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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 XS, iPhone XS Max, Google Pixel 2, and Google Pixel 3 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 are offering 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
This will depend on the bundle you have purchased. Please refer to the bundle description to see your data/minutes/text allowance.
Please see our video on activating your eSIM here: (include link)
You can attempt to download again by scanning QR code. For more assistance, please contact your respective network operators.
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
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
This depends on the individual network and the bundle you have purchased.
You can request to have your existing number transferred to your eSIM by contacting your network provider.
Yes, as long as you have an eSIM enabled phone.
A dual SIM smartphone can hold and use two different SIM cards at the same time.
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.
SIM cards are typically valid for a period of 6 months from the last call/text made. Some variations may apply per network. Full details will be provided to you at point of purchase.
It starts as soon as you put the SIM card into your phone and follow the steps to activate your credit. If you have requested that someone in our store activates the SIM card before we post it, please be aware that the card is active before it’s in your possession. This would have an impact on your credit if it was time-sensitive e.g. if you bought a bundle which included 30 days unlimited data.
Unfortunately, no. Every UK SIM comes with a unique mobile number, the customer can have their existing number to the new SIM however this would have to be done in the customers own time by contacting the network provider directly.
You may browse our available products to pick which SIM care best suits your needs where our experienced staff can also assist with the SIM bundle and network selection. Depending on where you are travelling to you can purchase a SIM card for the UK, Ireland or EU in general.
Roaming
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 are offering 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 one network.
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 the SIM APN settings? If you are outside of the UK have you switched on the roaming services?
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.
Once you swap the SIM cards, you will be contactable on your new local network phone number. This number will be written on the SIM Card packaging. Your existing number is not transferable between international networks. But don’t worry, all you need to do is put your new number on your voice mail and share it with family and friends. Alternatively if you buy an unlocked phone from us so you can keep both active at once.
No, as long as your current handset is network-unlocked you may use the SIM in your current handset.
No, for example, 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
You can purchase a top up outside of the UK however this can only be done by using a UK registered bank card and calling the network provider customer service team directly.
This can be done simply by texting the relevant code assigned by each network provider. These codes are included in your SIM card pack. You can also obtain them from each network provider’s website.
Mobile phone call credit, also known as top-up or re-fill, can be purchased over the counter in all newsagents, petrol stations and post offices. 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.