Sim Local eSIM Review: Why It’s the Best Travel eSIM for 2026

I have only recently been switched on to eSIMs – I know, I know, I am late to the game – but better late than never because I am a true convert now, and I had a great experience using an International eSIM from Sim Local on my recent Europe trip.

While my T-Mobile plan gives me data in most countries around the world, the high-speed data allowance is extremely limited and it can’t handle tethering most of the time, so having an eSIM allowed me to stream movies, use Google Maps regularly, and research places I was visiting on the fly, without worrying about running out of high-speed data.

I used a Sim Local eSIM during my 12 days in Albania and it worked perfectly – even when I was hiking through the Accursed Mountains (yes, that is their real name).

When I entered the country from Greece, I didn’t have to worry about trying to find a physical SIM card. I had already set my Albania eSIM up online and just had to activate it once I was in the country – simple.

Here are the many reasons why Sim Local is the best eSIM for travel. Read on for my Sim Local eSIM review.

What Makes Sim Local the Best eSIM for Travel: My Honest eSIM Review

How Easy is Sim Local eSIM to Set Up?

I was impressed by how quick and easy it was to purchase and set up my eSIM, with concise and clear instructions that were easy to follow. Even if you are not tech-savvy, you still shouldn’t find it difficult, but even if you do require assistance, you can get immediate help from their responsive customer service.

Once you purchase the eSIM you will receive an email with the instructions for setup. You can set it up a day or more before arriving in your destination and then activate it on arrival. 

What Kind of Coverage Can You Expect with Sim Local?

Sim Local offers coverage in over 220 destinations around the world, so chances are that the destination you are traveling to is covered by Sim Local. This is why it is the best travel eSIM.

Sim Local is the only eSIM that partners with local mobile providers in each country, meaning that you can get the best possible coverage on your trip, which is the most important thing to consider when deciding what eSIM to get. Sim Local guarantees 4G coverage and you will often get 5G coverage depending on where you are traveling.

For my Albanian eSIM, I had coverage with the local providers Telekom Albania Sh.A. and Vodafone Albania. It would switch between the two depending on which company had better service in that area. I had strong and consistent service during my entire trip.

Can You Use a Sim Local eSIM in Conjunction With Your Physical SIM Card?

One of the best things about using an eSIM is that you can keep your regular SIM card from home in your phone, too so you will be able to still receive messages and calls, including two-factor authentication messages that are oh so common these days for banks. This makes life so much easier! 

Use my discount code WORLDNECKLACE for a 5% discount when purchasing an eSIM through Sim Local.

Are There Tailored Plans Available?

I love the wide range of plans offered by Sim Local, whether you are looking for an unlimited data plan or you also want to include talk and text (offered in some countries). 

You can also get a wide range of packages for different time periods and data amounts so you really can find the perfect plan for you without overpaying for days/data that you aren’t going to use.

If you are planning a trip to multiple countries in one region, or even multiple countries in completely different regions around the world, there are plans available that will cover your whole trip! This is such a convenient and affordable option and makes staying connected on your travels so much easier.

What is the Refund Policy For Sim Local?

Unlike many other eSIM providers, Sim Local has a 100% refund policy if you are not satisfied with the product – no questions asked, so you can purchase an eSIM from them and not worry. And refunds are in cash too, not credit, which is a big plus.

Does Sim Local Offer Competitive Prices?

There are so many eSIM providers these days, yet Sim Local still manages to beat nearly all of them with their affordable prices, while still maintaining a quality product. Compared to some other well-known brands, Sim Local’s prices are sometimes half the price, which is pretty incredible.

Here is a price comparison with some of the other well-known eSIM providers for Europe:

What is the Hotspot and Tethering Allowance Available for Sim Local eSIMs?

I often need to do at least a little work on the road, and not every accommodation provider offers decent – or any – wifi, like during my recent trip to Zanzibar.

Luckily, all Sim Local plans include hotspot and tethering so you can share your data with your other devices as part of your daily data allowance (no additional costs or hidden fees, what you pay is what you get), which is up to 10GB per day for unlimited data plans. 

How Can You Get in Touch With Sim Local Customer Support?

Sim Local has exceptional customer support and you can reach someone to help you with any questions you have 24 hours a day via WhatsApp, as well as being able to contact them via phone, email, live chat, and by submitting a ticket on their website. 

FAQs

Who is the Sim Local eSIM Best For?

Sim Local eSIMs are great for pretty much everyone, but particularly for solo travelers, family travelers, Digital nomads, and budget-conscious travelers.

Are There Any Hidden Costs or Added Fees?

No, unlike some other providers, there are no hidden fees – what you see is what you get, and that is something I definitely appreciate and why I think it is the best travel eSIM.

Can You Get an eSIM That Includes Calls and Texts?

On many plans with Sim Local – yes, you can get calls and texts included as well as data. This is something I haven’t seen any other eSIM providers offer.

Is Getting a Sim Local eSIM Better Than Getting a Local SIM card?

Yes, I think so. The convenience of being able to purchase and set it up online easily and quickly is a big plus for the Sim Local eSIM over a local SIM card. Also, the fact that Sim Local uses multiple local providers, while if you get a local SIM card, you will be stuck with only one provider and it may not have coverage for the whole country.

Lastly, you can get a Sim Local eSIM that covers a whole region, so if you are visiting multiple countries in one trip, getting one eSIM that covers all of them rather than having to purchase multiple SIM cards for each country you go to will save you money and hassle.

I hope I have convinced you to try Sim Local yourself. With a hiking trip to Patagonia coming up, I will definitely be getting another plan from Sim Local – they really blow the other competitors out of the water.

Remember to use my discount code WORLDNECKLACE for a 5% discount when purchasing an eSIM through Sim Local.

Thanks to Sim Local who provided me with a complimentary International eSIM to try, all opinions are definitely my own – I really did love it!