Hi all, I know there are many SIM card posts, but I don't see much regarding using the SIM for mostly map data and directions while driving between towns in the Republic and Northern Ireland. Does that work well there? I have an android phone.
I do have an EE SIM card from a 2019 trip the UK, and I understand that EE covers both NI and the Republic. Wondering if I can stop in an EE store near Belfast to top off or would it be simpler to just get a whole new SIM. Thanks for any advice.
You could get an eSIM data plan if you don't need the phone usage. It will give you the ability to use map data and directions and other apps on your phone. I bought one at Airalo for $15 - it covered 30 days and gave me 5Gb of data for Germany. They have many other options as well. It's very easy to use - there is no physical card and as long as your phone is unlocked and a newer model (from 2018 on), it will have eSIM capability. All you do is order the eSIM plan you want, they will email you a QR code and then you activate it on your phone. Very easy and works well. You can find some info here and there are other posts on the Technology Tips forum as well. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/tech-tips/buying-an-international-esim-data-plan-for-your-regular-phone-with-esim-no-more-burner-phones
You might not be able to used the old SIM anymore. They get deactivated after a period of dormancy.
I don’t know about EE, but my Vodafone Spain SIM/number would be completely deactivated after it’s dormant—not topped up—for 6 months.
The eSIM option looks great to me. I had no idea that this was a viable choice, looks like it's a great option for the 2020s! Also, it lthe Samsung S21 supports eSIM for USA Verizon phones. thanks for the info!
