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DavidCr_1194286's avatar
DavidCr_1194286
SMARTY Pioneer
12-06-2024
Solved

Using an eSIM alongside a Smarty SIM

A bit of advice please.

I have an iPhone 12 Pro, that has eSIM capability,with a Smarty SIM  installed.   I plan to travel in Africa and intend to buy data for roaming via an Airolo eSIM package.

If Install the Airolo eSIM  (manually or via a QR Code) will it disconnect (temporarily or otherwise) the Smarty SIM or will I be able to select either of them depending on what I want to do?

  • Chalkychap's avatar
    12-06-2024

    The eSIM plans I've used in my iPhone 13, alongside my SMARTY SIM card, never disconnected or disabled my SMARTY SIM, DavidCr_1194286.  

    I used these data-only eSIM plans while travelling in Australia and the USA. As per recommendation by MSF, I turned OFF mobile data for my SMARTY SIM while roaming. 

7 Replies

  • MichaelP_509453's avatar
    MichaelP_509453
    SMARTY Rookie
    31-12-2024

    Can you have esim on smarty or do I change my plan 

     

    • MSF's avatar
      MSF
      SMARTY Guru
      31-12-2024

      MichaelP_509453  As advised by Rebekah_150 , smarty currently do not offer an Esim product.

      However, I cn confirm that you can certainly use an Esim alongside a Smarty physical sim in an iPhone. While travelling outside the EU, I purchased an Esim to provide data and the phone required me to choose which I'm was the primary for data and for calls.

      Overall, it worked very well and proved much cheaper than trying to pay for non EU Roaming charges via top-up.

    • Rebekah_150's avatar
      Rebekah_150
      Team SMARTY
      31-12-2024

      Hey  MichaelP_509453,

      We do not currently offer eSIM but it is something that we are looking into

  • Chalkychap's avatar
    Chalkychap
    SMARTY Trendsetter
    12-06-2024

    The eSIM plans I've used in my iPhone 13, alongside my SMARTY SIM card, never disconnected or disabled my SMARTY SIM, DavidCr_1194286.  

    I used these data-only eSIM plans while travelling in Australia and the USA. As per recommendation by MSF, I turned OFF mobile data for my SMARTY SIM while roaming. 

    • DavidCr_1194286's avatar
      DavidCr_1194286
      SMARTY Pioneer
      12-06-2024

      Thank you very much Chalkychap- all very helpful and reassuring!

  • MSF's avatar
    MSF
    SMARTY Guru
    12-06-2024

    DavidCr_1194286 I have recent experience of using an Airalo Esim in S. America. Once installed, you then alter your iPhone settings to switch off the Smarty sim selectively and make the Esim priority - certainly for data.

    It works out perhaps easier than you imagine and I was certainly pleased with the whole process.

    One hint - look at global, regional and country sims on Airalo to check which is cheaper for the data you need.

    • DavidCr_1194286's avatar
      DavidCr_1194286
      SMARTY Pioneer
      12-06-2024

      Many thanks - most helpful.