eSIM - Fiji for a Week

Since I 'do something with computers', I am tech support for most of my family, including my in-laws, and must know everything about anything even vaguely related.

My in-laws are going to Fiji for a week, and want me to tell them what to do about using their mobiles while there, and what eSIM to buy (I am somewhat surprised to find that they even know what an eSIM is!) I have checked, and their phones appear to be eSIM compatible (they are both a couple of of years old I think), so all good there.

I know nothing about eSIMs / plans, but that doesn't come into it - I am expected to know!

They are not techy at all, so if it is possible for me to set it up for them before they go, and it 'just works' when they land in Fiji, that would be ideal, but if not possible, I can write out instructions for them.

I figure they don't really need SMS or voice much, but they really want data, as they actually use FaceBook Messenger and WhatsApp to talk to other people much of the time (!), and will likely want to be able to post photos in one or both of those.

If it makes any difference, they are both on 2Degrees Pre-Pay at home.

So, looking for advice on what would work well for them without costing too much?

Thanks!

Alan.

Comments

Search through all the comments in this post.
  • +2

    I wouldn't bother tbh - just use the wifi available at the accomodation and enjoy the time there. Been going to Fiji for years and never bothered with getting a local sim. Sorry doesn't help answer your question, but maybe gives an alternative position to one they are seeking :)

  • Multiple threads on esims - I have used Airarlo and it worked well.

  • +1

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/943185

    Free eSIM for NZ. posted on Ozbargain.

    There is also a 1GB eSIM freebie here with a short 7 day expiry.
    And another 1GB free trial from eskimo

  • +1

    I go to Fiji often and have never really bothered with eSIMs since local Digicel SIMs are so cheap. That said, I’ve used Airalo and eSIM.io in other countries without any issues, they’re very easy to set up. You can even set it up for them while they’re still in NZ, and it will automatically activate once they land in Fiji.

  • https://www.getroamify.com/en/esim/fiji/

    $12.80 - 5GB for 15 Days.

  • Thanks everyone for your replies.

    They are staying at a hotel / resort, so I would guess there would be WiFi onsite.

    I'll suggest they just go with that, and perhaps I'll give it a go with one of the free ones suggested as a backup.

  • If they are at a resort just use the wifi. Only if they want to access internet/communicate outside of the resort (rarely needed). I'm pretty sure the airport has wifi too.

    • If they are at a resort just use the wifi. Only if they want to access internet/communicate outside of the resort (rarely needed). I'm pretty sure the airport has wifi too.

      I suspect they will want to do some 'excursions' and even then the data would likely on be for Google Maps (or whatever they use) as a safety blanket.

      There are a number of small data options for free, so I'll try to get a different one setup on each of their phones as a backup.

  • I went to Fiji in June and got the Supera Global 109 Countries eSIM, 2 Days UNLIMITED Data [UNLIMITED] however while it was usable it was super slow. Is suspect all of the eSims will be similarly slow. Good enough for chatting, maps etc. but anything more was a bit of a struggle.

    Digicel & Vodafone seem to be the recommendations as they are Fijian mobile telecoms. Digicel and pick up at the airport on arrival.

    • Thanks Neil - Noted on the speeds.

      I suspect that won't matter too much if they are posting photos, but it might mean poor quality video calls I guess.

  • https://esimdb.com/ does a pretty good comparison normally. Just be aware that some eSIM companies route traffic via offshore which will definitely reduce speeds.

    • Thanks mpc.

  • +1

    Hotel wifi is usually quite slow and intermittent.

    Get a local sim at the airport, they will try to upsell their expensive pack but insist on getting the free tourist sim with 2GB free and then top up $10 prepaid for the 21GB. Show them a screenshot of the offer.
    They should also help to set up the phone with 5G settings etc

    https://www.digicelpacific.com/mobile/fj/promotions/tourist-…

    • Looks good as well, plus I think that is a physical SIM?

      If so, probably more understandable for the in-laws!

      • yes a physical sim. They will install the sim and setup the 5G. Ask them to top up $10 so you can purchase the 21GB plan later.
        The free sim comes with 2GB which last for 2 days, after that they can get the 21GB which last for another 5 days (23GB for 7 days).

        Download the Digicel App too.

        1. How do I check my data balance?
          You can check your Data balance on My Digicel App or by dialing *131#.
        • Ask them to top up $10 so you can purchase the 21GB plan later.

          Do you know how they would get the $10 top-up?

          Do they buy a voucher (a la supermarkets in NZ) at the Airport from the same place they get the physical SIM?

          • +4

            @Alan6984: Same place where you get the free sim (at Digicel), before exiting to the airport foyer.
            https://www.traveltomtom.net/images/nieuwe_indeling/artikels…

            Ask for a free sim and get them to pre-load $10 FJD to the account. You can pay by credit card.

            Then follow one of these options to purchase the 21GB after 2 days (Dial *555# on your phone or vai Digicel app)

            https://share.google/aimode/7z8WKngBSC39ZnB6X

            • @kent:

              Same place where you get the free sim (at Digicel), before exiting to the airport foyer.
              https://www.traveltomtom.net/images/nieuwe_indeling/artikels…

              Ask for a free sim and get them to pre-load $10 FJD to the account. You can pay by credit card.

              Then follow one of these options to purchase the 21GB after 2 days (Dial *555# on your phone or vai Digicel app)

              https://share.google/aimode/7z8WKngBSC39ZnB6X

              Brilliant - Thank you!

              • +1

                @Alan6984: Worked a charm - they collected the physical SIM and topped up $10 like you (Kent) advised, and it all just worked for them.

                As mentioned above, there was WiFi at the hotel anyway, so probably didn't really matter, but it was reassuring for them, so that's good too.

Login or Join to leave a comment