eSIM and iPhones

I think it depends on your phone rather than your carrier. The newer iphones allow for two e-sim and a regular sim card. In past years, I used use those paperclip things to remove my US sim card and put in one I bought in a train station in EU or via Amazon (from UK) in the US. But this last trip I used an e-sim - and never removed my US sim card at all - but with mixed results. You download their app, pay for a time period, and then its authorized in some way - which requires wifi. It seemed to work about 2/3 of the time in multiple countries.

There are a bunch of YT videos of various guys talking about some of the main companies which have these apps. I could mention them here is there are no objections but I am not sure I would guarantee great service. But on the other hand, the trip before last, I used my US plan and could not get reception half the time, and it was so bad, that i got my phone replaced in France (free of charge).

I don't know what the ideal solution is anymore.

What kind of iPhone do you have?

Older models (eg iPhone X) can't use eSims.

Try googling "is an iPhone [your phone model] compatible with eSIMs?"

What version of IPhone? Does it have an eSIM option? If so it's probably your carrier that won't allow it as your phone is probably locked.

https://support.apple.com/en-ie/118669

According to Apple iPhones starting with model XS are eSIM compatible. If your phone is carrier unlocked you should be able to use an eSIM. For the UK you can get one through GiffGaff. Download the app from the Apple App Store. Very easy to set up and get running. Look for a pay as you go plan.

Have a fun trip.

Unfortunately my AT&T plan is the problem. I have a different phone that is unlocked and eSIM compatible. I used airalo in Canada with success. I will try airalo for England since the AT&T plan is so so expensive. I can’t go without data because of my heart monitor. When I return I’m going to try again with AT&T to unlock the phone. Thanks everyone!!

If your phone is fully paid for you should be able to get ATT to unlock it.

The problem the OP is experiencing is exactly why I no longer obtain my phones through the cellular provider. Buying unlocked phones outright makes things so much easier for frequent overseas travelers.

Maybe the OP just got the phone? If the phone is new, it is usually locked for 60 days by the carrier.

Dennis

I had a TERRIBLE time getting AT&T to unlock my phone, after it was fully paid. You can't repay for your phone and get them to unlock it. Ask me how I know? I would start working on that right now if I were you.

I agree with jphbucks. Every few years I buy a 3 year-old used phone on Ebay. I make sure it's "Factory Unlocked". There are some phones listed which say "carrier unlocked". I presume that means it came from the carrier, and then the carrier unlocked it. Maybe I'm over-worrying, but I don't trust "carrier unlocked" Should I trust "carrier unlocked" ?

And as for unlocking, it varies w/ carrier, I think. I've read 30days and 60 days. Isn't there some new law about that?

When posters say they paid off their phone, isn't it a crazy high new-phone price if it came from the carrier? ?? I'm way too cheap to buy an $800 phone.

If you meet the requirements to unlock your phone file a FCC complaint and it will be directed to ATT upper management for resolution

. Link below on filing a complaint

https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=39744