[Alpgal]

3 July 2023 at 20:03:19 #830217

I am not a techy person, so I could use some help.

• After studying SIM cards, it seems that the eSIM is the way to go.
• I have an iphone SE (third generation) and it will accept an eSIM.
• Since we will be in Switzerland and France (and back and forth between the two), I think I’ll need a European SIM like the Orange European Holiday (20 GB) or Zen (8GB) SIM or a similar brand.
• We are traveling for 3 weeks and most eSIMs are valid for 14 days or 30 days. Do I purchase a 14 day SiM and top it up for another week or get the 30 day SIM?.
• Big question – how much data might I need? I’ll mostly be texting (and emailing maybe) and using a map app for navigation when walking or cycling. I’ll plan to use WIFI when available, but will need data for navigating and making some contacts while out and about.
• I am also confused about the activation of the eSIM. I know a QR code is emailed at the time of purchase, but can you “load” it at home and then activate it upon arrival in Europe – to best utilize the 14 or 30 days? Or is there just one step in the process? I guess I’m not understanding the exact process.
• Also, in my research on eSIMs, I learned that my current SIM card with my mobile number will still be valid with the eSIM. I won’t use it, but could someone call/text me from the US (not knowing that I am in Europe) and end up paying a lot of roaming charges just to leave a message?

Please give me some first hand advice on choosing the best eSIM for this trip. We leave on Sunday and are so excited!!

Thank you so much!

Alpgal

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[Anna]

Reply 1 of 6 • 4 July 2023 at 6:16:04 #956168

Hi Alpgal,

You might be able to find some answers here: http://www.myswissalps.com/simcard

I’m not familiar with eSIM but have done a bit of research as I’ll be using it for my upcoming travel. I’ll be using mainly WiFi during my trip but needed contingency for remote working so I purchased 2x 10-day eSIM package with 5GB data from Klook. With 5GB data, I think I would be able to browse the Internet for at least 36 hours, stream a few hundred songs and watch online movie up to 6 hours straight. This is fine with me.

To activate the eSIM on your iPhone you can check the tutorial from Apple Support here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5j7ILjx-BI

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Anna

[User]

Reply 2 of 6 • 4 July 2023 at 20:29:28 #956169

Hello!

we just returned from a 12 day trip to Germany, Switzerland and Italy. I used the AIRALO app. I am very incompetent when it comes to tech stuff, and I managed to figure it out. It is super easy to use, and they have video tutorials to help you install. You can use reference code CHAO0747 for $3 off your first purchase. BTW, I purchased the regional package with 3G, the. Topped it off with 1G when I ran out.

I am now using AIRALO in Taiwan.

[User]

Reply 3 of 6 • 5 July 2023 at 6:49:08 #956170

Thanks Curlyfur.

Hi Alpgal,

If the price difference is not too huge between the 14 days or 30 days, I’d go for the 30 day package. Just for an ease of mind whilst traveling, that’s for me anyway.

My understanding is that if someone in the US called you on your US number whilst you are in Europe, you would incur the charge if you picked up the call.

(Most likely you will find that Wi-Fi is readily accessible too whilst traveling in Switzerland).

Kind regards,

Yolanda

[Alpgal]

Reply 4 of 6 • 7 July 2023 at 5:30:12 #956171

Sorry it’s taken me a while to reply. We leave for Switzerland on Sunday and I’ve been quite overwhelmed with getting everything in place.

Thank you all for your responses. I found the perfect e-SIM on SimCorner, but it doesn’t include Switzerland. And the really great value SIM cards that do include Switzerland are sold out on the site. My understanding is that AIRALO SIMS include only data – no calls and texts.

I’ll probably have to purchase an Orange e-SIM which only has a 14 day validity, then pay more to top up for the third week. Is there any advantage to going to an Orange Store in Geneva (there’s one near our accommodation) and purchasing a SIM or e-SIM in person after arriving?

Thank you Anna for suggesting the Apple Support tutorial on e-SIMs. I must confess that I didn’t see anything on myswissalps.com about SIM cards or e-SIMs. I got the impression that the site mostly dealt with transportation, things to see and do, where to stay, etc. I’m still not sure where the info can be found about SIMs

Correct me here if I’m wrong, but it sounds like you can install an e-SIM at home and it will automatically “activate” when you reach your destination. And that’s when the period of validity starts, not when you install the e-SIM? Is that right?

I love being able to ask specific questions and have others respond. I just told someone today about your site since he and his wife are hoping to plan a trip to Switzerland in the near future. Thank you for all of your help!

[Anna]

Reply 5 of 6 • 7 July 2023 at 6:07:24 #956172

Hi Alpgal,

The information on this page did list e-SIM as option. You have to scroll all the way down 🙂

This is also my fist time using e-SIM. Once it’s installed, you can only start using it on the dates you purchased it for.

Hope all goes well. Safe trip and regards.

Anna

[Alpgal]

Reply 6 of 6 • 8 July 2023 at 15:21:29 #956173

Thank you again…heading out tomorrow and we are so excited!!