eSIM for travel to USA

Thanks for that Chattanoogan.

Yep, checked that out already, and whilst it's getting close...

• Most eSIMs for the US are 5G... T-Mobile LTE (which is not 'Advanced') is essentially 3G+, I've used it in the US before and it's painfully slow - most of my cellular use will be data, so a big downside.

• It's pretty expensive compared to 5G Data-only plans - not a deal breaker, though not great value with no 5G.

• It's very complicated to set up, most are pretty much plug-and-play...

Activate T-Mobile service

Simulators are available to show these steps!

1. 1. Download and install T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM app from the Apple App Store.
   2. Open the app and review the welcome screen.
   3. Select Get Started.
   4. Enter your email address and select Next. (If you already have T-Mobile, you'll need to use a different email address that's not used with a T-Mobile ID.)
   5. If prompted, choose Settings and enable Location Services for the app. Set it to While using the App.
   6. Enter the address for the primary place you'll use T-Mobile service, usually your home, and select Next.
   7. Make sure your address is correct on the pop-up, then select Confirm.
   8. Choose your prepaid plan, then select Next. (Choose See plan details for more information on the plans.)
   9. Review the Service terms, then select Accept if you agree.
   10. Enter your credit card information (including the CVC/CCC and billing zip code), then select Next.
   11. Review your order to make sure everything looks correct.
   12. Enter a new 6-15 digit PIN, confirm it, and select Submit.
   13. Wait while we set up your T-Mobile service.
   14. On the "Install Cellular Plan" screen, choose Continue to download and install your eSIM profile.
   15. select Add Cellular Plan.
   16. Label your cellular plans for easy identification and select Continue.
   17. Choose which line you want to use as your primary line, then select Continue.
   18. Once that's complete, the screen shows your new phone number and lets you view your receipt.
   19. If you want to use a phone number from another provider or from another line, contact us to get this started.

For more instructions on how to set up and use your eSIM line after the activation has completed, please visit https:

So thanks again, yes, you're right, but it's far from ideal... hoping for better data speed🤞 !

Thanks Eric.

I've trawled such links and websites till my head spins, with no joy - my needs of 30-day voice and data seems unavailable, though blogs say they are. I suspect click-bait...

Unfortunately cellular websites are quite opaque - T-Mobile being the worst.

I was hoping somebody may have already found a solution, as cellular plans added to bolt-on apps are so complicated!

I suspect Data calls will be the answer, FaceTime, WhatsApp etc...

In terms of ease of use, and customer ratings, I think I'll end up with the Airalo app, see attachments.

Thanks again!

Chattanoogan wrote:

eSIMs are now ubiquitous in the U.S. If a plan exists, it exists on eSIM.

Nope.

Below is what T-Mobile say about the plan you recommended. They don't even mention eSIMs..!

Anyway, I'll leave this post now as it's going nowhere.

Find answers to frequently asked questions.

Already have a prepaid SIM card and your own device?

Please call 1-844-740-2981 to activate your SIM on T-Mobile’s 4G LTE Network.

How do I bring my phone, tablet or hotspot to T-Mobile?

The steps are simple: 1) Select the right 3-in-1 SIM card for your GSM or LTE device. Phones require a 3-in-1 SIM Starter Kit. Tablets and hotspots require a 3-in-1 Data SIM Starter Kit. 2) Pick a plan. 3) Check out.

How do I activate my phone or device when my SIM card arrives?

When your SIM card arrives simply follow the manufacturer’s set-up procedure to insert the new card into your device. Then start using it. It’s that easy.

How do I know what kind of SIM card will work with my device?

The T-Mobile 3-in-1 SIM Starter Kit fits all GSM phones. The T-Mobile 3-in-1 Data SIM Starter Kit fits all compatible GSM and LTE tablets, hotspots and mobile internet devices.

How do I transfer my phone number to T-Mobile?

If you have your new device, or new SIM card for an existing device, then you can transfer or port your phone number in one of two ways: 1. Contact Customer Care: dial 611 from your T-Mobile phone or call 1-877-453-1304 2. Bring your device to a T-Mobile store. If you plan to purchase a new device or SIM card online, you will have the option to transfer your number during checkout. If you plan to purchase a new device or SIM card from a T-Mobile store, then you can transfer your number at the time of purchase.

Can I bring other devices like laptops or mobile hotspots to T-Mobile?

Yes, If your device has a cellular radio in it that is compatible with T-Mobile’s network, you can use it. Refer to the device manufacturer’s website for details. If you have questions, take your device to the nearest T-Mobile store and we’ll be happy to help you.

What happens if I deactivate service on my tablet?

If you deactivate your line altogether, you will no longer be connected to the T-Mobile network.

What is a SIM card? Do I really need a new one?

It stands for Subscriber Identity Module. Each SIM card has a unique serial number which needs to be activated before you can use it in a new device, but it’s super-fast and super easy. If you are bringing a device to T-Mobile that has been on another carrier’s network, you will need a new one that is specific to T-Mobile.

Is international roaming included in the free data?

Yes, international plans are available for an additional charge on the T-Mobile Prepaid and T-Mobile One Prepaid plans.

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Hi, they don't have one on their website without a contract - I've scoured it - it is horribly opaque.

As for asking them - even through the app - I'd have to make an international phone call, and wait in line for who knows how long, listening to Vivaldi.

Or, I can send a snail-mail letter to a P.O. Box in New Mexico...

I appreciate your suggestion, but it's sadly impractical 🥲

That's interesting - most of my time is spent in remote locations in the south west, which are way best served by T-Mobile, hence my preference for them.

What is their plan called, the one you asked them about? I honestly cannot find one on their website!!!

Thanks - I've chatted in-store about that product multiple times, in Indio, La Quinta and Falls Church amongst others.

I kept getting different answers (they are not the best-informed people in T-Mobile stores) and it's not suitable for various reasons I'm trying to recall...

• Nowhere does the product information mention eSIMs, just cards
• It may be 4G LTE or it may be 5G, the info mentions both, in-store they say 5G
• LTE is next to useless in edgy locations, I've tried it
• I think it's also a recurring plan

But the killer is the physical SIM.