Looking for Airalo alternatives? Try Sim Local’s eSim App

Timing is a beautiful thing, it really is. Martin is just about to nip off on a well-earned trip to Japan and we’ve recently been playing with Dublin-based Sim Local, co-incidence, serendipity, or good planning? You decide, so check back in a couple of weeks or keep an eye on Martin’s TikTok for how he gets on with using Sim Local the real road test.

In the meantime as a self-professed lover of leaving Ireland regularly I frequently get asked by people about to venture beyond the island  “Will my phone work abroad. While some people may have heard of eSim’s or companies like Airalo, the reality is this is few and far between, but the good news is with companies like SimLocal entering the market, users’ options are about to get more accessible and more competitive.

Why an eSim?

Picture this you’re off on your next adventure, ready to soak up the sun and snap Insta-worthy pics, only to find out your phone’s as useful as a rock because your SIM card doesn’t play nice with your destination’s networks. Cue the frustration and frantic Google searches for local SIM cards that may or may not fit your phone. BOOOO

Better bet, either find a hotspot and get yourself and eSim or prepare in advance with Sim Local. This nifty app is your passport to hassle-free international connectivity. Whether you’re jet-setting across Europe, backpacking through Asia, or chilling on a tropical island, Sim Local has packages that cover a range of countries and from my own recent trip to the UK, they are super simple to use.

These days there should be absolutely no need for SIM card hunts and sky-high roaming charges. This app hooks you up with local SIM cards tailored to your destination, so you can stay connected without breaking the bank. I know it’s a line that makes everybody gag a little when they hear it but I could compare Sim Local and other similar providers to the Just Eat of international connectivity, just a few taps on your phone, and boom done!

Trust us, your future self will thank you when you’re effortlessly posting envy-inducing beach selfies instead of frantically searching for Wi-Fi hotspots while supporting Irish tech.

Why use an eSim?

We now live in a modern world where mobile connectivity is no longer a luxury but a travel essential. In this era of constant movement and exploration, staying connected is paramount for both work and leisure. For example, my work literally means as long as I have data and a laptop I have a job, which is brilliant…as long as I have data. I remember a few years back in Heathrow airport trying to remember if my phone was unlocked while trying to buy a sim card from a vending machine. The kicker? My phone wasn’t unlocked and I’d just thrown away cash on a valueless sim card, so I data roamed, and let me tell you, that was not a pretty phone bill a few weeks later. Hence eSim.This has seen the likes of Airalo and Holafly as the rising stars in the realm of eSIMs recently but there are many more options in the eSIM market for customers looking for the best eSIM prices and plans. Enter Sim Local.

Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Dublin, Sim Local has been traditionally known for its airport stores offering local SIM cards to travellers (if they read this maybe ignore my Heathrow airport experience, I hold no grudges for my stupidy). This Irish-based company are now venturing into the eSIM market with a focus on offering a seamless eSIM experience along with competitive pricing and plans. Just to be clear this isn’t an ad in any way shape or form, but given the choice I will always choose and promote the Irish tech companies over international options, especially when the system works, so let’s see why we should Sim Local.

Avoid Data Roaming Costs:

Always a great start, While we can Roam like home in the EU or you get a pretty decent allowance this isn’t the case when going to the UK or Stateside or if you’re like Martin and upping away to Asia for a few weeks.

eSim providers like Sim Local remove the worry of expensive data roaming fees while you are on the move. Sim Local’s eSIM solution provides a cost-effective alternative, allowing users to stay connected without breaking the bank.  Is there anything worse than being abroad and trying to find where you’re going just to realize, no internet, no map, and no Uber to get back?

Convenience Over Physical SIMs:

As someone lucky to review phones as a hobby I shouldn’t cry too much but here’s the thing, swapping out sim cards is a pain in the hoop, ever try finding one of those little pokeys when you actually need one? So when heading abroad save yourself a whole pile of hassle and swap a physical SIM with an eSim that you can set up very easily by following the instructions in 3 to 5 minutes. It’s honestly as easy as Settings, Sims, Add, and entering the details provided.

Keep Your Existing Number:

Another handy little reason for using an eSim sounds simple because it is. Keep your existing phone number active with Sim Local’s eSIM solution, eliminating the need for SIM card swaps and ensuring uninterrupted communication on platforms like WhatsApp. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, or you just have a relentless Irish Mammy (Hi Burns) who will call every hour to make sure you are alive while abroad, maintaining continuity in your contacts is so simple.

Competitive Pricing and Flexible Plans:

What I’ve enjoyed about Sim Local which makes them stand out in the market is the competitive pricing and flexible plans, offering the best online prices for eSIMs, a very similar setup to known competitors such as Airalo but with slightly better pricing in key destinations to Irish customers. With over 200 travel eSIMs covering all countries and regions, affordability goes hand in hand with convenience and connectivity, catering to the diverse needs of modern travelers and the ever-growing digital nomad culture.

Goosed verdict

In a world where staying connected is no longer a luxury but a necessity, Sim Local simplifies the process with its user-friendly app and competitive pricing.

In the ever-expanding world of eSIM providers, Sim Local stands out for its commitment to affordability, flexibility, and simplicity. So, whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a digital nomad in the making, make sure to add Sim Local to your travel toolkit. Your future self will thank you for it, one envy-inducing beach selfie at a time. Happy travels,

Link to website

Link to iOS app

Link to Android app

Written by

Jon
Jon
Junior Editor and host of the Goosed Podcast, Jon is passionate about phones, design and everything tech. Having joined the Goosed.ie team in 2015 he now leads the entire Goosed podcast channel. Ask him about 3D printing or Disney movies. Read more by Jon.

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