SimLocal
Instabridge
SimLocal vs Instabridge: Which eSIM Should You Buy?
Updated September 16, 2026
The Short Answer
SimLocal is the safer buy if something goes wrong: a genuine no-quibble refund policy, WhatsApp support, and (for UK trips specifically) a real UK phone number bundled into the plan. Instabridge counters with a bigger discount code, a free WiFi hotspot database bundled into the same app, and cheaper small data packs in several countries. Neither refund policy nor a phone number shows up on a price chart, so don't decide on price alone without reading the two differences below first.
Starting Price Snapshot (before any code)
| Destination | SimLocal | Instabridge |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 3GB from $7.50 ($2.50/GB) | 3GB for $4.50 ($1.50/GB) |
| France / Germany | 1GB from $4.00 | 1GB for $2.00 |
| Thailand | 3GB from $5.75 ($1.92/GB) | 1GB for $1.00 |
| United Kingdom | 20GB from $13.50 ($0.675/GB) | no UK-specific plan; Europe regional 1GB at $2.80 |
SimLocal and Instabridge sell different pack sizes, so these aren't always apples-to-apples: Instabridge's smaller 1GB packs undercut SimLocal on price for a quick top-up in the US, France, or Thailand, but SimLocal's 20GB UK bundle works out far cheaper per gigabyte than buying the same amount from Instabridge one small regional pack at a time.
Discount Codes
- SimLocal: ADAMANDLINDS, 10% off all plans. Our own code. Full code list →
- Instabridge: SP20, 20% off (or TRAVELESIMEXPERT, same 20%). Public code, tested and confirmed working. Full code list →
Instabridge's code only works on its web store at checkout (store.instabridge.com/mobile-data), not typed into the phone app. SimLocal's code works the same way across the site and app.
A Refund Safety Net vs a Free WiFi Fallback
SimLocal runs a "No Quibble Refunds" policy: get your money back if you change your mind, no explanation required. That's a real safety net most eSIM sellers on this site don't offer, where a refund usually depends on the eSIM never having been activated. Instabridge doesn't publish a clear eSIM refund policy anywhere we could find, so don't count on getting money back if a plan turns out to be the wrong one.
Instabridge's own counterweight is different: it started as a WiFi-hotspot sharing app, and its free database of over 20 million community-submitted hotspot passwords is bundled into the same app the eSIM sells through. If you're headed somewhere with decent hotspot coverage, that's a genuine backup SimLocal has no equivalent for. If you're headed somewhere rural or off the beaten path, that database is unlikely to help much and the comparison comes down to the numbers above instead.
Only SimLocal Bundles a Real Phone Number, and Only for the UK
Most SimLocal UK plans include a full UK phone number for calls and texts, not just data, confirmed by buying one directly. Instabridge's eSIM plans are data-only everywhere, no calls or texts on any destination. If a UK trip is the actual plan and you want a number you can give out or receive a call on, that's a SimLocal-only feature between these two. Outside the UK, neither includes voice calling.
For device setup and eSIM basics that apply to both providers, see our eSIM compatible devices guide.
Is SimLocal or Instabridge the Right Pick
Go with SimLocal if…
- You want a no-quibble refund if the plan doesn't work out
- You're headed to the UK and want a real UK phone number bundled with the data
- You'd rather message support on WhatsApp, or get help in person at one of its airport counters
Go with Instabridge if…
- You just need a small data top-up in the US, France, or Thailand, where its base price plus 20% code beats SimLocal's
- You're going somewhere with strong free-WiFi hotspot coverage and want the eSIM as a backup, not your main connection
- You don't need a refund guarantee or a phone number, just data
SimLocal vs Instabridge FAQ
Which is cheaper, SimLocal or Instabridge
For small packs in the US, France, or Thailand, Instabridge's lower base price plus its 20% code usually beats SimLocal's 10% code. For a UK trip, SimLocal's 20GB bundle works out far cheaper per gigabyte than buying the same data from Instabridge in small regional packs.
Can I get a refund from either one
SimLocal advertises a "No Quibble Refunds" policy: money back if you change your mind, no explanation required. Instabridge does not publish a clear refund policy for its eSIM plans, so don't count on one.
Does either include a real phone number
Most SimLocal UK plans include a full UK phone number for calls and texts. Instabridge's eSIM plans are data-only everywhere, with no calls or texts on any destination.
Why would I use Instabridge over a plain eSIM app
Instabridge bundles a free database of over 20 million community-submitted WiFi hotspot passwords into the same app, so the eSIM works as a backup for when free WiFi isn't available rather than your only option. SimLocal has no equivalent feature.
Do the discount codes work the same way on both
No. SimLocal's code works the same across its site and app. Instabridge's 20% code only works at checkout on its web store (store.instabridge.com/mobile-data), not typed directly into the phone app.
Can I buy either one in person
SimLocal runs a small footprint of physical counters at a handful of airports, including Heathrow. Instabridge is app-and-browser only, with no physical retail presence.
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.