Fellow travelers, I will visit Scotland, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland this summer for a total of 17 days. I have an Android (Google Pixel) and want an to get an eSIM that provides a phone#. I am between Orange Zen (15G, 14 days) or Airalo Discover+ (3G, 30 days). My intent is to use it mostly for data (maps, WhatsApp calls/texts [travel companion from another country, on a different data plan] when not on wifi, emails) and occasionally be able to make a local phone call to a hotel, restaurant, tour company or airline. How much data is enough? Both options have same approximate cost of $30. I will need it more probably towards the end of the trip (have a local friend the first half of the trip). Wonder if it is best to select Orange Zen and activate it by day#4 or have Airalo activated on day#1. I intend/hope to not use my US ph# at all. Thanks.
Posted by
MPLS, MN
392 posts
I have been getting the Orange 12 gb plan for my last few trips to Uk and Europe. Typically, I travel for 10 days. I go through approximately 6gb’s each trip. I use data for texts and a lot of maps as I hike a lot (even with maps downloaded offline). 3 gb’s may be okay but you may burn through that. I wouldn’t want to worry about conserving data on a trip. It’s better to not use it all than to run through it IMO.
I get my eSIM through ESIM through the marketplace Simoptions:
They have an O2 10 gb option for 30 days {calls and data} for $22. I have never used O2 so unsure if they are reliable. Maybe other posters can chime in.
Posted by
San Francisco area
1880 posts
There’s also lycamobile U.K.
[https://www.lycamobile.co.uk/en/bundles/sim-only-deals/#best-value
And Giffgaff has also been reported as offering eSIM
https://www.giffgaff.com/sim-only-deals/pay-as-you-go
Either one of those would give you a U.K. number which might be desirable.
Posted by
1 posts
For your trip to Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland, both eSIM options you mentioned sound good, but here are a few things to consider:
Data Usage: Based on your intended use (maps, WhatsApp calls/texts, emails), 3GB might be tight if you’re heavily relying on data for navigation and communication. If you expect more data usage towards the end of your trip, the 15GB with Orange Zen might be more comfortable.
Activation Timing: Since you have a local friend for the first half of your trip, activating Orange Zen on day 4 could be a good strategy. This way, you’ll have more data available when you’re on your own. However, remember to check if the activation process is straightforward and if you can manage without the eSIM for the first few days.
Local Calls: Both options allow for local calls, but make sure to verify if the Orange Zen plan covers all the countries you’re visiting. Some plans might have restrictions based on location.
Coverage: Check the coverage maps for both providers in the regions you’ll be traveling. You want to ensure you have strong signal strength in all the places you plan to visit.
Convenience: If you prefer not to worry about activation timing and want continuous coverage from day 1, Airalo might be simpler, even with the lower data limit.
Alternatively, you could consider BetterRoaming for your eSIM needs. They offer flexible plans that could fit your travel schedule and data requirements, often with good coverage and competitive pricing.
Hope this helps, and have an amazing trip!
Posted by
SoCal
890 posts
The Orange plans are convenient, but one pays a pretty substantial premium relative to plans secured in the location you arrive at.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2575 posts
Did you look at Google Fi e-sim options? That's what I have used in UK/Netherlands/Belgium and in Turkey without trouble. The plan I have (flexible) is a monthly rate and you pay as you go for data up to a threshold. I think on both trips I managed to use less than 2 GB of data total. You do have to activate it a few weeks to a month ahead of your trip (do a search in the forum for discussions on the topic).
Posted by
SoCal
890 posts
Google Fi data in Europe appears to cost $10/GB, which is a lot spendier than other providers one can find in Europe. It may work well for some people, though.