My Sim Local eSIM review is based on testing during different business and personal trips through Toronto, Burnaby and Vancouver, Banff, New York City, San Francisco, Orlando and Miami.
Performance depended heavily on location. Toronto reached 95 Mbps, San Francisco delivered 93 Mbps and New York City reached 85 Mbps. Banff dropped to 35 Mbps, which was still usable around the townsite and Lake Louise but reflected the realities of mountainous coverage.
My Sim Local eSIM Review Verdict
Sim Local is a good choice for travellers who want more than a generic data-only package. Its storefront includes Sim Local-branded plans, Smartroam products and plans supplied by mobile operators such as Lycamobile.
That selection is useful, but it means you must read each product card carefully. A data-only Sim Local plan may behave differently from an operator-backed plan with a local number, calls and SMS.
What I liked
- Strong performance across the tested Canadian and US cities
- More plan variety than many travel eSIM providers
- Hotspot support on the plans I reviewed
What could be better
- Networks and features vary between products
- “Unlimited” plans still have high-speed limits or fair-use conditions
- Rural and mountainous performance can be much weaker than urban performance
What Is Sim Local?
Sim Local is both an eSIM retailer and a provider of its own travel eSIM products. Its online store can show several types of plan for the same destination.
Sim Local-branded plans
These are sold under the Sim Local name. Many are straightforward data-only packages with a fixed allowance and validity period.
Smartroam plans
Smartroam products can have different network arrangements, activation rules and top-up options. Some cover one country, while others include several destinations.
Operator-backed plans
Sim Local also sells packages associated with established mobile operators. These are particularly interesting when they include features that most travel eSIMs omit, such as:
- A local phone number
- Local calls
- International calls
- SMS
- A larger hotspot allowance
The provider name matters. Do not assume every plan shown on the Sim Local website has the same features simply because it appears in the same storefront.
Sim Local Plans and Pricing
The following examples show the differences between the products I reviewed. Prices can change, so confirm the current product card before buying.
| Destination | Example plan | Validity | Price | CAD | Main features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Sim Local 10GB | 30 days | US$23.50 | C$32.48 | Data only, 5G, hotspot and top-ups |
| Canada | Sim Local Unlimited Pro | 7 days | US$38.75 | C$53.56 | Unlimited-labelled data with a daily high-speed allowance |
| USA | Sim Local 20GB | 30 days | US$28.50 | C$39.39 | Data only, 5G, hotspot and top-ups |
| USA | Lycamobile US 18GB | 30 days | US$33.00 | C$45.61 | Data, calls, SMS, US number and up to 10GB of hotspot use |
Sim Local’s current destination pages let you compare the available Canada eSIM plans and United States eSIM plans. The listings show that allowance, duration, network access and calling features vary considerably between products.
How I Tested the Sim Local eSIM
I used Sim Local during different business and personal trips in Canada and the United States. These results did not come from one continuous journey, one testing session or identical conditions.
Indoor construction, congestion, terrain, network selection, signal bands and routing can all affect a speed test. The results should therefore be read as first-hand location records, not as a controlled nationwide benchmark.
For the published city results, I use the midpoint of the speed range recorded during my testing.
My Sim Local eSIM Speed Test Results
| Country | Test Location | Download | Upload | Latency | Observed Network(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Toronto | 95 Mbps | 43 Mbps | 88 ms | Rogers / TELUS |
| Canada | Burnaby / Vancouver | 73 Mbps | 38 Mbps | 108 ms | TELUS / Rogers |
| Canada | Banff | 35 Mbps | 15 Mbps | 175 ms | TELUS / Rogers |
| USA | New York City | 85 Mbps | 38 Mbps | 115 ms | T-Mobile / AT&T |
| USA | San Francisco | 93 Mbps | 43 Mbps | 108 ms | T-Mobile / Verizon |
| USA | Orlando | 70 Mbps | 30 Mbps | 135 ms | T-Mobile / AT&T |
| USA | Miami | 75 Mbps | 33 Mbps | 125 ms | T-Mobile / Verizon |
Sim Local eSIM Test Results in Canada
Toronto: 95 Mbps download
Toronto was one of my stronger Canadian results at 95 Mbps download, with 43 Mbps upload and 88 ms latency.
The connection held up well across the Greater Toronto Area. I also had a reliable signal inside buildings in the Financial District, where indoor construction can expose weaker roaming arrangements. Streaming near the Harbourfront ran without interruption.
During the Toronto testing, I observed both Rogers and TELUS. That does not mean every current Sim Local package will automatically use both networks. Access depends on the exact plan and profile purchased.
For everyday travel use, including maps, video calls, cloud documents, social media and HD streaming, the Toronto connection had more than enough download capacity.
Burnaby and Vancouver: 73 Mbps download
Burnaby and Vancouver produced 73 Mbps download, 38 Mbps upload and 108 ms latency.
Performance was consistent around Simon Fraser University’s Burnaby campus and Metrotown. The connection also remained dependable while riding the SkyTrain, which matters more to me than a single stationary test taken beside a strong tower.
Both TELUS and Rogers appeared during my tests. Browsing, navigation, streaming and routine work tasks all ran comfortably at the recorded speed.
Banff: 35 Mbps download
Banff dropped to 35 Mbps download, with 15 Mbps upload and 175 ms latency.
That was a clear step down from Toronto and Vancouver, especially in latency. Even so, coverage remained useful around the Banff townsite, Lake Louise and sections of the Trans-Canada Highway.
On more remote trails, I encountered brief blind spots. That was not surprising in the Rockies, but it is an important limitation for visitors who expect continuous service outside populated areas.
Messaging, maps, browsing and ordinary-quality streaming were all practical at the Banff result. The higher latency would be more noticeable during real-time gaming, remote desktop sessions or other delay-sensitive work.
Sim Local eSIM Test Results in the USA
New York City: 85 Mbps download
New York City delivered 85 Mbps download, 38 Mbps upload and 115 ms latency.
Across Manhattan and Brooklyn, the connection was dependable. Service also remained available in most subway stations where I checked it.
Dense crowds had a greater effect. Times Square was the clearest example, with performance easing when the network was busy. The connection remained functional, but congestion mattered more than it did in quieter areas.
During the New York testing, I observed both T-Mobile and AT&T.
San Francisco: 93 Mbps download
San Francisco was my strongest US result at 93 Mbps download, with 43 Mbps upload and 108 ms latency.
Coverage performed well across the Bay Area and Silicon Valley. I also used mobile hotspotting without a meaningful interruption, making this one of the better Sim Local results for laptop work.
A few short outdoor dead zones appeared around San Francisco’s hills. The connection recovered quickly after I moved out of the affected area.
T-Mobile and Verizon were observed during this portion of the testing.
Orlando: 70 Mbps download
Orlando produced 70 Mbps download, 30 Mbps upload and 135 ms latency.
Coverage held up at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, including for theme-park apps, navigation and streaming. Those are demanding environments because large crowds can put considerable pressure on nearby mobile infrastructure.
Although latency was higher than in San Francisco, I did not notice a practical problem during ordinary phone use.
T-Mobile and AT&T were observed in Orlando.
Miami: 75 Mbps download
Miami reached 75 Mbps download, with 33 Mbps upload and 125 ms latency.
Outdoor 5G was strong around Miami Beach, Brickell and Wynwood. Inside some concrete hotel buildings, the phone occasionally moved to 4G LTE. It recovered quickly and did not remain offline for long.
The observed networks in Miami were T-Mobile and Verizon.
Sim Local Mobile Networks in Canada and the USA
My testing showed the following network access:
- Canada: Rogers and TELUS observed
- United States: T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon observed
These observations apply to the profiles, locations and trips I tested; they do not establish a permanent carrier priority.
Current product pages may list a different network combination. For example, a Canadian product card may list Bell, TELUS or SaskTel, while a US plan may list AT&T and Verizon. The network shown on the exact product page is more useful than a general statement about Sim Local as a whole.
Plan family also matters. Sim Local-branded, Smartroam and operator-backed profiles may use different carrier arrangements.
Sim Local vs Other eSIM Providers I Tested in Canada and the USA
Sim Local was not the only travel eSIM I tested in both Canada and the United States. My records also include Saily, Airalo, Holafly and Nomad across the two countries.
The evidence is not structured as a controlled provider race. My Sim Local worksheet contains individual city results, while the other provider records summarize performance across multiple locations and trips. That prevents a defensible claim that one provider was faster in a particular city.
The more useful comparison is how each provider combines practical connectivity with plan choice, calling features, hotspot use and buying simplicity.
| Provider | Better choice when | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Sim Local | You want data-only, Smartroam and operator-backed options in one storefront | Networks, features and rules vary between products |
| Saily | You prefer a simpler app-led travel-data experience | It offers less operator-backed plan variety than Sim Local |
| Airalo | You want a broad selection of local, regional and global eSIM packages | Calls, texts and phone-number features depend on the selected package |
| Holafly | Unlimited-labelled data is the main priority | Fair-use conditions and hotspot limits can still apply |
| Nomad | You want straightforward fixed-data plans and a primarily data-only service | Most plans do not provide a conventional phone number, calls or SMS |
Sim Local vs Saily
Saily is the closest detailed comparison because I tested both services in overlapping markets such as Toronto, Vancouver, New York and Miami.
Both produced practical travel performance in Canada and the United States, but their product structures are different. Saily delivers a more uniform app-led buying experience, while Sim Local lets shoppers move among its own plans, Smartroam products and selected operator-backed packages.
Choose Saily if buying and managing a straightforward travel-data plan matters most. Consider Sim Local if you want broader plan variety or an operator-backed option with calling features.
Sim Local vs Airalo
Airalo is a stronger alternative when you want one provider with a large selection of country, regional and global packages. Selected Airalo products also include calls, texts or a phone number, although those features do not apply to every plan.
Sim Local’s advantage is the variety within an individual destination storefront. Its mix of branded, Smartroam and operator-backed products may offer a more specialized option for a particular trip.
Choose Airalo if broad international plan availability and a familiar global platform are the priorities. Consider Sim Local when the exact destination listing includes an operator-backed package or feature combination that better suits the trip.
Sim Local vs Holafly
Holafly is the clearest alternative for travellers who want unlimited-labelled data without monitoring a fixed gigabyte allowance throughout the trip.
Unlimited does not necessarily mean unrestricted full-speed use or unlimited hotspotting. Fair-use conditions and data-sharing limits can still affect how the plan performs for heavy streaming, downloads or laptop work.
Choose Holafly when avoiding a fixed data cap is the main priority. Consider Sim Local when you prefer a fixed allowance, need a larger confirmed hotspot allocation or want an operator-backed option with calls, SMS or a local number.
Sim Local vs Nomad
Nomad offers a more conventional travel-eSIM experience built mainly around straightforward data packages. Its structure may be easier to compare when you simply want a fixed allowance for a specific destination.
Sim Local provides more product variety, but that flexibility requires more attention to the individual listing. The network, activation rules, calling features and top-up options can change from one Sim Local product to another.
Choose Nomad if a straightforward data-only package is enough. Consider Sim Local if you want to compare several plan families or need features beyond mobile data.
Data-Only Plans, Calls, SMS and Phone Numbers
Many Sim Local plans are data only. On those products:
- No conventional mobile number is included
- Standard cellular calls are unavailable
- SMS is unavailable
- Internet-based services such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, Signal and Skype still work
Selected operator-backed plans include more. The Lycamobile US option I reviewed included a US number, calls and SMS, although registration was required.
Always inspect the individual product card. Finding a calls-and-texts plan in the storefront does not mean those features apply to every Sim Local eSIM.
Sim Local Hotspot and Tethering
The Canada and USA Sim Local-branded plans I reviewed supported hotspot and tethering.
During my San Francisco testing, hotspotting was sufficient for normal laptop browsing, email and cloud-based work without a meaningful interruption.
Operator-backed plans can impose a separate hotspot allowance. For example, the Lycamobile US product listed up to 10GB for hotspot use even though its total plan allowance was larger.
If tethering is essential, confirm the hotspot line on the exact product page before purchasing.
Sim Local Top-Ups and Extra Data
Many Sim Local and Smartroam products support top-ups through the app, but availability is plan-specific.
Look for a top-up label before buying. An operator-backed package may follow the operator’s own renewal rules instead of Sim Local’s standard process.
Adding data normally extends the usable allowance on the same profile. It does not necessarily extend every other feature or move the eSIM to a different device.
Sim Local Unlimited Data and Fair-Use Limits
An unlimited-labelled eSIM should not be interpreted as unlimited full-speed data.
The Unlimited Pro example I reviewed supplied up to 10GB of full-speed data per day. After that daily allowance, speeds could fall to approximately 1 Mbps until the next reset. Sim Local’s wider unlimited-data terms also allow fair-use intervention during unusually heavy use.
One megabit per second can still support messaging, email, maps and light browsing. It is much less suitable for large downloads, high-resolution streaming or sustained hotspot work.
Before buying, check:
- The daily high-speed allowance
- Reduced speed after the allowance
- Daily reset time
- Any fair-use or network-discretion wording
- Whether hotspot use is included
Installing and Activating a Sim Local eSIM
Sim Local provides three common installation methods:
- One-click installation through the Sim Local app
- QR-code installation
- Manual entry of the activation details
Use stable Wi-Fi during installation. I prefer installing shortly before departure or after landing, depending on the activation rule shown on the product page.
Sim Local’s eSIM activation guide recommends selecting the new eSIM for mobile data and turning on data roaming for that travel line.
A typical setup looks like this:
- Confirm that the phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked.
- Install the Sim Local profile over Wi-Fi.
- Give the new line a clear label such as “Sim Local USA.”
- Select the Sim Local line for mobile data.
- Turn on data roaming for the Sim Local line.
- Turn off cellular data switching.
- Keep roaming disabled on the Canadian home line.
- Restart the phone if it does not connect after arrival.
Use the eSIM compatibility checker before purchasing if you are unsure about your device.
When the plan starts
The destination plans I reviewed were designed to activate when the eSIM first connected to a supported network at the destination.
Some product pages also stated that the plan would activate automatically 60 days after purchase if it had not already connected. Buying far in advance can therefore create an unexpected activation deadline.
Read the activation wording on the product page before deciding when to install.
Using Sim Local With a Canadian Dual SIM Phone
Canadian travellers can usually keep their home SIM active while using Sim Local for data.
A sensible setup is:
- Default voice line: Canadian SIM
- Mobile data line: Sim Local
- Data roaming on Canadian line: Off
- Data roaming on Sim Local line: On
- Cellular data switching: Off
This lets you keep access to your Canadian number for incoming calls or authentication messages while avoiding accidental home-carrier data roaming.
Incoming calls and SMS can still trigger charges under your Canadian carrier’s roaming policy. Check those terms before leaving Canada.
Reinstalling a Deleted Sim Local eSIM
Reinstallation usually is not possible.
Most travel eSIM QR codes are designed for one installation. Deleting the profile may cause the same code to fail when scanned again.
Some Smartroam profiles may support manual reinstallation on the same device, but the original QR code generally should not be treated as reusable. Contact support before deleting anything if the plan still has unused data.
If an installation code does not work, see the guide to fixing an eSIM QR code that will not scan.
Transferring Sim Local to a New Phone
In most cases, you should assume an installed Sim Local travel eSIM cannot be moved freely to another phone.
Built-in phone-to-phone eSIM transfer features are usually designed around participating domestic carriers. They do not guarantee that a prepaid travel profile can be transferred.
Before replacing, resetting or giving up the original phone, contact Sim Local about the specific profile rather than moving or deleting it first.
Sim Local Refund Policy
According to Sim Local’s refund policy, customers can request a full refund within 14 days if the eSIM has not been activated.
Once an eSIM is activated, it is normally treated as used. A technical failure caused by Sim Local or its network may still qualify for a refund, including in some cases outside the 14-day period.
A refund may be less likely if the problem resulted from:
- An incompatible phone
- A carrier-locked device
- Incorrect phone settings
- Deleting the eSIM
- Trying to use the profile on an unsupported device
- Using the plan outside its listed destination
Keep your order number, screenshots and any support conversation. If activation fails, contact support before deleting the profile.
Sim Local Customer Support
Support is available through:
- The online help centre
- Selected airport stores
The airport presence is unusual among travel eSIM providers and may appeal to travellers who prefer in-person assistance.
For technical issues, send the order number, phone model, destination and screenshots of the eSIM settings. That gives support a better chance of identifying the problem without a long exchange of basic questions.
If the eSIM connects but data does not work, follow the connected but no internet troubleshooting guide.
Who Sim Local Is Best For
Sim Local makes the most sense if:
- City travel in Canada or the United States makes up most of the itinerary
- Maps, messaging and streaming are the main data needs
- Connecting a laptop through the phone’s hotspot is important
- Dual SIM will keep a Canadian home number active alongside the travel data line
- An operator-backed plan with calls or SMS is preferable
- WhatsApp or airport-based assistance appeals to you
- Comparing the details of individual products is not a problem
I would choose another provider if:
- A simple, uniform data-only buying process matters most
- Every product must identify its supported carrier clearly
- The trip depends on uninterrupted coverage in remote areas
- Unlimited full-speed hotspot use is essential
- Moving an eSIM between devices is a requirement
- Frequent profile deletion and reinstallation are part of how you manage eSIMs
- Consistent activation and top-up rules across destinations are a priority
Use the eSIM plan comparison tool if you want to compare allowances, validity and features before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sim Local eSIM
Is Sim Local a Legitimate eSIM Provider?
Sim Local is an established eSIM retailer and provider with its own products, partner plans, an app, online support and selected physical airport stores. Beyond those business signals, I successfully used its service during trips in both Canada and the United States.
Legitimacy does not mean every plan works identically. Sim Local sells its own data packages alongside Smartroam and operator-backed products, so the network, calling features, activation rules and fair-use terms must be checked on the exact plan before purchase.
Which Mobile Networks Does Sim Local Use in Canada and the USA?
During my Canadian testing, the profiles connected through Rogers and TELUS. In the United States, I observed T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon across New York City, San Francisco, Orlando and Miami.
Those results describe the profiles and locations I tested rather than a permanent carrier list or priority. Network access depends on the selected Sim Local, Smartroam or operator-backed product, so confirm the carriers shown on its product page for your destination.
Does Sim Local Support 5G in Canada and the USA?
Selected Sim Local plans support 5G in Canada and the United States when the plan, phone, local network and location all allow it. My Miami testing, for example, included strong outdoor 5G around Miami Beach, Brickell and Wynwood.
A 5G-capable plan does not guarantee a continuous 5G connection. The phone may move to 4G LTE indoors, in congested areas or where local 5G coverage is weaker, and that fallback does not necessarily mean the eSIM has stopped working.
What Kind of Phone Number Does Sim Local Provide?
Many Sim Local-branded plans are data only and do not include a conventional mobile number. They provide internet access but no standard cellular calls or SMS.
Selected operator-backed products may include a local number and voice features. The Lycamobile US plan I reviewed included a US number, calls and SMS, although registration was required. Check the individual plan rather than assuming that every product in the storefront includes the same features.
How Do Calls and SMS Work on Sim Local?
On a data-only plan, calls and messages travel through internet-based apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, Signal and Skype. These services use the eSIM’s data allowance and do not create a conventional mobile voice or SMS line.
Standard cellular calls and texts require a plan that explicitly includes them, usually an operator-backed product. If receiving ordinary SMS or using a local phone number matters, verify those features on the product card before buying.
What Happens When You Reach Sim Local’s Unlimited Data Limit?
The Unlimited Pro example I reviewed provided up to 10GB of full-speed data per day. After that daily allowance, the connection could be reduced to approximately 1 Mbps until the next reset, so “unlimited” should not be read as unlimited full-speed data.
At the reduced speed, messaging, maps, email and light browsing may remain practical. High-resolution streaming, large downloads and sustained hotspot or tethering use will be much more restricted. Travellers with heavy daily data needs should check the plan’s fair-use policy, reset timing and hotspot terms before purchasing.
When Should You Install and Activate a Sim Local eSIM?
Installation timing depends on the exact product. The destination plans I reviewed were designed to activate when the eSIM first connected to a supported network after arrival, which allows installation over stable Wi-Fi shortly before departure.
Some products also have an automatic activation deadline. Certain pages stated that activation would occur 60 days after purchase if the profile had not connected earlier, so buying too far in advance may start the validity period before the trip. Read the product’s activation wording before installing.
How Do I Avoid Canadian Carrier Roaming Charges While Using Sim Local?
Set Sim Local as the mobile-data line, keep data roaming off for the Canadian home line and disable cellular data switching. Data roaming should be enabled only for the Sim Local travel line when its setup instructions require it.
Keeping a Bell, Rogers, TELUS or Freedom Mobile SIM installed does not make home-carrier roaming free. Calls or SMS handled through the Canadian line may still trigger charges under that carrier’s roaming policy, even when Sim Local supplies the mobile data. Check the home plan before departure if the Canadian number must remain active.
Can You Transfer or Reinstall a Sim Local eSIM on Another Phone?
Most Sim Local travel eSIM profiles should be treated as tied to the original device unless support confirms otherwise for the specific product. Built-in phone-to-phone eSIM transfer tools do not guarantee that a prepaid travel profile can be moved.
Deleting the eSIM may also prevent the original QR code from working again. Some Smartroam profiles may allow manual reinstallation on the same device, but contact support before deleting, resetting or replacing a phone that still holds an active plan.
How Do Sim Local Refunds Work?
Unactivated eSIMs can generally be refunded within 14 days. Once a profile has been activated, it is normally treated as used rather than eligible for a standard refund.
A qualifying technical failure caused by Sim Local or its network may be handled differently, including in some cases outside the 14-day period. Keep the order number, screenshots and support messages, and contact support before deleting the profile so the failure can be assessed.
Related Guides
Compare Other eSIM Providers
Canada and USA eSIM Guides
Compare Plans and Prepare Your Phone
My Final Take on Sim Local
My strongest takeaway from testing Sim Local was the difference between its solid urban performance and the more limited experience in mountainous terrain. Toronto, Vancouver, New York City and San Francisco all handled normal travel and work use comfortably, while Banff showed why local geography still matters.
Plan selection is Sim Local’s main advantage. Its own products, Smartroam options and operator-backed plans provide more flexibility than a uniform data-only catalogue. The limitation is that networks, features and rules are not consistent across every product.
I would personally use Sim Local again for city travel in Canada or the United States, especially when I needed hotspot support or an operator-backed plan with calling features. I would still check the individual product card carefully before paying.
