eSim recommendations for Hawaii?

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steve98

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#299137 14-Aug-2022 16:00

Heading to Hawaii in October for two weeks. It’s been a while since I last travelled overseas and I’m a bit out of the loop on using eSIM vs roaming, and googling it turns up an overwhelming number of results about companies I’ve never heard of. Any recommendations for data connections?

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#2954467 14-Aug-2022 16:17

Why do you need eSIM can't you just grab a SIM card at the airport or shop in town?

steve98

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#2954472 14-Aug-2022 16:39

Linux:

Why do you need eSIM can't you just grab a SIM card at the airport or shop in town?

Would rather have something organised before I get there so that I don’t have to make uninformed decisions on the spot.

Linux

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#2954480 14-Aug-2022 17:06

Getting a SIM.card in the US is almost as easy as buying a bar of chocolate

steve98

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#2954482 14-Aug-2022 17:11

Linux: Getting a SIM.card in the US is almost as easy as buying a bar of chocolate

I'm sure it is... and I'm sure there are plenty of options with differing coverage and plans... hence me asking for recommendations. Please no more nitpicking replies.

migrif

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#2954485 14-Aug-2022 17:31

I'm planning on using a T-Mobile eSim with my iPhone13 Pro when in the USA. I'm planning on setting up once I've landed.

I like the connivence of having the eSim's selectable. Previously I've had to carry a bunch of Simcards for travel.

https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/t-mobile-esim-app

https://prepaid.t-mobile.com/prepaid-plans

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Torque

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#2954487 14-Aug-2022 17:34

Just came back from HI, was using T-Mobile. No issues in HI, happy to say. If you need fast, free wifi in the downtown area go hang out in the Sheraton. No login or splash pages, very fast wifi!

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Linux

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#2954488 14-Aug-2022 17:38

steve98:
Linux: Getting a SIM.card in the US is almost as easy as buying a bar of chocolate

I'm sure it is... and I'm sure there are plenty of options with differing coverage and plans... hence me asking for recommendations. Please no more nitpicking replies.

Not nitpicking in anyway at all just stating a fact!

Hop off plane visit mobile store walk away 5 - 10 minutes later with a working phone

Title of the thread mentions eSIM when you don't actually need this you just need a local SIM card

unowho08

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#2954551 14-Aug-2022 20:00

What are your data requirements and what device(s) will you be using?

If you've got an iPhone, login to the App Store with a US App Store account (you can easily create one here if you don't already have one) before looking at the following options.

Here are some options:

If you have a 5G iPhone (US variant with Band 71), download the T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM app and create an account. T-Mobile Connect plans are here and T-Mobile Simply Prepaid plan are here. You'll be able to setup WiFi Calling and test the line before leaving NZ
If you have a 5G iPhone and want Verizon coverage with priority data, download the US Mobile app. Plans are here. Note that you have to be in the USA for the line to activate on Verizon's network before you can use it
If you don't have a 5G iPhone, but you do have an eSIM compatible phone whitelisted by AT&T, Red Pocket plans are here

boosacnoodle

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#2954683 15-Aug-2022 08:01

Highly recommend the T-Mobile eSIM.

steve98

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#2955147 16-Aug-2022 07:03

unowho08:

What are your data requirements and what device(s) will you be using?

If you've got an iPhone, login to the App Store with a US App Store account (you can easily create one here if you don't already have one) before looking at the following options.

Here are some options:

If you have a 5G iPhone (US variant with Band 71), download the T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM app and create an account. T-Mobile Connect plans are here and T-Mobile Simply Prepaid plan are here. You'll be able to setup WiFi Calling and test the line before leaving NZ
If you have a 5G iPhone and want Verizon coverage with priority data, download the US Mobile app. Plans are here. Note that you have to be in the USA for the line to activate on Verizon's network before you can use it
If you don't have a 5G iPhone, but you do have an eSIM compatible phone whitelisted by AT&T, Red Pocket plans are here

Thanks for this. I have an iPhone 11 which is eSIM compatible but not 5G -- are you saying that options 1 and 2 *require* 5G hardware?

steve2222

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#2955149 16-Aug-2022 07:09

What about:

https://nz.simcorner.com/collections/usa-canada-mexico-sim-card

NZ/OZ company so you get the SIM sent to you before you even leave NZ - freight free I believe.

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alsta

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#2955157 16-Aug-2022 08:07

Highly recommend airalo - used in Sth America last month, very slick and easy setup.

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johno1234

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#2955189 16-Aug-2022 09:41

Tried to "buy" the free eSim from t-mobile but find myself in a catch-22: need to "pay" for it either as guest or with a t-mobile account, but either way requires an existing USA phone number?

alsta

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#2955207 16-Aug-2022 10:01

definitely look at airalo then. its on the app store. Singapore based company. Pricing is fine - especially considering the convenience.

Just looking now - 5GB for 30 days for $16USD 10GB for 30days = $26USD

AT&T and T-Mobile LTE networks

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johno1234

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#2955209 16-Aug-2022 10:03

alsta:

definitely look at airalo then. its on the app store. Singapore based company. Pricing is fine - especially considering the convenience.

Just looking now - 5GB for 30 days for $16USD 10GB for 30days = $26USD

AT&T and T-Mobile LTE networks

That looks really good - but data only though?

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