Orange eSIM review for 2024

Tired of paying roaming fees or changing SIM cards every time you travel abroad? You don’t need a physical SIM card to make calls and browse the internet. eSIMs offer the same functionality as regular SIM cards.

Orange, one of the leading telecommunication companies in the world, offers instant connectivity in over 100 countries with its eSIM. But is the service any good? We’ve run extensive tests on the eSIM. In this Orange eSIM review, we’ll tell you everything you need to know, including its prices, plans, and how it works!

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Orange: Pros and cons

Before you buy an Orange eSIM, you should consider some of its benefits and drawbacks to ensure this provider is right for you. We have summarized some of its pros and cons in the table below for our Orange eSIM review.

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How does an Orange eSIM work?

Orange eSIMs work the same way as other eSIMs. All you need to do is download the Orange app, purchase an Orange Holiday eSIM plan, and activate it before heading off on your trip. The eSIM will start working once you arrive at your destination, and you’ll get a local phone number.

Orange is a network operator in over 30 countries. If you’re using an Orange eSIM in any of these countries, you’ll be connected to the company’s network. Orange partners with local carriers in countries it doesn’t operate to support calls, text messages, and internet connectivity for its eSIM users in those locations.

What type of plans does Orange offer?

Orange offers local, regional, and global coverage. Whether you’re backpacking across Europe or visiting the United States for just two weeks, there’s a plan for you. Below is an overview of Orange eSIM plans.

Local Orange eSIMs

Local Orange eSIM plans are suited for travelers visiting one country. You can choose a local plan for over 100 countries across six continents. Unfortunately, in most locations, Orange offers only one local plan — usually a 14-day plan. For example, here’s the only local Orange eSIM plan for the US:

Orange doesn’t offer individual local plans for most European countries. You’re automatically redirected to its Europe regional plans when you attempt to purchase a local plan for a country in Europe.

Regional Orange eSIMs

Our Orange eSIM review revealed that Orange only offers regional eSIM plans in Europe. In comparison, eSIM providers like Airalo offer plans for different regions. Here’s a breakdown of Orange’s regional plans for Europe:

Global Orange eSIMs

Like its local plan, Orange only offers one global plan. The good news is that there’s an option to top up if you need additional data or if you want to extend the duration of the plan. Here’s the only global Orange eSIM plan available at the moment:

How much does Orange cost?

The price of Orange’s 14-day eSIM plans doesn’t vary much in most cases. While Orange’s plans are generally quite expensive compared to other top eSIM providers, they usually offer more data. And, some of these plans allow you to make calls and text. So, depending on your needs, Orange may be a more cost-effective eSIM.

The table below shows Orange’s eSIM plans for some of the most popular travel destinations.

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Does Orange allow phone calls?

Yes, Orange allows eSIM users on its all-inclusive plans to make phone calls and send text messages. The Orange Regional Europe plan includes unlimited calls and texts in Europe; there are only limits on calls and texts outside of Europe.

The call minutes you get and the number of text messages you can send vary with each plan. The more expensive the plan, the more call minutes you get. Orange doesn’t charge for incoming calls in Europe.

Besides cellular calls, you can also use apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, and Zoom to make and receive calls online with your Orange eSIM, as we discovered during our Orange eSIM review.

Customer support

Orange offers customer support through multiple channels. We have listed how you can access or request information from Orange below.

Orange’s help center contains answers to many questions about the eSIM service. You can search the help center to find exactly what you’re looking for; this makes navigating the library of information much easier.

If you need further assistance, you can contact Orange’s customer service team via chat or fill out a contact form on the company’s website. You can also send an email to [email protected] and wait for a response. However, some users have complained about late responses and unclear messages from Orange’s customer support.

During tests for this Orange Holiday eSIM review, we reached out to Orange’s customer support via the live chat option on the company’s website and received automated responses.

What devices support Orange eSIMs?

Orange eSIM is compatible with virtually all newer devices that support eSIMs. It’s easy to check if your device supports an eSIM; simply refer to the device specifications on the manufacturer's website or the supporting documents that came with your device.

The table below shows some devices that support the Orange eSIM:

How to use and activate an Orange eSIM

Activating and using an Orange eSIM is a straightforward process, as we discovered during our Orange eSIM review. The Orange app has a simple interface and is easy to navigate. You can manage your plan and top up via the app. There are four main menus on the Orange eSIM app:

• Home: The homepage contains shortcuts to help you buy a plan or top-up your eSIM. You can choose the type of plan you want (all-inclusive or data-only). There is also some general information about eSIMs and a button to contact support.
• Plan: Clicking on this allows you to choose the type of plan you want. You can select a particular country. Alternatively, you can opt for Europe or the world.
• Top-up: This section allows you to top-up your subscription and extend your plan.
• Account: This page shows an overview of your account, including your purchase history, eSIM number, and other details. You can change your password and email in this section.

How to buy an Orange eSIM

You can purchase an Orange eSIM via the Orange Travel app or directly from the company’s website. We’ll guide you through the process step-by-step.

Here’s how to purchase an Orange eSIM:

1. Head over to the Orange Travel website and scan the QR code on the page to download the app. You can also find the Orange Travel app on Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
2. Open the app, click on “Plan,” and choose your travel destination. Orange only offers regional plans for Europe. So, if you’re traveling to multiple countries outside of Europe, you’ll have to get a local Orange eSIM plan for each country you’re visiting or choose the World plan.
3. We selected France and were directed to choose from Orange’s Europe regional plans.
4. When you click to buy your desired plan, you’ll be directed to sign up, pay for the plan, verify your identity, install the eSIM profile, and activate your plan. Orange accepts payment via Mastercard or VISA.

Another way to get an Orange eSIM is to purchase your desired eSIM plan from the Orange website. Here’s how to go about it:

1. Visit the Orange Travel website.
2. Choose the country you’re visiting and click “Select.” We chose France.
3. Pick your preferred plan.
4. Confirm you’re getting an Orange eSIM card and click “Buy now.”
5. Enter your details to sign up and pay for the eSIM.
6. You’ll receive an email with a QR code, and instructions to install your eSIM profile and download the app.

How to activate an Orange eSIM

It only takes a few clicks to activate your Orange eSIM; the process isn’t complicated.

Here’s how to activate your Orange eSIM on an iPhone:

1. Scan the QR code you received in your email to install your eSIM profile.
2. Go to Settings > General > Cellular on your iPhone.
3. You should see your new eSIM profile and your regular phone number. Label them appropriately.
4. Set your new eSIM profile as your primary number to activate your eSIM. It’s important to leave this last step until you’ve arrived at your travel destination.

Here’s how to activate your Orange Travel eSIM on an Android device:

1. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager on your device.
2. Select “Add a mobile plan.”
3. Scan the QR code sent to your email you purchased your Orange Holiday eSIM plan.
4. Click “Add” to install the new plan.
5. Select the new plan and click “OK” to activate it.

Final thoughts: Should you buy an Orange eSIM?

Our Orange eSIM review revealed that this provider is an excellent option for travelers — particularly if you’re visiting Europe. However, there are limited plans if you’re visiting other parts of the world. While Orange eSIM plans cost more than many other providers, they come with high-speed internet, call minutes, and text messages (all-inclusive plans).

Unfortunately, Orange’s customer service leaves a lot to be desired, and its app doesn’t show your data balance or call minutes left. Still, depending on your needs, this could be a great option. If you are traveling abroad.

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