Orange, one of the world’s top telecom companies, offers instant connectivity in multiple countries with its eSIM. But is it the right choice for you?
In this review, we’ll dive into Orange eSIM’s plans, pricing, extra features, and the pros and cons. By the end, you’ll be ready to pick the plan that suits you best. Let’s get started!
What is Orange eSIM?
Orange eSIM is a smart, digital SIM card that removes the necessity of using a physical SIM card, and instead uses an eSIM solution that’s directly built into compatible devices to connect to mobile networks. It is available for compatible eSIM-enabled devices and offers a flexible and hassle-free option for travelers who often switch out physical SIM cards.
Orange, a leading global telecom brand, is known for its innovative services, including mobile, internet, and TV solutions. Operating in over 26 countries, Orange is committed to digital transformation, sustainability, and delivering reliable communication services to millions of customers worldwide.
Orange eSIM : Pros and Cons
Before we dive into the detailed review, let's take a quick look at the key advantages and drawbacks of Orange eSIM.
Pros
1. Established Provider Reliability
Orange has been around for years in the telco space, and they have a reliable infrastructure and service. This eSIM is going to be less of a risk than some new, unproven company.
2. Free Incoming Communications
All incoming calls and messages are free (they consume no data or credit so you’re never charged extra). This makes sure that people can reach you without you incurring unexpected fees.
3. Wide Coverage and Stable Network Quality
What makes Orange eSIM one of the best eSIMs on the market is how it is connected to towers in every major city and every small town, guaranteeing fast, high-quality connections almost everywhere.
4. Mobile Hotspot Support
An eSIM with Orange, however, will enable you to use your phone as a mobile hotspot and share its connection with other devices, such as laptops or iPads. This is particularly handy when you are in areas without many Wi-Fi connections.
Cons
1. Limited Plan Flexibility
The plans mainly focus on total data, with no options for unlimited or daily packages. Most plans last up to 30 days, which may not work well for those who need more flexible options or don’t want to constantly worry about running out of data.
2. Payment Method Limitations
The only downside to Orange is that you are only able to use your debit or credit card in Euros; if you don’t own a Euro-based card, you’ll be out of luck.
3. App Feature Gaps
The mobile app itself is bare-boned, without features like saved payment methods and automatic usage alerts you get with other eSIM providers.
4. Data Usage Not Displayed
Orange’s app doesn’t show you real-time data usage breakdown and that can be a hassle for people that like to monitor your usage more closely.
5. Customer Service is Average
There are four ways to reach Orange eSIM customer service: chatbot, the Orange eSIM app, a form on the website, or email.
That said, some users have reported that contacting customer service takes a long time and that they aren’t actually all that helpful.
Orange eSIM Coverage & Data Plan
There are basically three main types of eSIM data plans:
Data Only: Provides data — no calls or texts.
Data & Call Plan: Has internet access, calls, but no texts.
Data, Call, & SMS: The catch-all option, including data, voice call, and text message services.
Plus, most plans fall into one of three categories: Daily, Total, and Unlimited.
We’ll continue by examining Orange eSIM’s data plans specifically, so that you can get a better sense of what they provide.
Orange eSIM Data Plan
Data Plan | Meaning | Is Orange eSIM available | Range of the validity period |
|---|---|---|---|
Daily | The amount of data available each day is fixed and resets every 24 hours. | No | N/A |
Unlimited | There are no restrictions on data use, but the speed may be reduced. | No | N/A |
Total | There is a total data quota, with no daily limit imposed. | Yes | Primarily for periods of 7, 14, 28, 30 days |
Orange eSIM Package Coverage Area
These come in three varieties: locally focused, regional, and global. Below are the options available with Orange eSIM:
Package Type | Meaning | Orange eSIM - Data Allowance | Orange eSIM - Data Coverage | Orange eSIM - Data Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Local eSIMs | Provide data services within particular countries. | 1 - 100GB | More than 100 countries | European countries have data, call, and SMS services; other countries have only data services. |
Regional eSIMs | Span multiple countries in a single region. | 1 - 100GB | Europe | Data; or Data / Calls / Texts |
Global eSIMs | Offer connectivity across several continents. | Up to 10GB in 14 days | More than 70 countries and all of Europe | Data only |
Orange eSIM Package Overview
Two Data Types: Orange eSIM offers two types of packages—data only, or data with calls and texts.
Limited Flexibility: The available data packages cover a wide range of GB options, but there are no daily or unlimited plans. The 100GB option is mainly available in Europe, which may result in either waste or insufficient data for some users.
Limited Coverage: Orange eSIM provides regional and global packages covering over 100 destinations. However, the global package only includes 70 destinations and all of Europe. Additionally, regional data options are mostly limited to Europe, making it less ideal for those looking to cover multiple regions in one plan.
Duration: Most Orange eSIM packages are valid for up to 30 days.
Orange eSIM Price
That said, let’s scrunch the numbers on Orange’s regional, local, and global bundles and see how much they cost and if they are a deal.
Local eSIMs:
Region/Country | 5 GB/30 Days | 1 GB ≈ |
|---|---|---|
United States | €11.99 | €2.5 |
France | €8.99 | €1.8 |
Japan | €21.99 | €4.4 |
Spain | €8.99 | €1.8 |
China | €11.99 | €2.5 |
Indonesia | €11.99 | €2.5 |
Brazil | €21.99 | €4.4 |
Australia | €11.99 | €2.5 |
Regional eSIMs (only available in Europe):
Data Types | 1 GB/7 Days | 5 GB/30 Days | 12 GB/14 Days | 30 GB/14 Days | 70 GB/28 Days | 100 GB/30 Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Data Only | €4.99 | €12.99 | / | / | / | €59.99 |
Data, Call, & SMS | / | / | €21.99 | €39.99 | €49.99 | / |
Global eSIMs:
Duration | Data Only | Price |
|---|---|---|
14 Days | 50 MB to 10 GB | €44.99 |
Orange eSIM Pricing Overview
Prices can vary by region for the same data plan: For example, a 5 GB/30 days package costs 21.99 euros in Japan while it’s only 8.99 euros in France.
Limited Local & Regional Plan Options: In Europe, for example, data-only plans come in 1GB, 5GB, and 100GB options, which can feel like a big gap. Medium data plans are limited to 12GB, 30GB, or 70GB. With such few choices, you might end up paying for more data than you need or find yourself buying extra later.
Global package: For global packages, the data limit ranges from 50MB to 10GB depending on where you're traveling. The price is fair, but the coverage is limited. You might not get data in all the places you need, or the amount might not be enough, which means you’ll end up buying more packages, driving up the total cost.
Orange eSIM Orange eSIM Additional Feature Assessment
However, when picking an eSIM, of course, you don’t just have to evaluate the data plans and costs but also its usability that will essentially determine your overall eSIM experience throughout your trip. Let me dissect how Orange eSIM fares here:
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
App | The application lacks some features, such as payment integrations and alerts for data monitoring. |
Data Management Tools | Cannot track data usage. |
Customer Support Channel | 24/7 live customer support. |
Activation Time/ How to Use It | Quick activation via QR code or manual input. |
Setup and Activation Guide | Provides detailed guides in 6 languages for easy setup. |
Hotspot | Yes |
Operators | Reliable, varied by destination |
Support Countries | 100+ countries. |
Offered Cellular Networks | Includes 5G, 4G, 3G, and LTE; availability varies by destination. |
Phone Call | Available, but limited to the European region. |
Device Support | Compatible with various devices; please check the specific information on the eSIM list. |
Operating System Compatibility | Supports mainstream systems such as iOS and Android. |
FAQ
1. Is Orange eSIM cheaper than traditional SIM cards?
Orange eSIM packages tend to be more convenient and often less expensive, particularly if you’re only seeking data. eSIM costs depend on the plan and the country.
2. If I lose my phone how do I get a new Orange eSIM?
If your phone is lost or stolen, let Orange know right away. It can suspend or deactivate the eSIM, or it can help you switch the eSIM to a new device.
3. Can I have more than one eSIM profile on a device?
Most newer smartphones that support eSIMs can hold more than one profile at a time so you can more easily switch carriers or plans.
4. What if I change eSIM carriers?
Changing eSIM profiles between carriers is easy. You simply deactivate the current eSIM profile and then activate a new one, allowing for seamless transitions without a physical SIM.
Conclusion
That wraps up our review of Orange eSIM! We’ve covered its plans, pricing, and a closer look at the additional features. Now it’s time for you to make your choice.
Just remember, it’s always a good idea to compare prices with other brands. It’s not just about the overall price, but also the cost per GB or per day, along with the additional features and coverage area. That way, you’ll find the option that best fits your needs!