Esim for abroad when on tesco contract..

[garjobo]

My 2nd thread, promise i won't make a habit of it, am very new to iphone and even my previous samsung was ancient - so a bit lost. Like most people I suppose I cant purchase the most expensive but equally not the cheapest options...middle to high in terms of adaper/travel charger etc

My question , which youtube has failed to answer surprisingly, esims.....

I am VERY keen for myself/daughter not to be overcharged when over briefly in America. I have no idea how it all works..roaming fees...i promise you i have tried to look it all up..and contiunue to try..people nowadays just expect you know have a foundation of basic mobile/social networking knowledge.

SO, we have an iphone 15 and a iphone 16 pro max. So, i am on tesco mobile contact...i did ask them and they couldnt advise re travel overseas.

So ...... do i simply download? an esim ( from somewhere? ) onto our phones...and ...'activate it' on the plane ( or in a hotspot/cafe in America ) and i wont be charged roaming fees? and do i turn off the 'tesco' sim...but then...my phone number wont work...so how do i use...whatapp to send a message/phone to UK?

My daughter likely use it all the time...perhaps in hotel...so...if she uses their free wifi...does that mean no charge at all? i'm worried i will come back to big charges. I wouldnt use much, but i know my daughter would during our visit.

Just very keen to somehow keep it very simple. I heard i go into T-Mobile in America perhaps..and pay 60dollers for some 'bytes' im really lost. Sorry for being the burden here, but any advice welcome.

I wont go into Apple pay ( for American tubes ) or even IPhone cloud which ive yet to work out..for extra storage for photos. I mean, i have 256gb ( i think ) with tesco...but if i am not using their sim..does that mean i lose the data whilst away, so how do i save photos etc?

Sorry again for the waffle.

 

[KevinJS]

No problem. Start as many threads as you like. That’s what the forum is here for. This one was held up automatically by the forum software, in case you were wondering why it wasn’t immediately visible. I cleared it and it’s good to go now.

 

[KevinJS]

I use FaceTime to call the UK. I’ve just downloaded WhatsApp after years of resisting any product that comes from Meta.

If I understand correctly, you can use hotel wifi to make free international using WhatsApp. Whether the other end can be an ordinary phone number or must also be a WhatsApp client, I haven’t discovered yet. To be on the safe side, turn off data roaming and, if you don’t have an American plan, turn off cellular too and stick to wifi only.

Don’t use wifi calling, because that will charge your regular telephone account as thought it’s an international call. It simply uses the internet to make a regular phone call.

 

[KevinJS]

As far as adding an eSIM goes, you will need an account with an American phone service provider. AT&T, Verizon and Bell spring to mind. There may be others. Virgin may operate in both countries. I wouldn’t know about that.

The provider should be able to help with installing and activating the eSIM: Settings/Cellular/Add eSIM

Once that’s done, you should be able to switch between providers.

 

[garjobo]

Thanks Kevin for both those replies. Ok, so important then to ensure always turned off for duration of trip Data Roaming. IF it's as simple as that - so i will never be charged - im happy enough.

Im certain my daughter would be walking about on her mobile..which is a worry...but so long as data roaming is off then no issue....i just need to find a provider regarding an esim ( ive heard of TMobile ).

So -to recap - in the hotel, abroad, using whatever 'free wifi' they have....we can use whatsapp, youtube...txt messages....edit photos etc...and will never be charged..other than whatever the cost of the esim.

 

[KevinJS]

Turning off data roaming will cover you as far as surprise data charges go. To ensure you don’t get charged for calls, turn on Airplane Mode and then turn wifi and Bluetooth back on again. Now your phone will only work when connected to a wifi device. With the phone set up that way, you can be sure that the wifi connection is picking up the tab.

 

[KevinJS]

If you have a US eSIM and switch to that account, you will attract international charges if you use telephony to call the UK. Come to think of it, your needs are probably met just using your UK account and wifi.

 

[KevinJS]

Having a US eSIM will only be of benefit to you if you are making calls within the US while you are not connected to wifi.

 

[KevinJS]

I keep data roaming turned off on my phone because it’s possible for me to be close enough to the US border (Alaska) to pick up a US provider.

Bear in mind that turning on airplane mode is another step to protecting your wallet. You need to do both things.

 

[garjobo]

yes, i had noted that from some youtubers regarding turning on airplane safe mode. Still a bit of a loss to be honest..but so long as i ensure roaming/airplane mode i wont get any charges once back home.

 

[KevinJS]

So long as your screen looks like mine does at top right, you’ll be golden. I’m currently on airplane mode with wifi and BT enabled.