What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM built into a compatible device. It lets you connect to a mobile network without inserting or swapping out a physical SIM card when you travel.
Some of the main benefits of an eSIM include:
Easy setup. You can buy and install an eSIM plan digitally, often before you travel.
No physical SIM swapping. There’s no tiny card to remove, replace, or potentially lose.
More flexibility. Many compatible phones can store multiple eSIM profiles, making it easier to use different mobile plans.
Lower roaming costs. A prepaid travel eSIM can help you avoid relying on your home carrier’s international roaming rates.
If you’re weighing up an eSIM vs. a physical SIM, the better option depends on your phone and how you travel. Travel eSIM providers, such as Ubigi and Saily, let you choose a mobile data plan before your trip. Saily is a leading travel eSIM provider, with plans available in more than 200 destinations.
What is a Ubigi eSIM, and how does it work?
Ubigi is a travel eSIM service from Transatel, part of the NTT Group. It offers mobile data through partner networks in more than 200 destinations, with country-specific and regional plans available.
Once you have chosen a data plan, you install the Ubigi eSIM on a carrier-unlocked, compatible device and select the line for mobile data. Ubigi offers both app-based and QR-code installation for plans bought through its website. Once you’ve installed your Ubigi eSIM profile, you can reuse it on future trips by adding another eligible plan instead of installing a new profile each time.
Ubigi connects you to local partner networks, so your speed and coverage will depend largely on the mobile infrastructure available at your destination. Its current network list includes 3G, 4G, and 5G, depending on the country and operator.
Ubigi eSIM review: Key takeaways
Ubigi performed well during our testing in the UK and remains a strong option for travelers looking for straightforward mobile data. Here are the main takeaways:
Coverage is available in more than 200 destinations.
Installation is available through the Ubigi app or, for website purchases, by QR code.
Ubigi offers one-off, monthly, annual, and unlimited plans, although availability and prices vary by destination.
The SmartStart feature can automatically activate eligible plans when you arrive at a covered destination.
The service supports hotspot tethering and data sharing.
Ubigi is a data-only service, so standard calls and SMS aren’t included.
Extra features are more limited than with some competitors, although Ubigi now offers an IP location feature for eligible users.
Overall, Ubigi performs well across most metrics and could be a great option for getting online while traveling.
The information about eSIM features in this review was last verified on the eSIM providers’ official websites, specifically their English-language sites, on September 4, 2026, and is subject to change.
Pros of a Ubigi eSIM
Ubigi has several useful advantages:
Wide coverage. It operates in more than 200 destinations.
Flexible plans. You can choose from one-off, monthly, annual, and unlimited options where available.
Simple activation. The SmartStart feature can activate eligible plans when you reach your destination.
A reusable eSIM. You can keep the same Ubigi eSIM profile and add plans for later trips.
Hotspot support. Ubigi allows data sharing with other devices.
Cons of a Ubigi eSIM
The service also comes with a few limitations:
Data only. Ubigi doesn’t provide a mobile number for standard calls or SMS.
A fair use policy. Unlimited plans can be slowed after you reach the applicable high-speed data threshold.
Limited built-in security tools. Ubigi doesn’t offer features such as Saily’s integrated ad blocker and web protection.
Automated support. Ubigi provides automated chat support, while account-specific or technical issues are generally handled through its support form.
The information about eSIM features in this review was last verified on the eSIM providers’ official websites, specifically their English-language sites, on September 4, 2026, and is subject to change.
How to set up Ubigi eSIM
If you’re using Ubigi for the first time, check that you have an eSIM-compatible device and that it isn’t locked to your home carrier.
If you buy through the Ubigi app:
Download the Ubigi app and create a Ubigi account.
Choose your destination and data plan.
Complete your purchase.
Follow the instructions in the app to install the eSIM.
In your device settings, select Ubigi for mobile data and enable data roaming when you arrive at your destination.
If you buy a plan through the Ubigi website, you’ll receive an email containing a QR code. Scan or press and hold the QR code on a compatible device to install the eSIM profile, then use the sign-up link in the email to create your account and link the eSIM to it.
The exact menus vary across devices, so see our guides on how to install an eSIM on an iPhone or how to install an eSIM on an Android if you need device-specific instructions.
If you’re wondering if you should install your Ubigi eSIM before your trip, the answer is yes. Ubigi recommends installing an eSIM profile before you leave because downloading it requires an internet connection. With the SmartStart feature, the validity period on eligible plans doesn’t start until you arrive at a covered destination and switch on the Ubigi line.
Ubigi eSIM detailed review
Ubigi covers the basics well, but price, network performance, support, and extra features can all make a difference when choosing a travel eSIM. The sections below cover how it performs in each area.
Pricing and plans
Ubigi offers one-off prepaid plans alongside recurring monthly and annual options in some destinations. Prices vary considerably depending on the country, data allowance, and validity period.
The prices below are based on a selection of Ubigi’s one-off plans:
Destination
| Example low-cost plan | 30-day unlimited plan |
|---|
UK
| 3 GB/30 days — US$5 | US$44
|
|---|
US
| 500 MB/1 day — US$2.90 | US$65 |
|---|
Japan
| 1 GB/3 days — US$3.50 | US$65
|
|---|
Brazil
| 500 MB/2 days — US$4 | US$69 |
|---|
Turkey
| 1 GB/7 days — US$3 | US$64 |
|---|
Ubigi also offers different monthly and annual plans in selected destinations.
The information about eSIM features in this review was last verified on the eSIM providers’ official websites, specifically their English-language sites, on September 4, 2026, and is subject to change. Prices shown are listed without discounts.
We tested Ubigi’s speed and performance in the UK. The signal was excellent in urban centers like Glasgow and Manchester and much poorer in remote rural areas.
That pattern is common with mobile connectivity. Ubigi connects through local mobile operators rather than operating its own cellular network, so speed will depend on the partner network, your location, congestion, and the type of connection available.
Customer support
Ubigi currently offers an automated chat service on its website and support pages. For account-specific problems, refunds, invoices, or technical issues that need investigation, Ubigi recommends using its online contact form so the request goes directly to its support specialists.
During our earlier testing, Ubi — Ubigi’s AI assistant — answered quickly, but we sometimes received contradictory information when asking the same question through different support channels. That made the automated support less dependable for more complicated queries.
Additional features
Ubigi keeps most of its extra features focused on connectivity. You can monitor data usage, top up an existing eSIM, and share your connection through a personal hotspot. The Ubigi Selfcare app allows users to top up even if their plan has run out of data.
Ubigi also offers an IP location feature, which lets eligible users choose between an IP address associated with their country of residence and an available regional IP. The feature is included with eligible plans and doesn’t require an additional app.
The information about eSIM features in this review was last verified on the eSIM providers’ official websites, specifically their English-language sites, on September 4, 2026, and is subject to change.
Ubigi eSIM alternatives
Ubigi isn’t the only option for international mobile data. If you’re comparing eSIM options, our guide to eSIM review sites can help you decide where to look for reliable information and user feedback.
Some popular Ubigi alternatives worth considering:
Airalo offers local, regional, and global coverage in 200+ locations, with fixed-data and unlimited packages available. Read our Airalo review or see our Airalo vs. Holafly eSIM comparison for a closer look.
GigSky is particularly useful for travelers who need connectivity at sea, with Cruise + Land and Sea-Only plans alongside regular travel eSIMs. See our GigSky review for more details.
Holafly is known primarily for unlimited-data travel plans across 200+ destinations. Our Holafly review and guide to Holafly eSIM pricing explain its plans in more detail.
Saily offers prepaid mobile data in more than 200 destinations, along with built-in security features such as an ad blocker and web protection, plus the ability to change your virtual location. An optional eSIM phone number adds calls and SMS. Saily is also one of the best travel apps out there, as demonstrated by various Saily reviews. For more details, read our full Saily vs. Ubigi comparison.
Pricing varies by destination and plan, but this gives a general picture of how the major providers differ:
Provider | Pricing | Destinations covered | Best suited to |
|---|
Ubigi | Varies by destination, with one-off, monthly, annual, and unlimited options
| 200+
| Travelers who want flexible data-only plans
|
|---|
Airalo | Varies by destination, with fixed and unlimited packages | 200+
| Travelers who want a broad choice of local, regional, and global plans
|
|---|
Holafly | Mainly focuses on unlimited-data options | 200+
| Travelers who prioritize unlimited data
|
|---|
Saily
| Varies by destination, with prepaid and unlimited plans | 200+
| Travelers who want data plus built-in security and privacy features |
|---|
Because plans and promotional pricing change frequently, compare the exact destination and data allowance you need rather than relying on starting prices alone.
The information about eSIM features in this review was last verified on the eSIM providers’ official websites, specifically their English-language sites, on September 4, 2026, and is subject to change.
Verdict: Is a Ubigi eSIM worth it?
A Ubigi eSIM is worth considering if you want a straightforward travel eSIM with broad coverage and plenty of plan choices. Our UK testing found strong connectivity in urban areas. Installation is relatively simple, and the SmartStart feature makes it easy to set up your eSIM before traveling.
Ubigi’s main limitation is that it remains a data-only service. Saily offers built-in web protection, an ad blocker, the ability to change your virtual location, and an optional US-based phone number for calls and SMS. Ubigi does offer an IP location feature, but Saily includes more built-in privacy and security tools.
Ultimately, the best option depends on your destination, data needs, and whether you want extra privacy and communication features alongside mobile data.
