My Sim Local Review; an eSim for over 190 countries

My Sim Local review shouldn’t be so long. They’re brilliant, they’re Irish, they’re cheap and they’re easy. They offer local sim cards in countries, but now they also offer eSims. Meaning the era of swapping and losing f*cking sim cards are almost over. As is getting bank texts to the wrong sim. God I hated that as I traveled and lived overseas.

TLDR? Sim Local has SUPER CHEAP eSims for pretty much the whole world. AND I have a discount code for you guys: ONESTEP

You can get your eSims here: https://tidd.ly/3WDgHDV 

travel with an esim

We’re living in an era where travel is more accessible than ever. Every day, people from all corners of the globe are boarding flights, chasing new experiences, immersing themselves in different cultures, and taking on new challenges. But let’s be real—one of those challenges is staying connected while you’re on the move. Whether it’s for work, navigating with Google Maps, catching up with family, or keeping your Instagram followers in the loop, we all need a solid connection at some point during our travels.

Sim Local Review; Local sims at local prices

Back in the day, getting connected meant forking out a small fortune for those overpriced tourist SIM cards at the airport. And if you were hopping between countries, oh boy, you had to repeat that process every time you crossed a border. But the game has changed, my friends. eSIMs have entered the scene, and they’re revolutionizing the way we stay connected. These digital wonders let your phone seamlessly switch to the local network, giving you top-notch signal without the hassle—or the plastic. Yes, the future is now, and it’s glorious.

So, fellow nomads and world explorers, let me introduce you to your new travel companion: Sim Local. This company is leading the charge in freeing us from the shackles of sky-high roaming fees and outdated SIM cards.

Sure, they might not have been the first to the party, but are they the best? Let’s dive into my honest take on Sim Local and see if they live up to the hype.

Sim Local reviews
Sim Local reviews

What is an eSIM?

Not quite specific to my Sim Local Review, but if you don’t know then… An eSIM is the travel game-changer you didn’t know you needed. Unlike the old-school physical SIM cards we’re used to swapping out in every new country, an eSIM is built right into your phone. It lets you connect to local networks with just a few tap. No more fiddling with tiny cards or overpaying for tourist SIMs.
With an eSIM, you can switch between carriers and countries seamlessly, staying connected wherever the journey takes you. It’s the future of mobile connectivity, making life on the road that much easier. Trust me, you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without it.

Who Are Sim Local?

Sim Local are an eSim provider and a physical local Sim card provide (from vending machines etc in airports when you land). AND EVEN BETTER…. THEY’RE IRISH!

They are your golden ticket to staying connected on your travels and adventures. These guys have nailed it when it comes to hassle-free connectivity, making sure you’re never out of touch, no matter where your travels take you. With a sharp focus on keeping things affordable, reliable, and super convenient, their eSIM cards have got you covered.

Whether you’re after an eSIM plan for one of over 195 countries or something more specific like a local SIM for Europe or even worldwide coverage, Sim Local has you sorted. These guys are big players in the SIM and eSIM game, with a reputation that speaks for itself.

And if you’re flying into one of London’s airports, keep an eye out—you might just spot the Sim Local brand! But let’s be real, eSIMs are the future, and Sim Local is leading the charge, making sure you stay connected without missing a beat.

Which Destinations Do Sim Local Cover?

Almos the world world! They have eSIM plans for over 195 countries. As well as physical sims (I avoid these though) they also have a range of both local eSIMS (country-specific), and area-specific too, such as Europe & WorldWide. Boom.

Sim Local review
This is barely half of the countries Sim Local covers (!!)

Advantages of Sim Local

  • No contract! You choose your data size, and your region, and pay. No monthly charge. No commitment.
  • Almost the whole world covered. Sim Local covers 99.9% of the places people go.
  • Country Specific, or regional sim card options.2 weeks in Mexico? Just get the Mexico package. Backpacking around South East Asia? Get one package that covers all that!

How much does it cost?

Not much. $10 or so for a brief trip, $30-$50 for a month. And no sim swapping needed.

Even better, here is a discount code for you guys: ONESTEP

You can get your eSims here: https://tidd.ly/3WDgHDV 

What Packages Do Sim Local Offer? 

Sim Local is all about keeping things simple, and they’ve nailed it with their three main eSIM plan categories: Local, Regional, and Global. You can check them out HERE: https://tidd.ly/3WDgHDV 

Local eSIM Plans:

They’ve got you covered in spots like the UK, Ireland, Germany, Italy, France, and Turkey. You can grab data-only plans ranging from 1GB to 20GB, lasting between 3 and 30 days. Prices are super reasonable, from £3 to £24.50, depending on your choice.

Regional Europe eSIM Plans:

For those who roam across Europe, the Holiday Europe 30GB plan is a gem. You get 30GB of data, 120 international minutes, and 1000 international texts for £35. Plus, unlimited calls and texts within 36 European countries. Perfect for streaming Netflix on those epic bus journeys and sharing every cool moment with your crew.

Global eSIM Plans – Data Only:

If your travels are more global, the Holiday World 10GB plan is where it’s at. For £28, you get 10GB of data over 14 days, usable in 149 countries. With 195 countries out there, this plan gives you SOLID coverage without tying you down to one region. Ideal for the true globetrotter who needs to stay connected wherever they roam.

Sim Local review
Sim Local esim review; Global Plan

How to set up a Sim Local eSIM


Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty. I’m going to walk you through how easy it is to get set up and manage your eSIM with Sim Local. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Installation and Activation:

Sim Local makes it ridiculously simple to get started. Their website and app are super user-friendly—just scroll through the local, regional, and global plans right from the homepage. The app is easiest IMHO. Or, use their country drop-down menu to zero in on the destination you’re headed to and find the perfect plan.

Before you hit “buy,” though, make sure your phone’s unlocked or that you’re sticking with the same carrier you’re locked to. Also, check that your device supports eSIMs; otherwise, you’re going to end up with a plan that won’t work, and that’s a buzzkill.

Once you’ve snagged your plan, Sim Local sends you a unique QR code. Scanning this code is hands down the easiest way to activate your eSIM on any device. Sure, you can go the manual route by adding the eSIM to your network settings, but honestly, why make it complicated? Just scan, follow the prompts, and bam—you’re good to go. No more fiddling with tiny SIM cards or pins. The future is here, and it’s as simple as scanning a QR code.

And here’s a bonus: If you change your mind or your trip gets canceled, Sim Local will refund your plan as long as you haven’t activated it yet. That’s pretty awesome in my book.

Monitoring Your Use:

Running out of data without warning is the worst. I’ve been there too many times, especially with physical SIM cards where you have no idea how much data you’ve got left until it’s too late. But with Sim Local, staying on top of your usage is a breeze. Just log in on their website or app, and you can check your balance, see your current plan details, and even look ahead to upcoming plans. No more surprises—just smooth sailing.

Topping Up and Extending:

When you buy a plan, it comes with a set number of days it’s valid for, starting from the moment you activate it. From what I’ve seen, you can’t extend these plans, but no worries—you can always purchase another one that fits your next adventure. So whether you’re hopping countries or just need more data, Sim Local’s got your back.

Sim Local Review; Getting connected has never been easier, and honestly, once you’ve tried Sim Local, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

Overall verdict: Is Sim Local Worth it?

I’ll admit, I spent 10 years swapping those cheap local SIM cards and they were good to me. But times change, and if I weigh the pros and cons, Sim Local’s eSIMs win every time.

After countless SIM cards lost to the black hole of my backpack and the sheer frustration of missing two-factor authentication codes, I’m now a full-blown eSIM advocate. The first eSIM I tried was in Asia, and it was pure magic. Hotspotting to my laptop so I can work wherever. Game changing.

As a long-term traveler, Sim Local has seriously reduced my stress levels. And let’s be real—why is bad internet 10x more frustrating than anything else? Do yourself a favor and grab one of their plans for your next adventure. You won’t regret it.

FAQ on my Sim Local Review

What phones are compatible with a Sim Local eSIM?

Sim Local eSIMs are compatible with a wide range of smartphones that support eSIM technology. Here’s a list of some of the most popular phones that typically work with Sim Local eSIMs:

Apple:

  • iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone XS and XS Max
  • iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12 series
  • iPhone 13 series
  • iPhone 14 series
  • iPhone 15 series

Google:

  • Pixel 3 and 3 XL (some models only)
  • Pixel 3a and 3a XL
  • Pixel 4, 4 XL
  • Pixel 4a, 4a 5G
  • Pixel 5
  • Pixel 5a
  • Pixel 6, 6 Pro
  • Pixel 6a
  • Pixel 7, 7 Pro

Samsung:

  • Galaxy S20 series
  • Galaxy S21 series
  • Galaxy S22 series
  • Galaxy S23 series
  • Galaxy Note 20 series
  • Galaxy Z Flip series
  • Galaxy Z Fold series
  • Galaxy A54 (5G)

Other Devices:

  • Huawei P40 series
  • Huawei Mate 40 Pro
  • Microsoft Surface Duo
  • Motorola Razr (2019) and Razr 5G
  • Sony Xperia 10 III Lite

Sim Local Review; How to Check Compatibility:

  1. Settings: Go to your phone’s settings and search for “eSIM” or “Mobile Network.”
  2. Carrier Support: Make sure your device is unlocked and supports eSIMs from multiple carriers, not just your original carrier.
  3. Manufacturer’s Website: Check the phone manufacturer’s website for eSIM compatibility details.

*Keep in mind that eSIM functionality may vary depending on your location and carrier support, so it’s a good idea to check with Sim Local or your phone manufacturer if you’re unsure whether your device is compatible.

What countries does Sim Local not cover?

This is kinda hilarious. A normal travel blog would say “the countries they don’t cover are places no-one goes’. But this is me! And this is basically a list of where I run my tours haha. Anyway, these are where it won’t work.

  • North Korea
  • Syria
  • Iran
  • Cuba
  • Sudan
  • South Sudan
  • Yemen

These countries often face restrictions or have limited telecom infrastructure that affects the availability of international eSIM services.

  • Afghanistan
  • Libya
  • Somalia
  • Turkmenistan

What kind of prices can I expect?

You should have all the info from my Sim Local Review apart fro this. So, of course it depends on data amount and country, but for $10 or so you’re up and running. And for $50, you have the whole world covered with a pretty free usage amount. TLDR? It’s cheap! Even better, here is a discount code for you guys: ONESTEP

Sim Local Review; You can get your eSims here: https://tidd.ly/3WDgHDV 

Remember, never travel without travel insurance! And never overpay for travel insurance!

I use HeyMondo. You get INSTANT quotes. Super cheap, they actually pay out, AND they cover almost everywhere, where most insurance companies don't (even places like Central African Republic etc!). You can sign-up here. PS You even get 5% off if you use MY LINK! You can even sign up if you're already overseas and traveling, pretty cool.

Also, if you want to start a blog...I CAN HELP YOU!

Also, if you want to start a blog, and start to change your life, I'd love to help you! Email me on johnny@onestep4ward.com. In the meantime, check out my super easy blog post on how to start a travel blog in under 30 minutes, here! And if you just want to get cracking, use BlueHost at a discount, through me.

Also, (if you're like me, and awful with tech-stuff) email me and my team can get a blog up and running for you, designed and everything, for $699 - email johnny@onestep4ward.com to get started.

Do you work remotely? Are you a digital nomad/blogger etc? You need to be insured too.

I use SafetyWing for my digital nomad insurance. It covers me while I live overseas. It's just $10 a week, and it's amazing! No upfront fees, you just pay week by week, and you can sign up just for a week if you want, then switch it off and on whenever. You can read my review here, and you can sign-up here!

sep-icons
teach-blog

So if you’re ready to…..

1) Change your life
2) Travel the world
3) Get paid to travel
4) Create a positive influence on others
5) Be free of offices and ‘real world’ rubbish

Then Sign Up Below and Let’s Get Started!

Follow me on Instagram @onestep4ward