Latest on eSims in Portugal

See if there's anything that may help you here - https://prepaid-data-sim-card.fandom.com/wiki/Portugal

Personally, I don't do eSIMs because I choose to be with the telecom providers in the country I visit - that way if there are problems I can just pop into a storefront and get them resolved

Periscope,
The only eSim listed there is the one from MEO which is data only. I was aware of that one, but need to be able to make calls when out of wifi locations. I will keep an eye on the site to see if things change in the next month.
Seems I will most likely be sticking with a physical SIM card

Thanks

There's nothing sexy about eSIMs, physical SIMS have been around since the beginning and work just fine.

Periscope,
An advantage is the ability to retain my US number at the same time as the Portuguese number. I looked into replacing my existing US (Verizon) card with an eSim but was informed that the current Verizon eSim does not support their emerging 5G system very well.

But I agree with you that it is not worth jumping through hoops to get the eSim for Portugal. There is a Vodaphone store about a 15" walk from my AirBnB.

Much Regards,
Dennis

Although, if the Verizon eSIM works just fine on 4G, and it's only 5 or 10 bucks, why not make the change for the trip and switch back to your physical SIM if you need 5G, when you return.

Dennis, I am an eSim convert for several reasons - but you are right, the learning curve is real. I also like having a local number and not having to stay up with and change that physical sim - or spend my time at the airport getting a sim when I am tired. I will do it, but the eSim makes it all so much easier once the process before traveling is figured out.

Because I use an iPhone, I start with the [Apple support][1] page.

I then looked at the Vodaphone process (Chrome will translate) and put an eSim in my cart.
https://www.vodafone.pt/loja/cartoes-sim/vodafone/cartao-esim-gratis.html?i_id=destaque-tarifarios-esim-novos&segment=consumer&paymentType=pvp

From there it wants me to register - which is where you would buy your plan. I didn’t go this far (since I won’t be in Portugal any time soon) but it wouldn’t hurt to register and look at plans from there, I wouldn’t think. And getting the eSim is free as well.

In the past, I have used physical sims that gave me a certain amount of data (etc.) and I would have to go online to top up periodically (specifically T-Mobile in Croatia for a month) as opposed to buying a plan that only lasts a certain length of time. There was no “auto-renew” or regular monthly payment. Some people on the forum have this for a physical Vodaphone sim but I want it for an eSim!

Periscope,
I think all that switching undercuts the simplicity I am seeking in the first place. I will stay in contact with Verizon to see if they update their eSim for 5G. If that happens, it is well worth the hassle

Travelmom,
I explored the Vodaphone site previously. Their eSims are tied to a continuing plan. As I have only one planned trip this year, I do not want to have to remember to cancel the plan. I think the Travelers prepaid sim is going to be worth the walk after we get to our AirBnB and have our 1 hour post flight nap

Loved my e-sim experience (just last week)
BUT I had zero voice and no local number ; just data

Bought online ; zero hoops required lifetime access works throughout most Europe and can top it off when I need more data.

But my experience may not be what you want due to tee lack of voice.