Travel sim or local PAYG sim for USA?

Marksfish

I have a dual sim and e sim compatible phone. Travelling (San Fran, Waikiki and Vegas) and i'm basically after data while away. I have looked at several travel e sim providers, which looks like a good option, or am I better off picking up a PAYG sim when I arrive?

heatherw_01

I always use a eSIM. My main sim in my phone and the eSIM in the eSIM slot. So I still get calls and messages, and use the eSIM for data.

I personally use aloSIM as they are good value for me, and there are always discount codes, but depending on your usage and how long you are there, you should shop around. You get a free eSIM and can top it up as much or as little as you want.

I haven't personally used PAYG sims overseas as I always use eSIMS, so maybe someone else can give their opinion of that.

QrizB

Last time I visited the US, I used an Airalo eSIM. Worked exactly as advertised.

Having looked in US stores for PAYG SIMs, the deals all seemed poor value compared to Airalo and similar.

LillythePink

The last time we were in the US, we bought a PAYG sim which worked well, however, this was before Esims were a thing and now, I wouldn't hesitate to use one of those in the US.

I use Airalo for use in Europe and once installed along with the app, you can top up to different countries when you need it

So if you travel around, this could be the answer as they do different packages for different countries

Marksfish

Thanks for the responses. Esim seems to be the way to go. I had been looking at a couple, but as people on here have already used Airalo, i'll give them a go. 👍

Marksfish

All bought and downloaded ready to go. Instructions say to toggle off sim 1, but I still want my UK sim to receive sms and voice calls. I presume when I get on the plane, I change the preferred sim from the UK sim and select the e-sim as connected (roaming is already on as it is included with my plan in other countries)?

With this, i'm presuming there is no way for data to accidentally be used from my main sim? Can you check the e-sim s working?

Thanks

Mark

TheShape

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81875577#Comment_81875577

The three times that I've used an eSIM (I used Airalo), I've done what you did above. All data use was through the eSIM.

I don't know whether having the eSIM set as the preferred SIM actually sets it as the only SIM that can be used for data, though. I'm wondering whether running out of data or having no connection for the eSIM would cause the phone to revert to using the other SIM.

I've not experienced that though.

Marksfish

Thanks for confirming.

dermino939

I’d suggest getting a Maaltalk eSIM before you fly. PAYG sims in the US are actually a bit of a pain to get now because of the weird ID requirements at stores and they often cost more with activation fees.

I used one for a trip to San Francisco and it was much easier just scanning a QR code the night before. You get data immediately when you touch down

Marksfish

I got an Airalo esim in the end. Installed via he app, which installed the wrong APN. A quick Whatsapp from the hotel, I was given the right info and away I went. Although 5G, it seemed a bit slow, but did what I needed it to do.