SIM CARDs...forgot how to use!

EU rules require that a plan purchased in any EU country be usable in all others. However, if you have a problem in Germany with a Vodafone plan purchased in the Netherlands, Vodafone Germany won't help you. We're having this exact problem right now. Data hasn't been a problem, but calls don't go through. They went through fine in the Netherlands, but no longer.

Pfui. Vodafone won't get my business again.

I really only use an eSim for travel (usually Orange), and my process is very simple - load the eSIM before boarding the plane, once in flight (and in airplane mode) I turn OFF the normal ATT/Verizon/etc. SIM, and turn ON the travel eSIM. When I arrive in Europe - any country so far - even non EU (the Orange site lists the European countries it support which seems like ALL of them including the non-EU ones), I am fully on the eSIM and off my US carrier.

Orange, when it connects with whatever local carrier is available sends me a flurry of texts with my local (French) phone number and also urges me to register the number (I don't). I also generally turn on "data roaming" for the eSIM although I don't know what that helps with, but it seems like a reasonable thing to do :)

Generally, texting seems pretty straightforward - whether using wifi or cell data. I do usually switch to WhatsApp for communicating with my non-iPhone peeps. Otherwise, the texting doesn't seem to like photo attachments, while WhatsApp doesn't care as it is all data vs SMS or whatever.

I had that trouble with Orange, regarding a Spanish SIM, and I ended up being in France. The only way around anything was to get another SIM in France. Orange only seems to have 14 day SIMs, for the most part, but I am pretty sure my other half got one on Amazon to last a month, just lately. Unfortunately she is away, and I can't ask her! BTW, it hasn't worked very well since arriving in Europe the other day.

I'm unclear from on your question, but do you want to text the US from Europe using your US phone number? If so, I think the only option is to use the AT&T international pass of some sort. If you have an iPhone you might be able to use the iMessage function with a data SIM but someone with that type of phone would need to explain further (I am Android user).

Also, even if you get a physical SIM card, your AT&T phone has to be unlocked by the carrier in or any SIM (or eSIM) will not work in your phone at all. So check that out with AT&T before you go much farther with your option evaluation.

And if you do get a SIM that works for you, it is good back up plan to have the daily AT&T pass set up on your phone. You're only charged if you turn on your AT&T SIM and access data, call, or text.

For Spain and France, most EU SIM cards work across both countries due to EU roaming rules. Vodafone and Orange are good options. If you can’t find a 3-week card, consider getting two 14-day cards, or a 30-day one for simplicity, even if it's slightly more expensive. Use your AT&T eSIM for Wi-Fi calling and texting; just turn off data roaming to avoid charges. For the new physical SIM, set it as your default for calls, texts, and data. Activate the SIM before your trip, monitor your data, and use Wi-Fi when possible.

I am using tm sim if any body want to check this visit here: https://tmsimregistration.info/

Thank you for the advice. I have constant problems due to roaming...

Just to follow up, if you get an Orange SIM (for example), you can't renew it after 14 days, if you go from Spain to France. I tried. But you can use a French SIM in Spain or any other EU country and vice versa. You have to just suck it up, and splurge on another 14 day card. They may advertise 30 day ones, but those are incorrectly advertised. My other half discovered that one when in France, after having bought one on Amazon. So I would strongly advise seeing the Orange (or whomever) office in whatever city you land in, and get them to sort you. It shouldn't cost more than about $60 CAD (whatever that may be in USD or Euros). Still probably cheaper than roaming on your US plan.

There is SIM card validity, and useful calling and data time validity. Your card may expire in one month, two months or more, but your time and data on it only lasts 2 weeks or whatever. I like the idea of a physical SIM because I cannot go wrong selecting the wrong one, and possibly incurring accidental expensive roaming on my regular SIM.

I discovered also recently, when in the UK, that my Three Mobile SIM was only good for calls to other cell phones, not to land lines. So calling hotels is kind of difficult with that. I have no first hand knowledge of E Sims, but you should check that with them too. You can do VOIP calling through Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp though, so you can still call home through the SIM, if you don't want to just use hotel internet.

I am sorry if this is all obvious to you but it has been bit of a mine field for me over the years, and you have to read the fine print when you get your SIM, so you know where you can use it, and for how long. It is easy to get all mixed up, especially when you first arrive in Europe with jet lag etc. Good luck with it.

I discovered also recently, when in the UK, that my Three Mobile SIM was only good for calls to other cell phones, not to land lines.

Wow. Reposted for emphasis. I haven't heard of this happening before.

Go to a cell phone store in country. Talk to the clerk. They can help. If you buy a 14 day, just buy another one after you reach that time limit.
Don’t presume you can text home.

Traveltom.net.

Try that site for info.