Switching between eSIM and SIM card

[EldonP]

Here's the deal - I have two phones, a newer one that takes only eSIM and an older one that takes only SIM card. When I'm out doing something like camping, I'd like to switch to the older one, then switch back when I return.

I gather that I can't have both an eSIM and SIM card active on my account, so I can't have both phones active at the same time. I also gather than one option is buying a new eSIM or SIM card everytime I want to switch; obviously that's not a great option.

Is it also an option to just activate/deactivate/reactivate the eSIM/SIM card as I switch between the two?

Thanks!!

[slusagm]

Sorry, esim is trouble in terms of phone switching, physical should be the way to go

So you have an US iPhone so no physical sim tray? Honest there is really no way for you to easily switch between 2 phones

[eddieO]

@EldonP both physical and eSIM are one time use only. Sure, physical SIM can be swapped out of a phone and work in another phone but once it's been deactivated it can no longer be used again, regardless of the carrier. With eSIM, if you get a new phone you need to order another eSIM through the app on the new phone but PM will credit you the amount so there won't be a charge under this example