AlessandraZoe

Update from the OP:
Please know that we had had very good experiences with the Orange Sim (note-not the eSim) when we traveled to the UK and Ireland in 2018 and 2019. But things change, and I have decided not to use a physical Orange Sim or an eSim. I probably won't even add a data-only eSim (but the jury is out on that).

Why?

First and foremost: 2-Factor Authorization. It's a stolen identify world we now live in. I believe in two-factor (heck, I believe in three-factor) authorization. I've tested quite a few things out and done things to prevent a SIM switch (world's worst nightmare), and while I can do PUSH notifications, etc with certain bank/cc apps, others just will not handle it.
Yes, I could port my number or use an authentication app, but again, not everything works with those. I'd rather be able to leap on any financial glitches (and there are ALWAYS financial glitches in travel) with immediate contact by a recognized phone number. Once upon a time, the ability to do that was limited. That's not the case now.

Second: I don't have an iphone. Our daughter and son-in-laws* told us we were stupid not to "i-everything". Too late now--both my husband and I are deep into Samsung Android world. Yes, we can do What's App, etc, but it's just not the same.
*Note: Those same sons-in-laws have been having phone envy when they see me with my Samsung Fold 4. Ha!

Third: Verizon caught up with the rest of the world as far as international plans. Their new one includes unlimited data (high speed for 20GB for the month; unlimited 3GB after that), 250 minutes of call time; unlimited texts. There's also the Travel Pass alternative because I have 12 days of Travel Pass credits for my line.

Fourth: WiFi Availability with VPN capability.

Shall keep you posted on how we roll.
AZ

hustler16

Hey
I went on a Europe trip last month and someone suggested me getting a Holiday eSIM and I had a wonderful experience with it. It's so easy to activate and the connectivity is also too good. I bought 6GB data plan and it really worked well for me. I would definitely recommended it. Go for it without any hesitation!

AlessandraZoe

I just realized I never reported back on how everything went with our final decision.

Smoothly.

I did the Verizon International plans for BOTH phones (both Samsung Androids). Just made sure to restart in each country, England and Ireland. No blips whatsoever except when a cell tower was taken out in Killarney by a lightning storm. And our Irish guide's phone was equally impacted at the time. We never needed to add an additional eSim.

I was on the web constantly throughout the trip. My husband used hotel WiFi for his iPad and just accessed the web at will with his phone. We never got a "slowdown" from Verizon.

We scoured the bill afterwards and no surprise charges, which was a complaint we had a few years ago when my husband's office put him on a Verizon $10-a-day plan. In other words, what Verizon promised THIS time actually was what they delivered.

As to two-factor authorization, the reason why I decided to keep our domestic plan active internationally, I only needed to follow up once during the three weeks. So perhaps I could have forgone it. However I just asked my husband if he thought our $200 expenditure for the plans was worth it. Response: "Totally. We're at the time of life when we need fewer travel obstacles."

CJMik

We used the orange esim this past September in Italy. The setup instructions could use more clarity, especially concerning dialing and number formats in Europe. I was able to make and receive calls within and outside of the EU with no problems. SMS texting did not work for non EU numbers, even though the plan supposedly included 1000 of these. I'd probably use them the next time I go to Europe now that I know how to work it.

mobiletime

I read their FAQ and tried to email and call Orange for support and even chat with simoptions (customer service is horrendous). Not very helpful.

My goal is to top up. Simple.

But I have 2 major concerns since I am new to Orange.

1) Let's say I just purchased a 14 day 12 gb plan and activated it. Because I am staying a few months, I think about buying a 30 day plan. On day 10, I would like to add the plan. Would it erase the remaining days? If yes, then I would have to wait until day 13 to add?

2). Another issue is what if my 14 day 12gb plan runs out of data on day 10, can I top up, so I can get more data?

Anyone experienced these issues?

mobiletime

Surprisingly, Orange customer service emailed back.

The new credit is effective immediate thus erasing the remaining days. (Some providers stack them)

It means that if one runs out of data, then the new data will kick in.