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Review summary

Based on reviews, created with AI

Reviewers had a great experience with this company. They found the service easy to use, with a straightforward setup process, highlighting the availability of clear instructions and an intuitive app. People appreciated the various data packages and cost-friendly options available, as well as the convenience of having a local number for bookings. Consumers also reported good connectivity and speed in various locations. However, some consumers have reported some issues. Some encountered difficulties with the contact channel and poor reception in certain areas, needing to toggle mobile data to restore connection. Others found the service unreliable for calls and texts, particularly for international numbers. A few reviewers mentioned confusing setup processes and unclear instructions, while some experienced slower speeds compared to other providers.

Based on these reviews

Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Verified

The plans choices are good. Purchasing plans through the App. and activation were easy. The information on the data usage could be improved. The plan I chose was Lycamobile. It was not obvious how to... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Verified

Simple, easy instruction, eSIM was installed quite quickly. It took a bit to download as I didn’t do it before I left thinking that it would be the primary sim and I’d have to do it in country but tha... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Verified

Easy to install app onto phone, somewhat confusing on setting up for the first time. Had to figure out how to FaceTime as it does not link FaceTime automatically had to enter phone no. Manually Ins... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Verified

Had internet service in every port we've visited. At tmes it was slow. With patience it always worked. Only connected at 4g. At home in USA our service provider is T-MOBILE. We have a limited amount... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Booked a data only plan while traveling to the USA during a short break. The setup was quick & painless and ready to go once we landed without need to physically alter anything on my phone. Simi... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Good experience with using the 80Gbytes data/voice/text plan on EE network (4G) last month and this month in Andover and London areas in UK. Except for being indoor in the hotel (near SP10 3UX), ther... See more

Company replied

Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Verified

Overall it was just an ok experience. Had many issues with loss of service and having to do resets even in large cities as well as pretty slow speed. It worked alright otherwise.

Company replied

Rated 2 out of 5 stars
Verified

Awful Coverage. Will be more mindful next time when choosing a plan, often I would have to rely on wifi to get around as the provider that I used had less coverage than many of the larger carriers i... See more

Company replied

Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Verified

Thought I would have text and voice in France. Had only data and unable to call or text. Probably operator error due to misunderstanding instructions. Virtually worthless for what I needed and thought... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Plan meet all my needs while on holiday and was as described. Connectivity was excellent, speed was fast. Client support was wonderful! Chat and emails channels were responded to very quickly a... See more

Company replied

Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Verified

Great idea but very confusing as to how it works, how to install on the phone, how much credit is left etc etc. There weee several machines at Heathrow. All in a bank with lots of messaging but no o... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Verified

Lots of data for my trip, only used 4 gb for 9 days and had 80 with the bonuses at the time. However, had my regular plan in operation briefly while I switched over upon arrival. Not sure if I'll be... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

**Editing this because they emailed me and were absolutely amazing about resolving the issue! Customer service is important, the next time I leave the country,I will reach out to them first. Thank y... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Speed for data could be better but that may be due to technical reasons, like phone or network coverage in my area etc. overall awesome experience for a great price. Online support and customer suppor... See more

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Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Verified

It was great to have data but was not useful for texting and calling. I could not text my family who I was traveling with because they had US numbers and we had been assigned UK numbers. We ended up... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Activation was well documented and easy to do. Performance was very good over many differing locations throughout Japan. Even when Wi-Fi failed, I was frequently able to fall back to the Sim card with... See more

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Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Verified

It was nice to have unlimited data. I would have liked to have been able to text long distance as well as send images via text. This was an incredible inconvenience as I had to rely heavily on email f... See more

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Rated 2 out of 5 stars
Verified

The data was unreliable and I often had to keep just turning my NZ sim data roaming on. Everytime my phone connected to wifi or went out of service I had to either turn my phone off and on again or tu... See more

Company replied

Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Verified

The sim gets disconnected from time to time and simply loses data input. I can be on a meeting or on a call and the phone simply disconnects from the data, it even loses the 4G sign and sends a messag... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

This product was simple to buy. As a first time user I was very happy to get both written and YouTube instructions on how to set up it. That meant when I activated the service it was easily sorted.... See more

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Rated 2 out of 5 stars
Verified

There were problems even during setup; it took several attempts. In the destination country, the eSIM also had to be activated and deactivated several times to get an internet connection. The same thi... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Sim local had been great and easy to use. The set up instructions were great and fairly easy to understand. The service has been great and I would definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a trav... See more

Company replied

Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Verified

Answering my concern and queries was very quick response but the free trial download didn't work for me after trying the options they gave me. I have decided too difficult for me so will not be usi... See more

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

My eSIM worked great while I was in Europe. I traveled around Portugal and had layovers in Ireland and the UK and it worked great the whole time. I am a travel content creator so I need reliable servi... See more

Company replied

Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Verified

I'm using the europe unlimited 90 day plan. Pricing is good and the 10gb daily fair use policy is more generous than some other esim providers. The downsides though, go over 10gb in a day and you... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Verified

Coverage in UK is initially terrible. 4 stars for customer service for issuing a new SIM card. The new eSIM was better but still not as good as the travel eSIM we had in our other phone.

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Easy to set up at home just before leaving. Worked perfectly. Gave us a local number to use when making bookings etc. Great data allowance. We could text each other while away. ESim easy to turn on &... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Verified

The unlimited sim has been great, but I do have a daily drop-out, where my iPhone loses all data and I have to disable mobile data and re-enable to get it back. Not sure if that’s eSIM related or the... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

I'm in the middle of Osaka (between the Osaka castle and the train station) and I struggled to get the internet. Disappointing. Just realised I gave 5 starts, which I didn't....I gave 2 Stars. I... See more

Company replied

Rated 2 out of 5 stars
Verified

No service much if the time in Spain no internet. No calling Terrible... Follow up.... I was refunded the cost of the plan. Customer service was in contact, although it still didn't get me servic... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

This esim is very easy to download and has lots of different data packages available to buy . Easy to install on your phone and worked great for our holiday in Turkey

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

ESim local connection was instant & efficient on my android with one click, it's been 8 days no hitches.. Thankyou.

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Had issues logging on so contacted customer service who sorted it all out for me. They responded very quickly to all my emails & since it all got sorted I’m getting a quick & reliable connection

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Easy to fix the esim n follow the steps. Immediate access to internet once we landed in japan. Perfect service!

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Verified

Was difficult to make receive calls. Kept failing often. Data service was good Cannot find anyway to extend a current plan

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Sim Local was so simple to set-up, especially for a first-time user. The app was intuitive and the follow-up email provided great advice too.

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Verified

In general my experience was good, easy to install, easy to activate. The only inconvenient, in certain areas the reception was poor with one company, and trying to switch to another with better... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Informative website. Cost friendly with a lot of options. Easy set up instructions. Great coverage in Portugal (island and mainland).

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Bought e-SIM when arrived in Australia. Worked straight away, excellent. Very happy with service, recommended

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Verified

Reliable data plan no connection issues and easy to install. A little pricey for 10GB.

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Yes everything was great . Had a few connection issues but overall brilliant

Company replied

Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Verified

My SIM card’s signal in Cusco is mostly weak (E)— it only occasionally shows 4G and keeps going in and out.

Company replied

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Company details

  1. #3 of 5 best companies in Telecommunications Service Provider
  2. #11 of 11 best companies in Cell Phone Store
  3. #3 of 4 best companies in Internet Service Provider
  4. #2 of 4 best companies in Phone and Internet Service
  5. #8 of 8 best companies in Travel Aggregator

About Sim Local

Written by the company

Sim Local has been helping travellers stay connected since 2011, and is a leader in the travel connectivity industry.

We connect travellers to the networks locals trust with our instant eSIM plans giving you stronger coverage, faster speeds, and better value than expensive roaming. Sim Local offers access to more local eSIM plans than any other eSIM provider, so you can choose the perfect package for your travel and connectivity needs.

With instant eSIM plan purchase and activation available through our website or the Sim Local app, it’s never been easier to get connected before you fly or the moment you land.

We partner with trusted local mobile operators worldwide to deliver just-like-home connectivity, backed by reliability, transparency, and expert support.

Alongside our online eSIM offering, Sim Local has a proven physical presence in international airports, with stores in London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Madrid, Vienna and Athens, as well as eSIM kiosks, SIM card vending machines, and partner locations including WHSmith and InMotion.

Whether digital or in-store, Sim Local is the smarter choice for simple, instant travel connectivity.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is built directly into your device. Instead of swapping physical SIM cards, you can download a digital eSIM profile, install it in minutes, and instantly connect to a mobile network at your destination.

Why Choose a Sim Local eSIM?

  • Access to the best local mobile networks with great value data packages
  • Some plans include calls and texts too
  • Trusted local MNOs and MVNOs for stronger coverage and faster speeds
  • More reliable than global resellers

How does Sim Local work?

  1. Download the Sim Local app (or visit our website).
  2. Choose your destination and purchase an eSIM plan.
  3. Install your eSIM digitally on your device.
  4. Land, switch it on, and connect instantly.

Or visit a Sim Local store in one of our airport locations, where our team can help you choose the perfect plan.

Sim Local Features

  • Access to more local eSIM plans than any other provider
  • Fast eSIM activation in under 5 minutes
  • Stronger coverage and faster speeds with trusted networks
  • Plans include hotspot capability
  • Expert customer service via WhatsApp
  • Transparent pricing with no roaming fees
  • Store presence in major international airports

Sim Local eSIM FAQs

What does a Sim Local eSIM plan include?
Data-only plans, unlimited data plans, and local plans with calls & texts. Plans available for 7, 10, 15, 30, 60, or 90 days.

How much does it cost?
Prices vary by destination and data amount, with affordable options for every type of traveller.

Does an eSIM come with a number?
Some local eSIMs include a phone number for calls and texts. Check your plan’s details before purchase.

Which devices are compatible?
Most newer iOS and Android devices support eSIM. See our compatibility guide: compatible handsets

Can I use my SIM card at the same time?
Yes. Most devices support dual SIM, so you can keep your primary number active while using a Sim Local eSIM.

Popular eSIM Destinations

Learn More

🌐 Website
📖 Blog
📍 Store Locations
🔒 Privacy Policy
📜 Terms & Conditions

Join the Sim Local community!
Follow @simlocal on Instagram or simlocal_esim on TikTok!


Contact info

3.9

Great

TrustScore 4 out of 5

1K reviews

5-star
4-star
3-star
2-star
1-star

Replied to 98% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 48 hours


Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Using SIM Local is easy

The website is simple and easy to use. Offers are easy to understand. Price is very competitive. Payment process goes very smooth. Installation of e-sim profile is super easy with QR-code.

20 October 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

So easy a caveman could set up the eSIM

Purchased an eSIM for the UK the day before my flight. While I waited for a checked bag, I logged in to Heathrow's WiFi and followed the instructions on the Sim Local app for installation and cellular data setup. Worked like a charm; very easy. The only hiccup is that it took a few minutes for my phone to recognize the EE 4G network before I could access data on the Internet. Sim Local's eSIM was around half the price of a physical SIM. An excellent value!

14 October 2025
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Verified

Service is slow, struggles with 4G

Service coverage is not great and will struggle to connect to even 4G internet. Not stable at all. Phone never connected to 5G internet despite being in areas that were definitely 5G coverage. Find myself still having to connect to WiFi to be able to make phone calls or receive messages.

20 October 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

It is not about having Internet in a…

It is not about having Internet in a foreign country.

It is about the SIM being easy to use
and easy to download.

I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS IN THE LAST SEVEN DAYS HAVING ACCESS TO INTERNET

The download and the usage is very fast

The only problem is when you don’t have data, you cannot download the eSIM

So you need to go to a local café to get Wi-Fi to then download the eSIM.

My Airbnb did not have Wi-Fi, so I had to go to a café

21 October 2025
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Verified

Flawless mobile data but no texting or calls

I was able to connect to EE before I disembarked from the plane at Heathrow. Mobile data worked perfectly everywhere that I went (London, Northampton, and Oxford). However, my understanding is that my plan was to include texts and calls. I was never able to text or call anyone in the UK for the 8 days I was there, despite setting my phone settings according to the instructions.

19 October 2025
Sim Local logo

Reply from Sim Local

Hi Allan,

Thank you so much for your review! We’re really glad to hear your mobile data worked flawlessly across the UK.

We’re truly sorry, though, that you couldn’t use the call and text features as expected. Sometimes the messaging or call settings need to be manually adjusted, especially if contacts are still saved under your primary SIM, if that was not the case we would need to add a 0 in front of the number 7 to place the call.

We are glad that you were satisfied with the service and hope to be able to assist you in the future as well!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Had a hard time at first getting it…

Had a hard time at first getting it started just in the airport, but once outside the airport, the rest of the 2 week trip was glitch-free and worked perfect!

15 October 2025
Sim Local logo

Reply from Sim Local

Hi Dee,

Thank you so much for your review! We’re really glad to hear that after a bit of a tricky start at the airport, your eSIM worked perfectly throughout your 2-week trip.

We truly appreciate your patience and are so happy everything ran smoothly once connected. Safe travels and hope to see you again soon!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Verified

I was unable to use the sim

I was unable to use the sim. I would love a refund if possible

19 October 2025
Sim Local logo

Reply from Sim Local

Hi Joshua,

Thank you so much for your review. We’re really sorry to hear that you were unable to use your SIM, that’s definitely not the experience we want for our customers.

It seems we weren’t aware of this issue earlier, as we didn’t receive a support request from you at the time. Our Customer Service Team has now reached out to you directly to assist and arrange a suitable resolution, including a possible refund.

Please check your inbox when you can, we’d really love the opportunity to make this right for you and turn your experience around.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars
Verified

The connection is very bad

The connection is very bad. We are not in remote places buy 99% of the time I have no data connection (only SOS).

The friends I am travelling with, all have normal connection so it is definitely a problem with my sim connection. I have an Iphone 14.

Please help me.

25 October 2025
Sim Local logo

Reply from Sim Local

Hi Karen,

Thank you so much for your honest feedback. We’re truly sorry to hear that you’ve been having issues with your eSIM connection, this is definitely not the experience we want for our customers.

We completely understand how frustrating it must be, especially since others around you have service. Our team has now reached out to you via email to investigate this further and help get you connected as soon as possible.

Please check your inbox and get back to us when you can, we’d really love the opportunity to turn this experience around for you.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

Easy to install and good coverage amd…

Easy to install and good coverage amd value

22 October 2025
Sim Local logo

Reply from Sim Local

Hi Simon,

Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re so glad to hear that you found the eSIM easy to install and that you’re happy with the coverage and value.

We really appreciate you choosing Sim Local and hope to keep you connected on all your future travels!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Verified

This service was sold as a 4G or 5G…

This service was sold as a 4G or 5G service this is not so, the service is 3G everywhere I go, it's spotty and has frequent drop out and is very slow.

22 October 2025
Sim Local logo

Reply from Sim Local

Hi There :)

Thank you so much for your feedback. We’re truly sorry to hear that your experience with our service hasn’t met expectations, and that you’ve only been able to connect to 3G instead of 4G or 5G. We completely understand how frustrating that can be, especially when you were expecting a faster connection.

As we hadn’t heard from you earlier, this is the first time we’re learning about the issue. Our team has now reached out to you via email to better understand what happened and to look into ways we can improve your experience, including exploring suitable compensation options.

We truly value your experience and appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Verified

It was almost impossible to make it…

It was almost impossible to make it work when I arrived my destination (Korea)

19 October 2025
Sim Local logo

Reply from Sim Local

Hi There :)

Thank you so much for sharing your feedback. We’re truly sorry to hear that you had difficulty getting your eSIM to work upon arrival in Korea. We completely understand how frustrating that must have been, especially when you needed a reliable connection while travelling.

We’ve now reached out to you via email to apologise personally and offer compensation for the inconvenience you faced. Please check your inbox and get back to us, we’d really love the chance to turn your experience around and ensure you feel confident using our service in the future.

Thank you again for bringing this to our attention, and we hope to make things right for you soon.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Verified

Good coverage

Good coverage, seamless service

29 October 2025
Sim Local logo

Reply from Sim Local

Hi There :)

Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re really happy to hear you enjoyed good coverage and had a smooth experience using our service.

We truly appreciate your support and hope to serve you again on your future travels!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Verified

No Service period!

Everything! Didn’t work at all. I basically paid for a service that didn’t work!

13 October 2025
Sim Local logo

Reply from Sim Local

Hi There :)

Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re really sorry to hear that your service didn’t work at all, this is definitely not the experience we aim to provide. We completely understand how frustrating it must be to pay for a service that didn’t meet your expectations, especially while travelling.

It looks like we didn’t hear from you during your trip, so our Customer Service Team has now reached out via email to investigate and offer full assistance. Please check your inbox when you can, we’d love the opportunity to resolve this for you as quickly as possible.

Thank you again for your patience and for bringing this to our attention.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great fast and efficient set up by…

Great fast and efficient set up by Seema - thank you !!!

29 October 2025
Unprompted review
Sim Local logo

Reply from Sim Local

Hi David,

So pleased to hear Seema was efficient whilst serving you in our Sim Local Heathrow store.

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Verified

Sim did not work

Sim did not work

17 October 2025
Sim Local logo

Reply from Sim Local

Hi Renatus,

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re truly sorry to hear that your SIM didn’t work as expected, that’s definitely not the experience we want our customers to have. We understand how frustrating this can be, especially while travelling.

It looks like we didn’t hear from you during your trip, so our Customer Service Team has now reached out to you via email to investigate the issue and offer full assistance.

Please check your inbox when you can we’d really love the chance to make things right for you.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verified

It was very easy.

20 October 2025
Sim Local logo

Reply from Sim Local

Hi Rubén,

Thank you so much for your review! We’re so glad to hear that you found it very easy to use, that’s exactly what we aim for.

We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and hope to keep making your future trips just as smooth and hassle-free.

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