Maya eSIM review

Want a hassle-free way to stay connected while abroad? An eSIM can help you avoid expensive roaming charges each time you travel outside the UK.

That's why we've put together a Maya eSIM review for 2024, featuring all the information you might need. This includes instructions on activating the eSIM, an overview of available plans, and how it works. We'll also highlight some pros and cons of using Maya eSIMs.

And if you need a cost-effective way to handle your finances across borders, check out the Wise international debit card. It lets you spend and withdraw cash like a local in 150+ countries - and all for low fees* and at the mid-market exchange rate.

Learn more about the Wise card

What is an eSIM?¹

An eSIM is like a virtual SIM card. It offers the features a physical SIM would usually have, but it’s embedded directly into your device's chip. It’s a convenient way to avoid roaming fees while travelling outside the UK, without replacing your existing phone plan.

eSIMs are a great option if you need to leave the country unexpectedly, as they provide international data coverage almost instantly. Plus, you won’t need to remove your physical SIM card to start using an eSIM.

How does Maya eSIM work?²

Maya is an eSIM provider offering prepaid and unlimited data plans to help you stay connected while travelling. Besides using it on your phone, you can also share your internet with other devices via hotspot. With plans available in over 200 destinations, you'll surely find one that meets your needs.

You can install the eSIM plan of your choice in only five minutes. It’s activated by scanning a QR code that will be delivered to your email.

Maya sources connectivity from 400+ global networks, including Vodafone, O2 and Orange. Once you install your Maya eSIM, you’ll be automatically connected to the best network available at the moment.¹

Maya eSIM installation³

The first step in installing a Maya eSIM is searching through the options on their website and creating an account. Once you choose a plan, you’ll receive a QR Code from Maya via email, which will help you activate the plan.

Keep in mind that your device needs to be carrier-unlocked and compatible with eSIMs. Also, the exact installation and activation steps can vary depending on the type of phone you have, but you’ll receive all the information you need from Maya.

How to activate Maya eSIM?³

Activating a Maya eSIM is simple. All you need to do is use your camera to scan the QR code you received via email. To give you an idea of the whole process, here’s how to install and activate Maya’s eSIM on an iPhone:

1. Create a Maya account
2. Choose a plan
3. On your device, go to Settings, then Cellular
4. Tap on Add eSIM
5. Tap on Use QR Code and scan the one you received via email
6. Follow the prompts to install the new data plan

In case you’re unable to scan the QR code, you’ll have to activate your eSIM manually. These are the steps⁴:

1. Log into your Maya account online
2. Click My eSIMs
3. Click Install eSIM and then Manual Activation Code
4. Copy the code
5. On your device, go to Settings, then Cellular
6. Under Cellular Plans, tap Add eSIM
7. Tap Enter Details Manually
8. Enter the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code shown in your account
9. Tap Next and continue with the installation

Maya eSIM plans and prices

Maya eSIM plans range from country-specific to regional options, with data amounts starting at 3 GB and going up to unlimited plans. When it comes to the duration of their eSIM plans, the options are 5, 10, 15 and 30 days.

Here are a few examples of Maya eSIM plans and prices to consider, varying by destination, duration and data amount:

Maya eSIM: Pros and Cons

Here’s a quick look at some of the pros and cons of the Maya eSIM:

Pros:

• Variety of package durations and data amounts
• Secure and reliable internet connection
• Wi-Fi hotspot option

Cons:

• Suitable for data roaming only - not for calls or SMS
• Your device must be compatible with Maya eSIMs
• Variable fees depending on the specific package

Maya eSIM FAQs

Here are some common questions about Maya eSIMs:

Can you call with Maya mobile eSIM?

No, Maya offers data-only eSIMs.

Can I use WhatsApp with Maya eSIM?

Since Maya offers data-only plans, you can use WhatsApp with your primary phone number.

How long does Maya eSIM take?

Activating a Maya eSIM takes around 5 minutes.

How to top up Maya eSIM?¹⁵

You can top up your Maya eSIM through your Maya Mobile account or by enabling auto top up.

Does Maya eSIM allow hotspot?

Yes, the WiFi hotspot feature is available with Maya eSIMs.

Going abroad? Get the Wise Card for low-cost international spending

An eSIM is the most convenient way to stay connected when travelling abroad. Also, as you can see from our Maya eSIM review, it’s likely cheaper than using your UK roaming.

And if you want to spend abroad without worrying about exchange rates and hidden fees, the Wise international debit card might be the ideal travel companion.

You can use your card for international payments in 150+ countries. It automatically converts your pounds to the currency you need in your destination at the mid-market exchange rate with only a small, transparent currency conversion fee*. Open a Wise account online, hold and exchange 40+ currencies and order the Wise card for a one-time fee of £7.

You also get two free ATM withdrawals to the value of 200 GBP each month. After that, there is a charge of 0.5 GBP per withdrawal. There’s also a 1.75% fee on any amount you withdraw above 200 GBP.

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

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Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 18-Nov-2024