Is an eSIM Worth it? As an EU citizen living in Germany, I enjoy the big advantage of free data roaming in most European countries, which means I can easily stay connected wherever I go. But as a travel blogger, I don’t just stick to traveling around Europe. I usually take at least one international trip outside the EU each year. And when I travel solo or visit a place I’ve never been before, having mobile data right on arrival is a must for me. It helps me find my way, stay in touch, and look up whatever I need.
During my extensive trip to South America last year, I encountered exactly this challenge, which led me to delve into the topic of eSIMs. In this article, I’ll share whether I think buying the Sim Local eSIM was worth it, how the whole process worked, and what it ended up costing me.
Disclaimer: This post was created in collaboration with Sim Local, but the experiences and opinions expressed are entirely my own. This article may contain affiliate links. Without costing you anything extra, the small commission will help me produce more free content for you. For more information, please refer to my privacy policy.
What is an eSIM and How Does It Work?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is basically the modern upgrade to the old-school SIM card. Instead of that tiny plastic chip you used to stick into your phone, the eSIM is already built into your device. No more fiddling around with little trays and paperclips!
You simply download a mobile plan directly onto it, which makes switching providers or adding data plans super easy. This means no more hunting for local SIM cards or paying high roaming fees. You can set everything up in just a few minutes and stay connected wherever you go.
4 Benefits of Using an eSIM for International Travel
Ready to use on arrival: With an eSIM, you don’t need to waste time at the airport searching for a SIM card shop. You simply land, connect, and you’re good to go.
No SIM swapping: Forget about fiddling with tiny SIM trays or carrying multiple cards. Everything is digital and managed directly from your phone.
Cheaper than roaming: We all know international roaming can get very expensive. With eSIMs, you get competitive prices that often cost less than 1 USD per GB, saving you a lot of money compared to your usual carrier’s roaming fees.
Multiple plans at once: You can keep more than one plan active on your device. That means you can still use your home number for calls and texts while using your eSIM data plan abroad.
Possible Downsides of Using an eSIM for Travel
Not all phones are compatible: You’ll need a fairly recent smartphone, as only newer smartphones support eSIM technology. If your device is older than a few years, you’ll need to double-check compatibility. Sim Local offers a phone compatibility list and tutorials to help users check if their phone is unlocked before purchasing, plus guides on how to unlock devices.
Sometimes more expensive than local SIMs: Buying a physical SIM card locally can still be cheaper in some countries, especially in Asia. However, you trade that small saving for a lot of convenience.
Dependent on local networks: Your eSIM connects to the partner provider in each country. While some eSIM providers work with most of the top carriers, your experience can still vary depending on local coverage. Make sure to choose an eSIM provider like Sim Local, which partners directly with local providers to ensure you get a local-level experience with better coverage.
5 Reasons Why I Chose the Sim Local eSIM
After looking into different eSIM providers, I decided to go with Sim Local, and here are the five main reasons why.
1. Reliable Coverage Everywhere
One of the main reasons I decided on Sim Local is the strong network quality. Unlike some other providers, Sim Local partners with the best local carriers in each country, such as Orange, EE, and Three. That meant I didn’t have to worry about weak signals or patchy connections. I was able to use maps, upload photos, and stay in touch with my family no matter where I was.
2. Flexible Plans for Every Type of Trip
I really liked that Sim Local offers more than just data. Their plans often include calls and SMS too, and you can choose between small data bundles or unlimited packages. This gave me the freedom to pick exactly what I needed for my trip without overpaying. For my usual 2-3 week travels, the 20GB pass is more than enough, but if I had gone on a longer backpacking trip, I could have just as easily picked a higher regional or global plan. With their “Find My Plan” tool, it’s super easy to find the best option for your trip based on destination and travel length.
3. Easy Setup in Minutes
For me, the installation process was quick and stress-free. I simply followed the steps in the app, scanned a QR code, and was online within minutes of landing.
4. Great Value for Money
Compared to my home carrier’s roaming charges, the Sim Local eSIM saved me a lot of money. Many of their plans cost less than 1 USD per GB, which is incredible when you think about how expensive roaming usually is. It felt good knowing I had enough data for streaming, navigation, and posting on social media without worrying about the bill. Sim Local also allows users to share their data via hotspot with no limits, which is another great advantage for travelers who want to stay connected across multiple devices.
5. Global Option
One of the best options from Sim Local, in my opinion, is the Global Plan. If you’re traveling across several countries, you don’t need to buy a new SIM in every destination. You can simply use one single eSIM plan in multiple regions, including Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and beyond. This makes it incredibly convenient for backpackers or anyone hopping between different destinations in one trip.
How to Get the Sim Local eSIM for Your Next Trip
Here’s how to get started step by step:
Get the Sim Local App: Download the app from your App Store or Google Play. This is where you’ll find available plans, buy your eSIM, and keep an eye on your data.
Pick a Plan: Choose the option that fits your trip length and destination.
Activate Your eSIM: After purchasing, the app will guide you through setup. You’ll either scan a QR code or follow simple on-screen prompts to get your eSIM up and running.
Check Your Settings: Once it’s active, set the eSIM as your main data plan and switch off roaming on your physical SIM to avoid extra costs. The app walks you through this too, so it’s really straightforward.
Sim Local eSIM Pricing: What Does It Really Cost?
As an example, the 20 GB eSIM for South America, which covers 20 countries, costs 32 USD for 31 days. For Asia, where a total of 34 countries are included, the price is the same. If you are only visiting one country, you should purchase the eSIM plan for that destination. For Spain, for example, it’s 22 USD for one month with 20 GB. In Vietnam, 5 GB for a month costs 11 USD, and in Australia, you can get 18 GB for around 25 USD to stay online for a month. Prices and plans vary from country to country, so the best option is to check out the full destination overview yourself.
If you’re thinking about trying out an eSIM for your next trip, this is the perfect moment. By using my personal code HAPPY10OFF, you’ll save money on your Sim Local plan and get connected at an even better price!
Final Thoughts: Is an eSIM Worth It?
So, is an eSIM worth it for traveling? I’ve tried both options: during my semester abroad in Canada, I picked up a physical SIM card from a local shop and used it for my five months there. On my South America trip, though, I decided to go with an eSIM. Which one worked better for me?
For me, the eSIM definitely came out on top. It’s just so much more convenient, especially when traveling to countries where free Wi-Fi isn’t everywhere or when you’re completely new to a place. And if your trip takes you through multiple countries, an eSIM makes life so much easier since you don’t need to buy a new SIM card every time you cross a border. Everything is handled in just a few taps on your phone.
That’s why I can genuinely recommend the eSIM from Sim Local to anyone who wants a stress-free travel experience without worrying about staying connected. It won’t be the last time I travel with an eSIM, and I hope this post helps you decide if it’s the right choice for your next trip, too.
Have you already tried using an eSIM, or are you considering one for your travels? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments. And don’t forget to use my discount code HAPPY10OFF for your 10% discount on the Sim Local eSIM for your next trip!
You will save sooo much money with a eSIM card. It is fantastic.
100% e-SIMs are the way forward! I used to do local sims in every country but actually, the hassle of sim-swapping, finding a local mobile branch, communication issues, getting set up – it’s not really worth it just to save pennies on the dime. I love being able to just have data at the airport on arrival.
eSIM’s are quite inexpensive relative to data roaming. I hadn’t realized just how different the prices were per country, helpful to see.
eSim makes sense if you are traveling to more than one country. It is so convenient, and quite justifies the price.