIM.

No number, to be easily reachable in case of no or poor Internet coverage. No ability to send SMS in an emergency. No VoWiFi in the case of no mobile signal.

That's the point of us helping. To point out the caveats. 

The appropriate authority....who would that be then? What information would they have on the person? Have you ever visited Asia or are you basing your knowledge on what you have seen in fictional programs?

With a number, if the Internet is down, you can still speak to her. She can still send an alerting SMS to friends if no Internet coverage. So many scenarios, but you still choose to ignore them. I guess because it's not your daughter.
My choice for someone else would always be 'belt and braces'. Just like the advice here is to take more than one Travel card. I certainly wouldn't depend on a single mode of communication.
Would you send YOUR daughter off without making sure that she had adequate travel insurance?
If you answer is "of course not!", then it follows that you are making plans for worst case scenarios. So why not do the same for when it comes to communications?

You can call it bickering if you like, except when you are doing it. You could at least TRY to be respectful. The OP wanted to understand about eSIM. I am explaining, in detail.
eSIM from the likes of Airalo are not the same as getting it from O2, Vodafone, EE etc

Hi

To answer some of your queries:

The eSIM is not registered to anyone. What number will be used to 'triangulate'? - It's done using the IMSI - contained on the sim card (eSim or otherwise).

such as no connection until she finds someone's else free WiFi signal to activate the eSIM. - Not so, with Airalo (we've used it for Thailand and other places), it's activated at home then when you arrive at a place you switch data roaming on (for the eSim) and you're good to go. Even so, at Bangkok airport there is free wifi anyway - even if you forgot.

No number, to be easily reachable in case of no or poor Internet coverage. No ability to send SMS in an emergency. No VoWiFi in the case of no mobile signal. - Don't forget she'll still have her original sim which still works and can call/text etc. Obviously not cheap but we're only talking about emergency situations.

The appropriate authority....who would that be then? What information would they have on the person? Have you ever visited Asia or are you basing your knowledge on what you have seen in fictional programs? - Most countries can't just track your phone willy nilly as they have to go through the network companies. So they'd need the appropriate level of authorisation in order to do so, which is usually only given in various set circumstances. These vary around the world, obviously. And yes, I've been to Asia many times (Cambodia is the only place I haven't been yet. On the list though).

Lol, fictional programs are rather far from reality (full disclosure: I have been involved in tracking phones many times - I'm a recently retired detective in the police - both for high risk missing persons and for investigations).

In terms of a single mode of communication - as I said already it isn't, because she has her other sim card. Belt and braces is good - hence two sims. 

Tbh I though I was being respectful and polite, so my apologies if you thought I wasn't. 

Hope that helps you understand. It is a complicated subject. 

Thanks, I understood.
So let's see how this works. Friend goes to the police to tell their friend is missing. What happens then?
How does anyone get this IMSI? So the friend tells the police to contact Airalo for the IMSI?

Lets look at the alternative scenario. Friend gives police the number, police contact network. Job done.

You were correct when you stated that you won't need a WiFi connection with Airalo eSIM:

Step 3: Activate Your eSIM

Your eSIM's activation policy tells you when its validity period will begin. There are two types of eSIM activation policies:

• eSIMs that activate when you connect to a supported network. Most eSIMs will activate when you turn on your eSIM line and connect to a supported network at your destination. Once you connect, your validity period will begin and you can start using your eSIM data.  
• eSIMs that activate upon installation. Some eSIMs will activate immediately upon installation – even if you haven't left home. For eSIMs that activate immediately, we recommend installing them just before you travel so you can make the most of your eSIM data.

Yes, she will have her original SIM for emergencies, but why not obtain a SIM that does it all in the first place?
This is the question. Why go for just convenience, when doing the thing properly costs less and gives you more?

Obtaining a local eSIM can also be done at home and set up before leaving. Why go for a option that gives you less?

I understand the wanting to get it set up before she leaves, but then you can do that with a local eSIM anyway.
So what's the point? I'm just not getting that part.


As a retired detective, you know that it gives you less options in an emergency. Again, you wouldn't send your daughter off without travel insurance, so don't brush it off as scaremongering. It's down to you to do your best to protect them.
Which is why I would not cut corners in this case. But to make sure they always have the best chance of survival.
I've said my piece. Everyone is free to choose their path.

jimi_man

Agreed. I’m sure the OP can make their own decisions. 

Just one point, whilst the IMSI can be used, as you say it’s more of a faff. Again don’t forget the original sim will still be connected to the network, just that data roaming won’t be on. So the friend can just give the original U.K. number. 

And looking at the news the problem has escalated even more. Think I’ll leave Cambodia for a bit. 

silvercar

Let's face it, in a real emergency you use your UK SIM and accept the costs!

I just load an eSIM from Airalo before travel and activate it on landing, by switching my data on to the eSIM only.

In normal situations, people who want to actually speak to me will call over WhatsApp.

This isn't the cheapest option, which would probably be to go to a side of the road stall and get an eSIM with local number once abroad. 

I suppose the third option is to buy an eSIM with a small amount of data for initial use and then buy a local SIM once you are abroad.

Doshwaster

silvercar said:

Let's face it, in a real emergency you use your UK SIM and accept the costs!

I just load an eSIM from Airalo before travel and activate it on landing, by switching my data on to the eSIM only.

In normal situations, people who want to actually speak to me will call over WhatsApp.

This isn't the cheapest option, which would probably be to go to a side of the road stall and get an eSIM with local number once abroad. 

I suppose the third option is to buy an eSIM with a small amount of data for initial use and then buy a local SIM once you are abroad.

That's what I do. On a short trip of a couple of weeks I will take convenience over cost.  The last time I landed in Bangkok I was able to setup the Airalo eSIM over the free airport wifi while waiting for my luggage to come around the belt.

One of the advantages of an eSIM is that your UK SIM still there for emergencies (and avoids the chance of losing it if you switch to a local SIM)