orange travel usage

Frequently Asked Questions

Usage & troubleshooting.

• Access Point Name (or APN): orange
• User name: orange
• Password: orange
• Step 1: Connect the iPhone to the computer from the micro USB cable
• Step 2: Open iTunes software from your computer
• Step 3: Restore the iPhone
• Step 4: Save your settings and confirm the restoration from your settings
• Step 5: Enter the PIN and the phone will be unlocked
• Step 1: Access to Android SIM unlock
• Step 2: Follow the instructions to unlock your phone
• Step 3: Wait for the unlocking to finish

Activation & Registration

Credit & Validities

Cancellation & refunds.

SimOptions reserves the right to charge

a) 5 USD cancellation fee for orders that have not left our warehouse yet.

b) 15 USD cancellation fee + delivery cost for orders that have left our warehouse already.

c) up to 100% of the total order price if the product has been opened or damaged.

The refund will be done within 10 – 15 business days after we have successfully received the product at our warehouse again.

Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

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Orange holiday europe sim card review | i test this popular tourist-focused data plan.

A hands-on review of the popular tourist-focused data plan from Orange

phones and technology

I recently traveled to France for two weeks so I needed fast and reliable mobile data for my phone. But I didn’t want to spend a fortune using my current provider’s International Data plan which would have cost me $120 for two weeks (for spotty service and low data limits).

After a bit of research, I came across the Orange Holiday Europe SIM prepaid data plan that looked promising so I wanted to test it out and share my thoughts.

In this Orange Holiday Europe review, I’ll talk about my personal experience with this prepaid SIM card, things to consider before buying the Orange Holiday Europe plan, general tips about prepaid data plans in France/Europe, and I’ll list some alternatives you might also want to consider.

Overview Of The Orange Holiday Europe Prepaid Data Plan

The Orange Holiday Europe is a prepaid data plan designed for tourists who are visiting Europe and it gives users high-speed data in every European country. As an added bonus, Orange is the 11th largest mobile operator in the world and the 4th largest in Europe so they have a robust network and coverage.

The Orange Holiday Europe plan is also designed to be super user-friendly so there is no registration needed—simply install the SIM card into your unlocked phone and it automatically connects to a local mobile provider anywhere in Europe.

The Orange Holiday Europe plan costs around $50 and it gives you 20GB of mobile data (although sometimes they have a special where you get 30GB). The main downside is that the data is only valid for 14 days—although you’re able to re-up the plan for an additional 14 days for around $30.

The Orange Holiday Europe Prepaid plan comes as both an Orange Holiday physical SIM version and an Orange Holiday eSIM version . I highly recommend the eSIM version if your phone is eSIM compatible (the price and service are the same but you don’t have to pay for shipping and it’s delivered instantly via email).

My Experience Using The Orange Holiday Europe Prepaid SIM

Ok, let’s get into my personal review of the Orange Holiday Europe plan. I’ve broken this down into multiple sections.

Purchase and Shipping

I got my Orange Holiday Europe SIM from SimOptions and had it shipped to me before I departed. I believe many Orange retail locations throughout Europe sell this same plan but that requires you to hunt down a store—I wanted data as soon as I landed.

I believe delivery was an extra $7 and it took a few days to arrive (so plan ahead).

NOTE: I highly recommend buying the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM if your phone is compatible because you get free, instant delivery via email so you save yourself some time and money. You also don’t have to remove your current provider’s SIM card (i.e. you can use your new eSIM while still using your current plan) so you can keep your old number, etc.

Installation (For The Physical SIM Card Version)

Installing the SIM card is simple.

Just pop out your old SIM and replace it with the Orange SIM card. The kit doesn’t come with a SIM extraction tool so you’ll want to bring a small paperclip so you can pop the SIM slot open.

Keep your original SIM card somewhere safe because you’ll need to reinstall it to get your old service back.

IMPORTANT: Don’t install the SIM until you’re in Europe. The service automatically activates when the SIM is installed so installing it early will count against your 14-day service period.

Orange Holiday SIM Activation

Activation was super simple.

My iPhone automatically recognized the new SIM and the service activated itself as soon as I installed the SIM card.

The entire process took about 2-3 minutes.

If your phone doesn’t automatically connect, you may have to manually enter the following APN settings into your phone:

• Access Point Name (or APN): orange
• User name: orange
• Password: orange

I received a few text messages (in French) from Orange welcoming me and asking to register my card—you can ignore those if you don’t plan on using the service for more than 14 days. You can register your Orange SIM at https://travel.orange.com/en/sim-card-registration/

I believe these texts also tell you what your new French phone number is so write that down if you plan on making/receiving calls.

Speed, Coverage, and Overall Performance

On this trip, I spent most of my time in Paris, on a 3.5-hour train ride to the South of France, and in the South of France (mainly Marsailles but also on a few day trips in the region).

Overall my service was great. I got 4G/LTE just about everywhere I went and it was very rare for me to not have any signal (In fact, I can’t remember ever not having a signal).

I mostly used Google Maps/Google, Instagram, email, some Spotify streaming, and some other basic data usage. 20GB is a solid amount of data for two weeks so most people won’t hit that cap unless they’re doing a lot of video streaming (so limit your multi-hour TikTok sessions while on data).

Other Things I Liked About My Orange Holiday Europe Plan

First, Orange is a huge company so they have a great network with extensive EU-wide coverage.

And unlike a lot of data plans, the Orange Holiday Europe plan allows data tethering so I could use my phone as a hotspot for my laptop. This came in handy when my Airbnb’s wifi stopped working and when I wanted to send a few emails/surf the web while I was on the train.

Additionally, unlike a lot of prepaid data plans, the Orange Holiday Europe plan comes with a French phone number so users can make/receive phone calls and texts (you get unlimited calls and texts in Europe and 120 minutes of worldwide calling plus worldwide 1k texts). This can come in handy if you need to make restaurant reservations or if you need to call your Airbnb host, hotel, etc.

I also liked the convenience of pre-purchasing the plan so I didn’t have to waste time finding an Orange store and dealing with salespeople (I’d rather spend my time finding the best croissants).

Considerations Before Buying The Orange Holiday Europe SIM

Buying the Orange Holiday Europe SIM plan is more expensive than waiting to buy a local SIM card once you arrive in Europe. For reference, you’ll typically pay about $30 for 20GB of data via a local SIM card.

On the other hand, pre-buying Orange Holiday Europe plans means you’ll have data as soon as you land and you won’t have to waste time trying to track down a SIM card retailer. Personally, I don’t mind paying a little extra for the convenience.

However, if you’re traveling for more than a few weeks then you’re probably better off buying a local SIM card since I believe you can only use this card for a max of 28 days.

Who Should and Shouldn’t Buy The Orange Holiday Europe Plan

Not sure if the Orange Holiday Europe plan is for you? Maybe this will help:

Who Should Buy The Orange Holiday Europe Plan

• Travelers Who Value Convenience: Just activate the plan and you’re online. It’s super easy. No need to find a mobile retailer, no need to speak to anyone, no need to register your SIM or submit your passport, no need to be without data, etc.

Who Shouldn’t Buy The Orange Holiday Europe Plan

• Ultra-Budget Travelers: If you’re on a super tight budget then you can find other plans that are cheaper if you don’t mind spending time to track them down. You might also want to consider the cheaper Orange Holiday Zen SIM and Orange Holiday Zen eSIM plans that are $30 and have 10-15GB of data.
• Long-Term Travelers: It ends up being quite a bit cheaper to buy a local SIM card if you’re traveling for more than around three to four weeks.
• Minimal Data Users: Don’t need 20+ GB of data? Then look at the cheaper Orange Holiday Zen SIM and Orange Holiday Zen eSIM plans that are $30 for 10-15GB of data.

Orange Holiday Europe SIM Alternatives

Ok, let’s take a look at a few other SIM and SIM card options you might want to check out:

ORANGE HOLIDAY ZEN ESIM: $29.90

• Price:  $29.90 (Check  SimOptions  for details)
• Data:  15GB
• Service Speed:  4G/LTE
• Calls:  Unlimited within Europe and 30 min outside of Europe.
• Texts/SMS:  Unlimited within Europe and 200 outside of Europe.
• Credit validity:  14 day
• Data tethering allowed
• Usable on any device (phones, tablets, hotspots…)
• This eSIM card comes with a French phone number

The Orange Holiday Zen plan is very similar to the Orange Holiday Europe plan but it has less data and it’s cheaper. This is a great option for users who don’t use a lot of data.

O2 GO CARD ESIM: $24.90

• Price:  $24.90 (Check  SimOptions  for details)
• Data:  10GB
• Service Speed:  4G/LTE
• Calls:  Includes $2 of credit to make calls within Europe
• Texts/SMS:  Includes $2 of credit to send/receive texts within Europe
• Credit validity:  30 day
• This eSIM card comes with a Czech phone number

The O2 Go Card Plan is on the O2 mobile network (the largest mobile network in the UK) so the service quality will be good.

And while it’s slightly cheaper than the Orange Holiday Zen plan, you get less mobile data and you don’t get the benefit of any international calls/texts—you also get a very limited amount of EU calls/texts.

SMART COMFORT X ESIM: $17.90

• Price:  $17.90 (Check  SimOptions  for details)
• Data:  5GB
• Calls:  None
• Texts/SMS:  None
• Credit validity:  30 day

The Smart Comfort X eSIM is a budget data-only eSIM plan option that gives you 5GB of data but no calls or texts (you can still send iMessage if you’re sending messages between iPhones and make calls/texts via WhatsApp, etc).

Smart Comfort X eSIM is also what’s considered an “international eSIM” so it’s not backed by a specific data provider (i.e Orange, O2, etc.). That means it will connect to a specific partner provider in each country—for example, France (Bouygues), Germany (O2), Italy (WIND), Spain (Telefonica), etc.

Because of its limited data limits, the Smart Comfort X eSIM plan is best for light data users.

THREE UK PAYG AIO15

Three UK is another large European mobile carrier and their  PAYG AIO15  plan is a good value for people who don’t need the 20GB offered by the Orange Holiday Europe plan. I like how the plan has a validity period of 30 days so it’s good for longer trips.

Plan Specs:

• PRICE:  $30
• DATA:  10GB
• CALLS:  Unlimted in Europe
• TEXT:  Unlimted in Europe
• USED AS A MOBILE HOTSPOT?:  No
• CREDIT VALID FOR:  30 Days

BOUYGUES TELECOM VACATION PREPAID PLAN

The  Bouygues Telecom Vacation Prepaid Plan  is very similar to the Orange Holiday Zen but the Bouygues plan must be activated in France—so that’s a huge drawback if France isn’t your first destination.

• PRICE:  $50
• DATA:  20GB
• USED AS MOBILE HOTSPOT?:  NO
• Must be activated in France but can be used anywhere in the EU.

Note:  SimOptions.com  has other cards for sale but these are the best options/deals.

MORE EUROPE TRAVEL TIPS FROM THE SAVVY BACKPACKER

Here are some more helpful articles I’ve written about visiting Europe on a budget:

• The Best Prepaid eSIM Data Plans for Europe
• Guide To Data Plans and Smartphone PhonesWhile Traveling in Europe
• How To Buy A SIM Card and Mobile Data Plans in Europe
• Backpacking Europe Packing List
• Europe Packing List for Women
• The Best Travel Shoes
• The Best Travel Backpacks  and  The Best Travel Backpacks for Women
• Recent Posts

• How to Avoid Pickpockets in Europe — Tips for Outsmarting the Thieves - April 19, 2024
• Backpacking Europe Packing List — My Europe Travel Packing Guide - April 6, 2024
• Best eSIM For Europe Travel | Everything You Need To Know About European Prepaid eSIM Data Plans - March 24, 2024

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Thanks For Reading! — James

Questions? Learn more about our Strict Advertising Policy and How To Support Us .

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• Delivery Options

Frequently Asked Questions

Usage & troubleshooting.

• Access Point Name (or APN): orange
• User name: orange
• Password: orange
• Step 1: Connect the iPhone to the computer from the micro USB cable
• Step 2: Open iTunes software from your computer
• Step 3: Restore the iPhone
• Step 4: Save your settings and confirm the restoration from your settings
• Step 5: Enter the PIN and the phone will be unlocked
• Step 1: Access to Android SIM unlock
• Step 2: Follow the instructions to unlock your phone
• Step 3: Wait for the unlocking to finish

Activation & Registration

Credit & Validities

Cancellation & refunds.

SimOptions reserves the right to charge

a) 5 USD cancellation fee for orders that have not left our warehouse yet.

b) 15 USD cancellation fee + delivery cost for orders that have left our warehouse already.

c) up to 100% of the total order price if the product has been opened or damaged.

The refund will be done within 10 – 15 business days after we have successfully received the product at our warehouse again.

• teamthomastravels
• Nov 18, 2022

Save money while travelling and avoid roaming fees with an Orange all inclusive travel eSIM!

Since leaving the EU on January 31st 2020, many mobile phone operators have stopped offering UK tourists free EU roaming as standard, unless you subscribe to one of their most expensive packages. This means using your phone abroad can suddenly become very pricey, especially texts and using data, which means constantly searching for WIFI in cafes and corner shops, and desperately scrutinising screenshots of Google maps as you walk through a new city. Stressful!! If you're a non EU traveller, you know all about roaming charges and can appreciate exactly what we're talking about...

If, like us, you want to send holiday photos to your family, facetime your friends from your hotel, update your Instagram or access emails on a business trip, you'll probably be looking for an international travel SIM card to save money while you travel and avoid roaming fees.

We’ve recently been introduced to Orange's all inclusive prepaid e-SIM cards which look like real game changers. They’re fully digital (The ‘E’ stands for embedded SIM), so no more fiddling with swapping SIMs while travelling and they're better for the planet too: by making the switch to eSIM cards, not only do you cut down on plastic waste by not using temporary disposable travel SIMS, but by providing digital products, Orange cuts out the production process, packaging and distribution too! There’s one easy change we can all make while travelling to help the planet.

Orange's all inclusive eSIM cards come in two different bundle sizes:

The Orange Holiday Zen 8GB eSIM ( €19.99) includes 8GB of 4G data in Europe and unlimited calls and texts within 50 European destinations including Andorra and Liechtenstein, countries often missed out by roaming data packages, and handily, the UK. This means even though we’re no longer an EU member, UK residents will still be able to phone home using their all inclusive Orange travel allowance, as well as receive texts and calls from friends and family at no extra cost.

Not a UK resident? The Orange Holiday Zen 8GB eSIM also includes 30 minutes of calls and 200 texts from Europe to worldwide destinations, ideal for travellers visiting the EU from say, the USA or Australia.

Working or blogging? If you need lots of data while travelling, take a look at the Orange Holiday Europe 20GB eSIM card ( €39.99).

Perfect for those morning facetimes, company zoom calls and uploading photos, t his travel SIM plan includes 20GB of data plus unlimited calls and texts in the same 50 European locations as the 8GB eSIM. The allowance for contacting destinations outside of Europe is much larger than the 8GB plan: 120 minutes of calls and 1000 texts.

Both all inclusive plans have no usage limitation: you can use your data for anything - whether you're downloading apps, streaming video, using your device for data tethering or as a hotspot.

How do you use an Orange Travel eSIM card?

After purchasing an all inclusive eSIM, you will be emailed a QR code to scan which will install the eSIM on your device. Once you arrive at your holiday destination and your phone connects to an EU network, the eSIM will automatically activate. Easy! Before travelling, make sure that your device is unlocked and roaming data is activated for the connection to work.

Worried about running out of data? Your initial credit included in the Orange all inclusive plan is valid 14 days after first use and you can easily top up the eSIM with more data, calls and texts by using the Orange Travel app.

A few more important points about using international travel SIM cards:

Travelling in Europe for more than a month? Orange prepaid eSIM cards come with a French phone number so after 30 days you'll need to register your eSIM on the Orange website to keep using it, in line with French law.

You can only download your eSIM once, so if you have any problems with it once you arrive, DO NOT delete it as you won't be able to redownload it. Orange advises contacting their customer service team instead.

Not every smartphone is compatible with eSIMs, so before purchasing one, check Orange's list below to see if yours is there. If not, both all inclusive plans are also available as a physical SIM card:

Iphone Xs, Xs Max and Xr under iOS 12.2 at least

Iphone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max

Iphone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 Mini & iPhone SE 2020

Iphone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Mini

Samsung Galaxy Fold & Galaxy Fold 2 / Galaxy Z Flip & Z Flip 5G

Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra / Galaxy Note 20

Samsung Galaxy $21 5G, $21+ 5G, $21 Ultra 5G

Google Pixel 3, Pixel 3XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4XL, Pixel 4a (4G) and Pixel 5 (5G)

Huawei P40 and P40 Pro & Mate 40 Pro

Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. This means if you click on them and make a purchase, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Orange Travel - World eSIMs 4+

Affordable travel esim plans, designed for iphone.

• #193 in Travel
• 1.3 • 7 Ratings

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Description.

Buy a prepaid Orange eSIM plan from anywhere in the world and stay connected during your trip abroad Don’t worry about staying connected in 4G or 5G during your trip abroad. With Orange Travel app, you can buy from home, top up and manage a generous local eSIM plan comfortably, in a few clics and avoid roaming fees. Orange thought about travelers and introduced this advanced eco friendly solution, to make communication abroad easier. Providing generous and affordable eSIM plans, for any destination in the world. Your next trip hack To save you time, we propose you a simple and very quick eSIM download with no QR code scanning, and an automatic identity verification thanks to eKYC technology when requested. No need to search for local SIM stores to get connectivity. No need to insert a physical SIM on your device. No need for a second smartphone during your trip to scan any QR code. No time wasted during your trip. What is eSIM?: It’s a downsized version of a SIM card that is fully integrated by manufacturers within a device such as a smartphone, tablet, or connected watch. It works just like a classic SIM card, providing calls, SMS, and the internet. All you need is a compatible device. With eSIM, you can enjoy the same services as with a plastic SIM card, you can use it immediately wherever you are! The eSIM just has to be recognized by the operator network from which you bought the eSIM Explore the world and keep in touch without fear with your relatives: catch up with your family and friends while enjoying your trip at its fullest. Use data, voice calls and sms to share your daily activities and look for the best spots to visit. In 1, 2 ,3 steps you got your plan. =>Choose the plan you’re interested in => Pay simply with your credit card =>Install your eSIM with no need QR code scanning Your eSIM is activated automatically More freedom for your trip We provide different plans covering any destination in the world, choose the plan that suits you best, only data or data + sms and calls, as you wish. If you plan to stay longer, or need more abundance, use our top up feature, and manage your eSIM according to your need. Orange is known for​: -Competitive prices for 253 million customers. -Network quality, with worldwide partnerships, presence in 26 countries -Investing in eco friendly and sustainable projects. List of main eSIM compatible Apple devices: Iphone Xs, Xs Max and Xr under iOS 12.2 at least Iphone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max Iphone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 Mini & iPhone SE 2 (2020) and SE 3 (2022) Iphone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Mini, 13 Pro Max IPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Max iphone 15, 15 Plus iPad Air (3rd Gen or later) iPad (7th Gen or later) iPad mini (5th Gen or later) iPad Pro 11 and 12.9 Have a good trip with Orange

Version 1.5.0

We made it easier to contact customer care and access Frequently Asked Questions. We also improved the performance of the app.

Ratings and Reviews

Poor product…no customer service.

Do not waste your money with this company at least in the UK. I got service for short periods of time and then nothing and then it would work every few days for short periods of time. Customer service consisted of telling me how to install the eSIM which had actually been no problem. After I returned to Canada and asked for a refund, they declined because it had worked once and that fulfilled their ‘terms and conditions’ Buyer beware!

Do not buy, it will not work & they will not assist.

I spent 2x25 euro on this app and nothing work! I needed to go to an orange store instead as they said that I had not amount linked to my Esim while they charged me 25 euro. I will claim as Fraud to mastercard.

Developer Response ,

Hi pkyeghoyan, We're sorry to hear about your experience. It seems like you've encountered some issues with the app. Could you please reach out to us at [email protected] ? Our team will help you with your current situation.

Be prepared to troubleshoot

After emailing with the support team and troubleshooting for the first couple days of vacation, the service has been decent. Have to occasionally toggle airplane mode to regain data connection and connections is usually 3G speed. Not sure if I would go this route next time, but to be fair, I did save some money over roaming with my home network and the customer support over email was surprisingly effective. My only warning would be to carefully follow directions on setting this up, and be prepared for it to not work on the first day you arrive (download an offline map of the area you are traveling to before you leave) and have some time/patience set aside for troubleshooting.

Hi Stew895, we're sorry to hear about your experience. We'd like to help resolve this issue for you. Please reach out to us at [email protected]. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

App Privacy

The developer, Orange , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer's privacy policy .

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• Contact Info
• Identifiers

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• User Content

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

English, French, Spanish

• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

More By This Developer

Orange Money Africa

Orange News (Group)

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Is the Orange Europe SIM card really worth it?

If you’re looking for an easy to use and value-for-money data plan on your next trip to Europe then here’s why you should consider the Orange Europe SIM card.

I travel to Europe regularly for both work and for fun. In particular, I spend a lot of time in  France , especially in   Morzine   in the French Alps. Until recently, every time I travelled I would use my United Kingdom mobile data plan allowance . However, this was starting to get expensive. Although I wasn’t using my data allowance for phone calls, I was often using Google maps to navigate my way around French roads while driving and this meant I was tearing through my data and coming home to big phone bills. 

It was then that I was introduced to the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM prepaid data plan and decided to test it out on my next trip to France. In this Orange Holiday Europe review I share my personal experiences with this prepaid SIM card and why I think it’s a really good option if you are looking for a prepaid data plan in France and Europe . 

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I have been or could be if you click on a link in this post compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See our full disclosure policy for more details.

What is the Orange Holiday eSIM and how does it work?

The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM card is a prepaid data plan for travellers who want to stay connected while travelling in European countries .

Prior to Brexit, the EU Romain Regulation meant that UK mobile customers could use their domestic allowance of minutes, text messages and data throughout the European Economic Area (EEA) without incurring additional charges. However, since leaving the European Union, there has been no obligation on UK mobile operators to guarantee surcharge-free roaming . 

Some mobile operators continue to offer surcharge-free roaming while others have scrapped free roaming but offer add-on data plans to keep costs down. Anyone travelling to the EU needs to check their roaming policies of their service provider before travelling. 

The best option for avoiding surprise charges and unexpected roaming fees is to either choose a local SIM card when overseas or do like I did and opt for an Orange holiday eSIM card . 

Orange is the eleventh-largest mobile network operator in the world . They also offer the largest mobile coverage in France with   99% of the metropolitan population in 3G + and more than 98% in 4G. In other words, they are very reliable. 

The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM is an electronic SIM card that is incredible easy to use. Once you’ve purchased your eSIM you receive an email with a QR code to scan and install directly on to your mobile phone. Because it’s digital there’s no need to wait for the the postman to deliver a physical SIM card meaning that you can install your Orange SIM card on the same day as travel. As soon as you arrive in Europe, the eSIM is ready to use. 

Which eSIM card to choose? 

There are two different options to choose from when it comes to picking your travel SIM card.

The 30GB card (the Orange Holiday Europe) offers 30 gb of data plus unlimited calls (including local calls) and texts in Europe, 2h international calls from Europe to worldwide and 1000 texts.

Cards must be registered during the first 30 days otherwise the card SIM card will be blocked. Cards are initially valid for 14 days after which you will need to top up your card and then the SIM card will be valid for 6 months. Top-ups are available online . The 30 GB data eSIM costs Euro 39.99

The alternative is the 12GB card (the Orange Holiday Zen) that comes with unlimited calls and texts in Europe, 30mins International calls and 200 text message. Again, this eSIM is valid for 14 days and a top-up for an additional cost is available. The 12GB eSIM costs Euro 19.99. 

The inclusion of international calls in the packages is a a great bonus for travellers who want to stay connected with people outside any European country included in the package. The rates for these calls are competitive – and substantially cheaper than if you were using international roaming on your home network. 

Which countries does the Orange eSIM card cover?

The Orange holiday offer works in the following countries:

Andorra, Azores, Aland islands, Germany, Austria, Balearic islands, Belgium, Canary islands , Cyprus, Corfu, Crete, the Cyclades, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Faeroe islands, Finland, France (mainland), Gibraltar, Greece, Guernsey, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Jersey, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malta, Isle of Man, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Rhodes, Romania, United Kingdom, San Marino, Sardinia, Sicily, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Sweden, Vatican

My experience using the Orange eSIM card

Overall I had a really good experience using the Orange eSIM holiday card. I’ve broken down the experience into sections for ease of use: 

Purchasing and Installing the eSIM card

Purchasing the Orange eSIM card online is very easy. Head to the Orange store online and, once you’ve bought your data eSIM card, you will receive an email with instructions on how to install it. The best thing about having an eSIM card is that you don’t have to remove your current mobile provider’s SIM card. 

Installation instructions vary slightly depending on whether you have an iPhone (which I have) or an Android . Regardless of which cell phone you have, however, installing the eSIM is very straightforward and detailed instructions are given. 

You are required to scan the QR code that comes in your confirmation email (this QR code can only be used once) and then you are walked through the installation process.

Essentially you are adding an eSIM to your phone (all iPhone models that support eSIM cards can have multiple eSIMs ) alongside your physical SIM card. Then, when you arrive in your destination of choice, you simply toggle between the two SIM cards . 

When I arrived in Normandy, France, I went to the Mobile Data setting and switched my UK network off and my Orange eSIM card on. This meant that I now had a French phone number to use while in the country. It was the same when I went to Switzerland. It was that easy. 

You’ll receive a text message from Orange asking you to register your card. This should be done within the first 30 days otherwise the card will be blocked. The line validity is valid for six months and a further six months after each top up. 

*Remember to only install your Orange Holiday eSIM right before leaving home, ideally on the day of travel. The service automatically activates when the eSIM is installed meaning that your 14-day period starts straight away. 

Coverage and Performance

I was travelling through rural Normandy during most of my first trip and the coverage was excellent . In Switzerland I spent time between small cities and the countryside and, again, had a great experience.

What worked well 

What I really liked about the Orange eSIM card was not only how easy it is to install and use but that I could purchase it before my trip . Last year I took a work trip to Nova Scotia in Canada and did not have an alternative SIM card to my regular UK one. When I arrived at the airport to pick up my hire car, I discovered that the car did not have inbuilt GPS and nor did they have any GPS navigation systems available to hire. I then had to use international roaming to navigate to the nearest shop where I could buy a SIM card.

Who should buy the Orange e-SIM cards

The Orange eSIM plan is a great option for short-term Europe travel . If you are doing a trip shorter than 14 days then this is fast, convenient, easy to use, and competitively priced option. If you are travelling for longer then it’s probably worth investing in a local SIM card, which is valid for longer.

Photos courtesy of Depositphotos

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Katja Gaskell

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