Simify eSIM Review: I Used It Across 4 Countries in Europe

I’ve tried pretty much every way of staying connected while traveling. 

I’ve bought local SIM cards at airports, traveled with portable WiFi devices, paid for international roaming, and I’ve now used enough eSIMs around the world that I’m fairly particular about what I expect from them.

Because these days I don’t just need data for Google Maps and WhatsApp. I work while I travel, so I need a reliable connection when I land, I need it to keep working when I cross borders, and ideally I want to be able to hotspot my laptop when hotel WiFi (or in this case, cruise ship WiFi!) isn’t cutting it.

So on my recent trip to Europe I decided to test Simify.

It turned out to be a pretty thorough test, using the same eSIM across the UK, Greece, Spain and Germany; I stayed connected during layovers across Europe, and spent part of the trip working from a cruise ship as we sailed around Greece.

The verdict? It worked really well.

What impressed me most wasn’t necessarily having data once I’d arrived in each destination. I expect an eSIM to do that. It was how seamless the connection was while actually moving around Europe.

I wasn’t changing plans when I crossed borders or trying to connect to airport WiFi every time I had a layover. And in Greece, being able to hotspot my laptop without a separate tethering restriction meant I could keep working from the ship whenever we were within range of a mobile network.

So after using it properly across a multi-country European trip, here’s my Simify eSIM review, including what I liked, what you should know before buying one, and whether I’d use it again.

Spoiler – yes, I will be using it again!

What Is Simify?

Photo: Connected in Greece with Simify, video calling home from the Mykonos Beach

Simify is an Australian-founded travel connectivity company offering eSIMs for more than 150 countries and territories.

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’ll know I’ve become a huge convert to eSIMs; it’s a digital version of the tiny physical SIM cards we used to buy when traveling overseas. Except there’s nothing physical to swap out, and nothing tiny to inevitably lose!

The ‘e’ stands for embedded, because the technology is already built into compatible phones. You buy a travel data plan online, scan a QR code to install it, and your phone then connects to supported local mobile networks when you’re overseas.

The big advantage is that your normal SIM can stay in your phone at the same time, and that’s important for me because I still need access to my Australian number for incoming texts and verification codes while I’m traveling.

For this trip I used Simify’s Europe & UK eSIM, so instead of buying separate data plans for every country, I could install one eSIM and use it throughout the trip.

If you’re traveling around Europe, where it’s completely normal to cross several borders in the space of a week, that makes a lot of sense.

My Experience Using Simify in Europe

This wasn’t a case of installing an eSIM for a weekend in one city and calling it a success, my 2026 trip took me through the UK, Greece, Spain and Germany, with flight connections in Europe along the way.

I was also using my phone exactly as I normally would overseas: Google Maps, WhatsApp, email, social media, looking up restaurants, accessing bookings, checking flights, and working online.

I had a genuinely good experience, and was really impressed with Simify the whole time. Most importantly, I wasn’t constantly fiddling with my phone settings or wondering why my data had disappeared. For the most part, I actually forgot about the eSIM and just used my phone normally, which is exactly what I want from travel technology.

Staying Connected During European Layovers

This was something I hadn’t really thought much about before the trip, but it ended up being one of the things I liked most about using a regional eSIM.

When we organize international data, we tend to think about our actual destinations. I knew I needed data in Greece and Spain, but I hadn’t really factored in how useful it would be during the hours spent connecting through London and Munich (UK and Germany).

Normally when you land for a layover, you’re searching for airport WiFi, registering with an email address, accepting terms and conditions, and then reconnecting everything. With Simify I stayed connected as I moved through Europe.

I could get off a flight, check messages and flight information, and keep using my phone without doing anything particularly exciting to make it happen. It’s not a flashy feature, but when you’re tired and in transit, it’s incredibly convenient. And I think this is where regional eSIMs really make sense compared with buying individual plans for each country.

Hotspotting While Cruising Through Greece

Hotspotting was probably the biggest selling point for me personally, as I’ve tried many eSIMS from other brands, and they haven’t stacked up to the ease I had with Simify.

I run an online business, and I’m often still working when I travel. That means I need more than enough data to check Instagram and send a few messages; I need to be able to open my laptop and actually work.

Part of this trip was spent cruising around Greece, and cruise ship WiFi can be expensive, slow, unreliable, or some combination of all three. Whenever we were within range of a mobile network, I could hotspot my laptop to my phone and use my Simify connection instead.

Simify allows hotspotting on every plan, which is worth checking when you’re comparing eSIMs because not every unlimited plan treats tethering the same way. For me, this was genuinely useful, as it would be for any digital nomad.

I wasn’t completely dependent on the ship’s WiFi, and if my phone had a good mobile connection, I could get my laptop online as well.

There is an obvious limitation here though: an eSIM isn’t satellite internet – it still relies on mobile towers. This means that I could use Simify while the ship was within mobile coverage around Greece, but not when we were far out at sea (though the same would apply to a local physical SIM). If you’re buying an eSIM specifically for a cruise, that’s an important distinction.

Simify Europe eSIM Plans

Simify offers both fixed and unlimited data plans, and you can choose exactly how many days you need, anywhere from 1 to 180 days. And Mapping Megan readers get 15% off Simify with this link.

Their unlimited Europe and UK coverage currently includes 49 countries, and plans start from under $2 per day depending on where you’re going, how long you’re traveling, and which plan you choose. There’s no ID registration or contract, and hotspotting is available on every plan. 

I like the ability to choose an exact number of days, because travel doesn’t always fit neatly into 7, 15 or 30-day blocks, and there’s no point paying for an extra week of data if your trip is only 11 days long.

For Europe specifically, I’d also look at a regional plan before buying separate country eSIMs. Even if you’re only planning to spend significant time in two countries, there’s a good chance you’ll cross or transit through others along the way.

Simify at a Glance

Feature	Simify
Countries & territories	150+
Unlimited Europe & UK coverage	49 countries
Plan duration	1 – 180 days
Hotspot / tethering	Yes, on every plan
Keep your normal SIM	Yes, on compatible dual-SIM phones
Calls & SMS	Data only
ID registration	No
Money-back guarantee	100% if it doesn’t work for you
Customer support	24/7 live chat
Starting price	Under $2/day on selected plans
Mapping Megan discount	15% with MAPPING15

How Do You Install a Simify eSIM?

If you’ve never used an eSIM before, the setup sounds far more technical than it actually is. But it’s very easy to do.

My biggest advice is to install it before you leave home, while you have a reliable WiFi connection.

First, check that your phone supports eSIM technology and isn’t network locked. Then once you’ve bought your Simify plan, you’ll receive the details you need to install the eSIM digitally.

On an iPhone, you’ll then see your regular home SIM and the new eSIM listed separately in your mobile settings. I always give travel eSIMs an obvious name like ‘Simify Europe’. It sounds ridiculously simple, but when you’re jetlagged and staring at several different lines in your phone settings, you’ll be glad you did!

When you arrive, select Simify as your mobile data line and make sure data roaming is switched on for the Simify eSIM.

At the same time, I switch data roaming off on my Australian SIM so there’s no chance of accidentally using expensive international roaming through my normal provider.

Turning roaming on can feel slightly wrong when we’ve spent years being told to NEVER TURN DATA ROAMING ON!!

But for a travel eSIM, that’s exactly what you’re supposed to do. It allows the eSIM to connect to its partner networks overseas.

Does My Phone Support eSIM?

 

Check this before buying. Most newer smartphones support eSIM technology, including many recent iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones and Google Pixels, but compatibility varies between models, countries and carriers. But at the start of the year I bought a travel burner phone to take to the States, bought an eSIM without even thinking, and it wasn’t compatible with the phone.

Your phone also needs to be unlocked, so don’t assume that having an iPhone automatically means you’re good to go. Check your exact model first.

Simify has a device compatibility checker you can use before purchasing if you’re unsure.

Can I Keep My Normal Phone Number?

Yes, assuming your phone supports dual SIM, and this is one of the main reasons I prefer eSIMs to swapping in a local physical SIM. 

Simify handles your travel data while your home SIM stays in your phone. Your contacts don’t change, your apps don’t disappear, and you can continue using WhatsApp as normal. I also keep access to my Australian SIM because I regularly need verification texts (banks and online accounts have an incredible ability to demand an SMS verification code at the exact moment you’re on the other side of the world!)

Just remember that your normal provider can still charge international rates if you make calls, send texts, or use data through your home SIM, so check your settings and your provider’s roaming charges before traveling.

Is Simify Data Only?

Yes, and this is something you should know before buying.

Simify’s eSIMs provide mobile data. They don’t give you a new local phone number for traditional calls and SMS.

This wasn’t an issue for me, as almost everyone I communicate with while traveling is through WhatsApp, iMessage, FaceTime, Messenger or email anyway. And because my Australian SIM can remain active alongside the eSIM, I still have access to my normal number when I need it.

But if having a local phone number for traditional calls is important for your trip, you’ll need to factor that in.

Simify vs International Roaming

International roaming has become much easier than it used to be, and for a very short trip you may decide that paying your normal provider’s daily roaming charge is worth it. The problem is that those daily charges add up quickly, especially if you’re traveling for several weeks.

And I use considerably more data than I would on a normal vacation because I’m working while I travel. 

With an eSIM I can pay for my travel data upfront, leave my Australian SIM in my phone, and know exactly what I’ve bought. I prefer that to wondering what my phone has quietly been downloading in the background on an international roaming plan!

Simify vs Buying a Local SIM in Europe

Buying a local physical SIM can still be a great option and, depending on the country and your usage, it may even work out cheaper. But the trade-off is convenience.

You need to find somewhere to buy the SIM, potentially register it, physically swap cards, and make sure the plan you’ve bought will work everywhere else you’re going. For a trip like mine, moving between several European countries, I wouldn’t bother.

I would much rather install one eSIM before leaving home and have it keep working as I move around. Plus, there’s zero chance of losing my tiny Australian SIM somewhere in the bottom of my handbag!

What I Liked About Simify

There were a few things I particularly liked after using it around Europe.

It worked across the whole trip. I used the same Simify eSIM in the UK, Greece, Spain and Germany rather than installing a different plan in every country.

The border crossings were seamless. This was particularly noticeable during layovers, when I could land and continue using my phone without hunting for airport WiFi.

Hotspotting is included. This was a big one for me because I could use my phone’s connection to work from my laptop while cruising around Greece.

There are unlimited options. If you use a lot of data, you don’t have to spend the trip constantly checking your remaining allowance.

I kept my Australian SIM in my phone. I retained access to my normal number and verification texts.

You can choose your exact number of days. Plans run from 1 to 180 days rather than forcing every trip into the same handful of durations.

But mostly, I liked that I didn’t have to think about it very much.

It did what I needed it to do.

What Didn’t I Like?

There’s nothing major I can point to from my own trip and say didn’t work. I had a good experience.

But there are limitations worth knowing about, the main one is that Simify is data only – honestly though, most eSIMs are.

That wasn’t a problem for the way I use my phone overseas, but travelers who specifically need a local number for traditional calls or SMS will need another solution. And while unlimited data sounds fantastic, remember that it doesn’t mean unlimited coverage.

You’re still dependent on the mobile networks available where you are. That’s particularly relevant for cruises, remote road trips, hiking, or anywhere else you may be a long way from a mobile tower. I also wouldn’t automatically buy unlimited data simply because it’s available.

If you’re mostly using Google Maps, WhatsApp and checking emails, look at how much data you realistically need. A fixed plan may be perfectly adequate.

What if Simify Doesn’t Work?

Simify worked well for me, but they do offer 24/7 live chat support and a 100% money-back guarantee if it doesn’t work for you, subject to their current terms.

The company is Australian founded, built by two travelers, and has been used by more than one million travelers. For someone trying an eSIM for the first time, I’d take support into consideration rather than choosing purely on price.

Because the cheapest eSIM stops feeling like a bargain pretty quickly if you’re standing at an airport unable to get it working!

Is Simify the Best eSIM for Europe?

I don’t think there’s one eSIM that’s automatically the best choice for every traveler. I’ve used several different providers now, and the right option depends on where you’re going, how long you’re away, how much data you use, and what you actually need your phone for.

But for multi-country travel in Europe, Simify worked extremely well for me, and my needs as a digial nomad, working on the go.

The combination of regional coverage and unrestricted hotspotting particularly suited the way I travel. So if you’re moving through several European countries, working remotely, or simply don’t want to think about changing data plans every time you cross a border, those are genuinely useful features.

I used Simify across the UK, Greece, Spain and Germany and it held up everywhere I needed it.

Mapping Megan readers get 15% off Simify with code MAPPING15.

Get 15% off Simify here

Simify eSIM FAQs

Does Simify work in Europe?

Yes. Simify offers regional Europe and UK eSIM plans, including unlimited coverage across 49 countries. I personally used mine in the UK, Greece, Spain and Germany and also stayed connected while transiting through other parts of Europe.

Is Simify good for Greece?

It worked very well for me. I used Simify while traveling and cruising around Greece and particularly liked being able to hotspot my laptop whenever we were within mobile network coverage.

Is Simify good for Spain?

I used the same Simify Europe eSIM in Spain without needing to purchase or install another plan when I arrived.

Can you hotspot with Simify?

Yes. Hotspotting/tethering is available on every Simify plan. This was one of the most useful features for me because I could share my phone’s data connection with my laptop while working overseas.

Does Simify give you a phone number?

No. Simify eSIMs are data only. Apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime and iMessage work over data, and you can keep your home SIM active alongside Simify on compatible dual-SIM devices.

Can I install Simify before I travel?

Yes, and I recommend doing it at home while you have reliable WiFi rather than waiting until you’ve landed.

Does Simify offer unlimited data?

Yes. Unlimited plans are available for a number of destinations and regions, including Europe and the UK.

What happens if my Simify eSIM doesn’t work?

Simify offers 24/7 live chat support and a 100% money-back guarantee if the service doesn’t work for you, subject to its current terms and conditions.

Would I Use Simify Again?

Absolutely, without hesitation!

I’ve used enough eSIMs now that I don’t need them to do anything particularly fancy. I want to install one before I leave, land, turn my phone on, and have data, then I want to forget about it.

That’s essentially what happened with Simify.

I had reliable data in the UK, Greece, Spain and Germany. I stayed connected during European layovers. And while cruising around Greece, I could hotspot my laptop whenever we had mobile coverage instead of relying entirely on the ship’s WiFi.

For a simple vacation where you’re barely using your phone, you probably don’t need unlimited data. But if you’re working remotely, uploading content, using social media heavily, hotspotting other devices, traveling through multiple countries, or simply don’t want to spend your trip watching a data counter, Simify is a particularly good fit.

Ultimately, I don’t want to arrive in a new country and start troubleshooting my phone. I want Google Maps to load when I walk out of the airport. I want my messages to send. I want to be able to pull up a booking confirmation when I need it.

And, because I work while I travel, I want to be able to open my laptop and get online.

Simify did all of that for me on this trip. And yes, I’ll happily use it again.