Carrier Dual SIM options for a British expat/digital nomad?

[alexjholland]

Hey, I think I need a true dual SIM iPhone.

I'm British and have a UK-based business, but I spend most of my time travelling abroad - I'm a 'digital nomad'.

I need a constant UK phone number for things like 2FA-based banking authentication (yes, SMS-based 2FA is dumb but unavoidable) and subscribing to various services.

However, I also need a local data package in the various countries where I spend time (Bali, Australia, Thailand, Portugal etc.).

Here are two potential solutions, both of which have problems:

1. A true dual SIM iPhone from Hong Kong
I planned to pop to HK next time I was in Bali and buy one, but that could be a LONG time away. Bali and most SE Asian countries are closed-off until at least early 2020. I haven't even checked HK's entry rules because I'm not flying the whole way there and back to buy a phone.

2. An eSIM with my UK number.
This would work great. I could then pop in a local data SIM. I know digital nomads from other countries (eg. the Netherlands) who do this.

However, eSIM is currently useless for UK expats/digital nomads.

• No UK network offers eSIM for PAYG - they're ALL contracts-only.
• No UK contract allows data roaming for more than 60 days in one foreign country (No, Three don't offer it either).

O2 have said they plan to add a PAYG eSim option, which will be cool - but no sign yet!

HERE ARE MY QUESTIONS:

1. Where can I reliably buy a second-hand iPhone with TRUE dual SIM, in the UK?
   (eBay sucks as SO many people list iPhones with 'dual SIM' that are in fact eSim + physical SIM.)
2. Are there any UK eSim solutions that I haven't considered?
3. Do you think the new iPhones out next month will improve the situation?
4. Do you have any other bright ideas to give me a UK number and local data SIM?

I leave for Portugal in nine days and could do with a solution by then.

Cheers!

 

[alexjholland]

As a temporary measure, I could grab a portable hotspot and stick a Portuguese SIM card in it?

 

[alcorbet]

Hey Alex,

I can't answer all your questions, but I know for a fact that there is a prepaid eSIM option available on eSIM.net. You can get a pay as you go option for almost every country in the world or a global eSIM that works worldwide. As far as I know it remains active as long as it has data, so if you top up regularly you would be able to keep it for however long you want. Don't quote me on that though 😅

 

[ukms]

Hey, I think I need a true dual SIM iPhone.

I'm British and have a UK-based business, but I spend most of my time travelling abroad - I'm a 'digital nomad'.

I need a constant UK phone number for things like 2FA-based banking authentication (yes, SMS-based 2FA is dumb but unavoidable) and subscribing to various services.

However, I also need a local data package in the various countries where I spend time (Bali, Australia, Thailand, Portugal etc.).

Here are two potential solutions, both of which have problems:

1. A true dual SIM iPhone from Hong Kong
I planned to pop to HK next time I was in Bali and buy one, but that could be a LONG time away. Bali and most SE Asian countries are closed-off until at least early 2020. I haven't even checked HK's entry rules because I'm not flying the whole way there and back to buy a phone.

2. An eSIM with my UK number.
This would work great. I could then pop in a local data SIM. I know digital nomads from other countries (eg. the Netherlands) who do this.

However, eSIM is currently useless for UK expats/digital nomads.

• No UK network offers eSIM for PAYG - they're ALL contracts-only.
• No UK contract allows data roaming for more than 60 days in one foreign country (No, Three don't offer it either).

O2 have said they plan to add a PAYG eSim option, which will be cool - but no sign yet!

HERE ARE MY QUESTIONS:

1. Where can I reliably buy a second-hand iPhone with TRUE dual SIM, in the UK?
   (eBay sucks as SO many people list iPhones with 'dual SIM' that are in fact eSim + physical SIM.)
2. Are there any UK eSim solutions that I haven't considered?
3. Do you think the new iPhones out next month will improve the situation?
4. Do you have any other bright ideas to give me a UK number and local data SIM?

I leave for Portugal in nine days and could do with a solution by then.

Cheers!

I have a physical UK sim and a local e-sim this works well for me ..... if I travel and can’t have a local esim, I just pop out the UK sim and add the local temporarily ...... has worked well.

 

[alexjholland]

Hey Alex,

I can't answer all your questions, but I know for a fact that there is a prepaid eSIM option available on eSIM.net. You can get a pay as you go option for almost every country in the world or a global eSIM that works worldwide. As far as I know it remains active as long as it has data, so if you top up regularly you would be able to keep it for however long you want. Don't quote me on that though 😅

Cheers! I've seen this website around. It just... 'feels' a bit suspect.

'Global data' products are universally terrible in my experience.

You get given whatever network the company has signed an agreement with, who could be terrible.

And the basic business reality is that there will be a margin added, so I can't see why it would ever be as cheap as buying a local SIM.

Thanks though!
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I have a physical UK sim and a local e-sim this works well for me ..... if I travel and can’t have a local esim, I just pop out the UK sim and add the local temporarily ...... has worked well.

Yeah I've heard a few people doing this. However, I struggle to imagine I won't land in some countries and struggle to buy an eSIM solution at the airport.

It'd be great if this did work. I just suspect eSim isn't ubiquitous, yet.

 

[Allan in T.Dot]

Did anyone mention a VoIP instead?

Hey, I think I need a true dual SIM iPhone.

I'm British and have a UK-based business, but I spend most of my time travelling abroad - I'm a 'digital nomad'.

I need a constant UK phone number for things like 2FA-based banking authentication (yes, SMS-based 2FA is dumb but unavoidable) and subscribing to various services.

However, I also need a local data package in the various countries where I spend time (Bali, Australia, Thailand, Portugal etc.).

Here are two potential solutions, both of which have problems:

1. A true dual SIM iPhone from Hong Kong
I planned to pop to HK next time I was in Bali and buy one, but that could be a LONG time away. Bali and most SE Asian countries are closed-off until at least early 2020. I haven't even checked HK's entry rules because I'm not flying the whole way there and back to buy a phone.

2. An eSIM with my UK number.
This would work great. I could then pop in a local data SIM. I know digital nomads from other countries (eg. the Netherlands) who do this.

However, eSIM is currently useless for UK expats/digital nomads.

• No UK network offers eSIM for PAYG - they're ALL contracts-only.
• No UK contract allows data roaming for more than 60 days in one foreign country (No, Three don't offer it either).

O2 have said they plan to add a PAYG eSim option, which will be cool - but no sign yet!

HERE ARE MY QUESTIONS:

1. Where can I reliably buy a second-hand iPhone with TRUE dual SIM, in the UK?
   (eBay sucks as SO many people list iPhones with 'dual SIM' that are in fact eSim + physical SIM.)
2. Are there any UK eSim solutions that I haven't considered?
3. Do you think the new iPhones out next month will improve the situation?
4. Do you have any other bright ideas to give me a UK number and local data SIM?

I leave for Portugal in nine days and could do with a solution by then.

Cheers!

 

[alexjholland]

Did anyone mention a VoIP instead?

I've got plenty of VOIP apps... In fact I barely ever make a cellular call.

I need a UK phone number mainly for SMS-based authentication for banking apps.

Plus various services that require a UK number.

 

[Allan in T.Dot]

A lot of VoIP have SMS included in their services - at least here in Canada. You could have multiple numbers with associated SMS with different area codes on just on one device. Dual SIM will only get you 2 numbers when it sounds like you need multiple numbers. Plus, with a VoIP you don't need to take out the tray as it would just be software, and you wouldn't need to hit up a store.

I've got plenty of VOIP apps... In fact I barely ever make a cellular call.

I need a UK phone number mainly for SMS-based authentication for banking apps.

Plus various services that require a UK number.

 

[ukms]

But you need a local sim to get the data to use the voip (unless I’m missing something)

 

[alexjholland]

A lot of VoIP have SMS included in their services - at least here in Canada. You could have multiple numbers with associated SMS with different area codes on just on one device. Dual SIM will only get you 2 numbers when it sounds like you need multiple numbers. Plus, with a VoIP you don't need to take out the tray as it would just be software, and you wouldn't need to hit up a store.

I only need one phone number - my UK phone number.

All I need in other countries is data.

I figure I could maybe get a virtual SMS solution... But that feels a bit 'flaky' for important things like banking apps.

If it was offered by someone like Google, I'd be more confident.

Google Fi looks like it could be good, but it's US-only.

 

[Allan in T.Dot]

Oh IC. The problem is, I don't think you can get SMS without a voice number.

So you may as well find the cheapest data provider wherever you go.

Google Voice may work where you go but there are plenty other cheaper VoIP services that are available. Hangouts is also available to you but probably won't work for you.

 

[alexjholland]

Oh IC. The problem is, I don't think you can get SMS without a voice number.

So you may as well find the cheapest data provider wherever you go.

Google Voice may work where you go but there are plenty other cheaper VoIP services that are available. Hangouts is also available to you but probably won't work for you.

Umm. I don't mind having a voice number? That's fine. It might even (occasionally) be useful.

I just need a static and reliable UK phone number that can receive SMS messages... and - maybe - get calls. Could be useful for emergencies.

A UK Pay-As-You-Go service like the GiffGaff SIM I have is perfect... apart from the fact it doesn't work on eSIM.

 

[Allan in T.Dot]

Oh, and another option available to you when you travel: use a tablet. most iPads are dual SIM (eSIM and traditional). Create a hotspot for so your phone so it has data access while you are travelling instead of roaming.

 

[alexjholland]

Oh, and another option available to you when you travel: use a tablet. most iPads are dual SIM (eSIM and traditional). Create a hotspot for so your phone so it has data access while you are travelling instead of roaming.

I don't want to use a tablet, and my original post states that I need true dual SIM because eSIM isn't a good option for UK expats.

 

[HDFan]

I don't want to use a tablet, and my original post states that I need true dual SIM because eSIM isn't a good option for UK expats.

The Chinese iPhone has two nano-SIM slots.

Using Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards - Apple Support

In China mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao, certain iPhone models feature Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards. This gives you two phone numbers to make and receive calls and text messages.

support.apple.com

 

[alexjholland]

The Chinese iPhone has two nano-SIM slots.

Using Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards - Apple Support

In China mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao, certain iPhone models feature Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards. This gives you two phone numbers to make and receive calls and text messages.

support.apple.com

Yup! I mentioned the Hong Kong iPhone in my first post.

While the Chinese iPhone has two physical SIMs, it also comes with a list of limitations demanded by the CCP, including an alarm for low battery (which you can't turn off) and no Taiwanese flag. And I just don't want anything mandated by the CCP in my life. Especially not a smartphone.

For now, the HK iPhone inherits the true dual SIM feature from China, without any of the authoritarian demands.

Quite the metaphor!

Obviously this could all change, given that HK has now - sadly - fallen.

 

[Erehy Dobon]

Have you considered keeping your UK SIM and using a eSIM data service like My Truphone or Ubigi for your international travels?

You'll need to check their plans yourself to determine if there's a data package for you that makes sense (duration, data quantity, price) for each location.

I have used the My Truphone eSIM service in the past couple of years for my travels (typically 16-20 days each trip). Rather than running around looking for a cellphone shop (many are closed on Sundays in Europe) for a local SIM card, it's far more convenient to activate the plan with the iOS app while I'm waiting at the baggage carousel for my luggage.

Before that, I'd have to look for a cellular store, sometimes wait in line, bring my passport, and wait an hour or so for the SIM card to be provisioned after I left the store, etc. For my Japan trips, I'd buy a prepaid Softbank (I think) visitor SIM in the USA and go through the activation process once I landed in Japan. It required uploading a photo of my passport, punching in the name and address of my hotel and an interminable wait when I would rather just have dinner and go to bed after the long flight.

I'm okay with paying a few extra bucks for convenience as well as not fussing with SIM cards.

 

[alexjholland]

Have you considered keeping your UK SIM and using a eSIM data service like My Truphone or Ubigi for your international travels?

You'll need to check their plans yourself to determine if there's a data package for you that makes sense (duration, data quantity, price) for each location.

I have used the My Truphone eSIM service in the past couple of years for my travels (typically 16-20 days each trip). Rather than running around looking for a cellphone shop (many are closed on Sundays in Europe) for a local SIM card, it's far more convenient to activate the plan with the iOS app while I'm waiting at the baggage carousel for my luggage.

Before that, I'd have to look for a cellular store, sometimes wait in line, bring my passport, and wait an hour or so for the SIM card to be provisioned after I left the store, etc. For my Japan trips, I'd buy a prepaid Softbank (I think) visitor SIM in the USA and go through the activation process once I landed in Japan. It required uploading a photo of my passport, punching in the name and address of my hotel and an interminable wait when I would rather just have dinner and go to bed after the long flight.

I'm okay with paying a few extra bucks for convenience as well as not fussing with SIM cards.

Really interesting response.

I'd LOVE to activate data from my phone and not deal with 7/11 stores, little packets of plastic, and people reaching out to try and grab my phone to type in various codes (I HATE people touching my phone).

However, 'global SIM' options have a dismal reputation in the 'digital nomad' world.

They always market their products by comparing the rates to roaming with your provider back home, which is bizarre.

Compared to local data, they're usually horribly expensive.

I just checked on Truphone and they charge £42 for 3GB.

8GB of data with Telkomsel (Bali's main provider) costs $15.

Unfortunately, I suspect all global SIM solutions will suck for price - because they'll always want a margin.

 

[MrKennedy]

Why not carry a second phone? It's not ideal, but it sounds like there isn't an eSim solution that will work for your situation.

 

[Kcetech1]

I fought this battle as well, Canada instead of the UK. in the end I went away from Apple to a phone with dual physical SIM plus an e-sim. ( 3 has come in handy on occasion, business forwarded to SIM 1, Data in SIM2, el cheapo local number on e-sim if im there a few months )

 

[alexjholland]

Why not carry a second phone? It's not ideal, but it sounds like there isn't an eSim solution that will work for your situation.

My ideal solution exists - it's a Hong Kong iPhone.

It's just a pain to get to HK now that I'm in England and not Bali.

Ultimately, I may have to fly to HK and buy one... I'm just exploring alternatives.
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I fought this battle as well, Canada instead of the UK. in the end I went away from Apple to a phone with dual physical SIM plus an e-sim. ( 3 has come in handy on occasion, business forwarded to SIM 1, Data in SIM2, el cheapo local number on e-sim if im there a few months )

Hong Kong iPhone offers two physical SIM slots!

Looks like this may be my only option.

 

[fezzzer]

Would a cheap UK contract esim work? I know that no UK networks don’t offer a PAYG esim but if you can get a ‘sim only’ contract at say £10 per month which provides you with a UK number and use of the esim, it frees up the nano sim slot for your travels.

 

[nicho]

t also comes with a list of limitations demanded by the CCP, including an alarm for low battery (which you can't turn off)

I have to say this is one of the most ridiculous "reasons" I've ever seen for not getting an iPhone made for the China market... it's not even true. It has the same "low battery warning" popups as the rest of the world and nothing more.

Next people will be complaining about the different app closing animation as a reason not to get it.

 

[ian87w]

My ideal solution exists - it's a Hong Kong iPhone.

It's just a pain to get to HK now that I'm in England and not Bali.

Ultimately, I may have to fly to HK and buy one... I'm just exploring alternatives.
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Hong Kong iPhone offers two physical SIM slots!

Looks like this may be my only option.

Yup, your best bet is a HK iPhone.

Oh and just FYI if you’re traveling to Indonesia, our government implemented whitelist IMEI, so a foreign phone cannot use local carrier SIM unless you pay a tax to get it whitelisted. There’s supposed to be a grace period for tourists, but the details are murky. Right now the safest bet is to just roam using your country’s SIM, or get one of those international roaming SIM, or if you stop by Singapore to get their local SIM which can give you roaming data in many countries (Indonesia included). I know Starhub prepaid SIM can do this. Just FYI.

 

[MrKennedy]

My ideal solution exists - it's a Hong Kong iPhone.

It's just a pain to get to HK now that I'm in England and not Bali.

Ultimately, I may have to fly to HK and buy one... I'm just exploring alternatives.
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Hong Kong iPhone offers two physical SIM slots!

Looks like this may be my only option.

Just seems like a big hassle to secure a phone if you weren’t planning to be there in the first place. Good luck!