Sim Local
 | This article contains promotional content. (March 2025) |
| Founded | 2010 in Dublin, Ireland |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | London and Dublin |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Travel eSIM and physical SIM cards |
Number of employees | 135 (2023) |
| Website | www |
Sim Local is a provider of eSIM (embedded SIMs) and SIM cards that allow travellers to access local networks while eliminating roaming charges.
History
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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 Lycamobile marked the latter's first e-commerce retail partnership beyond its direct-to-consumer model.[10]
Survey on roaming charges
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]- ^ a b c "Making it Work: Sim Local goes global with new tech that allows travellers to avoid costly roaming charges". www.businesspost.ie.
- ^ Whelan, Killian (August 17, 2017). "'I thought I knew better than the next guy, but I still lost millions in property'". TheJournal.ie.
- ^ "Technology Fast 50 2020 winners | Deloitte Ireland". www.deloitte.com.
- ^ a b "Wayflyer takes top spot Deloitte Fast 50 awards | Deloitte Ireland". www.deloitte.com.
- ^ Burke, Elaine (July 26, 2021). "Cardinal takes bet on SIM tech for travellers with 'significant investment'". Silicon Republic.
- ^ "Sim Local to open first overseas standalone store at Brussels Airport". www.trbusiness.com. July 26, 2021.
- ^ "Technology: Cardinal to take up to 40pc stake in Sim Local". Irish Independent. August 1, 2021.
- ^ a b "Kiosks trial switches up Sim Local's strategy at Heathrow Airport". www.trbusiness.com. July 24, 2024.
- ^ "Sim Local starts eSIM kiosk trial for long haul Heathrow passengers". www.mobilenewscwp.co.uk.
- ^ "Lyca Mobile and Sim Local team up to broaden international data eSIM products". www.mobilenewscwp.co.uk.
- ^ Pujana, Esti (May 24, 2024). "Millions of Brits confused about roaming charges". The Mirror.
- ^ "Six EE distributors win EE PAYG Partnership Awards". Mobilenews. December 2, 2024. Retrieved March 16, 2025.
- ^ "Sim Local ranks #1 in list of top eSIM providers for digital nomads: Portugal Startups". Portugal Startups. February 18, 2025.
- ^ "Sim Local named #1 eSIM provider in Colombia as international tourism continues to grow". February 3, 2025.
- ^ "World Aviation Festival set to host LATAM Airlines, Azul Airlines with exclusive Sim Local eSIM partnership". October 8, 2024.