E SIM card- any experience or recommendations?

Question

I’m arriving on the big island from Canada February 7. My roaming charges on a plan with my service provider in Canada are very high something like $13 a day and I will be there for almost 5 weeks. I am considering using an eSIM card for the first time. I am wondering if anyone particularly Canadians but anyone else has used an eSIM on the big island. What has been your experience and do you have any recommendation for which company to get the eSIM from?

Also wondering connect it to the same question what cell data provider on the big island has the best and fastest coverage because it seems the Sim cards are connected to a particular sell company, for example T mobile or AT&T or Verizon etc.

If you think this is a bad idea, please feel free to also let me know. It will cost me for five weeks with tax probably about $600 Canadian maybe a little less if I don’t use data every day. I will have Wi-Fi in the condo but we will be out and about a fair bit and I know I will wind up using my phone. 10 GB of data for 30 days is $26 US thanks for any help.

Answer

Using an eSIM card is a great alternative to roaming charges, especially for extended trips like your 5-week stay on the Big Island. Here’s a detailed look at your questions about eSIMs and cell coverage on the island:

1. Using an eSIM on the Big Island: Many travelers have found eSIMs to be a convenient and cost-effective solution for avoiding high roaming fees. As a Canadian traveling to Hawaii, an eSIM can be particularly beneficial since it allows you to stay connected without needing a physical SIM card. You’ll simply need to ensure that your phone is eSIM-compatible, which most newer smartphones are (e.g., iPhone XS and later, Google Pixel 3 and later).

eSIM Providers: For visitors to Hawaii, there are a few popular eSIM providers that offer competitive rates for data usage. Some options you can consider are:
- Airalo: This is a well-known eSIM provider with affordable options for both short and long stays. They offer data plans for the U.S. and specific plans for Hawaii, with prices like $26 for 10 GB of data for 30 days, which fits your needs.
- Nomad: Another reliable eSIM provider that offers U.S. data plans. Nomad's eSIMs are flexible and easy to activate, and they provide clear instructions on how to install the eSIM. They often offer competitive rates similar to Airalo.
- Truphone: Truphone is also a popular provider, offering coverage in the U.S. and good data plans for international travelers. Their prices are generally in line with other providers, and they’re known for having good customer service if you run into any issues.

2. Best Cell Data Providers on the Big Island: In terms of coverage on the Big Island, the three major carriers in the U.S. are Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, and each of them provides coverage across Hawaii. However, there are differences in their network quality and speed:

Verizon: Generally regarded as having the best coverage across Hawaii, including rural and remote areas. If you plan on exploring more remote regions of the Big Island (like Volcanoes National Park or the Mauna Kea area), Verizon would be a good choice for reliable coverage.
AT&T: Also offers good coverage throughout most of Hawaii, especially in urban and tourist areas like Kona and Hilo. It’s generally a solid option for reliable data and voice service, but may not have as strong coverage in more remote areas as Verizon.
T-Mobile: T-Mobile offers competitive pricing and has decent coverage in the major tourist areas of the Big Island. However, in more isolated locations, T-Mobile's coverage can be spotty. If you’ll primarily be in more populated areas like Kona, it should be sufficient.

3. eSIM Data Usage and Cost: You mentioned that 10 GB of data for 30 days costs around $26 USD, which is a great deal for your 5-week trip. If you plan on using data regularly (e.g., for maps, social media, and browsing), 10 GB should be sufficient, especially since you’ll have Wi-Fi access in your condo. Keep in mind that data consumption can vary depending on how much you use your phone, but for general browsing, navigation, and light social media use, 10 GB should cover most of your needs. If you’re concerned about running out of data, some providers also offer additional data packages that you can purchase as needed.

4. Is it a Good Idea? Based on your situation, using an eSIM seems like a very good option to avoid high roaming charges. It's cost-effective, especially with the 10 GB plan for $26 USD, and it allows you to stay connected during your trip without dealing with the hassle of a physical SIM card. Just ensure that your phone is compatible with eSIM and that you can easily install the eSIM before you depart.

In summary, using an eSIM for your trip to the Big Island is a solid and cost-effective choice. Consider providers like Airalo, Nomad, or Truphone for affordable U.S. data plans, and choose a carrier like Verizon or AT&T for the best coverage. With 10 GB of data, you should have enough for everyday use, and the eSIM will give you peace of mind without the high roaming fees from your Canadian provider.