I purchased the ‘Sim Local eSIM‘ before I went to hike and climb in the Dolomites of Italy. After booking the trip, the next most important factor is data, and since Brexit, for us Brits, this has become stupidly expensive. I needed a reliable, easy-to-use mobile connection for accessing maps, tracking weather updates, and staying in touch with people I’m in Italy with, as well as keeping friends and family back home updated.
I’ve used eSIMs in several countries now, including, Germany, Norway, Italy and Austria, and each time the data has been reliable, and the set up very easy. They instantly activate the moment you land so that then means you are not rushing for the airport wifi and hanging around there messaging, and arranging things, before moving on.
Setting up the Sim Local eSIM was very straightforward, and for those unfamiliar with eSIMs, this meant I didn’t need a physical SIM card in my phone. Below is a not to technical breakdown of setting up the Sim Local eSIM, using it abroad, and the positives and negatives.
Don’t forget your Discount Code, which you can enter at the checkout, it is ‘WELSHMAN‘ and it’s value is 10% off. Click here to go ahead with your eSIM purchase, and copy and paste your code.
Get Sim Local eSIM – I used it in Italy September 2024, 1 of 150+ countries available to you.
Setting the eSIM up on my phone 👇
The Sim Local eSIM activates as soon as you arrive at your destination, basically it connects you to a mobile network without needing a physical sim card. It can be activated with a few changes in your phone settings, giving you access to mobile data, calls, and texts almost anywhere.
An eSIM is mostly offered with data plans, so that means you want have a specific phone number for calls or texts. That isn’t something that I need to be honest, as I use WhatsApp for calls / messages, and I contact people through my social media accounts.
How it works
1
Enter Your Destination
Pick your destination and browse all available plans for that country.
2
Follow Guided Instructions
Purchase your plan and follow our step-by-step instructions.
3
Connect Instantly
Your phone will automatically connect to the best local networks when you reach your destination.
I paid for my ‘Sim Local eSIM for Italy a few days before travelling. There were plenty of options of data plans, from 1GB to 20GB, or even for unlimited data. I decided 5GB would be enoughas I was only away for 6 days.
I paid for the plan and received an email confirmation with details on how to activate my plan. This was very straightforward and done with the click of a button. There’s also an option to install it using Sim Local’s own app, but I didn’t find this necessary.
I set up my eSIM the day before I travelled, but didn’t turn it on. Once I was in the airport about to fly, I took out my UK sim card, or you can simply turn it off, so that it didn’t attempt to connect when I landed (and incur costly fees). Once I landed, I simply toggled the eSIM to ‘on’ in my data settings and my phone was connected to an Italian network.
| + Positives | – Negatives |
|---|---|
| Instant Activation Upon Arrival: The ‘Sim Local eSIM’ activates automatically as soon as you land, sparing you the hassle of searching for a local SIM card. This convenience is especially helpful for arriving in a new country with immediate access to maps, transport apps, and communication. | Limited Device Compatibility: Not all devices support eSIMs, especially older phone models. If you don’t have a compatible device, you’ll need to rely on physical SIMs or other data solutions. |
| Easy Setup and Flexibility: You can set it up through the Sim Local app, purchasing and setting up your eSIM is straightforward, and it allows you to choose a start date to match your travel plans. Plus, after the eSIM expires, you can simply reinsert your physical SIM and instantly resume your home network connection. | Higher Data Costs for Heavy Use: Depending on the destination, eSIM data plans can be more expensive than local SIM options, especially for heavy data users. Travellers who need a lot of data might find it less cost-effective than buying a physical SIM card upon arrival. |
| No Need for Extra SIM Storage: Using an eSIM eliminates the need to store a physical SIM card while abroad, reducing the risk of losing or damaging it. It’s also ideal for phones with only one SIM slot, as you can still access local data while keeping your physical SIM ready to use when needed. | Lack of Voice and SMS Options: eSIM plans are typically data-only, meaning they don’t support local calls or SMS. This limitation could be inconvenient for travellers who need to make or receive traditional calls or messages without using apps reliant on internet data, like WhatsApp. |
What Do You Get With Sim Local eSIM! 👇
As many as 160 destinations
We offer multiple plans in over 150 countries around the world. Find the one for you.
One eSIM, many trips
No need to reinstall your eSIM every time — just pick a plan, and you’re good to go.
Connect when you arrive
Your eSIM data plan will automatically activate when you reach your destination.
24/7 chat support
Our team is always ready to answer your questions and help sort any issues.
Decrease roaming charges
Avoid sneaky mobile roaming fees with a local eSIM plan.
Find affordable data plans in one place
Find a data plan for your next trip at some of the best prices online.
Avoid long queues to buy a local SIM card
Buy an eSIM online, and don’t spend hours in a queue with strangers when you land.
Stay secure
With an eSIM, you don’t have to worry about connecting to unknown Wi-Fi spots.
Never run out
Don’t run out of data at the worst possible moment — we’ll notify you when you’ve used over 80% of your data. You can top up your plan with just a few clicks.
Unlimited data plans
Travel the world with Sim Local. Get an unlimited data plan and stay connected without ever worrying about running out of data.
Global and regional plans
Planning on visiting several countries during your next trip? Save on eSIMs even more! Get a global or a regional plan and travel with the same eSIM plan.
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