Physical eSIM Adapter

• 

  Ynk on 11/01/2024 - 07:19

  +1

  Why do you need an eSIM? Why not just go for a dual SIM phone? The product you linked only seems useful if you really need an eSIM for travel or something but the cost is way higher than just paying the extra to go with a carrier that offers a physical SIM? I would also guess that you are relying on this company being around long term (I don't know anything about them) if they go out of business your "adapter" becomes useless.

  I would much rather put the $45+ towards a phone that suits my needs and removes a layer of hassle.

  • 

    movieman on 11/01/2024 - 08:08

    I also would much prefer a phone with esim capability, but am yet to find a good deal on one that has a good camera, and earphone jack.

    Good point - if this company stops existing, so will the ability to use their product. Thanks.

    Yes, mainly for travel. Usually we'll buy a travel sim, or a physical sim on landing, but in some places it really would've helped to have been able to land and get going (ie. India).

    • 

      Shadowsfury on 11/01/2024 - 09:05

      +1

      Not sure how far back you'd need to go but consider a couple of generation old flagship? Like a Pixel?

      Also you can get USB-C adapters for your 3.5mm headphones - if that helps at all

• 

  euroblue on 11/01/2024 - 07:19

  +1

  A cheaper option is 5ber. But I haven't tried it.

• 

  Colin2905 on 11/01/2024 - 08:11

  +2

  Seems to be a war of words going on between esim.me and 5ber. See https://www.reddit.com/r/eSIMs/comments/17nuhze/alternative_…

  I don't have either, but I have thought about getting one from esim.me to experiment with in my dual physical SIM Android phone (Oppo A74 5G). Express postage is a killer, so screw that. Even with standard postage, the Single 5 profile version (which is what I'd probably go with) still works out to around AUD $66. There's a spot for a discount coupon code, but I've yet to find one that actually works.

  • 

    movieman on 12/01/2024 - 19:16

    Wow, that's an interesting debacle…

    Will probably order the 5ber one, but am concerned about the $25 fee for a credit card charge back they're claiming applies, even for non delivery.

  • 

    illumination on 20/01/2024 - 18:53

    Lol the war of words is hilarious

• 

  samyall on 11/01/2024 - 08:52

  +4

  I think your requirement for a headphone jack will be killing your phone options.

  If it is absolutely non-negotiable then your best bet is probably the Pixel 5a.

  If you just want to use headphones occasionally, then I recommend buying a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter and use that. That would then open up a lot more options phone-wise. You can get a Pixel 6a which has an amazing camera for around $500 new or you could potentially get a used Pixel 6 Pro for that price with an even better camera.

  • 

    altomic on 11/01/2024 - 09:10

    +3

    Or just use Bluetooth headphones

  • 

    movieman on 12/01/2024 - 19:17

    The USB-C adapter sounds great. Thanks.

• 

  JimmyF on 11/01/2024 - 09:58

  +1

  I'm considering getting an esim adapter -

  Why!? Why not just get a physical sim and when you finally get the dream phone with esim, move over to an esim then.

  • 

    movieman on 12/01/2024 - 19:18

    Whilst traveling, it'd be great to have the flexibility an eSIM offers, hence it's been on my wishlist for a while now.

    • 

      JimmyF on 12/01/2024 - 19:23

      Like….?

      • 

        movieman on 13/01/2024 - 22:05

        Like being able to get connected with a sim - in India it was a struggle, and it didn't work in the end.

        With an esim we could've just bought a plan and continued…

• 

  ajutrecht on 14/01/2024 - 03:02

  +3

  I tried both esim.me and 5ber in my Oneplus Nord 3. Both cards / apps work well. The 5ber app and card feel a bit more 'buggy' than esim.me . When switching esims with 5ber I have to restart my phone as an error message appears. After restart the selected esim works fine. With Esim.me switching esims goes much smoother and doesn't require restarts. Cost wise, 5ber is the winner.

  Esim.me has a complicated cost structure. The cheapest variant is tied to the phone on which esim.me is installed. You can use the esim.me card with the chosen esim profile in another phone, but then you cannot use the esim.me app to manage the card and esims.You can choose more expensive variants where you can either switch esim.me between phones of the same brand, or use all smartphones. The 5ber card has the features of the most expensive esim.me variant as standard.

  • 

    movieman on 14/01/2024 - 15:43

    Thanks, yet I already decided and ordered the 5ber one.

    Good to know it'll likely be buggy, but at least the solution is to restart the phone.

  • 

    cheapass88 on 09/02/2024 - 15:14

    i'm trying to purchase 5ber now and i can't seem to make a payment.

    In terms of 5ber, is there an option to use 2 sims at a time? Or it's only 1 at a time?

• 

  wisdomtooth on 14/01/2025 - 16:06

  There are alternatives to eSIM.me and 5ber:
  https://esimcard.com/blog/info/esim-me-alternatives/

  I asked ChatGPT whether I should be concerned about eSIM.me's privacy policy:

  Here are some potential concerns or points to consider regarding this privacy policy:

  1. Extensive Data Collection:
  The policy mentions collecting a wide range of personal and device-related information, including geolocation, eSIM details, and even government ID. This could pose a risk to privacy if the data is not adequately protected.
  2. Third-Party Sharing:
  Although the policy states they only share data with trusted third parties, it depends on the third parties' own privacy practices, which may not be as stringent.
  3. Automatic Data Collection:
  The website and app automatically collect data, including IP address, location, and browsing activity. While this is common, it could lead to tracking concerns, especially if combined with other datasets.
  4. Broad Use of Data:
  Data can be used for marketing, targeted advertising, and other purposes. This could result in profiling and unsolicited communications.
  5. Retention Period:
  The policy does not specify clear retention periods for personal data, except to say it may be retained indefinitely for legal or business needs.
  6. International Data Transfers:
  If your data is transferred to other countries, it may not be protected by laws as strict as those in your country.
  7. Payment Processors:
  Payment details are handled by third-party processors. If these processors are breached, your financial information could be exposed.
  8. Opt-Out Difficulties:
  While you can object to processing or delete your data, the process might be cumbersome, and it does not stop the company from retaining some information as required by law.

  Recommendations:

  • Check Settings: Opt out of data collection or targeted advertising where possible.
  • Use Minimal Info: Provide only the information necessary for services.
  • Monitor Permissions: Be cautious of granting access to sensitive features like geolocation or contacts.
  • Research Third Parties: Investigate third-party payment processors and affiliates for their privacy practices.
  • Legal Frameworks: Verify compliance with GDPR, CCPA, or similar regulations, depending on your location.`

• 

  JsMIT on 15/01/2025 - 15:53

  +1

  I got a 5ber esim adaptor with a Roamless esim PAYE plan for world wide data and calls. Topped my Roamless account initially with US$50 and I've still got US$10 credit after going to Vietnam, UK, USA and Mexico over the last 9 months (use Wifi at hotel for big downloads). Roamless credit is non-expiry and works seamlessly when arriving at each of the country it covers just by switching on you phone when the plane lands. No need to muck around with getting a new esim plan every time you go to a different country. Just top up the credit when you are getting low.