Sim Local eSIM Review (2024 Guide)

Sim Local eSIMs are some of the best new products on the market. Check out our guide to eSIMs and how they can make your travels easier!

There are so many things to consider when planning a trip abroad. From travel insurance and visas, to packing and storing camera gear, we are always looking for ways to streamline the process. 

One factor of travelling that can sometimes cause headaches is getting phone and internet connection abroad. 

Many travellers (us included) wrestle with conflicting ideas about how best to stay connected while gallivanting around the globe.

To purchase a local SIM card or set up data roaming with your current provider?

To get a portable Wifi device or rely on free Wifi? 

Nowadays, there is another popular option that is a hot topic at the moment: eSIMs!

As technology advances, new innovations hit the market and attempt to make our lives easier. Some new products are overhyped, and some are definitely worth checking out. We believe that eSIMs are absolutely worth the hype!

An eSIM makes it easier than ever to get reliable phone and internet connection while traveling. Whether you’re a digital nomad setting up camp in one country for a few months, or you’re a backpacker hopping from country to country on a global extravaganza, eSIMs are a cheap and hassle-free way to get online.

We’ve actually been using eSIMs for years now, being happy customers with various companies across 4 different continents.

Check out our detailed guide to eSIMs, how they work, and why you should choose the incredible company Sim Local for your next trip abroad!

SIM LOCAL DISCOUNT – Use the code ‘NOMADASAURUS’ at checkout to unlock a very exclusive price for our readers only.

What is an eSIM?

Before we uncover the wonders of Sim Local, let’s quickly discuss the basics.

What is an eSIM? It’s a relatively new piece of technology that even the most seasoned of travellers may not yet know about. 

An eSIM functions the same as a standard SIM card, but it’s all electronic. 

You pay for an eSIM plan, activate it, and add it to your phone settings. The entire process is digital, and you never have to remove your current SIM or handle a physical SIM card. 

You can activate your eSIM before you arrive at your destination, or once you arrive. The eSIM provides data and cell phone service in your chosen country, and you can easily top up your plan as needed. 

What is the difference between an eSIM and a standard SIM card?

The main difference between an eSIM and a standard SIM card is that an eSIM is entirely electronic. You can purchase your plan, set it up, and activate it at your destination all from your phone.

An eSIM eliminates the need for a physical SIM card. It functions almost exactly the same, but it streamlines the process so you don’t have to remove and add SIM cards to your device.

This is a dream for those travellers who always find themselves misplacing those tiny little SIM cards! Especially if you’re hopping around to lots of different countries, it’s much more convenient to have eSIMs applied to your phone digitally instead of purchasing lots of individual cards. 

You can also get everything set up before you leave home if you want, which provides peace of mind knowing that you’ll have internet when you arrive at your destination. 

Stay connected while you travel with an eSIM.

About Sim Local

Now that you understand what an eSIM is, enter Sim Local, our go-to brand for choosing eSIMs abroad!

As eSIMs get more and more mainstream, it can be hard to choose your ideal eSIM from the huge variety of providers. We’re here to eliminate the competition by outlining the perks of Sim Local. 

Founded in 2011 and based in Dublin and London, Sim Local is one of the leading brands for digital connectivity around the world. They offer a range of affordable data and phone plans across 149+ countries with shops in over 300 international airports. 

If you’re hoping to get more information about Sim Local before reaching the airport, you can also contact their friendly team via phone, email, or chatbot. 

SIM LOCAL DISCOUNT – Use the code ‘NOMADASAURUS’ at checkout to unlock a very exclusive price for our readers only.

What does Sim Local offer?

In terms of the actual products offered, Sim Local has a range of eSIMs that suit all types of travellers. 

You can find data plans, call and text plans with international phone numbers, and package plans that fit a variety of different countries. 

Each plan notes the cost upfront, so there are no hidden fees or data charges. You know exactly what you’re getting, and you can easily top up or add another plan if your data needs change. There are also no contracts, and you’ll receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled or you change your mind. 

In addition to the plan flexibility and transparency, Sim Local works with the top network providers in each country to ensure reliable connections wherever you go. The company gets great reviews and has a high level of customer satisfaction. 

So they check all the boxes for an international phone and internet provider!

Will Sim Local work with my phone?

Sim Local supports a wide range of devices, making it easier than ever to load an eSIM onto your phone while traveling. 

Because eSIMs are a relatively new invention, they tend to work with newer phone models. Before purchasing your eSIM, make sure you check that your phone is compatible with eSIMs. If you’re unsure where to find this information, contact your phone provider or ask a Sim Local team member for help. 

But as of 2024, here is a full list of the phone models that work with eSIMs from Sim Local:

Apple iPhone

• iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 13 Mini
• iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 Mini
• iPhone SE (2020), SE (2022)
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS, XS Max
• iPhone XR

Apple iPad (Cellular only)​

• iPad Mini (2019)
• IPad 10th Gen (2022)
• iPad (2019)
• iPad Air (2019)
• iPad Pro 12.9″ (2020)
• iPad Pro 11″ (2020)

Google Pixel

• Pixel Fold
• Pixel 7, 7 Pro
• Pixel 6, 6a, 6 Pro
• Pixel 5, 5a
• Pixel 4, 4XL, 4a, 4a 5G
• Pixel 3, 3XL, 3a, 3a XL
• Pixel 2

Hammer (mPTech)

• myPhone NOW eSIM
• Hammer Blade 3
• Hammer Explorer Pro
• Hammer Blade 5G

HONOR

• Magic 3
• Magic 3 Pro
• Magic 3 Pro+

Huawei

• Huawei P40 and P40 Pro
• Huawei Mate40 Pro

Microsoft

• Surface Duo 2
• Surface Duo

Motorola

• RAZR 5G (2020)
• RAZR (2019)
• RAZR 40, 40 Ultra
• RAZR+
• Edge+

Nuu Mobile

• Nuu Mobile X5

OnePlus

• OnePlus 11

Oppo

• Find X3 Pro
• Find N2 Flip
• Reno 5A
• Reno 6 Pro 5G
• Find X5
• Find X5 Pro
• A55s 5G

Rakuten

• Rakuten Big
• Rakuten Big S
• Rakuten Hand
• Rakuten Mini

Samsung

• Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20
• Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy S23+
• Samsung Galaxy S23
• Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy S22+
• Samsung Galaxy S22
• Samsung S21+ Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy S21+
• Samsung Galaxy S21
• Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy S20+
• Samsung Galaxy S20
• Samsung Galaxy A54
• Galaxy Z Flip 5
• Galaxy Z Flip 4
• Galaxy Z Flip 3
• Galaxy Z Flip
• Galaxy Z Fold 5
• Galaxy Z Fold 4
• Galaxy Z Fold 3
• Galaxy Z Fold 2
• Galaxy Z Fold

Sharp

• Aquos Sense4 Lite
• Aquos Sense6s
• Aquos sense 7, sense 7 plus
• Aquos zero 6

Sony

• Xperia 10 III Lite
• Xperia 10 IV
• Xperia 1V
• Xperia Ace III
• Xperia 5 IV

Xiaomi

• Xiaomi 13 Pro
• Xiaomi 13
• Xiaomi 13 Lite
• Xiaomi 12T Pro

Sim Local eSIMs fit with a variety of phone models.

How to activate your eSIM

Once you’ve verified your phone’s compatibility and purchased your eSIM, it’s a piece of cake to set it up. Sim Local’s eSIMs can be activated in minutes, and you can choose to activate your eSIM at any time. 

Alongside your Sim Local purchase, you’ll receive an email with easy-to-follow activation instructions. There will be a QR code and a series of download codes, both of which can be used to set up your plan. 

Because every device is different, we won’t dive into too much detail about this process because you’ll get detailed instructions specific to your device. But with the QR code or download codes, you can then go into your phone’s settings and add the new eSIM electronically. 

Most people activate their eSIMs either right before they leave home for their trip, or as soon as they arrive. You need some form of internet connection to activate the eSIM, such as Wifi or your current data plan. 

Once you activate the eSIM, the time frame for your plan begins. You just have to adjust your phone settings so your eSIM is activated and your Primary Line is turned off. You may also have to enable Data Roaming, which allows your eSIM to access the internet abroad. 

Even if this process sounds confusing now, it’s very straightforward! Your activation email will walk you through the steps, and the Sim Local team is available to help you out if needed. 

SIM LOCAL DISCOUNT – Use the code ‘NOMADASAURUS’ at checkout to unlock a very exclusive price for our readers only.

Reasons to choose an eSIM with Sim Local for your travels

If you’re still not yet convinced about the benefits of eSIMs, we’re going to break it down for you. Here are the top reasons to try an eSIM for your travels, and why Sim Local is the master of the eSIM market!

An easier alternative to physical SIM cards

eSIMs function basically the same as regular SIM cards. They are just so much easier!

No more worrying about losing your minuscule SIM card, or wondering where the heck that little metal pin went for opening the SIM card slot. No more forgetting which SIM card is which when you’re traveling between multiple countries. 

Everything is electronic, meaning you can select, purchase, activate, and use your eSIM entirely on your phone or laptop. Sim Local has seriously taken all the hassle out of SIM cards with their diverse range of eSIMs. Once you start using an eSIM, you’ll never go back to old-fashioned SIM cards!

Save yourself the hassle of handling SIM cards abroad!

Environmentally friendly

Without the need to purchase a physical plastic SIM card, you’re reducing waste and making a more sustainable choice. 

When you choose an eSIM, you’re not only rejecting the plastic SIM card but also all the paper and plastic that goes into the packaging. 

It’s just an easy way to reduce waste and keep things digital, which is important for sustainable travel.

Find more sustainable travel tips in our complete guide!

Fast connection abroad

So eSIMs are convenient and waste-free, but how reliable is the actual product? Sim Local has excellent eSIMs that work with the top internet and phone providers in destinations worldwide. 

In our experience, the phone and internet usage abroad was perfect. You get instant access to local networks when you arrive, which makes traveling easier and less stressful. 

Phone and data plans across countries may vary, but in our experience Sim Local works great.

Affordability

Sim Local offers eSIMs that are surprisingly affordable as well. Any type of SIM card is generally cheaper than using your usual phone or internet plan from home because you’ll avoid high roaming costs. 

But eSIMs are also cost-effective because you can choose the plan you want and pre-pay for exactly the amount of data and phone usage you need. 

Sim Local also has a data calculator so you can figure out your optimal plan. This allows you to only pay for the data you need, meaning you won’t get hit with any surprise fees or extra charges abroad. When you’re about to run out of data, you can just buy more. 

Compatible with most cell phones and countries

As far as eSIM companies go, Sim Local has an impressive array of plans that cover over 149 countries and fit most cell phones. Any phone newer than roughly 2017 should support an eSIM. 

So Sim Local should have you covered for most of your international expeditions. If you have any queries or concerns, you can also contact the Sim Local team for help and they’ll be happy to assist you. 

Isn’t it cheaper to get a local sim card?

This is a question that we often get asked when we use and talk about eSIMs.

The short answer is yes, picking up a local sim card with a national carrier is usually cheaper and sometimes with more data than an eSIM.

And if you were going to be in a country for more than a few weeks, we do and recommend getting a local sim card instead.

But depending on the country, getting a local sim card can be quick and easy, or a complete pain in the butt.

We’ve literally spent hours standing in telecommunication stores in some countries trying to buy and activate a local sim card. And sometimes then they don’t even work and we have to go back and go through it all again.

The benefits of eSIMs are that they work the second you take your phone off of flight mode when you land in a new country (allowing you to find directions and book an Uber for example immediately), and you don’t have to switch out your physical sim.

So for us, if we’re going to be somewhere for two weeks or less, we always go with an eSIM.

If we’re going to be in a country for longer than two weeks we check the price and data differences between local companies and an eSIM.

If it is marginal, we always go the eSIM. But if we’re going to save significant money it might be worth going local.

SIM LOCAL DISCOUNT – Use the code ‘NOMADASAURUS’ at checkout to unlock a very exclusive price for our readers only.

Final thoughts on eSIMs

Having travelled all over the world for many years, we are huge fans of any new technology that makes our lives easier. 

An eSIM is a super handy invention that allows us to stay connected on the go, and it removes all the hassle and confusion of dealing with tiny little plastic SIM cards. 

Sim Local makes it a breeze to use internet and phone service abroad, so we’re pumped to share our discount code with our followers!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!