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Using eSIMs with devices that only have a physical SIM slot via a 9eSIM SIM car

neilzone.co.uk

131–140 of 244 posts

Re: Using eSIMs with devices that only have a physical SIM slot via a 9eSIM SIM car

#132

Does anyone have any resources which explain why eSIMs tunnel your network traffic to the provider? My mental model for old fashioned physical SIMs is that they would roam on the network you're visiting. ie, a Chinese physical SIM on a US network would show up from the US network, and would otherwise be normal except that the phone and network traffic would be very expensive. My understanding of eSIMs is that they ac…

Routing data back to the home network is how it can get counted and charged for.

The host roaming network is just selling in bulk, but does not own the customer.

Re: Using eSIMs with devices that only have a physical SIM slot via a 9eSIM SIM car

#133
post #121
post #87

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What country is this, if you mind sharing? I've never encountered any of these problems. I've received almost all my eSIMs as a QR code, and the ones that did offer app-based installation (which is convenient if it works, but ultimately not more than that) have a QR code for fallback. > only allowing so many changes per month That I have actually encountered. I've seen one (fortunately only when traveling) that actua…

Happens with Thai eSIM as well. They have great roaming deals so I like having its eSIM always installed, but if I change iPhone I have to visit a store Thailand. Fantastic. I ended up switching it for a physical SIM card.

If the eSIM is registered, you can also reissue a Thai eSIM online.

Re: Using eSIMs with devices that only have a physical SIM slot via a 9eSIM SIM car

#134

Previously, https://www.androidauthority.com/esim-adapter-android-phone-... said "While there are other eSIM adapters, the JMP adapter is the only one that doesn’t use a proprietary, closed source app." Is that still true, or is this one now a second FOSS option?

I have not been able to find the source for the 9esim app, but it is derived from the code for the JMP app so they are pretty similar I think.

Re: Using eSIMs with devices that only have a physical SIM slot via a 9eSIM SIM car

#136

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Thank you! I came to the comments to find the most open version of this. Unfortunately, the JMP eSIM's order form is broken so I cannot purchase their device (it never asks for city/state and then the order form errors out with "City or state/province not specified")

It seems that bringing up the city/state box after you enter zip code is being slow right now. if you wait a bit do they show up for you after entering zip code?

You're right! It took 7 minutes according to chrome dev tools but the state and city did eventually show up. Then my credit card's fraud protection declined the order so I had to go back and watch the spinner spin for another 5.2 minutes but I eventually was able to purchase one.

Re: Using eSIMs with devices that only have a physical SIM slot via a 9eSIM SIM car

#138
post #2

I like the initiative and I’m not against experimenting, it’s fun. But why would you ever want an eSIM in a SIM device, I’d assume it’s more often the other way around

Because you can buy cheap short term data plans in most countries online. Getting a physical prepaid SIM is often a pain, especially in places like the US.

Re: Using eSIMs with devices that only have a physical SIM slot via a 9eSIM SIM car

#139
post #87

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What country is this, if you mind sharing? I've never encountered any of these problems. I've received almost all my eSIMs as a QR code, and the ones that did offer app-based installation (which is convenient if it works, but ultimately not more than that) have a QR code for fallback. > only allowing so many changes per month That I have actually encountered. I've seen one (fortunately only when traveling) that actua…

This was in Holland, one of the MVNOs. They had a crappy app and it would generate a different QR code every time (so they were not reusable). And a lot of operators have restrictions on phones. Imported phones are often blocked (and also not given access to VoLTE). For me it is a big deal if it charges "sim fees". I do swap my sims very regularly. For testing, or to put one in my tablet when I travel. I just want to…

Most eSIMs are not reusable; that's just standard, not a weird restriction.

Re: Using eSIMs with devices that only have a physical SIM slot via a 9eSIM SIM car

#140
Tangentially related - I recently got the holy grail of eSIM travel router setup:

- GLiNet Mudi v2: https://store.gl-inet.com/products/mudi-v2-portable-4g-lte-r...

- EIOT Physical eSim https://store.gl-inet.com/products/esim-experience-seamless-...

- 20GB Worldwide Airalo for 365 days ($69): https://www.airalo.com/global-esim/discover-365days-20gb

Buy the airalo esim on my iphone. Download the QR code. Upload it to the mudi router. Activate it there. Voila! I then wireguard back to my home internet in case I need a US on the router. Can also use tailscale, but if my gf wants US internet its helpful.

https://docs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/tutorials/how_to_set_up...

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