Best eSIM for Europe: My Honest Sim Local Review (2026)

Last Updated on May 22, 2026 by Lauren Allen

I think I may have found the best eSIM for Europe…

As a frequent traveller who is somewhat addicted to her phone, having a good signal on the road is super important. How else would I update my friends and fam back home or search for cocktail bars in a new destination?

The thing is, waiting around to buy yet another physical SIM card is the last thing I want to do when I land in a new country. I’d much prefer to spend that time wandering the blue streets of Chefchaouen or exploring cultural hotspots in Budapest. Plus, some local SIMs still don’t have good coverage (trust me, I know).

Luckily, I’ll never have to deal with that again! These days, eSIMs have become the norm and you’d be surprised by just how easy it is to get (and stay) connected. In this post, I’ll share my honest Sim Local eSIM Review so you can make an informed decision.

Just make sure your phone supports eSIMs before you buy (most newer iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel models do).

Quick verdict: Sim Local is an eSIM brand that offers excellent coverage in 200+ global destinations. In fact, I had a full four bars when I used them on a recent European adventure. Plus, my discount code (PACKANDPAINT) can get you 5% off!

Disclaimer: This post is part of a collaboration with Sim Local. However, all opinions are my own and I would never promote anything I didn’t find helpful.

Who are Sim Local? The eSIM brand trusted by millions of travellers

Sim Local was founded in Dublin in 2011. They specialise in mobile eSIMs for international travellers and they’re one of the leading companies in this market, but don’t just take my word for it! They help millions of customers stay connected worldwide and boast hundreds of fab reviews.

Customers rate them highly for ease of set-up, affordable prices and a reliable signal in many places across the globe. They also offer one-click access to top carriers, including Orange, Lycamobile, EE and Three, depending on your location.

What is an eSIM and why do travellers love them?

An eSIM is basically a digital version of a physical SIM card. It works just like your average SIM, allowing you to use text, calls and data from wherever you are in the world. As you don’t need to head to a store or order a physical SIM, it’s much easier (and faster) to set up.

You can also store multiple eSIM plans on one device, making it straightforward to switch over when needed. For example, they make it simple to switch to a different eSIM when you land in a new country. This is exactly why they’re appealing to travellers, remote workers and anyone going abroad on holiday.

How to set up your Sim Local eSIM in minutes (step-by-step guide)

Setting up the eSIM is literally so hassle-free that I questioned if I’d actually done it right. So much so that I texted my friend (who uses Sim Local all the time) to double-check it was correct. Here’s the process:

1. Select your chosen plan on their website (it’s very user-friendly)
2. Make your payment (don’t forget to use my discount code PACKANDPAINT)
3. Scan the QR code using your camera app and follow each step
4. Activate your plan once you land in the new country

It really is as simple as that. When I was setting up my Hungary eSIM for a city break in Budapest, I was done and dusted in just a few minutes. I couldn’t believe it!

They even have a handy tool that will help you decide how much data you need to purchase. This means you can choose a plan that fits you and only pay for data you’ll actually use.

My honest Sim Local eSIM experience

I used a Sim Local eSIM on my recent trip to Budapest. Here’s exactly why this is the best eSIM for Europe:

Does Sim Local offer good coverage abroad?

Yep! Unlike my day-to-day connection back home, I had a full signal and fast internet the entire time. In fact, I’d look into a Sim Local UK plan if I weren’t locked into a one-year contract (sigh).

From my experience, these eSIMs can provide peace of mind for travellers who can’t function without their daily doom scroll (AKA people like me). I even used my plan to Facetime my baby niece and sister back home without breaking up or sounding like an alien from outta space.

This may have been my first time using them, but it certainly won’t be the last!

How to monitor your usage

There’s nothing worse than running out of data mid YouTube binge (I’ve defo been there in the past), but you don’t need to stress about that with Sim Local. You can check your usage for previous, current and upcoming plans through their website or via the app.

Not only will this tell you how much you have left to use, but it can also be a good indicator of how much you’ll need on future adventures. Plus, this could help you save money next time if you realise you’re using way less than you actually bought!

If you ever need more data, it’s quick and easy to top up your eSIM to stay connected at all times.

Does Sim Local provide good customer service?

Absolutely! If you have any issues, they have you covered with 24/7 online support via WhatsApp. However, this was AI-generated at first (like most customer service support these days). Be prepared to type out a few extra messages and tap some buttons before you get through to a friendly human.

While I didn’t have any problems, I did a test to see how quickly it would be to get help if needed. Verdict: VERY easy. This may have been just one occasion, but a customer service agent reached out to me in one minute before I even had the chance to fill out my information. Talk about speedy!

Pros and cons of Sim Local eSIMs

Here are the perks of purchasing a plan with Sim Local:

• They cover many popular holiday spots in Europe and beyond
• Extremely fast to set up, even if you’re not tech-savvy
• Excellent and super speedy customer service
• Ideal for frequent travellers and casual holiday makers
• Affordable and good value for money
• Uninterrupted coverage (in my experience)

To keep it real, here are some things that could be improved:

• You’ll likely still struggle to get a good signal on a cruise (but this is the case for all eSIMs)
• Coverage may still be limited in more remote areas, even if you’re on land
• Not all phones are compatible with Sim Local

Where can you use Sim Local eSIMs?

Sim Local sells country-specific, region-specific and global plans, making it easy to stay connected regardless of your needs. Whether you’re heading on a week-long holiday in Amsterdam, an adventurous interrailing trip through Europe or going travelling long-term, they’ve got you covered!

In fact, you can purchase plans from as little as a few quid for over 200 locations. Here are just some of the countries they cover:

• Cyprus
• Gambia
• Indonesia
• Mexico
• Morocco
• The Netherlands
• Romania
• South Korea
• Turkey
• United Kingdom

Beyond that, you can get regional plans for Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, North America, South America and Oceania. This is literally ideal if you’re hitting up multiple towns, cities and even countries, as you won’t need to switch your eSIM to use it in several destinations.

As if that wasn’t good enough, they also have a global plan, which you can use almost anywhere. So if you’re going on a cross-continent trip, there’s something for you, too.

Sim Local vs Airalo vs Holafly: Which is the best eSIM for Europe in 2026?

Wondering how Sim Local compares to other popular eSIM companies like Airalo and Holafly? Here’s everything you need to know:

*Prices were based on plans for the Netherlands and were accurate as of May 2026

Holafly is often ranked higher than Sim Local. However, it’s worth noting that some users have had bad experiences with their online chat service.

You may also end up paying over the odds to use your phone abroad with Holafly. They sell Netherlands plans from £2.99 per day, that comes with unlimited data. But when you think about how many museums, restaurants and bars offer free wifi, it may be much cheaper to stick with a set amount of GB. And, they don’t offer plans with calls and texts.

Things to consider before buying a Sim Local eSIM

Here are some things to keep in mind before you buy a Sim Local eSIM:

Make sure your phone is compatible

To use an eSIM, your phone usually needs to be unlocked. If not, you won’t be able to connect to other carriers. Furthermore, not all phones are compatible with Sim Local. If you’re not sure, they have a page on their website with step-by-step guidance on how to check and a list of compatible devices.

Consider the different plans carefully

No matter where you’re going, there are several plans to choose from depending on your usage needs and location. For instance, Germany plans start from just £3 for 1GB of data, but you can order much more (up to unlimited) if that won’t cut it.

That said, not all plans include calls and texts. When I was buying my plan for Hungary, I noticed that it only came with data. It wasn’t an issue for me because I do the majority of my calls over WhatsApp and Facebook, but it’s worth noting if you prefer regular phone calls.

Sim Local eSIM FAQs

Sim Local discount code

Has this Sim Local eSIM review convinced you to make a purchase? I’m glad, but hold your horses! Don’t buy one without using the discount code PACKANDPAINT. With this, you can bag 5% off (which can seriously add up if you’re buying a spenny eSIM).

Final thoughts

If you’re looking for the best eSIM for Europe, look no further! As you can see from this guide, I really am a Sim Local convert and I’ll be using them on every trip from now on. No more waiting around at boring airport kiosks for me!

With such a quick set-up process, budget-friendly fees and excellent online support, it really is a no-brainer.

You can buy your SIMs online via their website, but feel free to reach out if you have any questions. I’d be happy to help! And if you’ve already tried Sim Local, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

Need comfy shoes, too? Check out my full UIN travel shoes review.