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Best eSIM Plans for Students Studying Abroad

7 July 2025

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Studying abroad is one of the most exciting things you'll ever do. New cities, new cultures, new friends. It’s the adventure of a lifetime.

But if you land in a new country and can’t get online? Can’t contact home, find your uni campus, or figure out public transport? It can go from exciting to stressful real fast.

Most students have no idea which local networks are reliable or how to get set up quickly. Roaming charges are confusing. SIM cards are outdated. And not all eSIMs are built equal.

That’s where Sim Local comes in.

Our student eSIMs work on the #1 local networks in over 150 countries, with fast, reliable plans you can activate in minutes. So you can stay connected just like you're at home, without the huge roaming bill.

Let’s break down the best student phone plans in each destination.

Why choose an eSIM plan with calls, texts & a local number?

Data is essential, but so is having a working local number. Here’s why you should get one:

🚕 You’ll need it to book taxis (many require local numbers).
💬 Some banking apps or student portals send verification texts.
📞 Your uni might need to call you (and vice versa).
🤳 It just makes you feel more settled (like you're actually from there).

With Sim Local, you get an eSIM that includes a local number, quick setup, and instant activation, with no physical SIM required.

Best UK phone plans for international students

The UK is one of the top destinations in the world for international students. With globally respected universities, a rich academic tradition, and cities packed with history and personality, it's a dream for anyone looking to study abroad. Whether you’re wandering around Oxford University, catching live music in Manchester, or grabbing coffee in Edinburgh, student life here will be filled with memorable moments.

But staying connected is essential. You’ll need data for everything from using Google Maps to finding your lecture hall, plus a working phone number to register for services like banking, student discounts, or apps like Uber.

Sim Local offers an UK eSIM for students, making it easy to stay connected from day one.

You can choose from top network providers including:

EE, known for the UK’s fastest and most reliable coverage.
Three, a student favourite for generous data allowances.
Lyca Mobile, which offers budget-friendly plans with calls and texts.

All plans are eSIM-ready, so you can set everything up before you leave home. Just tap to install, activate in minutes, and you're good to go.

All Sim Local UK plans are eSIM-ready. You don’t need to swap your physical SIM. You can keep your number and get connected before you even leave home.

Here are the best UK eSIMs for international students. 👇

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Best Irish phone plans for students studying abroad

Ireland offers world-class universities. Cities like Dublin, Galway, and Cork buzz with music, food, and friendly locals, while cliffs, castles, and coastlines are just a short trip away.

From jamming to trad music in a cozy pub to weekend trips out to the Aran Islands or just wandering around the city, Ireland’s got a magical, curious vibe. Also, it’s super well-connected to the rest of Europe, so it’s perfect if you want to squeeze in some travel during breaks.

Staying connected is a must when you’re settling into a new country. We offer Irish eSIM plans with unlimited data, calls, and texts. It’s the perfect setup for students who want hassle-free value. You can grab your plan online before your flight or pick one up at the Dublin airport when you arrive.

Choose your Irish eSIM plan below. 👇

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Best European phone plans for students

If you're studying abroad in European country, chances are you won’t stay in just one spot. One weekend you’re walking along the Seine, the next you’re eating waffles in Belgium or hiking in the Austrian Alps.

For international students, the freedom to travel is a big part of the experience. But all that travel means your phone plan needs to keep up.

Sim Local has eSIM plans made for this lifestyle. The Orange Europe eSIM gives you coverage across the entire EU, so you can use your phone without swapping SIMs or worrying about roaming charges. It’s perfect for students who want reliable data wherever they go. We also offer Lyca Mobile plans with calls and texts in popular destinations like France, Spain, and the Netherlands.

Grab your European eSIM plan today 👇

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Best Canadian phone plans for international students

Whether you're based in Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver, you can spend your days on cutting-edge campuses and your evenings hiking, skiing, or grabbing poutine with friends. It’s a place where nature and the hustle and bustle come together, making it a great spot for a study abroad adventure.

But staying connected is important too. Canada is huge, and cities can be far apart, so you’ll need a phone plan that works wherever you go. Whether you’re checking bus routes, calling friends, or sharing your hotspot for a group project, you don’t want to run out of data or coverage.

Our eSIM plans from trusted Canadian network providers give you fast 4G and 5G speeds, plus local calls and texts.

Pick your perfect Canadian eSIM below 👇

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Best phone plans for Australia for students abroad

Life in Australia is all about balance. You can spend your mornings in lectures, your afternoons at the beach, and your weekends exploring rainforests or checking out food festivals. The campuses are huge, it's sunny majority of the time, and the people are super friendly. For international students, it's easy to settle in and start feeling at home.

But the size of the country means you’ll want a phone plan that keeps up. You might be studying in a major city but travelling during holidays or doing placements in more remote areas. You’ll need data, local calls, and reliable coverage whether you're attending orientation or road-tripping along the coast.

Sim Local’s Australian eSIM plans include:

Trusted local providers.
Easy setup with instant activation.
Affordable options that let you stream, hotspot, and stay in touch.

Whether you're studying in Sydney or surfing in Byron Bay, you’ll be covered. 👇

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United States: Best eSIM plans for students studying abroad

With thousands of universities to choose from, each with its own unique culture and campus life, there’s something for everyone. Whether you're walking through the ivy-covered halls of the Northeast, soaking up the sunshine in California, or living in a buzzing college town in the Midwest, studying in the US is both academically rewarding and full of unforgettable moments.

The country is massive, so your experience will vary depending on where you’re based. But no matter the location, you’ll likely be navigating things like student housing, public transport, and local apps from day one. Staying connected is essential.

Our US eSIM plans come with fast 4G and 5G speeds, plus local calls and texts, which are key for everything from verifying bank accounts to using Uber or Lyft. You’ll also get a local US phone number, which many universities and service providers require for registration.

You can install your eSIM before you fly or once you land. There's no need to visit a store or sign a long-term contract. Just choose your plan, download it to your device, and get started within minutes.

Whether you're attending lectures, FaceTiming family, or finding your way across campus, you’ll stay connected without our eSIM plans. 👇

15 GB eSIM

United States

+Roaming

Registration required

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How to get an eSIM phone plan for students with Sim Local

Getting started is easier than you think.

Choose your destination and plan.
Install your eSIM before you fly or once you land.
Follow one of our step-by-step guides:
- Activate eSIM on iPhone
- Activate eSIM on Android

Need help? We’re online 24/7 with real people, not bots.

Why choose Sim Local?

Get coverage on the best local networks in more countries than anyone else.
Fast setup that works before your luggage even shows up.
Reliable speeds for streaming, studying, calling, and exploring.
Flexible, prepaid plans with no contracts.
Helpful support from people who know travel.

Ready to get connected?
Find the best phone plan for students at Sim Local and join millions of travellers who trust Sim Local to keep them online. No roaming. No stress. Just fast, reliable connection wherever life takes you.

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