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What are the benefits of a Local eSIM plan vs a Roaming eSIM plan

14 October 2025

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Staying connected abroad is easier than ever thanks to eSIM. But not all eSIMs are created equal, and understanding the difference between a local eSIM and a roaming eSIM can help you travel smarter, save money, and enjoy a smoother experience.

Sim Local stands out in the eSIM market because it gives you the choice between both: local eSIM plans that connect directly to top-tier networks in your destination country, and roaming eSIM plans for travellers who just need a simple way to stay connected.

What Is a Local eSIM Plan?

A local eSIM is an eSIM plan provided by a local mobile network operator within the country you’re visiting. It gives you the same network access and experience as local customers who live there, without needing to buy or swap a physical SIM card. Unlike a local customer, you also don't need to sign any contract or make any commitments. So you have all of the benefits of being a local customer without any hassle.

Think of it as arriving in another country and instantly connecting like a local, rather than as a roaming visitor. Learn more about local eSIM plans from our Head of Product Georgia in the video below:

Local eSIM vs. Roaming eSIM: What’s the Difference?

Most travel eSIM providers offer roaming-based eSIMs. These plans connect to local networks through third-party agreements, meaning your data is technically roaming even though you’re on an eSIM.

While the roaming plans setup offers wide coverage across many countries, it usually comes with trade-offs:

Higher data costs due to middlemen and international routing.
Slower or less consistent speeds, as your connection is not native to the local network so you may be de-prioritised by the network during busy times.
No local number, which means you can’t receive calls, texts, or one-time passwords (OTPs). Roaming eSIM plans are usually data only.

By contrast, a local eSIM plan such as from Sim Local connect you directly to the best local network operators in your destination. You get:

Full native network access for the fastest speeds and best coverage in your destination.
Local data rates, often can be cheaper than global roaming plans.
A local phone number, plus the ability to make and receive calls and texts.

That last point around a local phone number matters more than you might think. Having a local number helps with 2FA codes, taxi apps, restaurant reservations, and deliveries so it’s a small feature that makes being abroad even easier. Having a second phone number can be especially important to students, digital nomads and business travellers.

The Benefits of Choosing a Local eSIM Plan from Sim Local

1. Best Local Networks, Guaranteed

Sim Local only partners with top-tier network operators, ensuring you are always connected to the most reliable local service rather than vague info about roaming partners pre-purchase. Sim Local's local eSIM plans come from trusted names such as EE, Three, Orange, Lyca, DTAC, AU Japan, and Digicel, giving you peace of mind that you are always using a premium and established network.

2. Choice and Flexibility

Whether you are visiting one country or many, Sim Local lets you choose between local eSIMs or roaming eSIMs that cover multiple regions. We offer Europe eSIM plans and Global eSIM plans directly from Orange.

or we also have local Three UK plans for the UK that also include roaming for those who may visit the UK and Europe (or other destinations) during one trip.

3. More Than Just Data

Most of Sim Local local eSIM plans include calls, texts, and a number, something most travel eSIM providers do not offer. That means easier communication and smoother access to local services.

4. Transparent, Local Pricing

No hidden fees or vague “fair use” limits. You see exactly what you are paying for and what you can expect from your plan.

5. Instant Setup

Purchase, download, and activate your plan in minutes, all before you even land in your destination. So you can be connected to a top local network by the time you even leave the airport.

The Smarter Way to Stay Connected

Whether you are a frequent traveller, a digital nomad, or just escaping for a short trip, choosing a local eSIM plan from Sim Local gives you the best of everything: the highest quality network coverage from top local networks and more ways to stay connected over data, calls, texts & a local number without the hassle.

Stay connected like a local with Sim Local, the eSIM provider that partners only with the best networks.

Local eSIM FAQs

Q.What happens to my original SIM when I activate a Sim Local eSIM?
A. When you activate a Sim Local local eSIM plan, your original physical SIM stays in your phone or your original eSIM plan is still available within your settings. Your home SIM is simply not used for data, calls, or texts while your travel local eSIM is active and selected for data, calls & texts. You can manage multiple SIM profiles on most phones and switch between them at any time. After your trip, you can deactivate or delete the travel eSIM profile and switch your data, calls & texts back to your original SIM as normal.

Q. Do Sim Local offer local eSIM plans & roaming eSIM plans?

A. Yes. When you click on your chosen destination, you will see whether we offer local eSIM plans, roaming eSIM plans or both for your chosen destination. So you can choose the perfect plan for your destination and travel needs.

Q.Will I have a local phone number, and can I make calls or receive texts with a local eSIM?

A. It depends on the plan. Most of our local eSIM plans include data, calls and texts. It is worth checking your plan specifications before purchasing. We clearly highlight on all of our plans whether the eSIM plan includes data only or also texts, calls & phone numbers.

Q.Which countries or networks are supported by Sim Local’s local eSIM plans?
A. Sim Local offers local eSIM plans from top network providers including EE (UK), Three (UK with roaming for 70+ countries), Orange (France, Europe & Global plans), Lyca (UK, USA, Ireland, France, Portugal), DTAC (Thailand), AU Japan, and Digicel Caribbean. These local partners ensure you always get reliable coverage and high-quality connectivity in the world's most popular travel destinations.

Q. If I am traveling across multiple countries, should I choose a local eSIM or a roaming eSIM?
A. If you are visiting one country, a local eSIM is usually the best choice as it offers the fastest speeds, best rates, and a local number. For trips across several countries within a region, Sim Local offers both local and regional roaming eSIM plans that provide smooth coverage across multiple countries under one plan. If you want calls, texts, and the most reliable connection, a local plan is best. If you only need data, a roaming plan will suit you better.

Q. How do I activate a Sim Local local eSIM and how long does setup take?
A. You can purchase your Sim Local eSIM plan online, download the profile to your smartphone, and activate it by following the simple on-screen steps. We will also email you instructions and we have activation guides and videos available online. The process usually takes only a few minutes. We advise activating your eSIM plan before you fly so you can be connected as soon as you arrive at your destination.

eSIM vs Physical SIM: Is eSIM better?

Let’s dive into three key differences between eSIMs and physical SIMs to help you understand which option is right for you.

What is an eSIM and how does it work?

But what is an eSIM and how does it work? We answered these questions to help you understand their real advantages.

How Much Data Do I Need for Travel?

One of the biggest questions travellers face is: how much mobile data will I really need abroad? Here at Sim Local, we promise to always help our customers find the perfect eSIM data plan before they travel.

Explore Our Best Local eSIM Plans

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