Best eSIM Plans for Students Studying Abroad

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 SIM cards are outdated.(and easily lost)  And not all eSIMs are built equal.

That’s where Sim Local comes in.

We connect students to 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 so you can study smarter, travel safer, and never waste a moment.

Sure, data is important. But so is having a real phone number that works locally.
Here’s why students should go for an eSIM plan with calls, texts, and a local number:

• 🚕 You’ll need it to use ride-hailing apps (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 actually live there

That’s why Sim Local offers eSIM plans with local numbers in multiple countries. Simple setup, fast activation, no physical SIM card needed.

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 walking through Oxford's college courtyards, catching gigs in Manchester, or finding your new favourite café in Edinburgh, life as a student in the UK is full of moments you'll remember forever.

Beyond the classroom, the UK offers a mix of culture, creativity, and community. Students love the diversity, the easy access to museums and nightlife, and the chance to explore different parts of the country by train. From seaside towns to bustling cities, there’s always something new to discover.

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 ride apps like Uber or Bolt.

Sim Local offers UK eSIM plans designed to keep international students connected from day one.

You can choose from top 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. No physical SIM card, no waiting around in phone shops. Just tap to install, activate in minutes, and get on with your adventure.

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.

80 GB eSIM

United Kingdom

Unlimited Local SMS

EE UK

Duration

30 Days

Plan

Data/​Calls/​SMS

Speed

4G

Price

$19.00

Buy Now

UK's Most Reliable Network

Summer Promo

150 GB eSIM

United Kingdom

Unlimited Local SMS

EE UK

Duration

30 Days

Plan

Data/​Calls/​SMS

Speed

4G

Price

$25.25

Buy Now

UK's Most Reliable Network

Summer Promo

50 GB eSIM

United Kingdom

+Roaming

Lycamobile UK

Duration

15 Days

Plan

Data/​Calls/​SMS

Speed

4G / 5G

Price

$19.00

Buy Now

16 Million Global Customers

Best Value

Ireland is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations in Europe, and it’s easy to see why. It offers world-class universities, a vibrant student culture, and an English-speaking environment that makes it super accessible for international students. You’ll find charming cities like Dublin, Galway, and Cork buzzing with live music, great food, and friendly locals. And when you need a break from campus life? You’ve got cliffs, castles, and coastlines right on your doorstep.

Life as a student in Ireland blends academic focus with unforgettable experiences. From catching trad music in a tiny pub to taking weekend trips to the Aran Islands or exploring historic landmarks, there’s a sense of magic and curiosity in the air. It’s also well-connected to the rest of Europe, making it a great base if you’re planning to travel during term breaks.

Staying connected is key when you’re settling into a new country. Whether it’s finding your way around, ordering a taxi, or registering for student services, you’ll want a fast and reliable phone plan from day one. That’s where Sim Local comes in.

We offer Irish eSIM plans powered by Three Ireland, with unlimited data, calls, and texts. It’s the perfect setup for students who want value without limits. You can buy online before your flight or pick one up at the airport when you arrive. No shops, no queues, no hassle. Just download your plan and get going.

Choose your Irish eSIM plan online or at the airport.

Get connected before your luggage even hits the carousel.

100 GB eSIM

Ireland

+Roaming

Lycamobile IE

Duration

15 Days

Plan

Data/​Calls/​SMS

Speed

4G / 5G

Price

$21.50

Buy Now

16 Million Global Customers

Best Value

Unlimited eSIM

Ireland

+Roaming

Lycamobile IE

Duration

15 Days

Plan

Data/​Calls/​SMS

Speed

4G / 5G

Price

$26.75

Buy Now

16 Million Global Customers

Top Seller

If you're studying abroad in Europe, chances are you won’t stay in just one country. That’s the beauty of it. One weekend you’re walking along the Seine, the next you’re eating waffles in Belgium or hiking in the Austrian Alps. Europe offers an incredible mix of cultures, landscapes, and experiences, all within a few hours of each other.

For students on Erasmus programs or anyone who’s planning to city-hop between lectures and long weekends, the freedom to travel is a huge part of the experience. The Schengen Zone allows easy borderless travel across most European countries, which makes Europe one of the most student-friendly places to explore. But with all that movement, your phone plan needs to keep up.

Sim Local offers eSIM plans that are built for exactly this kind of lifestyle. The Orange Europe eSIM gives you coverage across the entire EU, so you can use your phone seamlessly without changing SIMs or racking up roaming charges. It’s perfect for students who want data access in every country they visit.

We also offer Lyca Mobile plans with calls and texts in popular study and travel destinations like France, Spain, and the Netherlands. These are ideal if you’re based in one country but regularly visiting others or keeping in touch with people across borders.

No matter where your classes or weekend plans take you, you’ll stay connected from the moment you land.

Sim Local offers:

Orange Europe eSIM – one plan with full EU coverage

Lyca Mobile with calls and texts in:

• France,
• Spain
• The Netherlands
  

It’s perfect for Erasmus students, weekend city-hoppers, and anyone living that "study in one country, explore five more" lifestyle.

100 GB eSIM

Europe

+Roaming

Orange FR

Duration

31 Days

Plan

Data/​Calls/​SMS

Speed

4G

Price

$53.50

Buy Now

Global Reach, Local Care

Top Seller

Canada is a top choice for international students looking for high-quality education and unforgettable experiences. With its welcoming cities, breathtaking landscapes, and world-renowned universities, it offers a unique balance of academic excellence and adventure. Whether you're based in Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver, you'll find yourself surrounded by diversity, friendly communities, and plenty of opportunities to explore.

One of the things that makes Canada so appealing is its quality of life. You can study in cutting-edge campuses by day, then head out to hike, ski, or grab poutine with friends by night. It's a country that blends nature and innovation, which makes it a perfect backdrop for a memorable study abroad experience.

But let’s talk about getting connected. Canada is a huge country with long distances between cities, so you’ll need a reliable phone plan that works wherever you are. Whether you’re looking up public transport routes, calling new classmates, or hotspotting for a group project, you don’t want to be caught without data or coverage.

Sim Local offers eSIM plans from trusted Canadian providers, giving you fast 4G and 5G speeds, plus local calls and texts that make daily life easier. There’s no need to wait in line at a phone store or fill out paperwork. Just choose your plan, download your eSIM, and activate it in a few taps.

Sim Local connects you to trusted Canadian providers with:

• Fast 4G and 5G speeds
  
  
• Local call and text capabilities
  
  
• Plans you can activate from anywhere in the world
  
  

No lining up in stores. No paperwork. Just tap, download, and go.

20 GB eSIM

Canada

Smartroam

Duration

30 Days

Plan

Data

Speed

4G / 5G

Price

$60.50

Buy Now

Stay Connected, Anywhere.

Unlimited eSIM

Canada

Smartroam

Duration

7 Days

Plan

Data

Speed

4G / 5G

Price

$36.50

Buy Now

Stay Connected, Anywhere.

Top Seller

Unlimited eSIM

Canada

Smartroam

Duration

15 Days

Plan

Data

Speed

4G / 5G

Price

$49.25

Buy Now

Stay Connected, Anywhere.

Top Seller

Australia is a dream destination for students who want a mix of quality education and laid-back adventure. With world-class universities in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, plus easy access to beaches, national parks, and vibrant nightlife, it's no surprise thousands of students choose to study here every year.

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, the weather is sunny, and the culture is friendly and relaxed. 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 offers Australian eSIM plans that are built for student life. They include fast activation, affordable pricing, and coverage through trusted local networks. Whether you're streaming lectures, sharing travel snaps, or calling home, you'll stay connected from the minute you arrive.

Just choose your plan, download your eSIM, and get started. No queues. No paperwork. Just reliable coverage and one less thing to worry about.

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.

18 GB eSIM

Australia

+Roaming

Three UK (DI)

Duration

30 Days

Plan

Data

Speed

4G

Price

$25.25

Buy Now

UK's Fastest 5G Network

Best Value

20 GB eSIM

Australia

Smartroam

Duration

30 Days

Plan

Data

Speed

4G / 5G

Price

$34.00

Buy Now

Stay Connected, Anywhere.

Top Seller

Unlimited eSIM

Australia

Smartroam

Duration

7 Days

Plan

Data

Speed

4G / 5G

Price

$29.00

Buy Now

Stay Connected, Anywhere.

Best Value

The United States is one of the most exciting and diverse places in the world to study 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.

Sim Local offers eSIM plans that make it easy for international students to stay online and in touch. 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 the hassle.

15 GB eSIM

United States

+Roaming

Registration required

Lycamobile US

Duration

30 Days

Plan

Data/​Calls/​SMS

Speed

4G / 5G

Price

$39.00

$22.00

Buy Now

16 Million Global Customers

Sale

18 GB eSIM

United States

+Roaming

Three UK (DI)

Duration

30 Days

Plan

Data

Speed

4G

Price

$25.25

Buy Now

UK's Fastest 5G Network

Top Seller

Getting started is easier than you think.

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

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

Why Choose Sim Local?

You’re a student. You don’t have time for tech headaches or surprise roaming charges. With Sim Local, you get:

• Access to the top local network 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
  
  

So you can focus on your studies, your memories, and your adventure. Not your phone bill.

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.