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E-sim questions

Posted by (Monterey County, CA (formerly Verbania Italy-Lago Maggiore)) on

Since we were in Europe last we have 2 year old iphones that I just noticed have E sims. Read through a lot of these posts but still not Crystal clear. Please confirm whether I’m understanding correctly.

We leave Monday for Scotland/England for 3 weeks then 2 days in Dublin. Would like ability to make/receive calls locally and use data, especially for google maps as we will have rental car. Also helpful apps while we hike Hadrian’s Wall for 4 days.
Have downloaded google maps in case we have no reception.

We have Xfinity Mobile for our cell plan (uses Verizon network). iPhone SE 2020 phones.

1) will get google voice number so we can call US if necessary. I think we can forward US number and texts? Friends and family will know to contact us on WhatsApp

2) can we purchase E-sim once we arrive in Edinburgh? We also want a UK number to call lodging, restaurants, etc, especially during our HW hike.

3) sounds like we need to contact xfinity mobile and make sure that xfinity turns off any international plan

4) how do we make sure the esim becomes the mobile plan, not Xfinity?
I’m very fuzzy on this step.
Read that Wifi calling needs to be on? is on now. But really we don’t care if we receive calls or texts from our xfinity number on phone.

  1. When coming home how do we get rid of Esim and get xfinity mobile back on.

I think I need a step by step tutorial. Or is it just easier to switch out the physical sim?

Posted by
612 posts

This can be an easy process or a complex one. If you want to make 100% sure that you never use your Xfinity plan then simply remove the Xfinity SIM card. However, this step is not necessary but requires adjustments in the cellular settings of your phone.

An eSim is not a physical card but rather a digital version of a regular sim. If your phone is eSim capable than an eSim plan can be purchased/downloaded anytime. It can be set to activate on the date of your arrival. Typically the company from which you purchase the plan provides step by step directions. Often you can locate a video online that shows the process. Depending on which provider and plan you use you may have great connectivity or one with issues.

When returning home you simply turn off the eSim in cellular settings. These steps vary by cell phone. If you choose to remove your Xfinity sim then remember to reinstall it upon arrival in your country of origin.

I’m not up to speed on google voice which I used a few years ago. WhatsApp is very easy to use however it requires that your contacts also have the app installed.

Posted by
1626 posts

Thanks. I think we will just swap out the physical SIM card. Less to worry and think about this week as we’ve done that before and worked great.

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