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Mobile network operator Vodafone has today launched a new 4G and 5G-ready mobile data (broadband) Travel eSIM service, which now extends to 206 destinations on 700 networks – supported by its GenAI system for customer service. But they’re still just one option in a growing sea of similar services, where standing out is difficult.
The new service – travel.vodafone.com (also available via the iOS and Android app stores) – typically offers a choice of mobile data packages ranging from 1 to 150GB (GigaBytes), with up to 90 days of runtime and mobile hotspot function for multiple devices. But the prices and offers do vary a bit between countries, much as you’d expect.
A variety of data packages are available to choose from, including data top-ups and build-your-own-bundle options, along with the ability to create mobile hotspots. Standard voice calls and text messages are not included, and customers can continue to use these services via their existing or roaming mobile price plans as normal.
Vodafone are also aiming to complement their Travel eSIMs with corresponding services, including travel insurance, and making it widely available through strategic partnerships with other organisations. The first of these is Uber One, which is offering Travel eSIMs in 44 European countries as part of its new member promotion.
Travel eSIM – How it works
There are four steps to use Vodafone’s Travel eSIM:
1. Select a data package on travel.vodafone.com
2. Receive QR code by email
3. Activate eSIM when you arrive abroad
4. Surf, stream and navigate directly
In terms of customer support, Vodafone said they’ll cover this in various languages using their GenAI virtual assistant, SuperTOBI, which can apparently “understand and respond to complex customer enquiries faster and better than traditional chatbots“. But the use of AI support tends to be a bit of a marmite topic for consumers.
Margherita Della Valle, CEO of Vodafone, said:
“With our new digital platform, we are offering users of all networks across the world a worry-free, easy-to-use travel experience in more than 200 countries. The Vodafone Travel eSIM service is set to be the ideal international data service for any mobile user.”
The usual caveats with eSIM do apply here, which means that it acts as a complement (not a replacement) to your existing mobile SIM/plan – this tends to require a bit of extra end-user management in order to avoid bill shocks when abroad (i.e. make sure to disable data on your main SIM/plan, so that the eSIM becomes primary when roaming abroad). You’ll also need an eSIM compatible Smartphone/device.
Prices start at €4/£3.50/$4 for European packages, €6/£5.50/$6 for North America, €8/£7/$8 for the Middle East and €10/£8.50/$11 for data in Africa. But Vodafone doesn’t currently offer ANY “unlimited data” plans, which puts it behind some eSIM travel providers like Holafly. But it’s rates for data capped packages do seem reasonably competitive (e.g. 50GB over 30 days in the USA for £30.50).