Hi ​@Monnie,

If you'd like to use an older phone while travelling, you'll need to get a replacement eSIM, as eSIMs can't simply be transferred between devices in the same way as a physical SIM.

You can request a replacement eSIM by contacting our Customer Service Team via Live Chat: https://www.idmobile.co.uk/live-chat

Regarding roaming charges, whether you'll incur any costs for receiving texts or using your iD Mobile service abroad will depend on the country you're visiting. You can check the roaming charges and destination information on our website here: https://www.idmobile.co.uk/help-and-support/roaming

If you'd like to let us know which country you'll be travelling to, we can explain what charges, if any, may apply. Using a local data SIM for emails is a good option, but it's worth checking the roaming costs for any calls, texts or network usage on your iD Mobile line while you're away.

Regards,

Gemma M

The iD Mobile Social Media Team

Thanks Gemma.  Is it possible to change my ESIM to a physical SIM before I travel so it will be easier to swap from one phone to another leaving and on my return to the UK. I will then retain the physical SIM. 

I am unclear as to what is best and am going round in circles. I am travelling to South Africa.

The easy one is I will purchase a SA SIM for data for my tablet to read eg the newspapers online as  the apartment where I will be staying doesn't provide WiFi. 

Thinking of what I will need.  To use WhatsApp from my UK number is convenient instead of giving my contacts a SA number.  I will also need a local number for phone calls and texts.  Any advice as to whether a dual SIM phone is better than 2 separate phones. 

I saw the high roaming charges which is what I want to avoid. 

Hi ​@Monnie,

Thanks for your message. From an iD Mobile point of view, the best option depends on how you want to use your phone while you’re away.

You can change from an eSIM to a physical SIM, and your SIM/eSIM can be requested through your iD Mobile account. Once the physical SIM is active, you can remove the eSIM from your device settings.

For travel, a dual SIM phone is usually the most convenient option because you can keep your UK iD Mobile number active for WhatsApp while using a South African SIM for local calls, texts, and data. This helps you avoid using your UK plan for roaming charges abroad.

If your phone supports dual SIM, that is generally easier than carrying two separate phones, because you can manage both numbers from one device. If your device only supports one SIM at a time, a physical SIM swap before you travel may be the simpler choice.

For South Africa specifically, I’d recommend:

- Keeping your iD Mobile number available for WhatsApp.

- Using a local South African SIM for data, calls, and texts.

- Making sure data roaming is turned off on your iD Mobile line to avoid unexpected charges.

I can send a replacement physical SIM to your billing address, which usually arrives within 2–3 working days. If you need the SIM sooner, you also have the option to pick one up from your nearest Currys store at no charge. Please let me know which option works best for you. 

Thanks, 

Tashnieka

Many thanks Tashnieka.  I still have a month until I leave so will pick up the SIM at Currys.