This week's picks
- Q: Is an iPhone eSIM tied to IMEI1 or IMEI2?
A: Usually IMEI2. That's Apple's design: the physical SIM uses IMEI1, the eSIM uses IMEI2. One user converted a physical SIM to eSIM on an iPhone 13 — even after giving the carrier IMEI1, it ended up on IMEI2. When a carrier asks for your IMEI for an eSIM purchase, it's generally the IMEI2 shown under Settings → General → About.
Original Reddit thread - Q: My main phone doesn't support eSIM — what to do for South Africa?
A: A two-phone setup works: put a South Africa eSIM on the old Pixel 6a for data, and keep the main phone on cellular (data roaming off) just to receive SMS. Receiving texts generally doesn't incur roaming charges (sending texts and calls do — confirm with your carrier before traveling). Bank 2FA codes come through your original number, unaffected.
Original Reddit thread - Q: Egypt eSIM vs. physical SIM at Cairo airport — which is cheaper?
A: A physical SIM at Cairo airport (10–30 GB, 15–30 days) runs about $10–15, same as in the city; but eSIMs sold at airport counters are usually pricier. Check online eSIM prices before your trip and compare — if the gap is big, buy a physical SIM in the city instead.
Original Reddit thread
New questions worth watching
- All 4 discussions from this week are covered in the Q&A above.
Data sources
This issue tracked 4 new discussions on r/eSIM (trailing 21-day window); candidates are auto-collected by script and hand-picked. eSIM topics are niche on Reddit, so weekly volume varies.