Using an eSIM alongside a Smarty SIM

[DavidCr_1194286]

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?

[MSF]

@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]

Many thanks - most helpful. 

[Chalkychap · Accepted solution]

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]

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

[MichaelP_509453]

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

[Rebekah_150]

Hey  MichaelP_509453,

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

[MSF]

@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.