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Making a splash in the eSIM marketplace, Sim Local offers various plans for travelers who don’t wish to encumber themselves with physical SIM cards or pricey roaming fees. With coverage in over 150 countries, 5G-ready connectivity, and kiosks at major airports, this eSIM for international travel promises convenience and cost-effectiveness. But does it deliver? Let’s check out the deets.

Sim Local: Plans and pricing

(Image credit: Sim Local)

Sim Local’s worldwide presence comes with numerous plan options. You may choose local options for all of the supported countries, and even some specific territories within them (e.g. Azores). Then, there are regional eSIM packages that include Europe and the Caribbean, as well as the two global plans.

For instance, the United Kingdom-specific eSIM options range from 3 GB of data for 30 days (but no calls or texts included) via Smartroam (VN) at the cost of a mere $8.75, to the Unlimited plan that covers 30 days of unlimited data, texts, and local calls, and up to 180 minutes of international calls at the price of $50.50 via Everything Everywhere UK.

If you’re seeking coverage for the European Union, then the cheapest option, which will get you 12 GB of data, 200 texts, 30 international minutes, and unlimited local calls for 14 days via Orange FR, is available at the price of $21.50. On the other side of the pricing spectrum is the ‘Europe 50 GB’ plan via Smartroam (VN) at $56.75 which, in addition to the mentioned data, supplies you with unlimited texts and local minutes for the duration of two weeks.

Planning to spend more time traveling across Europe? That is no problem, as Sim Local has an option for you as well. With its ‘Europe 70 GB’ plan via Orange FR, you’re getting more time (28 days) and GBs, in addition to unlimited local minutes and up to 120 minutes for international calls. However, the texts are limited to 1,000 units, hence the price tag of $53.50, which is lower than the 50 GB plan.

Need coverage for both the UK and the EU? Then the combined plan via LycaMobile UK will do the trick. It costs $12.50 and gets you 20 GB of data, unlimited texts and local calls, and up to 100 international minutes, during 15 days. The other option is to pay $25.25 for 100 GB of data under the same conditions as the 20 GB subscription option.

Of course, there are quite a few global options that are good for both regions, ranging from a very limited $3.75 plan (500 MB, 1 day, 99 countries) via Smartroam to the more generous $32 package (10 GB, 14 days, 155 countries) courtesy of Orange FR. Both of these are data-only.

Sim Local also offers a full money-back guarantee if you change your mind or cancel the trip, but under the condition that you haven’t yet activated your plan.

• Also, take a look at our pick of the best eSIM for Europe.

Sim Local: Features

(Image credit: Sim Local)

Let’s take a look at what makes Sim Local eSIM a go-to solution for travelers, both occasional and frequent:

5G coverage

As long as your device supports 5G and you’re in an area where Sim Local offers 5G coverage, you’ll be able to take advantage of the technology and its high speeds, low latency, and ultra-connectivity. If 5G isn’t active by default on your phone, you can enable it in ‘Settings’.

Hotspot-ready

Supporting the same features as physical SIM cards, the Sim Local eSIM includes the ability to set up mobile hotspots and data tethering, allowing you to share your connection without any restrictions. For example, if two people are traveling together, they can purchase one eSIM and share data through tethering.

Kiosks in over 100 airports

Sim Local has physical stores and kiosks at more than 100 airports around the world, including at London’s Heathrow, Gatwick, and WHSmith, as well as in Glasgow, Madrid, Copenhagen, Athens, Dublin, Vienna, Brussels, multiple airports across the United States, and more. This way, their employees can help you on the go.

• Also, take a look at our pick of the best eSIM for Turkey.

Sim Local: Installation

(Image credit: Sim Local)

From the get-go, Sim Local is very straightforward and intuitive. Just head over to the website, browse through the options on offer and, once you’ve made a selection, tick the box to confirm your device “is unlocked and eSIM-enabled” on the order summary page.

You’ll find the list of supported devices and models, organized in categories, on the Sim Local website. If you don’t see your phone or tablet listed here, you can ask the team directly through email or web chat. This is crucial because you don’t want to end up buying an eSIM that doesn’t work on your device.

Hitting the ‘Continue to Payment’ button will take you to the payment page, where you can select to pay via card or PayPal (whichever you feel more comfortable with). Sim Local also allows payments through Apple Pay and Google Pay if buying via phone. Enter your payment information and click on ‘Place Order.’

After your order is confirmed, it’s time to download and set up your eSIM. You can do this by scanning the QR code from the Sim Local website via the camera app on your phone. As the prompt appears on your screen, tap it and follow the instructions to install the eSIM.

Another option is to visit your device’s ‘Settings', select ‘Network & Internet’ (for Android devices), and tap the plus sign (+) next to ‘Mobile Network’ (also known as ‘SIMs’). Select ‘Connect to mobile network’ and then ‘Download a SIM instead?’. Tap ‘Use a different network’ and scan your QR code.

Alternatively, after tapping ‘Download a SIM instead?,’ select ‘Use Activation Code’ to copy and paste the provided codes. That said, just scanning the QR code is arguably the easiest option.

For iOS, the process is similar, with the exception of the particular setting called ‘Cellular or Mobile Data’ where you’ll select ‘Add eSIM’ (or ‘Add Cellular Plan’ or ‘Add Data Plan’) and ‘Use QR Code.’ If you’re installing manually, you’ll copy and paste the ‘SM-DP+ Address’ and ‘Activation Code’ sent to you with your plan details.

Regardless of which method or device you used to install your eSIM, the next step is to make sure your mobile data is using the eSIM and not your primary line (and that ‘Allow Data Switching’ is off for iOS). The aim is to avoid accidentally roaming on your existing plan and incurring massive charges.

Sim Local: Support

(Image credit: Sim Local)

Sim Local’s website has a pretty solid collection of instructions and helpful articles that cover nearly every aspect of installing and using its eSIM. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in the Help Center, then your next stop is to contact the team.

This can be done in multiple ways: by submitting a request via the website form, using live chat, messaging the team on WhatsApp, sending them an email inquiry, or calling them directly on the phone. It doesn’t matter which way you contact them - the customer support agents are available 24/7.

• Also, take a look at our pick of the best eSIM for Asia.

Sim Local: Final verdict

Sim Local delivers a compelling eSIM solution for international travelers, combining affordability, ease of use, and robust customer service. Its broad coverage and regional plans cater to various travel needs, from quick trips to extended stays. Features like 5G readiness and hotspot support add value, while the ability to buy plans in a few clicks ensures a hassle-free experience.

FAQs Is Sim Local eSIM data-only?

Yes and no. Sim Local offers multiple plans depending on your needs and preferences. Some are data-only while others support texting and calling - much like your home provider’s physical SIM but without robbing you blind with exorbitant roaming charges.

Can I install Sim Local eSIM using a QR code?

Of course! Installing Sim Local eSIM using a QR code is supported and straightforward. However, if for any reason the QR method isn’t working for you, manual installation is described step-by-step on the website.

Which countries/regions are covered by Sim Local eSIM?

Thanks to a wide array of packages with different features, Sim Local eSIM covers over 150 countries around the world. That said, it also offers bundled plans, like the UK + Europe, and individual locations like the Azores.

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