eSIM Options for texting, calling, and data

Questions
1

I’m looking for private ways of getting an eSIM without breaking the bank. Primary usage is for Signal/SimpleX Chat/Cwtch over VPN on data, but the texting is for backup in case of an emergency. I need both texting/calling, as well as data. This would exclude silent link as I believe they only support incoming texts. I’m looking to get one for just a month for a personal test I plan to do. Based on my own research and the forums, there seems to be two main options: Phreeli and Mint Mobile.

From a pricing standpoint, for 10GB data with unlimited calling/texting is $50 at Phreeli (Core plan). For Mint, their minimum plan is $45, but its for 3 months, which is longer than I need. In addition, I assume I would have to provide my name and address for Mint. I could use my name and a PMB address here to layer the personal information.

Are there any better options on the market? Are there more private approach to getting set up here?

I understand mobile is not private. I also understand phones are tapped as part of CALEA. This is just me trying to work in the bounds I currently have.

2

Silent.link for data and jmp.chat for SMS? Both very cheap imo.

3
4

Yea they do seem cheaper, I think it ends up being about $30 USD for a month through this. Thanks for mentioning this option.

5

Haven’t heard of these companies before. Have you used either of them?

6

I haven’t actually tried e-SIMs yet, but I did rent a phone number for 3 months on Nadanada.me to receive SMS, and it worked fine. I found it on KYCnot.me and the reviews looked good. Honestly, I’m not sure about PikaSim at all.

7

I used PikaSim before because they accept Monero and Zcash. Everything worked really well, the payment process was simple, and the speed was great

8

For a one month test, splitting data and SMS usually works better than hunting for one eSIM that does both well. Data-only plans are easier to find with less KYC friction. Then keep a separate SMS option just for emergencies. Biggest gotcha I see is picking an SMS number that does not actually work in the country you will be in. Check that before you buy anything.

9

Second the silent.link option that Expert4870 mentioned, they have data only and also phone number plans (with some restrictions - check their web page using the tor browser :wink:). You might also check out Phreeli. They are more akin to an ordinary US SIM than silent.link. Take BTC, or “normal” payment methods. Hope that helps. Happy hunting.

10

I was checking out Phreeli and seems like they have support for Monero as well. Based on consensus, seems like silent link might be the go-to for data.