Being a "somewhat youthful 80" I've still managed not to keep up with the latest technology. I have two questions:
Should I buy a separate eSIM plan for our cell phone data usage, or, T-Mobile's International Pass?
And, do I need a virtual private network to protect phone us from scammers?
If you have a suitable phone, an eSIM will likely save you money compared to your regular provider - for example: https://www.getnomad.app/united-kingdom-eSIM
A VPN won't protect you from scammers, but it will increase your privacy. The safest thing is not to use untrusted public Wifi or click on unsolicited links or texts.
I have an international plan on my phone, through Google Fi, but when I travel, I use a lot of data, so I get an eSIM for data only, set my phone so that calls and texts use my Google Fi SIM, and data uses the eSIM.
This way, I still have my usual phone number active for calls and texts, but save on data costs.
Not sure how T-Mobiles plans are structured, but you likely could do something similar.
A VPN is only valuable when using Wi-Fi, preventing others from seeing your data transferred, otherwise your phone is encrypted for internet use. A VPN also does not prevent you from clicking suspect links or make shady sites safe. Though many VPN providers do include some virus and safe search protection as part of the package.
I've still managed not to keep up with the latest technology.
I really respect that! Regarding Tmobile, it depends on what plan you have and what countries you plan to visit. The least expensive plans will not have international coverage, unless you buy an International Pass. If you have a more expensive plan, it will include unlimited texting and very cheap calling in 216 countries. It may give you high speed data in 11 countries, so you'd need to know if the countries you visit are in those 11. If not, then I believe the 30 day international pass is $50. That's more than most any esim plan. You can get data-only esims for $10 to $40 depending on the amount of data and what countries. But the convenience of just giving Tmobile $50 may be worth the money.
As mentioned, a cheap esim for data, and using your normal Tmobile plan for texting and calling (using Wifi calling), is a very popular strategy. You really do want your home number to stay active in case you need to make/receive calls to/from financial institutions, medical people, family emergency, etc...
Also note that you can't use an esim unless your phones are unlocked. If you got them from Tmobile, they may very well be locked to Tmo. Your local Tmobile shop could tell you, and possibly unlock them.
So first, I'd suggest looking at all the details of the Tmobile account you have.
Double check your T-Mobile plan. You may have international text and data included. I have a senior plan that does. Texts are free and I keep in contact with family/friends and hotels via text. Lots of data is included also. Even using my phone for map navigation while driving on most of a two month long trip I never had to pay extra for data. The only other things i used data for were parking/train/bus apps, museum guides, and sometimes google queries. I stopped automatic updates for any apps I wouldn't be using on the trip. I don't watch movies/tv or look at social media on my phone at any time. Phone calls are 25 cents a minute. I made one call during my trip to pay for a toll bridge crossing in a rental car. I waited for a good wifi connection to upload my photos. I think the eSim thing is driven mostly by Instagram/TikTok publishers and users. You will probably be better off sticking with T-Mobil. The simplicity of it is worth it even if there is a cost difference.
