eSim activation overseas

[Haltercot]

Hello! I'm an international student planning on travelling to the UK this September. I wanted to purchase a vodafone package and use eSim but was wondering whether the eSim can be activated while I am overseas? (Outside of the UK)

[BandOfBrothers]

Hi @Haltercot 

As far as I'm aware esim support is only for Pay Monthly Contracts at this time.

" An eSIM is a tiny chip that’s already installed in your device. Vodafone Pay monthly customers can enjoy the flexibility of an eSIM on a number of compatible devices.”

As your a visiting student you wouldn't unfortunately be able to open up a Pay monthly contract as your not a UK resident with a UK bank account,  credit cards and not on the electoral register or have a credit history in the UK. These are all needed to pass a Credit Check.

See Help-and-information/esim 

You could have a Pay As You Go account by picking up a sim card at any Vodafone store or gas station or local convenience store but an esim is not available on Payg accounts.

And a recent thread here Pay-as-you-go/eSIM-on-Pay-as-you-Go. explains more.

[Haltercot]

I see. Thank you for the help!

[BandOfBrothers]

You're very welcome @Haltercot 

If your phone is locked to all networks then check in with your network to have it unlocked so you can use a Vodafone Uk Payg sim or Voxi Sim.

I do appreciate your interested in using an esim configuration but a physical sim is just as good.

I hope you enjoy your stay in the UK.   

[AnnS]

Hi @Haltercot 

You would need to be connected to the UK network for Vodafone to process the swap to a eSIM, as you will lose connection on your physical SIM when the swap takes place, it won't be possible to do the SIM swap when you are roaming on an overseas network, 

To take out a pay monthly contract, there is also the additional problem of you needing a UK bank account, some UK credit history and a UK permanent address for Vodafone to complete the identity and credit check.  To start you may need to keep to the PAYG option here: Vodafone PAYG 

As you are an international student, if you like unlimited Social Media take a look at Voxi, still Vodafone here: Voxi