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FAQs
eSIMs
An eSIM is an embedded SIM inside your device. With eSIM, there’s no physical SIM card that you need to insert.
Currently the iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone SE, Samsung Galaxy Fold, Samsung Galaxy S20, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Nuu Mobile X5, Google Pixel 3a & 3a XL; Google Pixel 4 & 4 XL; Google Pixel 5; Motorola Razr 2019; OPPO Find X3 Pro; Huawei P40 and Huawei P40 Pro are all eSIM enabled.
Roaming
This will depend on the bundle you have purchased. Please check the bundle description to see where it can be used.
This will depend on the bundle you have purchased. Please check the bundle description to see where it can be used.
Other companies use low cost call cards. These cards are still based on roaming charges but are attempting to offer reduced roaming charges. Sim Local offer a solution which completely avoids roaming charges. We work with all local networks to achieve the best international and domestic rates available for you.
Phone Unlocking
To check if your phone is locked, simply contact your network provider. Networks can unlock phones on request, subject to the terms and conditions of your network agreement.
If your phone is locked, this means that it can only be used with one network.
If you are purchasing an eSIM from a network operator that is different to the network your phone is locked to, then you will need to unlock your phone before using the eSIM.
eSIM Profiles
Yes, as long as your phone is not locked to a specific network.
This will depend on the bundle you have purchased. Please refer to the bundle description for this information.
An eSIM profile is necessary in order to connect to your network operator to send and receive calls, texts and data.
The number of eSIM profiles you can download depends on your phone, but you can only use one eSIM profile at a time.
An eSIM profile is a virtual profile that stores user’s subscription and network settings.
Downloading an eSIM
All of our voice / SMS / data sims include calling minutes, UK texting and data allowances unless you purchase a data SIM which would include internet data allowances, no calls or SMS.
Please see our video on activating your eSIM here: (include link)
You can attempt to download it again by scanning the QR code. For more assistance, please contact your network operator.
If your eSIM fails to download, please make sure that you are connected to the internet and try again. If this doesn’t work, please contact our customer service team at customerqueries@simlocal.com or call + 44 (0) 203 1516666.
An eSIM profile can be downloaded in a matter of seconds.
Misplaced eSIM Device
You should delete your eSIM profile and end your network plan before you sell your phone.
If your eSIM device is stolen, please contact your network provider.
Miscellaneous
You can request to have your existing number transferred to your eSIM by contacting your network provider.
This depends on the individual network and the bundle you have purchased.
No, the eSIM cannot be accidentally removed.
A dual SIM smartphone can hold and use two different SIM cards at the same time.
Sim Local accepts Paypal, Visa and all cards associated with Visa (Visa PrePaid, Visa Premium Deferred Debit, etc), Mastercard and all cards associated with Mastercard (Maestro, etc.). All credit/debit card transactions on simlocal.com are processed securely by Judopay to keep your information safe.
Yes, as long as you have an eSIM enabled phone.
Physical SIMs
SIM is short for Subscriber Identity Module. A SIM card is a portable memory chip (like a mini hard disk) that automatically activates the cellular/mobile phone into which it is inserted. They are used with carriers that operate on the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) network. Typical international frequencies for GSM cell phones operate on two or three out of four different frequency band types: 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 1900 MHz.
SIM cards make it easy to switch to a new network by Simply swapping the SIM in an unlocked phone with a local network SIM card. The SIM holds personal identity information, your phone number, phone book, text messages and other identification data.
This depends on the Network provider of the SIM you purchase. For example, our EE, Three and Vodafone SIM cards are valid for up to 6 months, while our Lycamobile and Lebara SIM cards are valid for up to three months.
All of our SIMs are prepaid for 30 days therefore you pay upfront, meaning you cannot run up any bills unless you manually added your personal banking details to your SIM account. If you run out of credit, all you need to do is top up your SIM card.
If you have an international number that you wish to use with your Sim Local SIM card, you cannot keep your existing phone number.
If your existing number belongs to the same network SIM card that you are purchasing with Sim Local, you can transfer your existing phone number by contacting the network provider directly and ask them to transfer your number to the new SIM card, as long as you have a PUK code.
When it comes to using any Apps associated with your existing number, you can continue to do so with your new Sim Local SIM card. Your Apps will remain associated with your existing phone number.
You may browse our available products to pick which SIM card best suits your needs. Our experienced staff can also assist with the SIM bundle and network selection.
Roaming
This will depend on the bundle you have purchased. Please check the bundle description to see where it can be used.
Other companies use low cost call cards. These cards are still based on roaming charges but are attempting to offer reduced roaming charges. Sim Local offer a solution which completely avoids roaming charges. We work with all local networks to achieve the best international and domestic rates available for you.
This will depend on the bundle you have purchased. Please check the bundle description to see where it can be used.
This will depend on the bundle you have purchased. Please check the bundle description to see where it can be used.
Phone Unlocking
If your phone is locked, this means that it can only be used with SIM cards from the initial network provider that the device was purchased from.
To check if your phone is locked, simply contact your network provider. Networks can unlock phones on request, subject to the terms and conditions of your network agreement.
If your phone is currently locked, it must be unlocked in order to use one of our SIM cards.
SIM Card Settings
This depends on the individual network and SIM card.
To use one of our SIM bundles in a tablet you must ensure the SIM card does not include voice and messaging services, therefore you can only use a data SIM for this type of device.
Have you configured your SIM APN settings? If you are outside of the UK have you switched on the roaming services in your device’s data settings?
To get to the device’s APN settings on iOS:
1. Select “Settings”
2. Select “Mobile/Cellular Data”
3. Select “Mobile/Cellular Data Networks”
4. Enter Network APN
To get to the device’s APN settings on Android:
1. Select “Settings”
2. Select “Connections”
3. Select “Mobile Networks”
4. Select “Access Point Names”
5. Select “Create New APN”
6. Once APN settings are entered, press save and select the profile
7. Once the profile has been saved please ensure that this is the profile selected and in use if your device holds various APNs
Nothing happens to your old SIM. We recommend keeping it in a safe place for use in the future.
Once you insert the SIM card into your handset, the SIM will connect to the local network automatically.
All of our voice / SMS / data sims include calling minutes, UK texting and data allowances unless you purchase a data SIM which would include internet data allowances, no calls or SMS.
Sim Local provide only prepaid SIM cards.
If you have an international number that you wish to use with your Sim Local SIM card, you cannot keep your existing phone number.
If your existing number belongs to the same network SIM card that you are purchasing with Sim Local, you can transfer your existing phone number by contacting the network provider directly and ask them to transfer your number to the new SIM card, as long as you have a PUK code.
When it comes to using any Apps associated with your existing number, you can continue to do so with your new Sim Local SIM card. Your Apps will remain associated with your existing phone number.
No, as long as your current handset is network-unlocked you may use the SIM in your current handset.
No. You will pay a one-off payment for the one-month bundle. This does not affect your contracted or home SIM plans.
Installation
Remove your current SIM and store safely. Open the SIM Local packaging and insert the new SIM card exactly as the previous SIM was positioned. If prompted by your phone, enter the relevant codes, usually a PIN number. The activation codes will be printed on the accompanying packaging. Your phone is now immediately operational with credit pre-loaded on to the Sim Local SIM card.
The SIM card installation can take up to a maximum of 2 minutes depending on the mobile handset itself.
The SIM activation is immediate. Once you have popped the SIM into your device and connected to the local network your SIM bundle should be available for use immediately.
Top Up
To check your credit balance, we recommend that customers call the automated service and follow the automated instructions to check your bundle/credit allowances.
The number dialled will differ depending on the network. For example; for an EE SIM the customer would call 150, however for Vodafone the customer would call 191 or 2345. The customer service details are always provided within each SIM packet.
Mobile call credit, also known as top-up or re-fill, can be purchased over the counter in all newsagents, petrol stations and post offices within the UK. Credit can also be purchased from each local network provider and in selected Sim Local airport retail stores.
Miscellaneous
The easiest way to do this is to go to your address book on your phone and follow the instructions allowing you to copy the numbers from your current SIM card to your mobile phone memory. All contacts will then be accessible from your phone regardless of the SIM in use. You can copy all downloaded contacts in the address book onto your new local SIM.
Yes. You need to dial your local number (with country prefix) and include the code required by your home network provider.