How to get a Sim Local eSIM
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty details of our experience using the Sim Local eSIM, here is how to get it (and how to save money on your purchase).
- Buy an eSIM for your planned destination.
- Activate your new eSIM by downloading the plan or scanning the QR code (newer phones allow just clicking a link to install it).
- Turn on Data Roaming in the Mobile Data settings.
- Enjoy your new eSIM with great coverage and fantastic speed.
Heads up, here’s how to save some money!
Click here and use the code SHIPPEDAWAY10 to save 10% on your next plan.
eSIM Activation TIP: We always prefer to install our eSIM before the trip, where we are sure to have a good signal, so we have it ready as soon as we get to the destination.
Our experience with Sim Local in the Dolomites
On our first trip with a Sim Local eSIM in the Italian Dolomites, we used data-only plans, as we had our EU home numbers as well to call local Italian numbers cheaply.
Otherwise, we’d definitely recommend going for one of the plans that include calls and text – especially for trips in nature, so you always have a way to call somebody.
We used two different plans, but the main one was the 15 Days Unlimited Plan. It is precisely what we need for our style of travel.
The 10GB daily cap was enough for even the most heavy-usage days (consecutive rainy days when we watched lots of Netflix) – but we love having the peace of mind to not think of how much data we use.
Our second plan was the 30-Day Plan with 10GB, which was perfect, as our original two-week trip turned into three weeks (due to lots of rain). Luckily, we were flexible and also had this plan that got us through the last week just fine, as the weather improved and we weren’t on our devices as much anymore.
The second plan is what we usually buy for trips, when we know we won’t be using too much internet, but still want a good number of GBs to use for extra travel planning, navigation, finding restaurants/shops, etc.
We were positively surprised and beyond satisfied by Sim Local on this trip, and had no issues whatsoever while using their eSIM.
What stood out with the Sim Local eSIM on our trip
- Coverage almost everywhere, including in places where other eSIM plans we had installed did not have signal (including our home country plans).
- Great internet speeds throughout the region.
- Easy to use and track usage.
- Cost-effective plans compared to other eSIM options.
- Knowing what the data limit is (we love transparency regarding data caps and speed throttling).
- The eSIM connects to multiple networks to maximize connectivity and speed.
- Perfectly functioning hotspotting.
We had a great signal throughout our trip, from mountain passes, peaks, valleys, forests, around lakes, and anywhere else. In addition to the Sim Local eSIM, we also had our home plans and another eSIM active. When we looked at the strength, Sim Local always had the best signal!
In Italy, Sim Local connects to multiple networks like Iliad Italy, Telecom Italia, Vodafone Omnitel, and Wind Tre, which is perfect for getting optimal connectivity and speed.
For example, we were able to do a short call to our moms from Seceda, watch Netflix on top of mountain passes, play music to cows, and send selfies from breathtaking spots like Rifugio Nuvolau at Cinque Torri, Tre Cime, Lake Sorapis, and more.
The only thing that got us worried was when it took about 10 minutes to connect to the network and fully activate on the phone. But we later realized that it was due to being in an area with a very poor signal on the way from Cortina d’Ampezzo to Passo Giau. The second plan, which we activated later in a better location, was activated right away.
Luckily, we did not need to contact support, but we did read that they are great, as Sim Local is a reputable, long-standing company with great reviews regarding customer service.
Multi-Country plans
If we were visiting multiple countries in Europe, then instead of the Italy Unlimited plan, we’d go for the similarly priced Sim Local Europe Unlimited plan that covers lots more countries. There are options for 28 and 33 countries.
How good is Sim Local compared to other eSIM companies?
With so many available options for buying eSIMs in 2025, it’s best to compare the big players to get a better overview of the actual pros and cons.
We’ll compare Sim Local to Airalo and Holafly, two of the biggest competitors and most well-known names.
Did you know?
Sim Local is not only an online eSIM marketplace (via their website & app), but they also have stores and vending machines in major airports like London (Gatwick & Heathrow), Vienna, Madrid, and Athens.
Also, if you don’t end up using your bought eSIM, and do not activate it, you can request a no-questions-asked refund within 14 days of purchase.
Psst, we have a discount for you!
Click here and use code SHIPPEDAWAY10 to save 10% on your Sim Local eSIM.
Sim Local vs Airalo
Almost everyone knows of Airalo, one of the first eSIM marketplaces to hit the market and provide options for most countries. However, Airalo is not always the best choice, as they often stick to defined plans that cover the basic usage of travelers, but not specific needs.
In our case, for a trip to Italy, Airalo offers only limited-data plans, with the biggest plan offering 20 GB for 25.5 EUR, compared to Sim Local’s availability of an unlimited plan costing 27.25 EUR for a week, or 46 EUR for two weeks.
If you don’t need immense amounts of data, the prices of standard plans are similar at both, but we would still prefer Sim Local, as we had a much better signal than one of the Airalo’s plans we had on our phone at the same time (before we bought the second Sim Local plan).
It’s a personal choice between getting smaller data plans, but for us, in 90% of cases, we end up topping up at least once or twice when we use Airalo. Now, we can avoid this entirely and use our plan without worry with a truly unlimited plan by Sim Local.
Sim Local vs Holafly
Holafly is the company known for unlimited data plans – that’s the only thing they offer. However, for us, personally, Sim Local’s unlimited plans are a much better choice than Holafly’s.
We already mentioned how we especially like the Italy unlimited plan by Sim Local. Here’s why.
When we directly compare the Sim Local Unlimited 15 Days plan to Holafly’s Italy Plan for 15 days, we see that while the price is similar, the value for money is greater with Sim Local, as the 10GB daily data cap is far better.
Holafly’s data cap is part of an unknown Fair Usage Policy – you never know in advance when your speed/internet access will be limited/throttled.
Additionally, one thing we really can’t understand about Holafly’s plans is that you’re limited to just 1GB per day of hotspotting (sharing data to other devices). In some cases, it can be only 500MB, because on the same page, it says both 1GB and 500MB, so it’s hard to know exactly.
For us, this is an absolute dealbreaker, as we regularly use our laptops off of a hotspot for long periods of time. Sim Local is a clear winner in this category as well, since there is no limit on how much data you can share (hotspot) with other devices.
Final thoughts on using Sim Local eSIM
It’s a definite yes from us – Sim Local is a top choice for eSIM plans, especially for Europe, with some of the best plans on the market, high internet speeds, and high data amounts.
Our favorite plan at Sim Local is the unlimited plan, which is perfect for our needs.
Before you go, don’t forget your discount!
Click here and use code SHIPPEDAWAY10 to save 10% on your next Sim Local plan.
