From Heathrow to Venice, car hire, five hiking days, and zero roaming stress — here’s exactly how an eSIM made it easy.
Disclosure: this page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it helps keep Welsh Man Walking alive. Diolch!
OK here we go, I’ll go through my trip and how the Sim Local eSIM made it all possible. Travelling without data like the old days would be strange now, but why make your life difficult by paying through the nose for roaming data, buying sims when you arrive, or even just relying on Wi-Fi in places.
How to Add and Activate Your eSIM (Step-by-Step)
Here’s the best, stress-free way to add and activate an eSIM so you land with data ready to go 👇
1. Buy and download your eSIM a few days before flying
Purchase your travel plan from a trusted provider like Sim Local. You’ll get a QR code or activation link via email. This gives you plenty of time to set everything up at home with stable Wi-Fi and no airport stress.
2. Install the eSIM while still at home (but don’t turn it on yet)
On your phone, go to Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM and scan the QR code. It’ll download to your device but won’t activate until you tell it to. I like to rename it “Travel eSIM” so I can switch easily when I land.
3. Land, then activate your eSIM 📲
Once you switch off airplane mode at your destination, go into Mobile Data settings and set your travel eSIM as the default data line. Turn on Data Roaming if needed. Within seconds you should connect to the strongest local network.
4. Keep your UK SIM for calls & texts (optional)
You can keep your physical SIM active and use the eSIM just for data. This is perfect if you still want to receive bank codes, texts or calls back home — all while enjoying cheaper local data abroad.
5. Test your connection before leaving the airport
Load a quick web page or map to make sure everything’s working. If it doesn’t connect straight away, toggle Airplane Mode on and off. You can also manually select a network in your settings if needed.
✅ Pro tip: It doesn’t really matter if the eSIM is activated while still in your home country. The eSIM actually activates once it connects to the provider in the destination country. For example, if you live in the UK and travel to Thailand, it activates as soon as it connects to the local Thai network.
Flying from Heathrow to Italy is becoming a regular thing now, I spend a lot of time in the Dolomites, it’s probably my favourite hiking destination because of the culture, the food, wine and the beauty of the country. There is always a plan though, and part of that plan, is to make sure I have data. By completing the first ‘3 Steps Above’, meant as soon as we landed my eSIM had already connected, so no faffing about swapping SIM cards or rushing into the terminal to get free Wi-Fi.
Once out of the terminal, finding the car hire was step one, and having data meant I had Google Maps which allowed me to find Hertz quickly, and also show documents I had saved in Files on my phone to pick the car up quickly.
Leaving the Airport with Satnav Sorted
Keys in hand, I used my phone and Satnav to drive around the lagoon and then basically we made our way north to Cortina d’Ampezzo. The signal stayed solid as we climbed into the Dolomites, and there is good reason for that, and it’s because Sim Local partner with the best local networks in each country (EE, Three, Lyca, Orange & more), so you’re not stuck on a single flaky provider when you need it most.
Hotel Check-in & Hotspotting
At the hotel, as is the case with most people, we all had access to Wi-Fi, so it was obviously a good idea to use that to save on our data usage, but one thing I wanted to point out if for some reason someone was having trouble, Sim Local has the mobile hotspot option available, which not many others have, multiple devices can be connected at the same time with no extra fees, it’s included in all the plans. This would be a life saver for someone with you, who couldn’t access the internet at a crucial time.
Day 1: Find the Trailhead, Hike, Share — Repeat
Next morning, leaving the hotel I had planned way ahead and prepared the hikes for the group and had them stored in my Outdooractive account. I had the position of the start point so all I had to do was again use my mobile data + GPS to find that exact start point for the hike. One of the features with the Outdooractive Pro+ version, is I can download the route to my mobile to use without data, or if you have a watch that allows for GPX files, then you can use that, again saving your data.
Out on the trail, I used my Garmin watch to guide us around, but in the Dolomites you can quickly get very excited at the views, and you’re keen to update social media profiles, send pics over WhatsApp and post quick Stories with a few ridge-line shots. Using Sim Local I have always stayed well connected to data all over the Dolomites, the coverage in the valleys is strong, and the 5G up on the passes was a bonus.
Back at the car, I searched for a place to eat nearby with TripAdvisor, or just google the town and see what’s there, then navigated back to the hotel. Day one done, and I’d barely touched my allowance.
The ‘Find My Plan’ Tool & Refunds
Obviously this post is in relation to me using Sim Local on my 5 Day hiking trip to the Dolomites, but you can find a plan for any country in the world, it’s offered in over 220 countries, and you can also go for regions, so like ‘Europe’, ‘South America’, Carribean and so on. The Find My Plan tool on the website, will help you work out what plan best suits your travel and data needs, so then you only pay for what you use.
The options when I used it ranged from 1GB plans up to unlimited, which is what I used, but when I’m with a group of people I really need to make sure I’ve got good data all the time, safety is paramount.
Another point to make is their refund policy, I want go into all the points, but in fairness they have made it really simple. If you’ve changed your mind and haven’t activated your eSIM you can get a full refund within 14 days of buying it, and if it didn’t activate and it’s their fault with the techies then you’ll get a full refund again. Just don’t activate it if you’re not 100% sure you’re going to use it.
Days 2–5: The Dolomites Routine (Made Easy by eSIM)
- GPS & Maps: Reliable signal to get to each trailhead, even on smaller mountain roads.
- Weather Checks: Quick radar look before committing to exposed ridges.
- Photos & Social: Uploads during coffee stops; no waiting for hotel Wi-Fi.
- Food & Coffee: Reviews and opening times when energy levels dipped.
- Tickets on the Go: Bought train tickets for a little side trip straight from the phone.
- Hotspot: Shared data with a friend when their roaming fizzled out.
I went with Sim Local’s Roaming Unlimited 7 Days option: up to 10GB/day at full speed. Plenty for maps, social media uploads, and on one of the walks I put my ear pods in, and listened to my Spotify playlist, just to have a little bit of me time when you’re busy day and night. I did compare this plan with many other unlimited plans, but most others only give 1–3GB/day at full speed before throttling, this didn’t.
Sim Local is the best price in the market.
The majority of Sim Local’s plans are really competitive, it’s good to check this, and this is another reason to start looking into eSIM’s with plenty of time before you travel. I have used Sim Local a few times, but I still check the market, and again for this trip Sim Local was the best price coming out in most cases at 1 USD per 1GB. You can check the data packages for Italy here.
Why I Picked Sim Local (and Would Again)
Best network quality:
Sim Local is the only travel eSIM that partners directly with premium local carriers (like TIM in Italy, EE in the UK, and Orange in France) instead of budget resellers. That means faster speeds and better coverage in both cities and remote mountain areas, crucial when you’re navigating winding Dolomite roads.
Tailored plans (Data + Calls + SMS):
Pick data-only or full connectivity. Many competitors offer only data and push you to apps for calls/messages.
Hotspot & tethering included:
Share your allowance with your laptop/tablet. No nasty add-on fees.
Real Unlimited:
Unlimited plans with 10GB/day at full speed. That’s generous compared with competitors’ 1–3GB/day caps.
Great value:
Plans are very competitive — often working out at less than $1/GB depending on destination and bundle.
Find My Plan tool:
Tell it your destination and usage; it recommends the right eSIM so you pay only for what you need.
Trusted & proven:
15+ years in connectivity. Solid, polished service with responsive support (email, WhatsApp, live chat, phone).
100% refund policy:
Changed your mind before activating? Full refund within 14 days. Technical issue on Sim Local’s end? Full refund, no questions asked. It’s a straightforward guarantee many competitors don’t offer.
What I Used (and What I’d Pick Next Time)
My setup: Unlimited plan for Italy with hotspot enabled. Perfect for heavy map use, photo uploads, and streaming.
Alternative: If you’re mostly on maps + messaging, a smaller data bundle (e.g., 5–10GB) is brilliant value and still covers a busy 4–5 day hiking trip.
Bottom line: I drove hundreds of kilometres, hiked for five days, bought train tickets on the go, and never once worried about connection. That’s exactly what you want from an eSIM.
Welsh Man Walking
Ready for your next adventure anywhere? Get connected with Sim Local and save 10% with code WELSHMAN
Sim Local & eSIM FAQs
What makes Sim Local one of the best eSIM options for travelling?
Sim Local partners with top local networks and is easy to set up, so if you want the best eSIM for traveling in places like Italy or the Dolomites, it delivers fast, reliable data with simple activation and great value.
How does an eSIM actually work?
An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone. You buy a plan, scan a QR code, and the profile downloads to your device—no physical SIM swap. It’s the simplest way to stay online abroad without changing your number.
Is Sim Local better than Airalo, Holafly or Saily?
If you’re comparing Saily vs Airalo vs Sim Local or looking for holafly alternatives and airalo alternatives, Sim Local often wins on network quality, hotspot inclusion, and generous daily allowances—ideal for mountain regions and road trips.
Can I use Sim Local on any phone?
You’ll need an eSIM compatible phone (recent iPhone and many newer Android models). Check your device settings to confirm eSIM support before buying.
How easy is it to activate a Sim Local eSIM?
Very. You receive a QR code, scan it in your phone’s mobile data settings, and you’re good to go. It’s similar to the process you might see in an ‘how to activate Airalo eSIM’ guide—just with Sim Local’s stronger local-network approach.
How does Sim Local compare to the Airalo app and other providers?
The Airalo app is convenient, but Sim Local’s international eSIM coverage can be stronger in rural areas (like the Dolomites). If you’ve read airalo eSIM reviews and want robust signal plus hotspot, Sim Local is a solid pick.
Are there any discounts or voucher codes for Sim Local?
Yes. If you’re used to hunting an Airalo discount code or airalo voucher codes, you’ll find Sim Local runs promos too. To get 10% off use discount code WELSHMAN
Is Sim Local good for longer trips or just short breaks?
Both. For weekend city breaks, a small bundle is great value; for multi-day hiking trips, the unlimited plan with a generous daily full-speed allowance works brilliantly. It’s one of the best local eSIM options in Europe and beyond.
Is there a free trial for eSIMs or a way to test before committing?
Some brands talk about an eSIM free trial, but what matters is a clear refund policy. Sim Local offers a 100% refund policy, plus responsive support via chat, WhatsApp, email, and phone if you need help.
What if I’ve used Ubigi, Airalo or Holafly before?
If you’re weighing ubigi vs airalo vs holafly, Sim Local stands out for network partners, simple hotspot use, and competitive pricing—frequent reasons people call it out positively in a sim local review or eSIM review.
When should I buy and download my travel eSIM?
Buy and download it a few days before you fly. Installing at home on good Wi-Fi means zero airport stress and you can double-check your phone is ready.
Should I install the eSIM before I fly or wait until I arrive?
Install it before you fly so it’s sitting on your phone, but don’t switch it on as your data line yet. Rename it (e.g., ‘Travel eSIM’) so it’s easy to spot when you land.
When should I activate my eSIM so I have data on landing?
Activate after landing. Set the eSIM as your default data line and turn data roaming on. Activating in the UK can start the clock early—wait until you arrive to get full value.
Can I keep my UK SIM active while using an eSIM for data?
Yes. Keep your UK SIM for calls and SMS (useful for bank codes) and use the eSIM for data. That’s the beauty of dual-SIM: no tray swapping, no hassle.
What should I do if my eSIM doesn’t connect right away after landing?
Toggle Airplane Mode off and on, check that the eSIM is set as the default data line with Data Roaming on, and if needed manually select a local partner network. Test with a quick web page or map before leaving the airport.