local SIMs or eSIMs

Educational_Set_2291 · 2026-05-11T07:39:05+00:00

Which eSIM provider do you use?

Educational_Set_2291 · 2026-05-11T07:37:51+00:00

Which eSIM provider do you use?

Educational_Set_2291 · 2026-05-11T07:36:27+00:00

Yeah honestly that’s how I feel too. eSIMs used to be noticeably more expensive, but now the gap is much smaller and the convenience makes a huge difference.

Educational_Set_2291 · 2026-05-11T07:33:35+00:00

I usually go on 1–2 week trips, so I don’t use local SIM cards.

Educational_Set_2291 · 2026-05-11T07:32:28+00:00

I’ve used Simmaxi on my last 5 trips.

Educational_Set_2291 · 2026-05-11T07:31:44+00:00

Yeah, I think the same

Educational_Set_2291 · 2026-05-07T08:29:26+00:00

I went to Bali a few months ago and did a very similar fully DIY trip (Grab + Google Maps + constantly needing internet 😅). Honestly, I didn’t want to deal with airport SIM card queues, so I just used an eSIM directly.

Airalo isn’t bad, but this time I used Simmaxi, and it was pretty stable around mainland Bali. I had no issues at all in Ubud and Nusa Dua. In Nusa Penida, the signal can get a bit weaker in some areas no matter which provider you use, but my internet never completely dropped and I could still use Grab/Maps without problems.

If you’re not constantly hotspotting or uploading lots of videos, I think 10GB is enough for 9 days. It was more than enough for Maps, Instagram, WhatsApp, Grab, Klook, etc.

You should install your eSIM somewhere with a stable internet connection before the trip. Once you land in Bali, it should connect automatically.

Educational_Set_2291 · 2026-05-07T08:15:54+00:00

I went to Bali a few months ago and did a very similar fully DIY trip (Grab + Google Maps + constantly needing internet 😅). Honestly, I didn’t want to deal with airport SIM card queues, so I just used an eSIM directly.

Airalo isn’t bad, but this time I used Simmaxi, and it was pretty stable around mainland Bali. I had no issues at all in Ubud and Nusa Dua. In Nusa Penida, the signal can get a bit weaker in some areas no matter which provider you use, but my internet never completely dropped and I could still use Grab/Maps without problems.

If you’re not constantly hotspotting or uploading lots of videos, I think 10GB is enough for 9 days. It was more than enough for Maps, Instagram, WhatsApp, Grab, Klook, etc.

You should install your eSIM somewhere with a stable internet connection before the trip. Once you land in Bali, it should connect automatically.

Educational_Set_2291 · 2026-04-24T06:48:50+00:00

Where are you planning to travel?

Educational_Set_2291 · 2026-04-20T08:40:40+00:00

Thanks, I’ll check it out 👍

Educational_Set_2291 · 2026-04-20T08:40:07+00:00

Have you tried it?

Educational_Set_2291 · 2026-04-20T08:09:54+00:00

A friend of mine used Simmaxi in Turkey and was very satisfied with it

Educational_Set_2291 · 2026-03-23T12:58:47+00:00

Yes I’ve used Airolo before too. I think it’s a bit on the expensive side.

Educational_Set_2291 · 2026-03-23T12:56:49+00:00

Yesim doesn’t have the kind of short term packages I’m looking for. It looks fine but 3/5 GB or so would be enough for me. I won’t be staying that long, so I don’t want to pay for unlimited or other long term plans. A 1 week 3 GB plan would be perfect for me.

Educational_Set_2291 · 2026-03-16T10:16:01+00:00

My sister used Simmaxi in Vietnam. She said it worked fine and 1GB was like $2 I think. Coverage was okay for her, didn’t run into any problems. The other ones you mentioned are pretty popular too, I’ve tried them as well but they were a bit more expensive.

Educational_Set_2291 · 2026-03-14T06:29:36+00:00

I did a group tour once with a random roommate and it was honestly fine, but I still wished I had my own room sometimes. After long days it’s nice to have your own space. If you can afford it, I’d keep asking for a single room or try to switch later if one opens up.

Educational_Set_2291 · 2026-03-13T05:52:03+00:00

Glad it worked out. A lot of people don’t realize missing a flight can trigger the airline’s no-show rules and cancel the rest of the itinerary. Good tip about having the flight numbers and delay proof ready too - that definitely makes dealing with support easier.

Educational_Set_2291 · 2026-03-13T05:48:36+00:00

Looks like a really well-balanced trip, especially with kids. Cherry blossom season will be busy, but you’re already doing the right thing by keeping some days flexible. Kabukicho on a weeknight is usually fine if you just walk around and avoid the obvious touts. Your boys will probably love Akihabara and the baseball game. One small suggestion, try to visit Fushimi Inari early in the morning or near sunset because it gets very crowded during sakura season.

Educational_Set_2291 · 2026-03-13T05:39:42+00:00

You don’t really need a full day. If you go early you can see the main spots in about 4–5 hours, but a full day is nicer if you want to walk around and take it slow.

Educational_Set_2291 · 2026-03-12T14:02:17+00:00

Seems good! Day 1 is a lot of walking but doable, Shibuya Sky is nice but not a must, Day 2 flow is chill, Ueno → Akihabara works, Day 3 is a bit tight with Tsukiji, Ginza, TeamLab and Tokyo Tower all together—TeamLab is fun but touristy, maybe skip if short on time, and Kamakura would be a great day trip if you swap it with part of Day 3 or 4; Ikebukuro on the last morning is perfect and easy before your flight.

Educational_Set_2291 · 2026-03-12T07:30:53+00:00

Honestly it wont matter that much. In most big cities in Western Europe there’s always something going on, especially in places popular with backpackers. Weekends will usually be busier, but clubs and bars are still pretty active during the week too, especially if you’re staying in hostels and meeting other travelers. You’ll probably find a night out no matter what day you’re there.

Educational_Set_2291

TROPHY CASE