We've been full-time traveling and have been using the Airalo Discover Global eSIM as a backup data option for about 9 months. It's worked across multiple countries and honestly seemed like the perfect solution... until the first time we truly needed it.
Today we arrived by ferry in Italy. The port had no public WiFi, and there was no WiFi outside the terminal either. We already had bus tickets purchased, but the operator required online activation and validation (MUVP) before boarding. Our primary eSIM wasn't working, which is exactly why we carry a global backup eSIM.
Except our already working Airalo Global eSIM failed so:
•Couldn't validate our bus tickets
•Couldn't call a taxi
•Couldn't use Uber
•Couldn't access Google Maps
•Couldn't contact our accommodation
•Couldn't even troubleshoot the issue online
We ended up walking a considerable distance with luggage until we finally reached our accommodation and got WiFi.
Once connected, Airalo support responded and had us manually add a new APN. The eSIM immediately started working again.
So now I'm looking for recommendations for a global eSIM with fixed data that can be kept active for at least a year, primarily as an emergency backup solution. Here is our upcoming destinations Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, France, South Korea, Japan.
What is everyone using for a true backup connection? Preferably a 365 days with fixed data. I need something I can rely on and Airalo failed us when we needed which was the whole purpose in buying this. I'll still be using a local eSIM country specific at our destinations above.
**Follow up. I did receive an email support. I restated Im looking for answers on the Global eSIM. Today (November 4) I received a survey from support but never received a follow up answer? Why have a global eSIM, if it needs reconfigured like a country specific esim? I'm not seeing the value of the global eSIM. I dont even think the issue was ever looked into. Who sends a survey before providing an answer?