SimOptions eSIM: Review

eSIM technology has picked up where traditional SIM cards left off, offering instant gratification and unmatched convenience. But with the surge in new global eSIM providers to meet his demand, choosing the right one for you can be downright confusing.

SimOptions fills a niche in the eSIM industry with its sheer breadth of coverage - over 200 destinations, to be exact. They also offer features that most other providers skip, like a local phone number, and credit for calls and SMS. However, it's not as straightforward as you might hope. I'll explain more.

A Closer Look

Hands On Experience

I put a SimOption eSIM to the test on my Google Pixel 7 Pro.

As the Chinese proverb states, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step", and the eSIM journey is no exception… except it's a single click, not a step. Steps wouldn't make any sense.

Anyway, the starting point is browsing the SimOption website, which is well laid out with intuitive navigation and a bright, friendly color scheme. Simply type your destination into the search field, and you're already on your way. The "destination" can be a country (like Thailand) or region (like Southeast Asia).

SimOptions displays a selection of branded prepaid eSIM plans as well as 3^rd party providers. These are big national telecommunications companies, so you can rest assured they are legit. You can tell the provider by the logo in the upper-left of each data plan. This is also where you look for the details of each plan - such as data allowance, validity period, and extra features like call/SMS inclusions.

Now for the technically-challenged traveler, this is where things can get a little confusing. It pays to spend a little time reading the details for each eSIM plan so you know exactly what you're getting. As there are different providers mixed together, each one offers an assortment of features. Simply because one plan includes a phone number, don't assume all the plans do.

The most important features "data allowance" and "validity length" are easily visible. Expand the details for each plan by clicking the "expand" link. Now you can compare plan features side-by-side.

Most of the specs are straightforward, like "countries" (usually 1, if you're travelling to just 1 country), and "speed" (5G is preferred). Depending on your travel plans and data usage habits, you may need to consider the "top-up options". Some eSIMs support top-ups, others don't. If they don't, you'll need to start a new eSIM plan when the existing one runs out. That be a bit inconvenient in the middle of a trip when you have a tightly packed schedule. So, keep that in mind.

The only piece of information missing is "hotspot support". I found the sole way to get this is to contact the live chat and ask directly. I wish they just displayed it with the other essential info, but if sharing a 4G/5G connection between your devices (or travel buddies) is important, ask live chat support (in the lower right of the page) before you make a purchase.

The last step is a secure one-page checkout, which is pretty self-explanatory. Payment can be made via Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, or Paypal.

After completing the checkout, a confirmation email will be received within seconds containing the eSIM QR code and instructions on how to install the eSIM.

SimOptions provide step-by-step instructions for iOS and Android. The standard installation steps on my Android phone were smooth as butter:

All set!

Here's a screenshot of a lightning-fast Speedtest while in Malaysia:

Speeds will vary depending on your destination country and provider coverage in the area. But my experience has been pretty solid - consistent speed throughout the day, and no drop-outs.

Backstory

Based in Hong Kong, SimOptions was founded in 2016 and started selling prepaid travel-friendly SIM cards, before transitioning to focus on eSIMs in 2022. In 2022 alone, the company reportedly sold 150,000 eSIMs and the demand has only been growing since then. Physical SIM cards are still available in the SimOptions online store which means customers with older phones that don't support eSIM can still benefit from low-cost, convenient international data plans.

As an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), SimOptions partners with local providers from around the world - they don't own the network infrastructure. But all sales and support run through them, so you have a single convenient point of call as the end user.

SimOptions has earned 4.5 stars on TrustPilot and 4.6 on Ekomi (out of 5), so it's safe to say the majority of customers are very satisfied and the company must be doing something right.

Is SimOptions eSIM Right For You?

Comparing eSIM providers can be a tricky business - especially without getting into technical jargon. But I'll try to keep things simple.

Before we go any further, check if your smartphone is eSIM-compatible. Here's an up-to-date list of compatible phones and tablets. Click on "more devices" to see the full list (it's easy to miss).

If your device is not on the list, it might be time to consider a new phone OR head over to their SIM card marketplace. This is a pretty big advantage in 2024, when many other eSIM providers have already dropped support for physical SIM cards.

Next, make sure your destination country offers coverage. Start a search from the home page. With over 200 destinations available, there's a good chance you're covered. If you're traveling through multiple countries, a regional eSIM plan might be the best fit: Europe, North America, South America, Caribbean, Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East.

So far so good.

This is where things can get a little more confusing. Everything after this point depends on the selected provider and data plan - there are no uniform inclusions or exclusions.

Data plans range from 1GB up to 50GB, depending on the destination. As these are fixed caps, you'll need to work out your expected usage, which depends on your personal mobile habits. Here's a simple calculator to get you started. I tend to use a minimum of about 2GB per month for Google Maps, travel planning, emails, web browsing, and instant messaging, but 5GB is more comfortable.

The last step is considering your trip length. Most eSIM plan periods are 7, 15, or 30 days, so there's not a great deal of flexibility. And keep in mind that most plans cannot be topped up. You may need to start a new plan mid-trip. As with some clothing, it pays to get one size larger than what you think you need. Then you won't be stuck without mobile data when it's needed most.

SimOptions really stands out with its bells and whistles - in particular, including calls, SMS and even a local phone number in some plans. But the emphasis must be on "some".

Prices vary by destination and provider, however there are bargains to be discovered if you dig around, such as 15 days Europe-wide eSIM (32 countries) for only US$12.90.

Pro Tips For SimOptions eSIM

Most information you need about each eSIM plan is easily accessible, except for 1 important detail - hotspot support (also called "tethering"). If you intend to share your mobile data with another device or travel buddy, the only way to find out if your preferred prepaid data plan supports it is contact live chat and ask. It takes a few minutes, and is a little inconvenient, but better to check now rather than when you really need it.

As of May 2024, the new SimOptions mobile app (iOS, Android) makes it easy to track data usage. Before that, you had to rely on your phone's operating system (iOS and Android). The mobile app also makes it easier to order new eSIM plans on the go. The Android version I tested offers Google Pay or credit/debit card payment methods.

It's best to install the eSIM on the day of your travel (before getting onto the plane). This process requires a stable Wi-Fi connection. Depending on the plan's provider, once the eSIM is installed, the validity period countdown clock will start. Although some providers start the period from when you arrive at your destination (check the "activation" details on the data plan). No internet connection is needed to activate the eSIM after you get off the plane, but it can take up to 4 minutes to connect to the local network at your destination for the first time, so be patient.

Very importantly, don't delete the eSIM before the plan has expired. It can only be installed once, and deletion cannot be undone.

Scoreboard

Where To Buy SimOptions eSIM