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eTravelSim: comprehensive review in 2025
Bottom Line
eTravelSim's local network approach is promising in theory, but inconsistent performance and reliability issues in our testing make them hard to recommend. Better alternatives exist at similar price points.
eTravelSim's local network approach is promising in theory, but inconsistent performance and reliability issues in our testing make them hard to recommend. Better alternatives exist at similar price points.
Pros
- Local network connectivity (no routing)
- Multiple installation options (manual, QR code, direct app)
- Live chat and WhatsApp customer support
- Available through both website and mobile app
- Multi-currency support
Cons
- Highly variable and inconsistent network performance
- Connection reliability issues in our tests
- Restrictive refund policy with high fees ($5 or 30% minimum)
- Performance didn't match expectations given local network access
- No refund if device incompatibility
esims.io team's takeaway
eTravelSim positions itself as a provider offering local network connectivity in many destinations, which should deliver superior performance. However, our testing experience revealed significant inconsistencies that make them difficult to recommend.
The eSIMS.io team tested eTravelSim's Vietnam plan from Ho Chi Minh City. The purchase experience through both website and app was acceptable, with multiple installation options available. We connected to what should have been local Vietnamese networks, theoretically offering the best performance. However, the actual network experience was highly variable and often disappointingโinconsistent speeds, connection drops, and unreliable performance throughout our test period.
eTravelSim offers live chat and WhatsApp support, which is helpful, but their refund policy is restrictive with a $5 or 30% administrative fee (whichever is higher). While local network connectivity is a strong selling point on paper, the execution didn't meet expectations in our test. The variance in performance was too significant to rely on for important travel needs.
Purchase and Installation
Purchase channels
Website
Purchase available on eTravelSim's website
Mobile app
Purchase available through eTravelSim's Apple and Android app
Accountless purchase
Buy eSIM plans without creating a user account
Gift eSIM capability- not included
Purchase eSIM plans as gifts for friends and family through eTravelSim
Website and mobile app both available for purchase. Multiple installation options provided. Purchase process acceptable, though no account creation option limits returning customer convenience.
Accepted currencies
Multiple currencies
Multiple currencies accepted, including Euros and USD
Multi-currency support allows payment in preferred currency. Standard international payment methods accepted without cryptocurrency or alternative payment options.
Installation methods
QR code scanning
eTravelSim shares QR code to scanโrequires a second device
Manual activation
eTravelSim gives manual setup credentials
Direct app installation
iOS installation directly from provider's appโno codes needed
One-tap iOS link- not included
eTravelSim sends URL triggering direct iOS installation without mobile app
Manual credential entry, QR code scanning, and direct app installation all available. Multiple methods provide flexibility, though setup complexity remains higher than single-tap alternatives.
Supported languages
Interface available in six languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. Adequate coverage for European and Latin American travelers, though limited compared to larger providers.
Network Quality and eSIM Features
Network quality & roaming
Likely excellent internet performance
Based on our testing, your internet traffic likely exits to the web directly in the country you're visiting (local connection). This typically means fast speeds, low latency for video calls and gaming, and websites should recognize your actual location. Generally the best experience.
Advertises local network connectivity without routing. However, actual network partnerships unclear and performance highly inconsistent across tested networks in Vietnam.
View speed tests for eTravelSim โeSIM plans, destinations and prices
Coverage in 170+ destinations
eTravelSim offers 1539 different plans across 170 countries and regions
Price range: 1.75 - 203.04
Plans starting from 1.75 up to 203.04, with an average of 28.08
eTravelSim ranks #26 out of 38 providers by average plan price, placing it in the premium pricing category.
View destinations and eSIM plans for eTravelSim โConnectivity
Hotspot & Tethering- not included
Share your data connection with other devices
Wearables support- not included
eSIM can be used on smartwatches and wearable devices
Phone number- not included
Native phone number includedโmay come with calls and/or SMS
Virtual number (VoIP)- not included
App-based phone numberโmay support calls and/or SMS
Virtual location / VPN- not included
Choose your virtual location for enhanced privacy
Data-only service without hotspot, phone number, or wearables support. Basic connectivity without additional features for sharing or communication.
Plan flexibility
Programmable activation- not included
Schedule when your eSIM plan starts instead of immediate activation
Top-up- not included
Add more data to your existing plan when needed
Auto-renewal or auto top-up- not included
Option to automatically renew or top-up plan for continuous connectivity
Reinstallable eSIM- not included
Delete and reinstall your eSIM profile on the same device
Pay as you go- not included
Pay only for the data you use instead of fixed plan amounts
Standard fixed-duration plans without top-up, auto-renewal, or reinstallation capabilities. Limited flexibility compared to competitors offering ongoing connectivity management.
Special perks
Crypto payments- not included
Pay with cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
Loyalty program & cashback- not included
Earn rewards, cashback, and benefits for repeat purchases
Discounts and coupons- not included
Discount codes and promotional offers
Free trial or data- not included
Try the eSIM service with a small amount of free data before committing to a full plan
Airport lounge access- not included
Access to airport lounges when purchasing an eSIM planโeither included or available for an additional fee
No loyalty programs, referral bonuses, cryptocurrency payments, or VPN features. Service focuses purely on basic connectivity without value-added features.
Support
Customer support
Help center- not included
Self-service knowledge base with guides and FAQs
Chat support
Chat support with human customer service agentsโmight not be real-time
WhatsApp support
Chat with support via WhatsApp messaging
Phone support- not included
Call customer service hotline for assistance
AI chatbot- not included
Can help troubleshoot generic questions in real-time but might not provide extensive support
Email support or Contact Form- not included
Contact customer service via emailโmight take long to get a reply
Live chat and WhatsApp support channels available. Help center provides basic documentation, though restrictive refund policy with $5 or 30% administrative fee reduces consumer protection.
Visit eTravelSim help centerRefund policy
ETravelSim offers refunds within five days of purchase for non-delivery or irreparable defects, subject to approval. Refunds are not provided if your phone is not eSIM-compatible, and an administrative fee of \(\$5\) or \(30\%\) (whichever is higher) may be deducted from the refund
Fair usage policy
Standard fair usage applies. Heavy users may experience speed limitations to maintain service quality. No specific threshold publicly disclosed.
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