 Poster: A snowHead
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My O2 subscription contract includes Switzerland as part of its European cover.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| schnitzel_skier wrote: |
| Just double check your phone can really support eSIM - allegedly mine does (according to the specs (Galaxy S23 FE)) but when I attempted to install it, it totally screwed up and wouldn't recognise the existing physical UK SIM so I had to factory reset the phone. When I spoke to someone at Samsung, they then helpfully told me the UK version of my phone doesn't support it...?!?! |
Thats strange because my Samsung phone is older than yours, it's a S20+ 5g (SM-G968B/DS) and eSIMS are supported and work fine. I bought mine outright from Amazon, not on a contract so it's possible it's an EU model not UK but I've never noticed any difference.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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| schnitzel_skier wrote: |
| Just double check your phone can really support eSIM .. |
There are free eSIM services you could use to check that, if you aren't sure, eg Firsty Free which I've used.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| pateman99 wrote: |
| @oui4ski, you had me excited until I checked Tesco sim only deals. They all say free roaming only until late spring 2023. With 12 and 24 month contract. |
https://www.tescomobile.com/sim-only-products says no EU roaming fees until 2026 - so Tesco SIM still appears to be good!
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Esims are the way. Using Nomad esim in New Z. 10gig for 30 days for $10
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| JohnS4 wrote: |
| schnitzel_skier wrote: |
| Just double check your phone can really support eSIM - allegedly mine does (according to the specs (Galaxy S23 FE)) but when I attempted to install it, it totally screwed up and wouldn't recognise the existing physical UK SIM so I had to factory reset the phone. When I spoke to someone at Samsung, they then helpfully told me the UK version of my phone doesn't support it...?!?! |
Thats strange because my Samsung phone is older than yours, it's a S20+ 5g (SM-G968B/DS) and eSIMS are supported and work fine. I bought mine outright from Amazon, not on a contract so it's possible it's an EU model not UK but I've never noticed any difference. |
I'm on the same model and use both a physical SIM with my UK number, and an eSIM for my Austrian number. The one thing that annoys me is having to switch one off and the other on to flick between the two. The OH doesn't have to do this on her newer Samsung phone.
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Current versions of Android are seamless with multiple SIMS/eSIM mixes. You can set it to be automatic or to nag you or whatever.
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When I needed a sim card for UK and US, I used esimdb to find a cheap option. I plan on doing the same for Switzerland and half term.
I've tested these two and they worked well on an iphone 12
Gomoworld (nicer setup experience)
Esim4travel
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| oui4ski wrote: |
| pateman99 wrote: |
| @oui4ski, you had me excited until I checked Tesco sim only deals. They all say free roaming only until late spring 2023. With 12 and 24 month contract. |
https://www.tescomobile.com/sim-only-products says no EU roaming fees until 2026 - so Tesco SIM still appears to be good! |
It certainly seems to be and also includes Switzerland: LINK
So I'll add them to Virgin Media and the growing list of providers that I've been with and possibly should have left my rolling SIM contract with 
| phil_w wrote: |
| schnitzel_skier wrote: |
| Just double check your phone can really support eSIM .. |
There are free eSIM services you could use to check that, if you aren't sure, eg Firsty Free which I've used. |
Thanks for that link, @phil_w. I was pretty sure eSim wasn't an option for my budget smartphone (Motorola G7 Power) but will make it easier to check other devices in the future.
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I’ve been to Switzerland a few times and used this Switzerland eSIM. For just €9, you get 2GB of high-speed data. For me, it’s super convenient and affordable
Last edited by Ski the Net with snowHeads  on Tue 14-01-25 11:57; edited 1 time in total
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Another option is 1pmobile, who charge the same rates in Switzerland as if you were in the UK.
A prepay SIM is free: https://www.1pmobile.com/siminfo?simtype=STD
You pay 1p per MB of data or text or minute. Or there are various packages of data/minutes/texts. Or you can buy monthly 'boosts', such as £3 for 1 GB. No contracts.
There is a minimum spend of £10 every 60 days, so if you just wanted it for a few weeks overseas you would probably have to just close the account after each use.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Have used Airalo E sim in many countries across the world - always worked brilliantly and easy to use etc.
Feel free to use my referral code for £2.50 off - code: CATHER7194
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You know it makes sense.
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Sim cards and roaming seems to be a little bit "wild west" - I was in Andorra (not EU) in the summer and my Tesco PAYG SIM gave me "home from home". My Italian Vodafone PAYG SIM acted as if the credit was flowing down the drain - rapidly.
@oui4ski My Tesco deal is free roaming until 2026 as well.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Poster: A snowHead
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| Dippy wrote: |
Have used Airalo E sim in many countries across the world - always worked brilliantly and easy to use etc.
Feel free to use my referral code for £2.50 off - code: CATHER7194 |
Agreed. Airalo is great. Used in Israel, USA extensively, and the EU until I switched to iD Mobile which is £10pm and gives you EU Roaming.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I'm about to buy my own contract for the first time ever (work has always paid until now)
I've narrowed it down to:
1) 3 PAYG on a 100 or 200GB rolling deal, which includes 12 or 18GB of roaming almost everywhere I need (EU, Switzerland, USA, Oz, Singapore) for £13.50-£18/month
2) O2 ultimate with unlimited roaming pretty much everywhere, for £35/month.
Anyone else got any recommendations that include Switzerland (many EU roaming deals exclude CH) as well as USA, Oz and Asia?
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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I've got a SIM Only deal from TalkMobile which does include Switzerland at no extra charge, but their fair use roaming limit is only 5GB and you need a booster for USA, Oz, Asia etc
So, it doesn't seem like this will offer as much as you want or need. Coverage was good though if you decide to go with something cheaper.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@T Bar, I used a SimCorner card in Japan back in 2020 (before I had a phone that took eSIMs), and it was absolutely fine - no problems at all. Will be even better for you having the two SIM slots, as my phone only had one, so I had to swap them over to check if I'd received any calls/texts on my UK one!
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@GuyrillaMonsoon, thanks - yes, talkmobile and IdMobile have some great deals, but I calculated that I’d end up probably paying more in roaming charges. Some of the deals work out about a fiver a month for 100GB which is amazing value if you can handle the roaming limitations.
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FAQ
