eSIM technology is currently a household name among digital nomads who are frequently on the move and need reliable internet access whenever they leave home and travel abroad.
This has led to a crowded eSIM market with diverse eSIM providers of all sorts, hence making it a bit of a hassle for you to choose the best option that will meet your specific needs.
This is when the SimOptions eSIM marketplace comes in to give you a variety of different carrier options in one eSIM package.
To ensure I get the best eSIM service for my travels, I have used different eSIM plans from this marketplace.
So, in this article, I will be reviewing my experience with the SimOptions eSIM brand and give you an honest review that will make you consider it for your next trip.
What You Need To Know About The SimOptions eSIM
SimOptions, as its name implies, offers you a variety of sim options which you can choose from.
You can get e-sim cards and physical sim cards on the SimOptions website, but in this article, we are talking about the former, so for the same of this review, we will be ignoring the international prepaid sim cards and focusing on the virtual sim options.
SimOptions’ eSIM packages consist of the brand’s plans, as well as plans from Bouygues Telecom and Orange from France, 3 from Hong Kong, and Dtac and AIS Telecom from Southeast Asia, amongst others.
By partnering with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and local providers of mobile networks from different countries, SimOptions eSIM cards can offer you different carrier options and guarantee you a stable internet connection whenever you travel to a foreign country.
This also enables the brand to offer you diverse plans that will help you make an excellent choice depending on your data usage and the country you are traveling to.
This plan can either be for a specific country plan or a regional plan that covers several countries within the same region.
These plans have competitive prices and are available in over 200 destinations worldwide to ensure you have a great experience wherever you travel.
With all these amazing features, it is understandable that it is very difficult to see any negative reviews of the brand’s products from the number of reviews and testimonials shared about it by thousands of its users.
Now, let’s look at the installation process of a SimOptions eSIM.
How To Install and Activate the SimOptions eSIM
The process of installing a SimOptions eSIM is a straightforward and swift one. But before you get into it, you need to, first of all, be sure that your mobile phone supports the use of eSIM technology.
Although many mobile phones are eSIM-compatible, a lot aren’t.
So, to confirm if yours is eligible or not, CHECK THIS LIST.
Once you have checked the list and confirmed that your device is eligible, you can begin the installation process.
First off, go to the SimOptions website or app and purchase the eSIM that best matches your preference.
When you have completed the purchase, a confirmation email will be sent to you with installation instructions which you can use two different methods to carry out: the QR code Method and the Manual Method.
QR Code
In the payment confirmation email that will be sent to your inbox, you will find a QR code inside.
Next, go to your phone’s settings, select ‘Mobile Data’ or ‘Networks’ (depending on the term used in your device), and click on ‘Add Cellular Plan’.
Then, scan the QR code and the eSIM will be installed on your device.
Manual Installation
If you try using the QR code and it doesn’t work out, you will need to manually input a numeric activation code.
This code is also included in the payment confirmation email, so go to your inbox, copy it out, go to the same ‘Add Data Plan’ section you visited earlier, and click on ‘Enter Details Manually’, which will provide you with space where you can input the code manually to set up the eSIM.
The activation process takes barely minutes, so I usually do it immediately before I get on the plane to my destination so that I can use Google Maps and do other stuff on the get-go.
Note: Your device must be connected to the internet before you can install your eSIM after purchasing it.
It doesn’t matter if the connection is through Wifi, Cellular or Mobile Data, or another eSIM.
Advantages of Using A SimOptions eSIM
A Local Phone Number for Making Phone Calls and Sending Text Messages
SimOptions eSIMs are doing what eSIMs from several top eSIM companies have been unable to do from time immemorial, which is to provide you with a phone number that you can use to make local calls and send text messages when you travel abroad.
With this feature, you won’t need to resort to the use of WhatsApp, Telegram, FaceTime, or other apps for you to call or send messages to your loved ones.
Note: Not all plans on SimOptions offer this feature, some do not offer calls or SMS, some offer just calls, while some offer both.
So, keep an eye out so that you can choose what you want exactly.
Variety of Data Plans and Carriers
As a marketplace, SimOptions offers not just its eSIM packages but also several packages from diverse telecoms which gives you a vast array of options to choose from.
The combination of these different local providers, telecoms, carriers, and network operators also makes it possible for you to enjoy stable internet connection in different countries around the world.
Cost
As the data plans vary, so does their cost.
However, the prices attached to these packages are usually competitive and reasonable.
One thing that I must commend SimOptions for is that there are no hidden charges or service fees added to the plans you purchase from them, apart from what was charged for the prepaid data plan.
I have noticed that a few times with certain eSIMs that I have used and I am glad SimOptions didn’t go that route.
Nevertheless, I feel there are still better options in the market for regional plans, so you can compare them with other brands and choose the better choice.
Ease Of Use
SimOptions’ website and app are very easy to use and navigate.
Every page is equipped with detailed instructions on how you can go about anything you want to do on the app.
Once you visit the site, you will see a search bar where you can input the country of your choice.
Once you have searched and selected it, you will be shown a variety of options containing the best deals from SimOptions and different eSIM providers, for you to choose the best option that suits you.
You can see the cost of each of these packages, how much data is contained in each, and the timeframe when the options are displayed.
When you find the package that catches your eye, you can just click on the blue “Buy Now” button, do the checkout on the site, download the eSIM, and then install it through the steps we have explained earlier.
And voila, your eSIM is ready to use.
Other stuff, such as inquiries through Live Chat, FAQs, or Reviews, are just 1-2 clicks away.
That is how easy it is to use the website, as well as the application.
I also love the fact that the company has included a means of easily tracking data usage in its mobile app. This was a concern for me and several other users but thankfully, they have resolved it now on their mobile app.
Great Customer Support
SimOptions’ customer service has a prompt assistance team that is always just one email away from giving you the much-needed clarity and technical support you need to solve any issues you might have, whenever you need it and wherever you are in the world.
Aside from the email address route, you can also reach SIMOptions customer support through their live chat channel or its direct phone line.
Cons Of Using the SimOptions eSIM
Varying Experiences
When it comes to experiences with using SimOptions eSIM, different users can have different experiences.
For example, their customer service team has a hit-and-miss situation when it comes to answering customers’ complaints and negative complaints.
Although they claim to run a 24/7 customer support system, it is always that way.
Also, while some might enjoy a stable internet connection, some might have issues with consistent connectivity to the internet.
This is due to different carriers and network operators providing coverage in different parts of the world.
Top-Up Limitation
Not all data packages on SimOptions allow you to top up with more data when you are running low.
Some do, while others don’t.
Certain plans have a fixed data amount in their package so once it is used up, you will need to purchase and install a new package from scratch.
So, if you are someone who uses a lot of data during your travels, you will have to look extensively for a flexible data plan that allows top-up so that even if you run low on data while away, you can purchase and add it up.
Also, to avoid being cut up in the case of your data being used up and having to purchase a new package, you might be forced to purchase a plan that is longer than the timeframe which you are traveling for.
Hence, if you are traveling for 10 days, you might need to purchase a plan for around 14 to 15 days, and if you use 10 GB in that specific timeframe, you might have to purchase a plan with 12 GB to 15 GB of data to be rest assured that you are covered all through your trip.
No Global Plan
Unlike top eSIM brands like Airalo and Holafy eSIM, SimOptions doesn’t offer a global plan that can provide coverage for various countries in different regions and parts of the world.
This brand offers just specific-country and regional eSIM plans and you will have to purchase either of these plans whenever you want to travel abroad, which will lead to you having to delete certain plans to install more when your device’s limit is reached.
Inconsistent Inclusion of Data Plans
There are certain plans that are available in some countries and regions and aren’t available in others.
So, once you are not in the country where these features are offered, you will miss out on the opportunity of using them.
FAQ
Do SimOptions eSIMs Come With A Local Number for Phone Calls?
Yes, SimOptions eSIMs come with a local number for phone calls. Unlike several other top eSIMs, you can use this eSIM to make calls and send text messages when you get to a new country.
This way, you won’t have to resort to just social media apps and facetiming apps to communicate with your loved ones or the people you might know within the location to which you have traveled.
Can I Install Multiple SimOptions eSIMs On One Mobile Device?
Yes, you can install multiple SimOptions eSIMs on your mobile device.
What’s the Internet Speed Of SimOptions eSIMs?
SimOptions eSIMs usually surf the internet at the speed of 5G and 4G/LTE; however, most times, this can vary and depend on your location.
Do SimOptions eSIMs Support Tethering and Hotspot?
Yes, they do, but this is dependent on the plan that you purchase.
Some plans support it while some don’t, so if you plan to share hotspot and tethering when you install the plan, make sure you check it and confirm that the plan has that option before you purchase it.
How Much Do SimOptions eSIM Plans Cost?
The price of SimOptions’ data plans depends on factors such as the location, how much data you need, and the duration at which you will be staying at the specific location.
For example, if you are looking through SimOptions’ European eSIM options, you will find the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM, which costs and another Orange Holiday Europe Plan, which costs $89.90 but is on a limited-time offer of $55.90.
With the difference being the data size, data speed, and validity of your credit.
Note: There are plans for as low as $4.50 if you are going for a short trip.
What If I Use Up My SimOptions eSIM Data Plan?
Whether you can top up your SimOptions eSIM data package after it is used up depends on the type of plan you purchase in the first place.
Not all SimOptions eSIM plans allow top-up: some do while some don’t.
So, if you purchase a plan that allows top-up, you can do it when your data is going low, but if you purchase a plan that has a fixed data quantity and doesn’t, then you will need to install a new eSIM package when you use it up.
Conclusion
If you are a vast traveler who takes priority in great coverage when you travel to different countries, all at a competitive rate then this is a great option of eSIM you should consider.
Although the network speeds might not be at the same pace in all countries, and customer support might be an issue at some points in time, SimOptions eSIMs are good eSIMs that offer you ease, convenience, and flexibility at a budget-friendly price.
Did You Like This SimOptions eSIM Review?
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