Sim Local eSIM Honest Review (2026): Is It the Best eSIM for Europe?
eSIMs are scary, right? Do they actually work? Will I have service? What if I miss an important call or text?
I don’t know- maybe I’m the only one who is reluctant to try something new. It seems like everyone has been switching to eSIMs.
I have been putting off using an eSIM for SO Long. During my trips to Europe over the past decade, I’ve been paying $10-$12 a day for international cell phone service through my cell carrier because…well, I just couldn’t be bothered to figure out the whole eSIM thing.
But, for my recent trip to Greece, I finally made the leap and tried Sim Local eSIM (one of the best eSIMs for Europe in my book). And, let me tell you, I will never go back.
It was SO much easier to use than I expected, significantly more affordable than my international cell phone plan, and offered me fantastic coverage during my entire trip.
Let’s dive into all of the details as far as my (brutally) honest Sim Local review; this will cover pricing, setup, plans, and, of course, whether or not I’d even recommend this eSIM for Europe.
This post is based on my real experience using Sim Local eSIM during a 2-week trip through Greece in October 2025. While this article is sponsored, all opinions and experiences shared are entirely my own.
✅ Sim Local PROS |
⚠️ Sim Local CONS |
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What is Sim Local & How Does it Work?
If you’ve never used an eSIM before, here’s the quick version: it’s basically a digital SIM card that lives inside your phone. No tiny plastic card, no swapping hardware, no panic at the airport kiosk.
You just buy your plan through an app (in this case, Sim Local), download it before your trip, and activate it when you land in Europe. That’s it — instant data, no roaming fees, no setup headaches.
After years of paying $10–$12 a day for international service, I finally made the switch… and now I can’t believe I waited so long. An eSIM will be on my international preparation list every single time I travel from now on.
Sim Local Pricing & Plans for Europe
Let me just say right off the bat that I was SHOCKED by how much money I saved using a Sim Local eSIM.
I currently have AT&T, and for YEARS I have been paying that $10-$12 a day for international data. While a few dollars a day might not seem like a lot, it adds up SO fast.
But, I really didn’t even blink an eye at the ~$120 I would spend every few months because…what other choice did I have?
It’s hard to believe that just switching to an eSIM saved me about $70 per trip…and a few hundred dollars a year.
Country- Specific Plans
What I appreciate about Sim Local is that they have multiple different cost-effective options for eSIMs, all based on the country (or countries) you’re in and the amount of data you need to utilize.
Sim Local’s cheap travel eSIM Europe options allow you to pay just for the data you need.
This means that if you’re traveling for just a few days, you can just purchase an eSIM that has a smaller amount of data- it’s genius. For example, some of the eSIMs start at just $3.75!
Overall, the eSIM that I used cost ~$40. This covered 20GB of data that I could use within 30 days.
Data-Only Vs Calls & SMS Options
The pricing for your eSIM in Europe is based on how much data and accessibility you need and what country you need usage in.
For example, I was primarily looking for an eSIM that worked in Greece. My options were the below:
Since this was my first time using an eSIM, I went with the largest plan (the 20GB), just because I wasn’t sure how much data I would need.
⭐ TIP: It’s important to note that the above eSIMS are ONLY for data.
However, there ARE more comprehensive options. I could’ve also chosen one of the below options if I needed Calls/SMS capabilities OR if I was traveling to multiple countries around Europe and not just Greece.
🚨 Important Note: All of these options are for 30-31 days, but there are also 60 and 90-day plans for Europe as well. However, these plans time out at that date range regardless of whether you use all of the data or not. So, you will need to keep an eye on that timeline.
Sim Local Set Up: Was it Easy?
If you’re wondering how to install eSIM for Europe, it’s actually simpler than it sounds.
I will say that Sim Local does a fantastic job of offering setup instructions (including emails with reminders or QR/manual options), but the setup was so user-friendly that I really didn’t even need them.
I should also mention something that really impressed me. When I landed in Athens, there was an actual Sim Local booth right by baggage claim. It was fully staffed, with real people helping travelers set up their eSIMs in person.
I didn’t end up needing help (their app made setup ridiculously easy), but seeing that gave me extra peace of mind that Sim Local is the real deal and not just another online-only company.
Here are the prompts I followed from the Sim Local app in order to purchase and install the eSIM AHEAD OF TIME:
Buying in Advance
Obviously, the first step to using your eSIM is to purchase it. This part is REALLY important, though because you NEED to do it ahead of time! Otherwise, you won’t have internet or data capabilities once you land.
I ended up purchasing my eSIM via the Sim Local app while I was at the Philadelphia airport waiting to depart.
I was worried that I’d need a desktop to do this, but the Sim Local app layout made it easy to navigate the different plans and choose which one fit my needs the best.
Once you’ve chosen one, simply click purchase and create an account.
⭐TIP: You CAN Buy the eSIM ahead of time and use it later. I purchased mine 4 days before I needed to use it. The eSIM does not become active until it connects to a network.
Downloading Your Sim Local eSIM
Okay, in all seriousness, Sim Local needs to win an award for how simple their eSIM was to download and install.
When I tell you that I went into this process completely blind, I mean it. It was my first time using an eSIM (or any alternate Sim at all, tbh), my first time messing with my primary and secondary lines, all of it. And even still, I was able to complete this top to bottom in less than 5 minutes. *chefs kiss*
There is literally a “Download Plan” button. Once you push this, you will be prompted to name your plan.
Name Your eSIM
You do not want to confuse your primary line and any other lines on your phone.
When you install the eSIM, label it travel or something else you will remember. My phone auto-labeled it secondary, and that was enough for me.
Using Sim Local in Europe
Even though you previously downloaded and installed your eSIM, you cannot fully activate or use it until you are in the country you’ve purchased it for.
I was so worried that this process would be difficult and I’d be up a creek without any service, trying to activate an eSIM with no luck or guidance.
Thankfully, Sim Local came through once again!
The Install guide from Sim Local (which you’re prompted to click through upon download) will tell you to do a few things.
These are key:
Activating your eSIM at Your Destination
Once you’ve arrived, it is as simple as clicking the “Activate eSIM” button on your cellular device.
When you do this, the eSIM will attempt to connect to a local network. Mine only took a few seconds.
In fact, I literally did this standing in the middle of the ruins of Delphi in Greece- lol. If I can do it there, I promise you can do it!
Changing your Settings
Because you’ve just downloaded and activated your eSIM, there are a few settings you ABSOLUTELY MUST toggle in order to effectively use your service.
Again, Sim Local will prompt you to do these, but I will spell them out just for ease of use:
✅ Go to Settings → Cellular → eSIMs: Make sure secondary eSIM is turned On.
✅Go to Settings → Cellular → eSIMS → Primary: Toggle data roaming OFF for this line.
🚨ALERT: You can choose to turn your primary line off entirely if you’d like, but there is mixed feedback on this. I found that it caused some of my contacts to un-sync. This fixed once I came home, but it was annoying while traveling. I ended up leaving mine on and just making sure everything was set to my secondary line.
✅Go to Settings → Cellular → eSIMs → Secondary: Toggle Data Roaming ON. This is how you will be able to get data on your eSIM.
✅ Go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data: Change Cellular Data your Your Secondary Line
✅ Go to Settings → Cellular → Default Voice Line: Change default voice line to Secondary. This means that any voice calls will go to the eSIM.
✅ Go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data: Toggle Allow Cellular Data Switching OFF. This is SUPER important. If you do not toggle this off, it will allow your phone to switch to your primary line whenever data is not available for your secondary line (eSIM).
Sim Local eSIM Coverage in Europe
I was definitely skeptical about how great the coverage would be with an eSIM in Europe. ESPECIALLY after the process was so easy? (Is it just me, or does the US seem to make this harder than it needs to be? Lol).
I have to say that, in all honesty, I did not have even one moment where service was an issue in Greece. I had full capabilities on my phone from the moment I activated the service (again, at the top of Delphi, mind you) to the moment I left on my return flight.
I tested Sim Local coverage in Greece across the mainland, and I even used this eSIM during our Greek islands cruise. And, while I obviously didn’t have service in the middle of the sea (Because no one does- you have to use wifi), I did IMMEDIATELY gain service again at each of the ports as soon as I switched my data back on.
I was really impressed with the eSIMS capabilities to disconnect and reconnect at different islands. And, I will also say that even when I was exploring each island- often in remote locations- I did not have any issues with data or service.
So, overall, yeah, I would say that Sim Local is easily one of the best eSIMs for Europe travel.
⭐ Use code TRAVERSE for 5% off your Sim Local eSIM — it’s the same one I used for my trip, and it made staying connected abroad a total breeze. Grab your eSIM here!
Who is Sim Local eSIM Best For?
Honestly? Pretty much anyone heading to Europe.
But let me break it down a bit more specifically, because there are definitely some travel styles that fit using an eSIM best:
Families Traveling with Kids
If you’re traveling with little ones, the last thing you need is to be hunting down a SIM card kiosk in a foreign airport while your toddler has a meltdown.
With Sim Local, you can set everything up before you even leave home. That means you’ll have Google Maps, translation apps, and emergency contacts ready the second you land. Plus, if you’re traveling with teens who need to stay connected, you can grab multiple eSIMs without juggling a bunch of physical cards.
First-Time International Travelers
If this is your first big trip abroad and you’re already stressed about navigation, language barriers, and just generally not getting lost, Sim Local takes one thing off your plate.
The setup is foolproof (trust me, if I could do it, anyone can), and you won’t have to worry about whether your carrier’s international plan will actually work when you need it most.
Digital Nomads & Remote Workers
Need reliable data for work calls, uploading files, or just staying online throughout the day? Sim Local’s plans go up to 20GB (and beyond), and the coverage is solid enough that I was editing and posting content without any hiccups.
If you’re bouncing between countries, they also offer multi-country plans so you’re not buying a new eSIM every time you cross a border.
Budget-Conscious Travelers
Let’s be real: if you’re watching your travel budget, paying $10–$12 a day for international service adds up fast.
Sim Local saved me around $70 on a single trip, and that’s money I’d much rather spend on, you know, actually experiencing the place I’m visiting.
Anyone Who Just Wants Things to Be Easy
If you fall into the “I don’t want to deal with this” category (hi, that was me for years), Sim Local is made for you. No kiosks, no language barriers, no tiny SIM cards you’re afraid you’ll lose. Just download, activate, and go.
Things to Be Aware of With a Sim Local eSIM
Even though the eSIM setup was pretty easy for me, there are a few things you should be aware of ahead of time that could prove complicated:
Device Compatibility
Not all phones support eSIM (especially older models or certain budget phones). Before you buy, check that your phone supports eSIMs (and dual line / multi-SIM capabilities).
Here are the most common phones that it supports:
Apple iPhone: iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 16e, iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 13 Mini, iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 Mini, iPhone SE (2020), SE (2022), iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS, XS Max, iPhone XR.
Google Pixel: Pixel 9, 9 Pro / Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 8, 8a, 8 Pro, Pixel Fold, Pixel 7, 7a, 7 Pro, Pixel 6, 6a, 6 Pro, Pixel 5, 5a, Pixel 4, 4XL, 4a, 4a 5G, Pixel 3, 3XL, 3a, 3a XL, Pixel 2.
Samsung: Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy S25 Ultra, S25+, S25, Galaxy S24 Ultra, S24+, S24, S24 FE, Galaxy S23 Ultra, S23+, S23, Galaxy S22 Ultra, S22+, S22, Galaxy S21+ Ultra, S21+, S21, Galaxy S20 Ultra, S20+, S20, Galaxy A54, Galaxy Z Flip 6, Z Flip 5, Z Flip 4, Z Flip 3, Z Flip, Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Fold 5, Z Fold 4, Z Fold 3, Z Fold 2, Z Fold, Galaxy A55 5G, Galaxy A54 5G.
Check here for a full list of all supported devices.
Thankfully, Sim Local’s app WILL warn you if your device isn’t supported before you purchase.
ALERT: Phone Not Paid Off
As a heads up, you DO need to look into what phone carrier you have before trying to use an eSIM.
I came across this problem because my phone was not paid off. And, with AT&T and Verizon, specifically, they do NOT ALLOW eSIM usage if you still owe a contract on your phone.
In order to even use the eSIM, I had to call AT&T, pay off my phone, and wait 2 business days for the payoff to process before I could even download the eSIM correctly.
I will say that Sim Local prompted me that they couldn’t find eSIM capabilities on my device before I found this out. Their app will suggest that you check “Does My Phone Support eSIM?” before you purchase, which I thought was so helpful.
Plan Extensions
Sim Local plans cannot always be extended beyond their initial 30–31 day validity. So, even if you don’t use all of your data, the eSIM will still expire. And,if your trip is longer, you may need to purchase a new plan.
However, if you run out of data mid-trip, topping up IS possible.
Sim Local Service in Extreme Locations
I felt the need to add this portion since I used this eSIM in Greece, specifically, and I feel like it’s applicable:
eSIMs (including Sim Local) are still beholden to normal cell tower service, just like carriers in the US or elsewhere. In Greece, obviously, most people head over to the islands at some point.
For example, I was on a cruise that went to Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Patmos, and Ephesus (Turkiye).
My eSIM did NOT work on the water- once we left port, I had to turn it off to avoid satellite roaming charges. But, it needs to be said that NO cell phone service will work there. This is not just a Sim Local thing.
However, once I docked in any of the ports (except Ephesus because that is Turkiye and I purchased a Greece eSIM), my phone worked immediately and exceptionally.
Would I Recommend Sim Local?
I would 100% recommend Sim Local. I truly cannot say enough about it.
First and foremost, I feel like using Sim Local is a no-brainer, simply because it saves money.
But, I will also continue to use Sim Local because of the ease of use. Although they sent me many emails and alerts with “How-To” help guides and step-by-step instructions, I really didn’t need them.
It was very straightforward to just download what I needed, press the activate button, and make the eSIM my primary line.
It made a stressful and expensive piece of my normal travel routine exceedingly simple and relieving.
On top of that, I was impressed by my usage limits. I did not limit my daily data usage in the least. I was still communicating with family and friends back home, editing and posting content, and, of course, listening to music, watching shows, and reading on my Kindle app.
By the time I was finished our trip (~11 days in total), I had only used 5 GB of the 20 GB I had purchased. Guess I didn’t need nearly as much as I thought 😊.
I will absolutely be using Sim Local as my Europe eSIM in the future, and, if you’re looking for the best eSIM for Europe 2026, Sim Local is at the top of my list.
FAQ: Using Sim Local eSIM in Europe
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that myself and others had regarding the use of Sim Local in Europe:
Does Sim Local support calls & SMS, or is it data-only?
Generally, most Sim Local plans are data only. If you want voice calls / SMS capabilities, there are special plans that include them. You can check plan details in the app.
What happens if I run out of data mid-trip? Can I top up?
Yes — you can top up your plan, though the cost per GB may be higher than your original purchase. Also, keep in mind your plan’s expiry date still applies.
Can I extend my Sim Local plan?
In many cases, no. Sim Local plans often can’t be extended. If your trip runs longer than the plan’s validity period, you may need to purchase a new one.
Will the eSIM work immediately after purchase, or only when I reach Europe?
The eSIM typically will not connect until you’re in the country you’ve purchased it for. Although you can purchase in advance, activation and network connection only happen upon arrival.
Is eSIM better than a physical SIM card for Europe?
Honestly, for most travelers, yes- especially if you want things to be seamless and quick. With an eSIM like Sim Local, you can skip the airport kiosks, avoid fumbling with tiny SIM cards, and have service the moment your plane lands.
Physical SIM cards can sometimes be cheaper for long-term stays, but they also mean waiting in line, showing your passport, and swapping hardware. For short trips or multi-country itineraries, an eSIM is hands-down the easiest and most flexible option for Europe travel in 2026.
Which eSIM works best in Greece?
In my experience, Sim Local eSIM had excellent coverage throughout Greece- not just on the mainland areas like Athens, but also on the many islands I visited. I never lost service on land, and my data reconnected instantly at every port during our island-hopping cruise.
If you’re traveling to Greece in 2026, Sim Local is easily one of the best eSIMs for Europe overall and a reliable choice for fast connectivity.
The Wrap-Up: My Honest Sim Local Review
So, yeah…turns out I was wrong about eSIMS.
I spent years paying ridiculous daily international fees through AT&T just because I didn’t want to deal with the hassle. But after finally trying Sim Local, I can say with full confidence that I was definitely wrong.
Sim Local made the entire process unbelievably easy, and the service worked perfectly across Greece (even in remote areas). I didn’t have a single issue with coverage or data speed, and it cost a fraction of what I usually pay.
So, if you’re heading to Europe anytime soon and want reliable, affordable data without the stress, I can’t recommend Sim Local enough. It’s hands-down one of the best eSIMs for Europe travel.
⭐ Use code TRAVERSE for 5% off your Sim Local eSIM — it’s the same one I used for my trip, and it made staying connected abroad a total breeze. Grab your eSIM here!
