In this Sim Local eSIM review, I’ll talk you through my experience using their product, what I think and the basics of using an eSIM for the first time. 

For travellers, staying connected overseas is a necessity, not a luxury. But between stopping at local shops to buy SIM cards, understanding data plans in foreign languages, or even risking hefty roaming fees, it’s anything but convenient.

Nowadays, all this is a thing of the past, with the new eSIM technology, which promises to simplify how we stay connected while travelling.

If you’re wondering whether an eSIM is right for you—or if Sim Local lives up to its claims—this article will cover everything you need to know.

If you’re in a hurry, you can just click here to buy your Sim Local eSIM and use the coupon code PEDRO10 to get a 10% discount.

What Is an eSIM?

eSIM stands for embedded SIM. Unlike traditional physical SIM cards that you must insert into your smartphone, an eSIM is built directly into your phone’s hardware and can be activated digitally.

Simply download an app, choose your preferred plan, activate it, and you’re good to go—no shop visits or tiny SIM trays required.

This makes eSIMs especially appealing for frequent travellers and tech-savvy individuals who want to stay connected with minimal fuss.

Why Choose an eSIM Over a Traditional SIM Card?

There are several reasons to opt for an eSIM over a traditional SIM card. The main ones I consider are:

  • Convenience: No more searching for local SIM cards after landing.
  • Environmentally Friendly: Go digital—no plastic SIM cards or wasteful packaging.
  • Multiple Plans: Store multiple eSIM profiles on your phone, letting you switch between providers effortlessly.
  • Quick Activation: Activate a plan in minutes, wherever you are.

For anyone travelling regularly or managing multiple numbers, eSIMs have become an ideal solution.

Sim Local mobile phone

Can I Use an eSIM on My Phone?

Not every smartphone supports eSIM technology, so before switching, it’s worth checking your device’s compatibility. Here are some of the earliest eSIM-compatible devices:

  • Apple iPhones: The oldest models with the technology to use an eSIM are the iPhone XR, XS, and newer models, up to the current iPhone 16.
  • Samsung Galaxy Phones: Galaxy S20 series onwards, the Z Flip, and Z Fold models.
  • Google Pixel: Pixel 3 and newer.
  • Other Devices: Newer premium devices from Huawei, Xiaomi, and Oppo may support eSIMs too.

If your phone is one of the latest models and you’re using it for frequent travel, it’s likely to support eSIM functionality. To verify compatibility or explore device-specific details, visit Sim Local’s website here.

Should I Get an eSIM or a SIM Card?

Physical SIM Cards

On our travels, it’s very common that we arrive in a new place and need some time to get our bearings. Almost everything is new, and we often have the language barrier.

You’d have to go around looking for a store to buy a SIM card, navigate the different plans in a foreign language, have a copy of your passport taken and only then get your data plan.

You could surely buy your data plan at the airport, but let’s remember that everything you purchase at an airport will cost considerably more. That’s also the case for your travel SIM card.

Add to that, the fact you’ll need to remove your home SIM card and replace it, becoming unreachable on your main number.

eSIMs

When you opt for an eSIM, you’ll be acquiring a digital product that you can buy before your trip, so you’ll be all set when you arrive at your destination.

Another advantage is that you’ll still have your physical SIM card on, so you can still be reached on your number, if necessary.

You can also store multiple active plans for multiple destinations (more than one eSIM pack).

Pros and Cons of Using an eSIM

Pros:

  • No More SIM Hunts: Activate your eSIM instantly, anywhere.
  • Environmentally Friendly: No plastic SIMs, no waste—better for the planet.
  • Ideal for Multi-Destination Trips: Switch plans effortlessly across borders.
  • Prepaid: No surprises—stay in control of your budget.
  • Local Numbers: Now available with many eSIM plans, including Sim Local.

Cons:

  • Device Dependency: Only compatible with newer smartphone models.
  • Setup in Advance: While it’s easy, you’ll need a Wi-Fi connection to activate your eSIM.

In short, if convenience, flexibility, and environmental impact are priorities, eSIMs clearly take the lead. There are several providers to choose from and I’ve personally used a handful of them.

Here, I’ll talk about my experience using Sim Local, and I’m sure this information will be useful to you, so bear with me.

Sim Local dashboard

Sim Local eSIM Review: My Experience

Like other eSIM providers, in order to use Sim Local, you’ll have to download an app on the Apple Store or Play Store to use their services. After that, you’ll have to create an account.

How Easy To Use is Sim Local?

Everything to this point is amazingly simple and easy.

Once you navigate the app, you’ll see some of their featured destinations, which include some major destinations, such as the UK, Italy, Germany, Spain and more.

If you’re travelling somewhere else, you can browse the other destinations covered. They cover more than 150 destinations, even very remote places.

You can choose your eSIM based on the country, a region (like Europe, for example) or go for a Global one, if you’re travelling to several destinations.

Each option offers a different amount of data, which is valid for different periods of time. Usually, the more data, the longer it’s valid, which makes sense, right?

User-Friendly and Hassle-Free

Sim Local eliminates the common frustrations of travelling. There’s no need to stop at an airport shop, scramble for a SIM card, or dig up your passport for verification.

Instead, you can purchase an eSIM on the Sim Local app, download it, and activate it just before your flight. This means you can land, fire up Google Maps, and start exploring without missing a beat.

Their site and app are also in other six languages. So if you’re not a native English speaker and prefer to use your mother tongue, their site and app are also available in French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch.

Affordable Pricing

Another major advantage I found about Sim Local is its competitive pricing. Their plans often undercut local providers, particularly in countries where data can be pricey, such as Switzerland, Germany, and Turkey.

One of the eSIMs I bought was for Turkey. At the time of writing, a 20GB data pack for the country costs 22USD, valid for 30 days.

Alternatively, you could also choose an unlimited data pack for only 29USD.

Sim Local Review: Sim Local price in Turkey

A similar pack, if bought at Istanbul International Airport at Turkcell, costs 50USD. Add to the cost the fact you’ll have to wait, give them your passport, you’ll agree that Sim Local’s price offers exceptional value.

They are so sure of their product that they even offer you a free trial. Yes, Sim Local allows you use a limited amount of data for free so that you can try their eSIM.

All you have to do is create and account to be able to use 1GB of data valid for one day. Not bad, isn’t it?

Does Sim Local Offer Reliable Coverage?

On my travels using Sim Local, they did deliver fast, stable connections. I use a lot of social media throughout the day, make video calls and sometimes stream videos on YouTube.

At least from my experience, and after also checking other people’s experience on Trust Pilot, I can confirm their connection is fast and reliable.

Sim Local Review: Is It Worth It?

After using their product in two countries, I can confirm that if you’re looking for a convenient, affordable, and reliable way to stay connected abroad, I highly recommend Sim Local eSIM.

From an easy-to-use dashboard, easy activation, affordable pricing and reliable connection, I can confirm that I’ll definitely use it again.

Since I really liked their product and would like you to use it too, I partnered with them to bring you a nice 10% discount.

Just click here and use the discount code PEDRO10 – and happy travels!

Pedro has travelled to almost 120 countries and has made his nest in London. He has also lived in Spain, Australia, the US, Georgia and Turkey. A former hotel management professional, he loves exploring local cultures, is now learning his 8th language and has a soft spot for the Middle East and the CIS countries.