Truly unlimited — your data never stops
SimbaSIM vs Sim Local
Thinking about Sim Local? SimbaSIM gives you truly unlimited data that never stops, plus what Sim Local does not: every plan is unlimited data; days start when you land and add days to the same eSIM.
4.7564 traveller reviews
Rated excellentby our travellers
- Full refund if it never connects
- eSIM delivered in 1 minute
- 24/7 support by chat
- Secure checkout with card, Apple Pay or Google Pay
Why travellers choose SimbaSIM over Sim Local
Truly unlimited — your data never stops
Every plan is unlimited data for its whole length, in all 136 destinations. No data packs to size, no top-ups to remember, no overage charges.
Every plan is unlimited data
No data packs to size or top up.
Sim Local: Also sells fixed-data packs you have to size.
Days start when you land
Days start when you first connect at your destination.
Sim Local: Most plans start on arrival, but the rule varies by network.
Add days to the same eSIM
A new plan bought with the same email goes onto the eSIM you already have.
Sim Local: Depends on the network; Japan AU eSIMs cannot be topped up.
Exact 3, 7 and 14-day plans
The same three lengths in all 136 destinations.
Sim Local: No unlimited plan for exactly 3 days in Japan, 14 days in Japan, 14 days in Europe.
Refund if it never connects, even after installing
Full refund if it will not install or never connects.
Sim Local: Only for technical failures that stopped activation.
Unused days refunded
Unused days refunded within 30 days of purchase.
Sim Local: No refund once activated.
Cheaper on 1 of the trips we priced
Japan, 3 days: $12.90
Sim Local: $13.00
Side by side
| Feature | SimbaSIM | Sim Local |
|---|---|---|
| Every plan is unlimited data | YesNo data packs to size or top up. | NoAlso sells fixed-data packs you have to size. |
| No app or account needed | YesBought on the website; the QR code arrives by email. No app, no account. | YesOne-click install, QR code or manual codes by email. |
| Days start when you land | YesDays start when you first connect at your destination. | PartlyMost plans start on arrival, but the rule varies by network. |
| Add days to the same eSIM | YesA new plan bought with the same email goes onto the eSIM you already have. | PartlyDepends on the network; Japan AU eSIMs cannot be topped up. |
| Exact 3, 7 and 14-day plans | YesThe same three lengths in all 136 destinations. | NoNo unlimited plan for exactly 3 days in Japan, 14 days in Japan, 14 days in Europe. |
| Refund if it never connects, even after installing | YesFull refund if it will not install or never connects. | PartlyOnly for technical failures that stopped activation. |
| Unused days refunded | YesUnused days refunded within 30 days of purchase. | NoNo refund once activated. |
| 24/7 chat without their app | Yes24/7 chat on the website, no app or account. | Yes24/7 WhatsApp and live chat. |
What to know before you buy Sim Local
- No refund once the eSIM is activated, and only 14 days to ask before that.
- Top-ups depend on the network, and an active plan cannot be extended.
- Two unlimited tiers per destination make the choice harder to read.
- Refunds: Full refund within 14 days if the eSIM was never activated; later only for technical failures that stopped activation. No refund once activated.
The best Sim Local alternative
SimbaSIM
- Unlimited data on every plan: 3, 7 or 14 days in 136 destinations
- No app, no account — your eSIM is delivered in 1 minute
- Days start when you land, and more days go onto the same eSIM
- Full refund if it never connects; unused days refunded within 30 days
More comparisons
Sim Local head-to-heads
Questions about Sim Local and SimbaSIM
Is SimbaSIM better than Sim Local?
For most travellers, yes. SimbaSIM gives you truly unlimited data that never stops, and beats Sim Local on every plan is unlimited data; days start when you land; add days to the same eSIM; exact 3, 7 and 14-day plans; refund if it never connects, even after installing; unused days refunded. It also costs less for Japan, 3 days.
What is Sim Local’s refund policy?
Full refund within 14 days if the eSIM was never activated; later only for technical failures that stopped activation. No refund once activated. SimbaSIM refunds in full if the eSIM will not install or never connects — even after you have installed it — and refunds unused days within 30 days of purchase.
Do I need an app to use Sim Local?
Sim Local can be used without its app. SimbaSIM goes further: no app and no account at all — you buy on the website and your eSIM is delivered by email in 1 minute.
What is the best alternative to Sim Local?
SimbaSIM. Every plan is unlimited data, there is no app or account, your days start when you land, you can add days to the same eSIM, and you get a full refund if it never connects. Plans start at $12.90 for 3 days in 136 destinations.
Sim Local is a trademark of its owner. SimbaSIM is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sim Local. Details about Sim Local were taken from its own website and terms on 3 October 2026 and may since have changed.
