Holafly
SimLocal
Holafly vs SimLocal: Which eSIM Should You Buy?
Updated October 12, 2026
The Short Answer
Pick Holafly if you want one flat unlimited-data price and never want to think about a gigabyte cap, anywhere across its 200+ destinations. Pick SimLocal if you're headed to the UK specifically and want a real UK phone number bundled into your plan, plus a no-questions-asked refund if it doesn't work out. They're not really chasing the same traveler.
The Core Difference: Unlimited Everywhere vs. a Bundled UK Number
Holafly's whole pitch is unlimited data at a flat price per day, per country or region, with no gigabyte counting. SimLocal sells fixed-GB plans instead, but its UK plans come with something Holafly doesn't offer at all: a real UK phone number for calls and texts, not just a data-only eSIM. If a UK trip is the plan and you want to actually receive calls and texts on a UK number, SimLocal does something Holafly structurally can't. If the trip spans multiple countries and you'd rather not track usage, Holafly's flat unlimited price is the simpler option.
Neither provider is a one-size-fits-all pick. SimLocal also sells student-specific plans for longer stays and runs a small footprint of airport kiosks (confirmed at Heathrow), which Holafly doesn't have an equivalent to. Holafly's standout is a built-in VPN on its China eSIM, which SimLocal's plans don't offer.
Feature Snapshot
| Feature | Holafly | SimLocal |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Unlimited data, flat price per day/region | Fixed-GB plans by country or region |
| Destinations | 200+ | 200+ |
| Local phone number | Not offered | Most UK plans include a free UK number |
| Refund policy | No blanket guarantee advertised | "No Quibble Refunds," no explanation required |
| Live support channel | Website live chat, 24/7 | WhatsApp, email, help centre, 24/7 (no site chat widget) |
| China eSIM | Built-in VPN | No equivalent offering |
SimLocal doesn't publish per-country GB pricing the way some competitors do, so this is a feature comparison rather than a side-by-side price table.
Discount Codes
- Holafly: ADAMANDLINDS, 5% off single esims / 10% off monthly plans. Full code list →
- SimLocal: ADAMANDLINDS, 10% off all plans. Full code list →
Both codes are ours, so we show them first on their own pages. SimLocal's ADAMANDLINDS beats its four other public codes, which only give 5%.
Is Holafly or SimLocal the Right Pick
Go with Holafly if…
- You're traveling to multiple countries and don't want to track data per stop
- You genuinely don't know how much data you'll use
- China is on the itinerary and you want the built-in VPN
Go with SimLocal if…
- You're headed to the UK and want a real UK number for calls and texts
- You want a no-questions refund if the eSIM doesn't work out
- You're studying abroad and want a plan built for a longer stay
Two Things Worth Knowing Before You Decide
SimLocal's phone number only comes with its UK plans. It isn't a universal feature across every SimLocal destination, so check the specific plan page if a real local number matters to you outside the UK. Holafly doesn't offer a bundled number on any plan, in the UK or elsewhere; it's a data-only eSIM across the board.
Holafly's "unlimited" and SimLocal's fixed-GB plans both apply fair-use limits eventually, just at different points. Holafly can slow speeds after very heavy same-day use on some plans; SimLocal's plans simply run out of the GB you bought, same as most fixed-data sellers. Neither is a trap, but "unlimited" doesn't mean "unmanaged" on Holafly's side.
Want a cheaper fixed-GB alternative to SimLocal with a different kind of bundled number instead? See our SimLocal vs ByteSIM comparison. For device setup and eSIM basics that apply to both providers, see our eSIM compatible devices guide.
Holafly vs SimLocal FAQ
Which is cheaper, Holafly or SimLocal
It depends on usage and destination. SimLocal's GB-capped plans can work out cheaper for light, single-country use, especially in the UK where the free bundled phone number adds value. Holafly's flat unlimited price is better value the heavier your data use gets, or across a multi-country trip.
Does SimLocal offer a phone number outside the UK
Most of SimLocal's UK plans include a real UK number for calls and texts. That's specific to the UK lineup; check the plan page for other destinations before assuming the same feature applies.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind
SimLocal advertises a "No Quibble Refunds" policy, no explanation required. Holafly doesn't advertise an equivalent blanket guarantee.
Which one is better for a trip to China
Holafly, if you don't want to set up a separate VPN: its China eSIM has one built in. SimLocal has no equivalent, so you'd need your own VPN solution regardless of plan.
Some codes and links on this page are affiliate codes and links, including our own (ADAMANDLINDS, where it applies). If you use one, we may earn a commission. We show our own code more prominently where we have one, not because it's automatically the best deal. See our about page for the full breakdown.