What country is this, if you mind sharing? I've never encountered any of these problems. I've received almost all my eSIMs as a QR code, and the ones that did offer app-based installation (which is convenient if it works, but ultimately not more than that) have a QR code for fallback.

> only allowing so many changes per month

That I have actually encountered. I've seen one (fortunately only when traveling) that actually charges a "SIM fee" for each new eSIM profile installed, and they don't allow reinstalls of my initial one...

Charging for a new eSIM is dubious even if a profile is reinstallable, but it's less of an issue for me, as I'd only have to do that if I lose a phone, or it fails to a point where I can no longer remove the installed eSIMs so that I can redownload them on another one.

This was in Holland, one of the MVNOs. They had a crappy app and it would generate a different QR code every time (so they were not reusable).

And a lot of operators have restrictions on phones. Imported phones are often blocked (and also not given access to VoLTE).

For me it is a big deal if it charges "sim fees". I do swap my sims very regularly. For testing, or to put one in my tablet when I travel. I just want to be fully free to do as I please.

But luckily I only use prepay these days and none of the carriers here in Europe that do prepay offer eSIM anyway.

> none of the carriers here in Europe that do prepay offer eSIM anyway.

Not true, e.g. in Portugal: https://www.nos.pt/movel/esim (though you need to go to a store to pick-up the QR code, I think to avoid people from other countries using it?), https://www.meo.pt/servicos/movel/tarifarios-telemovel/e-sim same thing

Most eSIMs are not reusable; that's just standard, not a weird restriction.

I’ve used many that are reusable, so I’ll continue considering it a common but weird restriction.

Which operators? From your other comments I would think Vodafone (CallYa?) Germany - any others?

(I haven’t seen any other that ships reusable QR codes yet.)

Ok but then they just aren't usable like a normal SIM. And not a suitable replacement.

Happens with Thai eSIM as well.

They have great roaming deals so I like having its eSIM always installed, but if I change iPhone I have to visit a store Thailand. Fantastic. I ended up switching it for a physical SIM card.

If the eSIM is registered, you can also reissue a Thai eSIM online.

Dtac? Maybe he was wrong, but the operator said I couldn't.

> Charging for a new eSIM is dubious

The prices charged are often too high but depending on the setup the provider is using they might actually pay a vendor a fee every time an eSIM profile is generated.

>Either needing their data-stealing app

that's only needed on non-rooted Android, due to security restrictions imposed by android. OP even mentions using an open source tool (lpac) with his esim adapter.

I've never heard of any of these things (~2k mobile devices at work). I've had a hand in writing some policies for our company for our mobile devices and with Verizon, ATT, and T-Mobile, 0 issues with esims.

Like a SIM card, you mean?

I don't really like the move to eSIMs, or rather the removal of physical SIM card (slots.) A physical thing is a lot easier to reason about, and you can swap them in seconds.

I have a 5ber.esim that appears to be exactly that.

Thanks! I'll have a look at that.

Edit: Looks great but it's US only. But I think the one in the article spoke about a similar solution.

I am in Europe myself

Oh did you order it somewhere? I only saw US options on their site.