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Simbye eSIM Review: What It Offers + 15% Off

I’ve travelled to every country in the world, and sorting out mobile data still isn’t how I want to spend the first hour of a trip. Especially now I’m travelling with Jaa and our son. Get through the airport, find the hotel, get on with the holiday. That’s the plan.

So what makes another eSIM company worth looking at? With Simbye, it’s the option of a proper phone number on selected plans, plus the ability to build a package around your own route. FOR A START, THERE IS AN UNLIMITED DATA VERSION, which is EVERYTHING for me!

TLDR? You can check out Simbye at simbye.com, and use my code 4WARD15 for 15% off all eSIMs.

One thing upfront: this is an overview, not a hands-on verdict. I’m planning to test Simbye on our Germany Christmas markets trip in December, then update this article with how it actually performs.

What is Simbye?

Simbye sells travel eSIMs for more than 190 destinations, with individual country plans and regional options. There are also unlimited-data options in selected destinations, but these have fair-use limits.

If you’re new to eSIMs, the idea is straightforward. On a compatible, unlocked phone, you can add a mobile plan digitally rather than swapping a little plastic SIM card. You buy the package you need and follow its installation instructions.

For a straightforward holiday, a country plan might be enough. For a longer trip with several borders, I’d look at the regional options or the custom plans below. Check the actual country list, though. A package called “Europe” isn’t a reason to assume every stop is included.

An eSIM with a real phone number

This is the feature that caught my attention.

A data-only eSIM can handle things like maps, browsing and WhatsApp over the internet. But sometimes you want to make an ordinary phone call, or give someone a number they can actually ring.

Simbye has selected eSIMs that include a real mobile number and calling or SMS features. Its Europe option, for example, includes a French +33 number. That doesn’t become a German number when you cross into Germany.

On supported plans, calls and texts work through your phone’s usual dialler and messaging app. Handy if you need to contact a hotel or arrange something with a local business.

The important bit is checking what’s included. Minutes, texts, supported destinations and incoming versus outgoing service depend on the package. The Thailand number plan, for example, only supports incoming calls and SMS. Don’t buy a number assuming it does everything.

Build a plan around your trip

This is probably the most interesting option for anyone travelling beyond a simple return flight.

Inside the Simbye app, you can build a custom eSIM with up to ten countries, then choose your data allowance and validity from the available options. The app is available for iPhone and Android, and the custom-plan feature is app-only.

I live in Thailand and travel internationally a lot, so I can see the appeal of choosing the places I actually need rather than starting with a huge regional bundle.

Would I automatically pick it over a standard plan? No. I’d put in my route, check the total, then compare it with the ready-made packages. Customisation is useful when it fits the trip and the budget. You don’t need to make a one-country holiday more complicated.

Virtual numbers are a separate product

Simbye also sells virtual numbers, including options from the USA, UK and Australia. These are separate from the travel eSIMs with mobile numbers.

They’re designed for receiving SMS through the Simbye app or website. UK and Australian options also offer incoming calls as an add-on. They aren’t for making outgoing calls or sending texts.

That might suit someone who wants a separate number for supported services, but check compatibility first. Don’t assume every app or bank will accept it. And a new virtual number won’t magically receive messages sent to your existing home number.

What to check before buying

First, check your exact phone model supports eSIM and that it’s unlocked. Don’t assume “fairly new phone” is enough.

Then read the instructions for the specific package. This matters more than the usual “buy it, scan it, land and go” advice.

Simbye’s plans have different rules. The USA number plan‘s validity starts at purchase, while the Europe plan starts when it first connects at your destination. The UK number plan says to install only after arrival.

So check both when to install and when the clock starts. Buying early isn’t always the smart move.

I’d also check the high-speed allowance, any fair-use restrictions and hotspot rules if you’re planning to work from your laptop. “Unlimited” is worth reading properly, not just spotting in big letters.

How much does Simbye cost?

For a snapshot, I’m doing the Germany Christmas Markets for my december family holiday. So I need a week unlimited data in Germany. Less than $20! That’s pretty spectacular to be honest:

It depends on your destination, data allowance and how long you need it. I’d rather you compare the actual package for your trip than get excited about a headline starting price that doesn’t match what you’re buying.

Compare like for like: the same countries, similar data, enough days and any calls you genuinely need. A cheaper plan that runs out halfway through your holiday isn’t much of a saving.

If you’re staying in one place for months, compare a local mobile plan too. A travel eSIM isn’t automatically the best deal for every situation.

For you guys, the discount code is 4WARD15, which gives you 15% off all Simbye eSIMs. Enter it at checkout and check the discount appears before paying.

My take on Simbye

The two features I’d look at first are the eSIMs with phone numbers and the custom country combinations. If you need ordinary calls as well as data, or your itinerary doesn’t fit a standard regional package, they’re worth comparing.

If you only need maps and WhatsApp for a few days, keep it simple. Start with the basic data options and buy what you’ll use.

Have a look at simbye.com, check the details for your destination, and use 4WARD15 if you find a plan that suits. The right package matters more than a long list of features.