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I typically just use my carrier's daily international plan and usually only use it on arrival and departures days with the other days using wifi on ship or at the hotel. I was thinking of using Saily for our upcoming trip since we have multiple days on our own and would use it for uber, City Mapper... Has anyone used this app before?
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We buy a one month international plan from Verizon for both our phones. It allows for 24 hour communications from our kids and grandkids in the US in case of emergency. Also allows us to communicate with each other if needed. A small cost considering the price of the trip and airfare.
WhatsApp is free for phone calls and messaging. It is also super easy to send photos
I agree with British about WhatsApp, but you have to let people know to contact you on WhatsApp instead of doing the usual USA thing. The advantage of those carrier plans is that you appear the same as when you're in the US. If anyone calls you on your cell phone number, it rings your phone no matter where you are (and what time:-)). If they send you a text, you get it just as if you were home.
I do the carrier plan because of that but use WhatsApp to communicate with the TD. The TD's use WhatsApp for communicating with the guests because not everyone will have a carrier plan but almost everyone will have a data plan.
[Getting an eSIM from the country you're going to is about the same as WhatsApp. You have to let people know your new number to call or text you. Just as well use WhatsApp. And WhatsApp is free.]
It's apples and oranges. they're different layers
WhatsApp is an app , WiFi /eSIM/verison/ATT the network connection that gets you online
If you're going to use WhatsApp, the assumption is that you will have Internet access in some way. Perhaps at the hotel, ship, or sometimes even on the bus. Then, WhatsApp gives you voice and text communications.
If you want data access anywhere, even when you don't have WiFi access, then you need an eSIM or carrier plan.
I've used Saily in the past. Very easy setup and no issues. For my last trip (France), it was $12 for 3GB, good for a month. Other plans (duration and data amount) are available. Note that this is a data plan only. Calls and standard SMS will work using your hotel's wifi over your home plan. You can use the Saily data plan for whatapp calling and texting, but only if the party on the other end has a whatapp accopunt.
Since my last trip, I've switched to a new Xfinity Mobile plan (which uses Verizon's network in the US). which includes unlimited calling/text/data, plus international at no extra charge. It's $30/mo if you have Xfinity for internet, otherwise $40/mo. I'll be using it in Europe in about a month for the first time. Domestic service has been problem-free.
Using Saily in UK right now. No issues. Unlike some esims, you only install the Sim once. Next trip just buy a new plan and you're good to go. No need to reinstall each time.
BKMD, I have the same plan and have had no issues when traveling.
Thanks, Choc.
We have had Xfinity phone plans for years. Our regular payment is just over $20 a month for both phones. If we make calls abroad, which we rarely do because we use WhatsApp, it’s $10 for each 24 hour period. Because we go so many places where the time difference is huge, phone calls are not convenient and messaging or email is better. In a real emergency our family can call Tauck and I’m sure they will pass information on to us.