Physical SIM for Public Mobile

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INTRODUCTIONS

We will not be going into the definition of eSIM or physical SIM as this information is readily available on the internet. Instead, our focus is on offering a concise and comprehensive explanation of why opting for a physical SIM is advantageous.

 

GO WITH PHYSICAL SIM

The additional cost of approximately $10 for a physical SIM card may be a worthwhile investment in the following scenarios. Public Mobile is a prepaid service, ensuring that you only pay for what you use, eliminating the risk of unexpected charges. This prepaid model provides peace of mind, making the $10 fee a small price to pay for avoiding surprise expenses after a vacation.

However, prepaid services have limitations when traveling abroad. Here are two common situations where a physical SIM is beneficial:

  1. Receiving One-Time Passcodes (OTPs): Financial institutions often send OTPs via SMS for secure transactions.
  2. Making Restaurant Reservations: Some restaurants require a mobile number to confirm reservations and notify you when a table is ready.
  3. Completing Purchases with 3D Authentication: Certain purchases require SMS-based verification, such as Verified by Visa or Mastercard SecureCode.

With a physical SIM from Public Mobile, you can transfer your mobile service to a device that stays at home while you travel abroad. This way, you don’t need to carry your physical SIM with you if you won’t be using mobile services during your trip.

Security Note: Avoid using untrusted mobile applications that forward SMS to email. SMS messages, especially those containing OTPs, should be handled with high security and privacy standards. Granting an untrusted application access to your SMS messages can lead to unintended consequences, particularly since many financial institutions still use SMS OTPs for authentication.

 

SECURELY ACCESS SMS WHILE TRAVELLING

Instructions for Accessing SMS Messages While Traveling (For Android Users)

Note: This suggestion is for users with Android devices who use the Messages application by Google LLC. By using the Google Messages app, you can securely sync messages across multiple devices, including your mobile phone, desktop, or tablet. Simply link your Messages application to your Google account. Then, you can access your SMS messages via Google Messages Web. (https://messages.google.com/web)

Before You Travel:

Stay-at-Home Mobile Phone:

  1. Google Account Login: Ensure the device is logged into your Google account.
  2. Constant Charging: Keep the device charged at all times.
  3. Physical SIM: Insert and keep your physical SIM in this device.

Travel Mobile Phone (Connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi):

  1. Access Google Messages Web: Go to Google Messages Web. (https://messages.google.com/web)
  2. Authenticate: Follow the on-screen instructions to authenticate with your stay-at-home mobile phone.
  3. Create Shortcut: Create a shortcut on the home screen for easy access.

While Traveling:

  • Check SMS: Access your SMS messages by clicking on the shortcut you created on your travel mobile phone.

By following these steps, you can ensure seamless access to your SMS messages without carrying your physical SIM abroad.

 

LINKS TO OTHER ONERINGR GUIDES

  • Affordable travel mobile data plans. (coming soon)
  • Credit card blocked while travelling? How to make a call while only on a mobile data plan? (coming soon)