Is an eSIM Worth It for International Travel? Honest Review
If you’re traveling out of your home country, you’ve probably had to deal with the dilemma of your cell phone not working while overseas.
International travel can be quite stressful, and when you don’t have internet access in a foreign country, it can sometimes be disastrous!
Normally, I stick to my phone provider’s international plan when traveling abroad, but those costs can add up quickly, especially for longer trips.
So, on my recent trip to Switzerland, I decided to skip the international phone plan and test out an eSIM for the first time through Sim Local!
Now, I’m breaking down all my thoughts on using an eSIM and if it’s worth it for international travel! Keep reading to learn about the features, pros and cons, and costs of an eSIM with Sim Local.
Note: This post was sponsored by Sim Local, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Is an eSIM Worth it? An Honest Review of Sim Local’s eSIM for International Travel
When I first started traveling internationally in the early 2010s, the options were extremely limited when it came to using your phone overseas.
I’ll never forget our family trip to London and Paris in 2012, my first major international trip. Every cafe or restaurant we visited, the first question I asked was: what’s the WiFi password?
As a teenager traveling with my parents, I obviously didn’t need my phone and just had to accept my fate unless I was able to connect to that precious, free WiFi.
Now as an adult, it’s rare that I can go on a trip and only survive on free WiFi. It’s definitely doable, but between figuring out what train to get on or dealing with work emails, sometimes you just need data available!
It’s also important to have cell service for peace of mind in case of emergencies.
Until our recent trip to Switzerland, I just used my AT&T international plan on trips abroad. However, the cost of this plan can add up very quickly, especially on longer trips! They also just raised the price of the plan, so I decided it was time for a change!
Enter: an eSIM through Sim Local!
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM, or “embedded SIM,” is a digital alternative to the physical SIM cards that we’re all used to having in our phones.
Unlike traditional SIM cards, which you have to insert into your phone, an eSIM is already built into your device. You can download the profile of a carrier directly onto the eSIM, making it super convenient to switch providers or add a secondary plan.
For international travel, eSIMs are a game changer. Instead of hunting for a local SIM card when you land or paying crazy international roaming fees, you can set up an eSIM before you leave home or even while you’re en route. With just a few taps, you can be connected to data wherever you go.
Gone are the days where you have to wait in a huge line for a local SIM card in the airport after being on a 12 hour international flight!
Where can the Sim Local eSIM be used?
Sim Local’s eSIM offers global coverage, making it a fantastic choice for frequent travelers or anyone planning an international trip. It’s currently available in more than 170 countries, covering popular destinations like Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America.
Whether you’re exploring the Swiss Alps, lounging on a beach in Thailand, or navigating the bustling streets of Tokyo, Sim Local has you covered. You can see the full list of destinations Sim Local covers here!
One of the standout features of Sim Local is its flexibility with country-specific and continent-wide passes.
For instance, they offer a 14-day Europe pass with 50 GB of data, which is perfect for trips across multiple countries in the EU! This pass makes it easy to stay connected without worrying about running out of data or buying a new plan every time you cross a border.
For example, I activated my Sim Local eSIM while on a train from Switzerland to France, and it immediately connected to a local carrier. I didn’t need to fiddle with settings or deal with any downtime—a huge relief when you’re trying to navigate in a new country.
For travelers like me who love hopping between countries, the Sim Local eSIM eliminates the stress of juggling multiple SIM cards or dealing with inconsistent Wi-Fi connections.
How much does an eSIM cost?
One of the best parts about Sim Local’s eSIM is its flexibility in pricing. Costs depend on the type of pass or plan you choose, allowing you to pick one that suits your travel needs.
I chose the Europe 14-day 50 GB pass which costs around $50 USD. This is an excellent value for heavy data users hopping between countries!
We didn’t even come close to using the 50 GB over 7 days, even while using Google Maps constantly some days. It was great to have the peace of mind that we wouldn’t run out of data, and I loved not having to keep an eye on our usage the whole time.
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Sim Local also offers smaller plans, ideal for short trips or lighter data use, as well as country-specific passes. Pricing varies depending on the destination and data limits, but it’s generally much more affordable than traditional international roaming plans.
For comparison, I used to exclusively use my AT&T international day pass when traveling abroad. This used to cost $10 per day, however, they just raised the cost to $12 USD per day. So, for our week-long trip to Switzerland, I would’ve had to pay $84! The Sim Local eSIM is much more affordable.
Plus, Sim Local’s transparent pricing is easy to navigate through their app, and there are no surprise charges or hidden fees—something that always gives me peace of mind when planning my trips.
Who can use an eSIM?
eSIMs are compatible with many newer smartphones, but there are a few requirements to keep in mind before purchasing!
First, your phone needs to be “unlocked”. And no, I don’t mean you just have to put in your passcode!
Most phones come locked. Locked phones are tied to a specific carrier and can only be used with that carrier.
So, to use an eSIM if your phone is locked, you’ll need to contact your carrier to request an unlock. However, this is where it can get a little complicated!
US phone carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile have specific qualifications for unlocking your phone, such as ensuring it’s fully paid off or meeting a minimum usage period.
I ran into this myself when trying to set up the Sim Local eSIM. Although my phone was compatible, I had just upgraded a few months ago, and since it wasn’t fully paid off yet, AT&T wouldn’t unlock it.
This is definitely something to check ahead of time so you’re not caught off guard in a foreign country!
Here are some general requirements for major US carriers:
- AT&T: Your phone must be paid off, active for at least 60 days, hasn’t been reported lost or stolen, and in good standing with no overdue payments.
- Verizon: Phones are typically unlocked 60 days after purchase, as long as your account is in good standing.
- T-Mobile: Devices must be paid off and active on their network for at least 40 days and not reported as lost, stolen or blocked.
Additionally, your phone must support eSIM functionality, which is standard on most newer models, including iPhones (XR and later), Samsung Galaxy (S20 and later), and Google Pixel (3 and later).
Once these requirements are met, you may need to request your iPhone be unlocked if you have AT&T or T-Mobile. Luckily for us my husband’s phone met all the requirements, and we were able to submit an unlock request to AT&T which was accepted immediately!
As soon as the phone was unlocked, I was able to set up the eSIM with no issues – more on that below!
How to Set Up a Sim Local eSIM
Setting up the Sim Local eSIM was surprisingly simple, even for a first-timer like me! All you need is a compatible phone and access to Wi-Fi to download the eSIM profile.
The process is so straightforward that I was able to complete it while connected to train Wi-Fi en route to France!
Here’s a quick breakdown of how it works:
- Download the Sim Local App: Start by downloading the Sim Local app from the App Store or Google Play. This app is your go-to for browsing plans, purchasing your eSIM, and managing your data usage.
- Choose Your Plan: Select a plan based on your travel destination and duration. I picked the Europe 50 GB pass, which provided more than enough data for my 7-day trip.
- Install the eSIM: Once you’ve purchased your plan, the app walks you through the installation process. This involves scanning a QR code or following the on-screen instructions to activate your eSIM.
- Adjust Your Settings: After activation, make sure to set your eSIM as your primary data plan and turn off roaming for your physical SIM card to avoid unnecessary charges (Sim Local walks you through all of this as well!)
The entire process took me less than 10 minutes, and I was connected to a local carrier almost immediately. Even if you’re not super tech-savvy, the app makes everything intuitive and user-friendly.
Pro Tip: Double-check your roaming settings before heading out. While the eSIM works great for data, make sure your physical or primary SIM card isn’t set to roam, which can lead to unexpected charges.
Pros and Cons of Using the eSIM
Like any travel tool, the Sim Local eSIM has its strengths and a few (minor) limitations. Here’s a quick breakdown of what I found during my trip using the eSIM that you should consider!
Pros
- Affordable Data Rates: Compared to traditional international plans, Sim Local’s pricing is incredibly competitive. I got 50 GB of data for about $50 USD, which is a fraction of what I’d spend on my usual plan!
- Ease of Use: Setting up the eSIM was quick and intuitive, even while using train Wi-Fi. The app guides you every step of the way, making it accessible even for first-time users.
- Wide Coverage: With service in over 170 countries, you’re covered almost anywhere your travels take you. Plus, the Europe pass made hopping between countries seamless.
- No Need for Physical SIMs: No more fiddling with tiny SIM cards or worrying about losing your physical card while abroad. It’s all electronic!
Cons
- Temporary Phone Number: Using the eSIM means you’ll have a different phone number for the duration of your trip, which can disrupt ongoing group texts or calls. This wasn’t a huge issue for us, but it’s something to be aware of!
- Device Compatibility: Not all phones support eSIMs, and carrier restrictions like locked phones can be a roadblock for some travelers. Make sure to check this before you travel!
Overall, the pros far outweigh the limitations, especially for frequent travelers who need reliable data without breaking the bank.
So, Is an eSIM worth it?
After using Sim Local’s eSIM on my trip to Switzerland, I can confidently say it’s a game changer for international travel! From the easy setup process to the affordable and flexible data plans, it’s a no-brainer for staying connected while abroad.
The Europe 14-day 50 GB pass was more than enough for my needs, and the convenience of not having to hunt for local SIM cards or rely on spotty Wi-Fi made the trip much smoother!! Especially when you are navigating a foreign country and trying to figure out which train to get on.
While there are a few minor drawbacks, like using a temporary phone number and needing a compatible, unlocked phone, these are true with any eSIM and are definitely outweighed by all the benefits!
Whether you’re traveling for a week or a month, Sim Local’s eSIM offers an affordable, hassle-free way to stay online no matter where you are.
If you’re planning your next international adventure, I highly recommend checking out Sim Local’s eSIM options here! Make sure to use code LANA10 for a 10% discount!
