This article was written in partnership with Sim Local. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Wondering how to get a SIM card abroad, and whether or not it’s something you should take care of before your trip? And, are eSIMs the best option for you?
We often forget about this until we land in a new country and realize our phones have stopped working – so if you’re already searching for SIM card guidance, you’re actually ahead of the game!
There are lots of ways to buy a SIM card in a foreign country, and you can usually do this at the airport or at a nearby mobile network store once you arrive as long as your phone is unlocked. However, this can sometimes be quite overwhelming. Who wants to worry about finding a SIM card in a crowded airport after a 12-hour flight? If you (like me) are a bit Type A when it comes to trip planning, it can give you peace of mind to already have your international phone plan squared away before you hit the road.
Enter: eSIMs.
I recently reviewed an eSIM provider by the name of Sim Local on my trip abroad to Indonesia, and it was one of my first times using an eSIM service like this. After a month testing out an eSIM for Bali, I’m happy to report that I had good connectivity throughout the month and was able to use local phone data almost without interruption. From navigating Google Maps, to finding good restaurants nearby, to staying in touch with my friends and family, this was exactly what I needed.
There are a lot of benefits to using an eSIM for travel abroad, and a few limitations as well, that you’ll want to know when you consider your connectivity options abroad. Below, I’ll outline everything you need to know about using an eSIM service like Sim Local, so you can determine the right choice for your SIM card while traveling abroad!
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First, What Is An eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card that can be activated electronically and instantaneously, allowing you to connect to local networks as soon as you arrive without needing to purchase a physical SIM card or an international data plan from your home phone provider. Using an eSIM allows you to keep your original phone number and simply swap plans digitally or use both simultaneously, depending on your needs.
In order to use an eSIM for travel, you’ll need to ensure that your phone is both unlocked and eSIM compatible. Most newer iPhones from series 11 onward are.
eSIM vs Local SIM vs International Data Roaming: Pros and Cons
The good news is you have multiple options when it comes to accessing local mobile networks abroad without roaming fees. It ultimately just comes down to your budget, how long you’re traveling, where you’re traveling to, and the level of convenience you’re after.
I’ll break it all down below!
eSIMs Explained
As I mentioned above, eSIMs are a great choice when traveling because they allow you to access local data without having to visit a phone store or deal with the chaos at the airport. With that said, many eSIM plans are data-only, and will not come with a local phone number, which may or not be a key factor in your decision. For me, I don’t usually find that I need a local number unless I’m planning to be in a different country for more than a month.
Sim Local happens to be one eSIM provider that offers data-only and call/text packages, depending on the destination.
In general, I like to say that eSIMs will be your best bet if you want flexibility, are visiting multiple countries, and/or don’t necessarily need a local cell phone number for your travels. They’re the best choice if you want to balance convenience with a reasonable price.
Local SIMs Explained
Local SIM cards can be either physical cards or eSIMs, with the biggest benefit being that this option allows you to access a local phone number and local networks for, generally, the cheapest prices and highest speeds.
Depending on the SIM and your phone, you may need to temporarily forfeit your phone number in order to add the new line to your device.
The biggest downside to this option is that you need to visit a local store upon arrival to actually get the SIM installed, whether at the airport or near your final destination. One of my most miserable phone-related travel memories involves spending over an hour at a mobile network store in Kenya after traveling for 21+ hours. The last thing I wanted to do in that moment was deal with the hassle of getting data! I can still remember the agonizing headache as I waited, and waited, and waited when all I craved in that moment was a nap.
In general, I find that local SIMs are the most practical option when you’re going to be somewhere for more than a month. This is also the only option if you have an older phone that can only accept physical SIM cards. Regardless, if you do go this route, make sure you have your passport with you when visiting the store, as they often need it when beginning to set up your new SIM.
International Data Roaming Plans Explained
Your local carrier may offer roaming packages when traveling abroad, allowing you the most convenience of any option because there is no additional setup required whatsoever. With that said, these carrier roaming packages tend to be the most expensive option and often come with restrictive time limits.
In general, choose to stick with your local carrier if you value convenience above all else, don’t mind paying a premium, and are going on a short trip. I would not recommend this option for trips longer than two weeks.
I tested using an eSIM for travel abroad with Sim Local on two recent trips – to Fiji and Indonesia – and was generally very happy with the convenience and coverage. Here’s what you need to know about using a Sim Local eSIM for travel abroad on your next trip.
About Sim Local
Sim Local is an eSIM provider that offers varying levels of coverage in over 200+ destinations, allowing you to easily switch over to local networks whenever you’re on the road with just a few taps. Depending on the countries you’re visiting, you’ll find a variety of plans ranging from data-only to local calls and texts. Sim Local even offers multi-destination and global eSIM packages, which are ideal for those on longer-haul trips and round-the-world adventures!
While there are tons of companies offering eSIMs for travel these days, Sim Local has been around for more than 15 years, offers really exceptional customer service, and is well-known to have the most no-stress refund policy in the game if for any reason their data packages don’t work as expected.
Sim Local Plans & Options
Sim Local eSIM plans and packages are designed to offer varying levels of cell service connecting you with local carriers while on the road. Some regions have much more coverage options than others.
Click any of the links below to browse their destinations and package offerings.
- Unlimited eSIM Plans: Unlimited data in the UK, Europe, Japan, Türkiye, Thailand, and Australia.
- eSIM Plans with Calling & Texting: Call/text/data plans in UK, Europe, and North America, allowing you to use a local number while traveling.
- Global eSIM Plans: Data access in 71-153 countries at once, allowing you to stay connected from anywhere while you’re on the road.
- Country-Specific eSIM Plans: If you prefer to purchase data packages individually, Sim Local’s country-specific eSIMs are the most straightforward choice.
I used country-specific eSIMs in Fiji and Indonesia to tap into local networks for data throughout my recent trips. However, I can see myself using a Global eSIM for longer stints abroad, or an unlimited eSIM when I’m traveling and working remotely and need to constantly be on my hotspot!
No matter what data limit you purchase, the beauty of using a Sim Local eSIM for travel is that you can always top up on the road in the Sim Local app as you need to.
How to Set Up Your eSIM for Travel
eSIMs are incredibly convenient to install. You can tick this off your travel prep list weeks in advance, or purchase your package once you’re already in your destination!
Sim Local’s plans can be purchased directly on their website, or from their app. Once you purchase your desired plan, you’ll receive a confirmation email with instructions to activate it.
As you set up your eSIM for travel, keep these things in mind:
- First, check your phone to ensure it is eSIM-compatible. Odds are it is, but if your phone is fairly old, there’s a chance it may not be able to access an embedded SIM.
- Once you purchase your plan, you can either activate it within the app or via a QR code. You don’t need to download the Sim Local app to access your data.
- You’ll need to be connected to WiFi to activate your plan. My suggestion is to connect to the airport’s WiFi as soon as you land to activate your local data. That way, you’ll be ready to call your Ubers, navigate your way to your hotel, or find the nearest coffee shop as soon as you step outside.
- Make sure you enable data roaming on your eSIM settings after you follow your plan installation instructions.
- Only download your eSIM to your device once, and make sure you don’t accidentally delete it before your trip ends. Otherwise, you’ll lose access to the remaining data!
If you struggle with any of this, Sim Local has a very handy step-by-step activation guide that helped me through the process when I arrived in Indonesia!
Sim Local Indonesia Review: How the eSIM Worked for Me
Would I recommend a Sim Local eSIM for travel abroad in Indonesia and beyond? Short answer – yes!
I used their 20 GB data-only plan as I didn’t need calling or texting, and found this to be just enough for my month-long trip. I spent my time in Bali, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan, and I did notice I would lose connectivity in some remote areas (such as Bali’s north highlands, the water crossings between islands, and some beaches), but this felt pretty standard. Otherwise, I had pretty consistent data access that, while not the fastest, was reliable and stress-free.
My phone’s hotspot was easy to use in a pinch, with speeds around 4 – 10 mbps in Nusa Lembongan, but this was a bit slower than what I would expect with a local SIM. I would take this into consideration if you are going to Indonesia (or any country) to work remotely. However, I was able to find sufficient WiFi in cafes and coffee shops so I didn’t really need to use my hotspot much at all.
Overall, Sim Local ticked the boxes on my needs for a SIM card in Indonesia and in Fiji, and I plan to keep them in my rotation for future travels. Sim Local is without a doubt one of the easiest ways to remain connected abroad.
Read This Next:
- What to Do in Bali: A One-Week Itinerary For First-Timers
- 10 Tips to Know Before Visiting Bali
- How to Work Remotely from Anywhere: The Ultimate Guide
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