Last time I was in Europe in fall of 2023 I could not use the FreeNow app because I did not have a phone number (I had Airalo data). They wanted to send a code I had to put in a app. I don't think I had used the FreeNow app since the Fall of 2022.
Has anyone had any luck making sure your Freenow app was up to date before you shut your data off for Europe. Then turning on Airalo and having the Freenow app work?
It's not a question of the app being up to date, it's just a question of being logged in. Just log into the app and it will ask for you to input the 2 factor authentication code from the SMS message. You can do this from the US before you depart, but why not just keep your US SIM in the phone and switch on roaming?
You can still use it to receive SMS messages at no cost, while using the eSIM for data. There's no need to remove or switch off your US SIM, and FreeNow doesn't need a UK number. To avoid roaming charges, don't answer voice calls to your number or send SMS messages, and make sure your phone is set to use the eSIM for data.
The Bolt rideshare app also requires text activation. I activated it while still in North America with my home cell number.
