I’m not the first traveller to get stranded in the middle of nowhere desperately wishing I had purchased an eSIM before jetting off in a last-minute bungled escape from the frozen wastelands of the North. I certainly won’t be the last, but luckily for you, you’ve stumbled upon this post.
As our world gets smaller, staying connected while travelling becomes not just a luxury but an absolute necessity. Enter Jetpac, a cutting-edge travel eSIM provider promising seamless connectivity at low costs, across the globe.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or planning your first international trip, understanding what Jetpac offers can help you stay connected without the hassle of physical SIM cards.
In this in-depth review, we will look closely at Jetpac, what they offer and how they compare to other eSim providers.
About JetPac
Singaporean-based Jetpac is fast carving out a chunky niche in the increasingly competitive eSIM market, by providing easy, instant access to network services in a digital format.
Recently honoured as the 2023 Travel Product of the Year by the Asia Telecom Awards, and receiving accolades for Best Global Roaming Services from the Tripzilla Excellence Awards, Jet Pac seems destined to set the benchmarks in the travel connectivity space. When it comes to finding the best sim for travel, you can’t go far wrong here
What Does Jetpac Offer?
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Jetpac isn’t just another eSIM provider; they’re a traveller’s gateway to uninterrupted connectivity.
Let’s dive into the specifics of what makes Jetpac stand out in the crowded world of digital SIM cards.
How Jetpac Works
Ok so first up, in order to use JetPac you need to ensure that your phone or device is actually eSim ready. At the time of writing (April 2024), most devices in circulation in the West are but some older models still in use (such as your Granny’s iPhone 11) are not. Check out this page to see the full list of eSim-compatible devices.
Next, you can either download the Jetpac app or visit their website to start searching for eSim packages simply by searching for your travel destination.
One of the things I like about JetPac is that most of their packages have a standard duration/lifespan of 30 days. This means all you need to focus on is how much data you want to buy. When you find one you like, you complete the check-out procedure and then follow the instructions for download/installation and activation which we will come to very soon.
Note that like most eSim companies, JetPac doesn’t actually own any transmitters or phone masts. Rather, they partner up with local carriers around the world, ensuring you always have the best possible connection. Whether you’re in a bustling city or remote area, Jet Pac aims to keep you connected.
If you’re going offshore, then check out the best SIMs for cruise trips.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
What Packages Does Jetpac Offer?
Jetpac offers two distinct package types – individual country packages and regional packages. At the time of writing, they offer packages in over 100 countries, 6 region packages, and a global package.
With a handful of exceptions, all packages last for a 30-day duration period so it’s all simply a matter of estimating how much data you think you need and deciding how much money you want to pay.
Note that at this time, Jetpac does NOT offer texts or minutes as their eSim packs are data only and do not come with local phone numbers. But that’s pretty standard and they are still one of the best eSim providers on the market in 2024.
Does Sim Local Offer Local Phone Numbers?
At this stage you may be wondering ‘Can I make a call using Jetpac?’ Well, the answer is both yes and no. It’s like this, Jetpacs eSim packages do not offer local phone numbers and are data only. Therefore you will not be able to make a phone call using your Jetpac eSim. However, you can easily make a call via WhatsApp, Zoom or Telegram using the generous data allowance.
I appreciate that some of you may be disappointed to discover that Jetpac does not offer local phone numbers. Indeed, it does have some drawbacks. For example, to activate some local apps (such as Indonesia’s GoJek) you need a local phone number.
That said, remember that you can run an eSim and a physical SIM simultaneously so you can still use your native, normal SIM to make and receive calls and texts if you have to.
If you absolutely need an eSim that has a local phone number then check out OneSim or one of the other top international SIM card providers out there.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Which Travel Destinations Do Jet Pac Cover?
JetPac has pretty extensive coverage, offering both country and regional packages that cater to nearly every part of the globe.
Have a look at the Jetpac site here for a full and up-to-date list of destinations.
The list is however not comprehensive or complete and there are some TBB fave destinations that Jetpac does not currently cover such as Cuba and Pakistan. This is down to local regulations and security concerns and to our knowledge, no eSim carriers currently provide eSim products for these destinations.
Cost
A huge driver in choosing the right travel eSim is price and cost. After all, we all loves a bargain. The prices of eSim packages vary between destinations and also how much data you want.
However, compared to competitors like OneSim and HolaFly, Jet Pac offers extremely competitive pricing that often includes special deals and promotions. Keep an eye out for discount codes, especially during travel seasons, to make the most of their offers. Either way, you’ll avoid running up massive phone bills whilst travelling!
Let’s look at a few different examples of how much a Jetpac eSim costs.
| Destination | Days | Price | Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global | 30 | $25 | 10GB |
| Thailand | 30 | $25 | 10GB |
| Spain | 30 | $18 | 10GB |
| Europe | 30 | $18 | 10GB |
| Mexico | 30 | $25 | 5GB |
| Italy | 30 | $18 | 10GB |
How To Use Jetpac eSim’s
In this section, we will talk about how a Jetpac eSim plan works at a technical level.
Firstly though, as we stated earlier it is important to make sure your phone is eSim ready and then buy a suitable eSim plan from either the website or via the app.
If you need more info, then you can read all about how eSims work in our dedicated post.
Installation and Activation
You can activate your eSIM by scanning the QR code sent via email or displayed in the app.
Alternatively, if you’re comfortable with a more hands-on approach, you can opt for manual activation and installation.
Whichever method you choose, you’ll have your eSIM ready to go in no time.
Monitoring Use, Topping Up And Extending
The Jetpac app is an excellent tool for monitoring your data usage, particularly useful for those who travel often. Its user-friendly interface allows you to quickly check your current data consumption with just a few taps.
If you need additional data, you can easily purchase more directly through the app.
**What happens after 30 days?
Pros and Cons Of Jetpac
Wide Coverage: Extensive network partnerships ensure strong connectivity almost anywhere.
Flexible Plans: Options for every type of traveller.
Ease of Use: Simple setup and account management.
Limited Physical Presence: Those preferring in-person service might find it lacking.
Device Compatibility: Not all devices are eSIM-ready.
No Local phone number: No calls, no texts.
Coverage Gaps: Some remote areas might still be off the grid.
Final Thoughts
That’s all we have time for. In summary, Jetpac offers a compelling service for travellers seeking hassle-free, well-priced connectivity. With a range of plans and easy setup, it’s a great choice for keeping online while abroad at a low cost.
Of course, there are downsides and the lack of a local phone number may be an issue for some and there are still some 90-something countries out there where Jetpac is not yet available.
In summary, though, they are amongst the best and cheapest eSim providers we have used. For the digital nomad or the occasional vacationer, Jetpac might just be the ticket to a connected, seamless travel experience in 2024 and beyond.
