Sim Local
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Sim Local is a telecommunications company that provides travel eSIM and physical SIM cards that allow travelers to access local networks while eliminating roaming charges.
History
The company was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in London and Dublin. Since its establishment, the company has facilitated over 3.5 million connections.[1][2] Sim Local was included in the Deloitte Technology Fast 50, a ranking of Ireland’s fastest-growing technology firms. In 2020, it was listed at number 19,[3] and in 2024, it was listed at number 22.[4] That year, it served approximately 700,000 customers through a network of 300 contracted sales points across Europe and the United States.[5][1]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company experienced a downturn due to travel restrictions. By 2022, it reported a recovery, reaching 80% of pre-pandemic revenue.[1]
Sim Local provides eSIM services in over 150 countries through partnerships with local mobile network operators. It operates standalone retail locations in major international airports and maintains 300 contracted sales points worldwide.[6]
Investments
Sim Local operates under the Travelwin Group, which has received investment to support its expansion. In 2021, Cardinal Capital Group invested in Travelwin through its Cardinal Ireland Partners fund, contributing to Sim Local’s growth in the prepaid SIM card and eSIM markets.[7]
In 2019, the company expanded its retail partnerships, including integration with WHSmith’s sales systems.[8]
Technological Development
The company developed eSIM technology that allows travelers to connect to local mobile networks without a physical SIM card. It allows users to activate an eSIM by scanning a QR code, facilitating connectivity across multiple destinations.[9][8]
Sim Local's collaboration with Lyca Mobile marked the latter's first e-commerce retail partnership beyond its direct-to-consumer model.[10]
Survey on Roaming Charges
In May 2024, Sim Local conducted a survey of 2,000 UK mobile users regarding roaming charges. The study indicated that 63% of respondents were unclear about the costs associated with mobile usage abroad, and 59% reported incurring an average charge of £24 per trip. Additionally, 4% of travelers received bills exceeding £120 due to unexpected roaming fees. The survey identified confusion about variations in charges, differences between call, text, and data costs, and uncertainty regarding roaming charges in mobile plans [11]
Awards
In 2024, the company received the "Most Innovative Partner" award from the EE PAYG Partnership Awards.[12] That same year, Deloitte included Sim Local in its "50 Fastest Growing Technology Companies in Ireland" ranking.[4]
In 2025, Portugal Startups recognized Sim Local as a leading eSIM provider for digital nomads in Portugal.[13] Additionally, The Bogotá Post ranked Sim Local as a top eSIM provider in Colombia, citing its partnerships with local telecom providers.[14][15]
References
- ^ a b c https://www.businesspost.ie/post-plus/making-it-work-sim-local-goes-global-with-new-tech-that-allows-travellers-to-avoid-costly-roaming-c/
- ^ https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/killian-whelan-travelwin-sim-local-2-3551004-Aug2017/
- ^ https://www.deloitte.com/ie/en/about/press-room/fast-50-2020-winners.html
- ^ a b https://www.deloitte.com/ie/en/about/press-room/deloitte-technology-fast-50-awards-2024-wayflyer-top-spot.html
- ^ https://www.siliconrepublic.com/comms/cardinal-investment-sim-local-travelwin-travel-tech-esims
- ^ https://www.trbusiness.com/regional-news/international/sim-local-to-open-first-overseas-standalone-store-at-brussels-airport/210423
- ^ https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/technology-cardinal-to-take-up-to-40pc-stake-in-sim-local/40705724.html
- ^ a b https://www.trbusiness.com/regional-news/europe/kiosks-trial-switches-up-sim-locals-strategy-at-heathrow-airport/255722
- ^ https://www.mobilenewscwp.co.uk/News/article/sim-local-starts-esim-kiosk-trial-long-haul-heathrow-passengers
- ^ https://www.mobilenewscwp.co.uk/News/article/lyca-mobile-sim-local-team-broaden-international-data-esim-products
- ^ https://www.mirror.co.uk/travel/roaming-charges-phone-users-data-32883895
- ^ https://www.mobilenewscwp.co.uk/News/article/seven-ee-distributors-win-ee-payg-partnership-awards
- ^ https://portugalstartups.com/2025/02/sim-local-ranks-1-in-list-of-top-esim-providers-for-digital-nomads-portugal-startups/
- ^ https://thebogotapost.com/sim-local-named-1-esim-provider-in-colombia-as-international-tourism-continues-to-grow/53381/
- ^ https://thebogotapost.com/world-aviation-festival-set-to-host-latam-airlines-azul-airlines-with-exclusive-sim-local-esim-partnership/53037/