I Just Want My Phone to Work Abroad – Is Sim Local the Answer?

There are lots of things I enjoy about travel but sorting mobile data abroad is not one of them. If you’re like me, here’s a look at how to use eSIMs so you can stay connected the easy way.

I don’t want to land somewhere new, turn off airplane mode and immediately enter a game of Will Google Maps Load or Not? I don’t want to queue for a SIM card, try to explain my phone model in a language I don’t speak, or come home to a roaming bill that looks like a mistake.

I just want my phone to work.

That’s why eSIMs exist – and why I started looking at options like Sim Local eSIM. It’s a great option if you want data abroad without the hassle.

The problem eSIMs are trying to solve

Traditionally, you’ve got three options for mobile data when travelling:

1. Roaming – easy, but often wildly expensive
2. Local SIM cards – cheaper, but annoying
3. Hunting for WiFi – unreliable and stressful

eSIMs sit neatly in the middle.

They let you download a digital SIM to your phone before you travel, so you can land, turn your phone on, and just… carry on. It’s important to check that your phone is compatible with eSIM technology. For example, the iPhone 11 and later models already have this option, but if you have any doubts, you can check here.

No SIM swapping. No airport kiosks. No ‘why isn’t this working’ panic.

So what is Sim Local?

Sim Local is a global leader in travel SIM card and eSIM retail, this means that they offer data plans for travelers in single, regional or global destinations.

Sim Local has local plans in certain destinations like Japan, Vietnam, and even the UK, which means you’re buying a plan directly from the provider and will have a local experience.

The idea is simple:

• You buy a data plan online
• Scan a QR code
• Install it on your phone
• Use mobile data abroad without changing your physical SIM

If you’re someone who travels fairly often, or just doesn’t want to deal with mobile admin on holiday, that’s immediately attractive.

A major difference between Sim Local and other options on the market is that they offer plans with calls and text messages so you can have a local experience. This works in certain destinations, but you can check it on their website or app.

What I Look for When Choosing the Best eSIM for Travel

Before I’d choose any eSIM provider, these are the things that matter to me — and the boxes Sim Local appears to tick.

1. Will it actually work where I’m going?

Sim Local eSIM offers coverage in a lot of countries, plus regional plans (like Europe or Asia), which is useful if you’re moving around rather than staying put.

That’s important — not all eSIMs cover everywhere, and ‘global’ doesn’t always mean global.

2. Is it cheaper than roaming?

Roaming with UK networks can still be eye-watering, especially outside Europe.

Sim Local eSIM’s plans are prepaid, so you know exactly what you’re spending upfront. No surprise charges. No forgetting to turn data off.

For me, that alone makes eSIMs worth considering.

3. Is it simple to set up?

I don’t want instructions that require a YouTube tutorial and a strong coffee.

Sim Local’s eSIM setup is QR-code based, which is pretty standard for eSIMs and about as straightforward as it gets. As long as your phone supports eSIMs (most newer iPhones and Androids do), it’s a few taps and you’re done.

4. Can I keep my main number?

Yes – because your physical SIM stays in your phone.

That means:

• WhatsApp still works
• iMessage still works
• You can still receive calls and texts on your normal number

This is a big win if you don’t want your phone to feel ‘different’ while you’re away.

Who Sim Local feels right for

Based on how it works, Sim Local is best suited to:

• People who travel occasionally but hate hassle
• Anyone who’s been burned by roaming charges before
• Short trips where you just need data to function
• People who want their phone to work immediately on landing

If you love bargain-hunting for local SIMs and don’t mind swapping them in and out, you might not need it.

If you just want Google Maps, messages and bookings to load without thinking – it makes sense.

Who it might not be for

To be balanced, eSIMs (including SIM Local) aren’t perfect for everyone.

• If your phone doesn’t support eSIMs, it’s a non-starter
• If you’re staying long-term in one country, a local SIM might be cheaper
• If you need unlimited data for weeks on end, you’ll want to compare plans carefully

It’s about convenience, not necessarily the absolute cheapest option in every scenario.

So… Is Sim Local the Best eSIM for International Travel?”

For me, the appeal of Sim Local is less about the brand and more about the idea.

I want:

• No queues
• No SIM swapping
• No surprise bills
• No stress

If you’re looking for an option to stay connected while traveling abroad, Sim Local looks like a solid, no-nonsense way to make that happen. If you are a traveler looking for practicality and a peace of mind option you should consider this for your next trip.

If you’re the kind of traveller who just wants their phone to work abroad — quietly, reliably, without drama — then an eSIM like this is well worth considering.

Sometimes the best travel tech is the kind you don’t have to think about at all.