The Best eSIM for Europe: My Honest Review of Sim Local (Tried and Tested)

After nearly 20 years of traveling to Europe, I’ve tried almost every method to stay connected: buying international cell phone plans, carrying around a portable WiFi device, racking up roaming charges, using physical SIM cards, and even hunting for free WiFi at coffee shops. 

Each of these methods were either expensive, unreliable, or both. I knew there had to be a better way. Thankfully, I discovered eSIMs and more specifically, Sim Local, and it completely changed the way I travel. I believe Sim Local just might be the best eSIM for Europe.

This blog post is sponsored by Sim Local. All opinions are my own, and I only promote products I have used and would recommend. If you purchase through my affiliate links, I may earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you.

What is an eSIM and how does it work?

First up, I want to clarify exactly what an eSIM is to make sure we’re on the same page. An eSIM is essentially a digital version of a physical SIM card. It allows you to text, call, and use data from wherever you are in the world. It’s also much easier and faster to set up than a physical SIM card because there’s no tiny plastic card to swap in and out of your phone. You also don’t need to visit a phone shop. 

As long as your phone is compatible with eSIMs, you can use them virtually anywhere in the world. You can even store multiple eSIM plans on one device, making it straightforward to switch plans from country to country. Sim Local, in particular, makes it super easy to switch to a different eSIM when you land in a new country. This is exactly why their brand is so popular with  travelers, digital nomads, and people going on vacation.

An eSIM helps me stay connected, which is non-negotiable when I’m traveling. Whether I’m exploring Greece solo, sailing in Croatia, or marveling at the Christmas markets in Germany, I can use my phone just like I do back home. This could be for the sake of updating Instagram, keeping in touch with family, or using Google Maps. 

According to Forbes, eSIMs are not just a fleeting invention. They are redefining how people and businesses stay connected in the global economy. That’s exciting news, and I believe every traveler should be a part of the eSIM revolution. 

The verdict: Sim Local offers excellent coverage across Europe and helps you stay connected without breaking the bank. Sign up for your Sim Local plan and use my exclusive code SOMTOSEEKS to save 5% at checkout. 

My experience using Sim Local

Before recommending Sim Local, I wanted to test it for myself. I’ve personally used the company’s eSIM plans in South Africa and Botswana, which gave me the opportunity to compare my experience with another eSIM provider I’ve used internationally: Airalo.

I’ve used Airalo in South Korea, Portugal, and Germany. While the setup process for Airalo’s Unlimited Plan for Europe was smooth, I struggled to connect to the internet multiple times in Portugal despite contacting support and following all the troubleshooting steps. My experience with the coverage was disappointing.

With Sim Local, I effortlessly activated my Unlimited Pro Data plan in South Africa and experienced 4G speeds throughout my 9 days in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Kruger National Park. When I arrived in Botswana, however, I had some trouble activating my 1 GB Sim Local plan. I contacted a customer service agent through the Sim Local app, and he quickly helped me get connected with clear troubleshooting steps. He even followed up with me via email to make sure everything was working properly.

My experience using Sim Local’s eSIM plans in Africa gave me confidence in the service and, particularly, its customer support. Sim Local offers similar types of eSIM plans for Europe, and I’m excited to try them on a future trip and share my firsthand experience. For now, based on my experience with the company and its Europe-specific offerings, Sim Local is an eSIM I would definitely consider for travel in Europe. 

Who is a Sim Local Europe eSIM best for?

Are you tired of expensive roaming charges? Maybe you’re fed up with changing physical SIM cards at every border? Or perhaps you just want a reliable connection while traveling through multiple countries in Europe? Then Sim Local is perfect for you.

I believe that Sim Local is a great option for many types of travelers. Whether you’re traveling alone or going on a group trip with friends, you can access reliable data across dozens of destinations in Europe. Here are just a few types of people I believe SIM Local is best for:

• Families traveling with kids who need reliable connection
• Solo travelers who want affordable data without roaming
• First-time eSIM users looking for simple setup

I would especially recommend Sim Local if you have never used an eSIM before because of how easy the setup process is. With just a few straightforward steps, you can activate your eSIM and get connected in minutes. The company gives you detailed activation guides to make the setup process even easier and faster. If you’re looking for a Europe eSIM, Sim Local has everything you need to travel with peace of mind. eady to stay connected in Europe?

Ready to stay connected in Europe? Use my exclusive code SOMTOSEEKS to save 5% on your Sim Local plan. 

Where does Sim Local work in Europe?

Sim Local works across 36 countries in Europe, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and The United Kingdom. 

The company also works in several islands and territories that operate under separate telecom networks, such as Corsica, Sardinia, and Gibraltar. In total, it works in over 45 destinations in Europe. 

Coverage is excellent in major cities like Paris, Prague, Barcelona, Venice, and Rome, as well as in airports and major travel hubs. I should note that in remote or rural areas, such as parts of the Alps, the Scottish Highlands, or smaller Mediterranean islands, the signal can be weaker, which tends to be the case for European networks.

What Europe eSIM plans does Sim Local offer?

Sim Local offers two types of plans for Europe: the per-GB plans and the unlimited plans. The per-GB plans allow you to buy just the amount of data you’ll need for a certain number of days while the unlimited plans give . One thing that makes Sim Local unique is that for the per-GB plans, their local provider is Orange, which offers SMS and calls as well as data. This is something that isn’t very common among eSIM providers. 

For the unlimited plans, Sim Local offers two options: Unlimited and Unlimited Pro. With the former, you get up to 5GB of full-speed data per day, and with the latter, up to 10GB per day, a daily cap much higher than the competition’s. If you’re looking for an unlimited Europe eSIM, Sim Local is one of the best options. Take a look at the table below to see how Sim Local’s unlimited plans compare with the competition’s.

Why choose Sim Local?

There are so many reasons to get a Sim Local eSIM! I could write pages and pages. But let me break down the top 10 reasons why I think you should give this awesome company a try. 

1. Sim Local uses the most popular, trusted, local network providers in each country, giving you access to the fastest internet available. Their plans are much faster than your typical roaming internet speeds, and generally 4G or 5G. In some destinations, Sim Local offers plans that include calls and texts. 
2. They have a super easy installation process. I can personally attest to that one. In fact, this is one of the main reasons I love using Sim Local! 
3. They are a well-established company that has been in operation since 2011 and are trusted by more than 4 million customers. Clearly, they are doing something right! 
4. Their eSIMs sell at super competitive prices. I know this because I’ve used other eSIM companies too and compared their rates. Sim Local is super affordable! They even have a Find My Plan tool, a simple four-question tool that helps you find the best plan for their needs, so you only pay for what you actually need.
5. Their customer service is top-notch. I recently contacted them and actually got to speak with a human being, not a bot. Not only that, but the live agent followed up with me via email to make sure everything was working fine after our conversation. Can you imagine that? This type of customer service is rare these days. There is always support available for customers. You can WhatsApp them 24/7 with any issues you’re having, and they also have phone, live chat and email support available.
6. They are available in over 220 destinations worldwide. No matter where you are looking to go, there’s most likely a plan for you. They also have physical locations in airports such as London Heathrow, Madrid Barajas, Athens International Airport, in case you’re arriving at one of those and want to buy your plan from a store.  
7. They have regional and global eSIMs on offer which cover several countries. If you’re doing a multi-country Eurotrip, for example, you don’t need to buy a separate eSIM for each country. A multi-country Europe eSIM from Sim Local saves you time and money because it covers multiple countries. How convenient is that?
8. Another thing that makes Sim Local unique is their refund policy. They have a no questions asked refund policy, which I absolutely love. If you change your mind on an eSIM you haven’t activated or your eSIM couldn’t be activated for some reason, you can get a full refund. 
9. Sim Local is built with all the needs of modern travelers in mind. That’s why everyone, from digital nomads to solo travelers to business travelers, can use their eSIMs without hassle or interruptions. For example, hotspot and tethering included in all our plans, at no extra cost and with no usage restrictions.
10. They offer some of the best unlimited plans on the market. These plans allow you to stay connected even after reaching your daily high-speed allowance. How amazing is that?

How much does Sim Local cost?

The price of a Sim Local eSIM depends on the data plan you choose, but I’ve found their plans to be very affordable compared to their competitors, like Airalo, HolaFly, and Saily. Sim Local offers flexible pricing options; you can pay per GB or choose an unlimited plan. In general, pricing is transparent and prepaid, so you know exactly what you’re paying upfront without unexpected charges. Sim Local also offers a hassle-free refund policy for added peace of mind. 

How does Sim Local compare to other eSIM companies?

I created this nifty little table below to show you how Sim Local measures up to the competition, based on the most important factors to look for in an eSIM. Here’s everything you need to know: 

	Sim Local	HolaFly	Saily	Airalo
Data speeds	4G or 5G – fast and reliable.	Often 4G or 5G speeds.	3G, 4G, or 5G speeds.	Typically 4G or 5G speeds.
Coverage	Excellent coverage in over 220 destinations, but may vary in remote areas.	Great coverage in over 160 destinations, but may vary in remote areas.	Good coverage in over 200 destinations, but may vary in remote areas.	Good coverage in over 200 destinations, but may vary in remote areas.
Calls and texts	Available on some plans.	No.	Available as an add-on service.	Available on some plans.
Customer support	24/7 support via live chat, WhatsApp, or email. Super fast, responsive, and helpful.	24/7 support via live chat, WhatsApp, or email.	24/7 support via live chat or email. Some users report long delays and frustration within lack of support.	24/7 support via live chat or  WhatsApp. I used their online chat and they weren’t very responsive.
Pricing for Europe plans	Starting at $4.75	Starting at $3.90	Starting at $4.99	Starting at $5.00
Refund policy	Sim Local offers full refunds on plans that have not been activated or plans that couldn’t be activated due to a technical issue – no questions asked!	HolaFly offers full refunds on unused or unactivated plans and full or partial refunds if the plan fails to work (after support evaluates your case.)	Saily offers refunds within 30 days of purchase if you haven’t installed your eSIM or if you have installed it without activating the data plan. You cannot get a refund if you’ve used more than 1% of your data.	Airalo offers refunds for unactivated or unused eSIMs within 14 days of purchase and  malfunctioning eSIMs within 30 days of purchase. You must meet their eligibility rules to get a refund.

How to set up your Sim Local eSIM

One of the best things about Sim Local is how straightforward the setup is. These are the steps to set up your Sim Local eSIM. 

1. Select a plan on the Sim Local website (it’s super user-friendly!)

2. Purchase your plan (remember to use code SOMTOSEEKS to save 5% on your purchase.)

3. Receive a QR code and scan it using your phone camera.

4. Follow the steps to activate your plan in minutes. 

I mean it when I say it literally only takes a few minutes to set the whole thing up.

I usually install my Sim Local eSIM before my trip so my phone connects immediately when I arrive at the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Sim Local the best eSIM for Europe?

Sim Local offers flexible Europe eSIM plans powered by local leading networks, with coverage across 36 countries. Based on the ease of installation and the reliability of the data, I believe it is definitely a great option for travelers who want to stay connected in Europe. 

Does Sim Local offer multi-country Europe eSIMs?

Yes. One Sim Local eSIM works across multiple European countries without changing SIM cards.

Which Europe eSIM should I choose?

Choose Unlimited for everyday travel, Unlimited Pro for heavy data users, and Orange Europe if you need calls, texts, and a local phone number. 

Is Sim Local data really unlimited?

Yes. Sim Local Unlimited Plans include 5 GB/day (Unlimited) or 10 GB/day (Unlimited PRO) of high-speed data. Once the day allowance is used, you’ll continue browsing at reduced speeds until your high-speed data resets 24 hours later. You’ll never lose your connection for the entire period your plan is valid. 

Which Sim Local unlimited plan should I choose?

Unlimited (5 GB/day) is ideal for maps, messaging, social media, and everyday travel. Unlimited PRO (10 GB/day) is designed for heavier users who stream videos, make frequent video calls, or work remotely while traveling.

If you want to make your Europe trip easier, get a Sim Local eSIM and apply the code SOMTOSEEKS to get your 5% discount at checkout.