Ubigi eSIM Review: 20+ Trips Later, Is It Worth It? (2025)
Curious if Ubigi’s eSIM plans are right for you? We’ll share our honest thoughts after using Ubigi on over 20 trips.
As frequent travellers, staying connected is essential for us. It helps us quickly find hip coffee shops in the area, spontaneously look up the history of a landmark, or simply translate a street sign.
Over the years, we’ve found that eSIM cards are the simplest and most convenient way to stay online when travelling abroad. But with so many eSIM providers out there (Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad, to name a few), it can be tricky to choose the right one.
In this post, we’re focusing on Ubigi. We’ll cover how it works, its pros and cons, and whether we’d recommend it for your next trip.
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Short on time?
Here’s our quick take on Ubigi:
What is it? A digital eSIM for mobile data in 200+ destinations. No need to swap your physical SIM.
Ease of Use: Set-up is quick with the Ubigi app. Just check eSIM compatibility, download the app, install the profile, and pick a data plan.
Coverage & Price: Plans start from $2.90/day with strong 5G coverage in many areas. You can use code AWAY10 for 10% off your first Ubigi eSIM!
What We Like: Easy to activate, affordable plans, supports hotspots, and topping up is simple.
What We Don’t Like: No phone calls or texts, slow customer support, and coverage can be patchy in remote spots.
Final Verdict: A great eSIM option for travellers, with excellent coverage and competitive prices. Just make sure to install the eSIM and purchase your data plan while you’re at home to ensure a smooth start to your trip.
What is Ubigi eSIM?
Ubigi eSIM is a virtual SIM card (eSIM) that provides mobile data to travellers, digital nomads, and anyone needing internet access on their mobile devices without a physical SIM card.
Here’s a quick breakdown for you:
- eSIM: Unlike standard SIM cards, eSIMs are built into your device, so you don’t have to swap anything when you travel.
- Mobile Data Connectivity: Ubigi focuses on data plans, keeping you online whether you’re using a phone, tablet, or even a laptop.
- Global Coverage: You can grab an international data plan that works in over 200 destinations (check the Ubigi website for details).
Did you know? The brand name Ubigi is pronounced “You-bee-gee”. The name comes from the Latin prefix ubig (meaning “everywhere”) + gi for “giga” (as in gigabytes).
Ubigi’s Coverage
Ubigi offers eSIM plans in over 200 destinations across the world. You can choose from:
- Single Country Plans – Best if you’re visiting just one destination. Ubigi covers popular destinations like Japan, Hong Kong, Greece, Iceland, Spain, the USA, and New Zealand.
- Regional Plans – A great option for travellers moving between multiple countries in areas like Europe or Asia.
- Worldwide Plans – One eSIM that works across a huge number of destinations without switching plans.
We absolutely love the option to purchase regional and global Ubigi eSIM plans. When we travelled to South Korea and Taiwan, we bought a regional plan (“Best Asia” plan). That way, we didn’t need to worry about switching plans when we crossed the border. It made things so much easier!
Pros & Cons of Ubigi
Having used Ubigi on over 20 trips across various countries, here’s a breakdown of its key benefits and drawbacks:
Key Benefits of Ubigi eSIM
Ubigi’s Areas for Improvement
Ubigi’s Network Operators
Ubigi is a brand of Transatel, a well-known French telecommunications company that’s been around since 2000. Transatel is part of the NTT Group, a major global player in the global telecom industry.
However, Ubigi isn’t a traditional network operator. Instead, they work with local mobile operators in various countries and are constantly expanding their coverage. One of the things we really appreciate about Ubigi is that 5G internet is included at no extra cost in areas where it’s available.
If you’re wondering about the network operator in a specific country, you can easily check Ubigi’s list of mobile network partners by country.
Ubigi eSIM Data Plans & Cost
Ubigi has a variety of data plans to suit different travel needs and budgets, which makes it a great option for all kinds of trips. Here’s what you can expect:
- Plan Types – Ubigi has options for one-off plans for short trips, monthly plans, and even annual plans for extended travel. You can easily top up or switch to a new data plan on your trip.
- Data Allowances – You’ll find plans with data limits ranging from 500MB to 60GB. They even offer unlimited data packages for several regions.
- Validity Periods – The plans are available with validity periods ranging from 1 day to 30 days.
- Destination Options – You can select a plan tailored to a specific country, region, or even a global plan for broader coverage.
- Prices – Prices start at $2.90, making Ubigi a cost-effective option compared to hefty roaming charges. Below, we provide two price examples.
Here are two price examples for popular trips on our blog:
Price Example #1: 7 Days in Japan
For a 10GB plan in Japan, here’s how Ubigi compares (provided in US dollars for ease of comparison):
- Ubigi: US$14 (30 days validity) → CHEAPEST OPTION
- Holafly: US$29.90 for unlimited plan (only unlimited plans available for Japan)
- Airalo: US$14.50 for 10GB plan (30 days validity)
- Nomad: US$22 for 10GB plan (30 days validity)
Price Example #2: 3 Days in Budapest
For a 3GB plan in Hungary, here’s how the prices compare:
- Ubigi: US$5 (15 days validity) → CHEAPEST OPTION
- Holafly: US$12.90 for unlimited plan (only unlimited plans available for Hungary)
- Airalo: US$8 for 3GB (30 days validity)
- Nomad: US$8 for 3GB (30 days validity)
These prices were accurate at the time of writing, but keep in mind that they might change, so it’s always best to check Ubigi’s website for the most up-to-date prices. And if you’re looking to save a little, don’t forget to use our code AWAY10 for 10% off your first purchase!
How Ubigi eSIM Works
Wondering how to buy, activate, and set up your Ubigi eSIM for the first time? Below is a quick guide so you can see how easy it is!
- Requirement 1 – eSIM Compatibility: Ensure your device supports eSIM. Most modern mobile phones, tablet models, and some laptops have this capability. Check out Ubigi’s list for specific models.
- Requirement 2 – No Carrier Lock: A locked phone is typically restricted to using SIM cards from the specific carrier you purchased it from. This restriction prevents using SIM cards from other carriers, including Ubigi’s eSIM profile. So, if your phone is carrier-locked, unfortunately, Ubigi’s eSIM won’t work for you.
- Download the Ubigi App: If your phone is both eSIM compatible and unlocked, download the Ubigi app from your device’s app store. It’s available for iPhone, Android phone, and Windows laptops.
- Create a Ubigi Account: Open the app and click on “Sign Up”. You’ll need to provide some basic information and verify your email.
- Install the eSIM Profile: Follow the on-screen instructions to get your free eSIM profile on your device. The app guides you through the simple installation process. There are two options to install the eSIM profile:
- Scan the QR Code: Once you created your Ubigi account, you’ll receive your eSIM data plan as a QR code. You can scan this QR code using your device’s camera.
- Manual Installation: Alternatively, you can enter the eSIM details manually if the QR code method isn’t available.
- Choose Your First Data Plan: Browse and select a prepaid data plan that suits your needs. Ubigi offers a variety of plans tailored for different usage patterns, including local, regional, and global options. And you can also easily top up your plan at any time in case you run out of data.
- Manage Your Ubigi eSIM data plan: Once you purchased your first data plan and arrived at your destination, you can enjoy immediate access to the internet on your device. Use the Ubigi app to monitor your data usage in real time, top up your plan, and manage your account.
You’ll also receive notifications to warn you when you’re approaching your data limit. The Ubigi app generally provides a user-friendly interface to keep track of your connectivity needs.
You can get 10% off your first Ubigi eSIM data plan purchase with our discount code AWAY10.
Alternatives to Ubigi eSIM
Ubigi is a great eSIM provider, but there are several other options to consider. Below is a comparison of Ubigi with three popular alternatives: Holafly, Airalo, and Nomad.
>> Scroll to the right to see the entire table
|
Feature |
Ubigi |
Holafly |
Airalo |
Nomad |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Coverage |
200+ destinations |
190+ destinations |
200+ destinations |
200+ destinations |
|
Data-only plan |
Yes (no calls/texts) |
Yes (no calls/texts) |
Yes (no calls/texts) |
Yes (no calls/texts) |
|
Types of data plans |
Single-country, regional, global |
Single-country, regional |
Single-country, regional, global |
Single-country, regional, global |
|
Unlimited data |
Optional |
Yes |
Optional |
Optional |
|
Data sharing |
Yes |
Depends on destination |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Customer Support |
Live chat, email |
Email, chatbot |
Live chat, email |
Email, chatbot |
|
Price |
Generally affordable |
Higher cost |
Generally affordable |
Slightly more than Ubigi & Airalo |
|
Trustpilot Score* |
4.2 |
4.6 |
2.6 |
4.4 |
* (data as of March 2025)
Our Honest Opinion on Ubigi eSIM
After over 20 trips with Ubigi, we’ve had plenty of time to get familiar with their eSIM. As frequent travellers, we’ve tested various eSIM providers over the years, and we can confidently say that Ubigi stands out for its ease, convenience, and reliability.
Yes, physical SIM cards might sometimes be a bit cheaper. But when it comes to convenience, eSIMs are hard to beat. We can buy a data plan through the Ubigi app from home and activate it in just a couple of minutes. You’ll have internet access as soon as you land.
Ubigi’s coverage is pretty impressive, too, with service available in over 200 countries and territories. We’ve used it on multiple trips, such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the US, Australia, and across Europe (especially when we’ve run out of our EU roaming allowance).
What’s great is that Ubigi’s regular plans (which aren’t unlimited) are budget-friendly and won’t break the bank. For heavy data users, Ubigi’s unlimited plans are worth considering, but they come with a hefty price tag.
For our typical data needs (about 500MB to 1GB per day), Ubigi is the clear winner, with Holafly coming in second. Based on our experiences, we wouldn’t use Nomad or Airalo again.
Now, the app isn’t going to win any design awards, but we think in this case functionality matters more. It’s straightforward and does exactly what it needs to.
One thing we feel could be improved is Ubigi’s customer support. They started off with technical support via email only, and it’s sometimes taken a while to get a response. They did add live chat recently, but we’ve found the icon for live chat isn’t that easy to spot.
FAQ: Ubigi eSIM Cards
Before wrapping up our Ubigi review, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about using Ubigi’s eSIM cards.
What is the Ubigi app?
The Ubigi app lets you buy and manage eSIM data plans for travel. You can activate an eSIM instantly, top up data, and track usage – no physical SIM card required. This makes it ideal for travellers who need reliable mobile data on the go.
Is Ubigi legit?
Yes, Ubigi is a legitimate and reputable eSIM provider. It’s operated by Transatel, a European telecom company owned by NTT Group, which is a global leader in telecommunications.
Is Ubigi safe to use?
Yes! Ubigi is safe. It uses encrypted networks, just like traditional mobile carriers. Unlike public Wi-Fi, Ubigi’s eSIM provides a secure connection for browsing, banking, and messaging.
Is Ubigi data only?
Yes, Ubigi eSIM is data-only. It does not include a phone number, so you can’t make traditional calls or send SMS. Instead, you can use internet-based apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime to communicate online.
Does Ubigi work in multiple countries?
Yes! Ubigi eSIM works in more than 200 countries/territories across 5 continents. Supported travel destinations include Japan, USA, UK, Italy, Australia, France, Spain, South Korea, and Canada.
Is my mobile phone compatible with Ubigi?
Ubigi eSIM works with most modern iPhones, Android devices, and some Windows laptops. Compatible models include Apple iPhone 16, Google Pixel 9, and Samsung Galaxy S25. To confirm your device, check Ubigi’s official compatibility list before purchasing.
Does my phone need to be unlocked for Ubigi?
Yes, your phone must be unlocked to use Ubigi eSIM. If your phone is carrier-locked, you won’t be able to install Ubigi (or any other eSIM from a different provider).
Is there a free trial for Ubigi?
Ubigi provides a free digital eSIM, but it doesn’t offer a free trial for a data plan. However, you can test it with a small, short-term data plan, like a 1-day plan with 500MB for $2.90 in the US.
Should I buy a Ubigi eSIM or a pocket Wi-Fi device?
Ubigi eSIM is better than a pocket Wi-Fi if your phone supports eSIM. It’s cheaper, easier to set up, and requires no extra device. However, a pocket Wi-Fi may be better if you travel with a larger group, as it connects multiple devices but is bulkier and needs charging.
Does Ubigi give you a phone number?
No, Ubigi does not provide a phone number. The eSIM is for data only and does not support calls or text messages.
Can you use Ubigi eSIM as a hotspot?
Yes, Ubigi supports mobile hotspot sharing, which allows you to share your mobile data connection with devices like laptops or tablets.
We’ve used Ubigi eSIM as a hotspot on some of our travels (to share it with a tablet or another person), and it worked great every time.
Final Thoughts
After testing various eSIM providers over the years, we’ve found that Ubigi stands out as our top choice.
The coverage is impressive, with access to over 200 destinations worldwide. Plus, their competitive prices and data-sharing allowance make it an excellent option for travellers. Sure, the app might not win any design awards, but when it comes to reliability and functionality, it certainly delivers.
