Sim Local Review: Travel eSIM With A Personal Touch

Don’t you wish someone could help cut through the jargon and talk to you like a human?

Enter Sim Local, the company doing things a tad differently. While most providers are solely online, Sim Local's got a foot in both worlds – digital and physical. They're not just pixels on a screen; they've got actual stores and kiosks across 9 countries and over 100 airports.

Intrigued?

I've put their travel eSIM service through its paces and am here to spill the beans.

Who is Sim Local?

Born in 2011 from the mind of Irish entrepreneur Killian Whelan, Sim Local started with a simple shop in Dublin Airport. Fast-forward to today, and they're a significant force in travel SIM and eSIM retail. Think of them as the Swiss Army knife of connectivity – they've got physical SIMs, eSIMs, retail stores, kiosks, and even vending machines.

Sim Local's footprint is impressive.

They have over 189 points of sale across 100+ airports, including London, Madrid, Brussels, Vienna, and Athens. And they're not just for show - over 5 million travellers have already jumped on the Sim Local bandwagon.

But what about trust? Well, their TrustPilot page is lit up like a Christmas tree with positive feedback. 94% of customers have given a 5-star review. Google (4.9/5) and TripAdvisor (5/5) users are equally impressed.

Their website is smoother than a buttered slippery dip, accepting more payment options than you can shake a credit card at – Visa, Mastercard, Google Pay, Apple Pay, you name it. And once you've paid, your eSIM arrives faster than you can say "no roaming charges".

Sim Local home page

How Does The Sim Local eSIM Work?

Getting started with Sim Local's eSIM is easier than assembling a one-piece puzzle. Here's the lowdown:

1. Head to their website (or mobile app) and pick your poison (I mean, plan). Search for your destination country.

Some plans for Malaysia

2. Create an account, check out and pay up (remember all those payment options?)

3. Receive the order confirmation email and click the “See Plan Details” button in the email or click “View Plan Details” on the website success page.

4. Press the “Activate Plan” button to start the validity (activation can take up to 5 minutes). Only do this when ready to use it in your destination country.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions and click “Download Plan” to automatically install the eSIM, if using the mobile app (a Wi-Fi connection is needed). Manual install instructions are also provided just in case.

6. Important: Enable “Roaming” in your phone’s eSIM setting.

Give it a minute or two to make the initial connection to the local network and… voila! You're now the proud owner of a Sim Local eSIM.

But wait, there's more! You can buy and manage your eSIMs and get add-on data via their website or mobile app (iOS, Android). It's like having a personal connectivity concierge in your pocket.

My eSIM details and data usage

Step-by-step eSIM setup guide

Sim Local Pricing Plans

Sim Local's got more plans than a squirrel preparing for winter. They come in a range of quotas from 1GB up to 100GB, and lengths of 7 days to 30 days.

Here's a taste:

• USA (3GB for 30 days): $9.50
• UK (3GB for 30 days):  $9.00
• Thailand (3GB for 30 days): $9.50
• Europe (12GB for 14 days): $21.50 (covers 36 countries and includes 30 min international calls + 200 SMS)
• Global (10GB for 14 days): $35.50 (covers 149 countries)

These are just appetizers. They've got plans for pretty much anywhere you'd want to go, unless you're planning a trip to the moon. (Note to Sim Local: Space coverage could be your next big thing).

All fixed quota plans support tethering (also called “hotspot”), so you can share your internet connection with your laptop, tablet or adventurous travel buddy. But be sure to check the “Plan Details” section of the checkout page.

What if you’ve got no idea where to start? Sim Local have you covered. Try their step-by-step guide to find the perfect plan in seconds without complicated jargon.

Sim Local Real World Experience

Talk is cheap, but data isn't. So, I decided to put Sim Local through its paces in Malaysia, using the 3GB plan.

Installation was effortless, but the moment of truth came when tried connecting to the network for the first time. I held my breath, and... bam! Connected faster than you can say "Nasi Lemak".

But speed is where things got interesting. Check out this speedtest:

199Mbps!

Those aren't rookie numbers, folks. We're talking about lightning-fast connectivity that'll make your home Wi-Fi blush.

Throughout my trip, the connection remained stable. Whether I was navigating through bustling street food vendors or uploading an Instagram story from a secluded park, Sim Local had my back.

Sim Local mobile app home screen

The Bottom Line

Sim Local stands out in the crowded eSIM market with its unique hybrid approach, combining online convenience with a robust physical presence. Their widespread availability, instant delivery, and reliable performance make them a solid choice for travellers seeking hassle-free connectivity.

Whether you're a tech-savvy globetrotter or prefer a personal touch, Sim Local offers an eSIM or physical SIM at competitive prices backed by friendly, down-to-earth customer support.

With Sim Local in your pocket, you're not just connected - you're ready to conquer the world, one byte at a time.