Ubigi eSIM: real reviews, advantages, problems, and better alternatives

If you're planning a trip abroad and have been looking for ways to have Mobile internet without paying exorbitant roaming chargesYou've almost certainly come across Ubigi. Among Ubigi reviews and comparisons And based on the experiences of other travelers, the name of this eSIM provider appears again and again, and not always with the same opinions.

In the following lines you will find a A complete and very detailed guide about Ubigi eSIM and its real reviewsHow it works, what types of plans it offers, which countries it covers, how fast it is, how responsive the support is, what users say on Trustpilot and other portals, and what alternatives like Holafly, Airalo, Nomad or SimOptions might be a better fit for your travel style.

What is Ubigi and how does its eSIM work?

Ubigi is an international mobile connectivity provider based in eSIM (virtual SIM card integrated into the device)Launched by the French telecommunications company Transatel, the brand has become known for allowing users to purchase data plans in over 200 destinations online, without needing to visit a physical store or change SIM cards.

Ubigi's eSIM is designed primarily for international travelers, digital nomads, and remote workers who need data connectivity abroad without relying on public Wi-Fi or their traditional carrier's roaming charges. Furthermore, Ubigi has also gained prominence by offering integrated connectivity in cars from brands such as Jaguar, Land Rover, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, BMW, and Toyota, becoming a benchmark in the connected car sector.

It works simply: you install an eSIM (usually from the app or with a QR code), choose a data plan for a country, region, or even globally, and You use that eSIM only for mobile data. While keeping your physical SIM for calls and SMS. This way you can keep your usual number, but browse with the Ubigi plan.

One differentiating factor compared to other providers is that Ubigi allows the use of the eSIM in smartphones, tablets, some Windows laptops, and even car connectivity systems, greatly expanding the possibilities of use beyond the typical mobile phone.

How to buy and install a Ubigi eSIM step by step

Ubigi has a slightly different purchasing process than other providers, but generally speaking, installation is quick. The brand offers two main options: from their website or from the official app Available on the App Store and Google Play (also integrated on iPad and Mac with M1 chip or later).

If you want to buy from the website, the usual process is as follows:

• Access the Ubigi cellular data page (cellulardata.ubigi.com).
• Choose destination, currency, and plan type (single, monthly or annual prepayment) in the menu, usually located at the bottom right.
• Review the list of available plans for that country or region, ordered from lowest to highest price, and select the one that best suits your trip.
• Read the eSIM details carefully: network coverage, partner operators, network type (3G/4G/5G), data limit and durationYou can also specify whether you want to top up an existing Ubigi eSIM or purchase a new one.
• Enter your payment details (usual debit/credit card, Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal or similar, depending on the page you are consulting).
• After paying, you will receive a QR code via email To install the eSIM on your compatible device, you'll need to create a Ubigi account before using it to link your eSIM profile and manage your data.

In the case of the app, the process is slightly different but very intuitive. Typically, you first... Install the eSIM for free and then buy the data plan:

• Download the Ubigi app from the corresponding store (Apple Store, Google Play).
• Create an account in a few steps, by filling in a few basic fields.
• Install the eSIM on your device for free; the app guides you with step-by-step instructions, also checking if your mobile phone or tablet is compatible.
• Choose and purchase the data plan (country, regional or global) directly from the app or from the web, using the payment methods accepted by Ubigi.
• Activate the eSIM in the phone settings, in the section of mobile data, specifying whether you want to use it as a main line, a secondary line, or just for data.

It is important to note that, as several reviews explain, The plan duration begins counting from the moment of purchase of the data package, not from the moment you set foot in the country. That's why many users recommend buying the plan as close as possible to the departure date, in a place with good Wi-Fi, so as not to lose days of service.

Once installed, the Ubigi eSIM can be left in the phone for recharge it when you need to via the app or website. There's no need to scan a QR code again or perform another eSIM installation, simplifying top-ups for long or frequent trips.

Types of Ubigi plans: one-time, monthly, annual, regional, and global

One of Ubigi's great attractions is the number of data plan types availableThe company offers packages designed for both short trips and long stays, with different payment structures and validity periods.

Broadly speaking, the offering is grouped into three basic categories of data plans:

• Single plans or prepaidThese plans are designed for a fixed period (from 1 to 30 days, and even longer in some cases). They are paid for once and used until the allotted days or data are used up. Some offer limited data, while others, in certain destinations, offer unlimited data.
• monthly plansThese plans are only available to customers who already have an active Ubigi eSIM and who subscribe through the app. They are renewed monthly, with a fixed or unlimited data allowance depending on the plan.
• Annual plansThese plans are designed for long-term use; they are paid for in advance and renewed monthly in terms of data allowance. For example, 24 GB per year divided into 2 GB per month.

In addition to the distinction for duration, Ubigi sells plans by individual destination, regional plans, and global plansRegional passes are especially useful if you're going to travel through several countries in the same area:

• Asia: more than 20 countries (for example, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Philippines, South Korea, etc.).
• Caribbean: around 29 destinations.
• Europe: around 35 countries.
• Middle East: about 14 destinations.
• America: about 24 countries, including the United States and Canada.
• Africa: more than 40 destinations.
• Oceania: about 10 destinations, mainly Australia and New Zealand.
• Global plan: more than 190-200 countries (depending on the specific plan).

An important detail is that Some countries are only available within regional packagesnot as a country-specific eSIM. This means you need to read the fine print carefully to avoid surprises, especially if you're going to a less typical destination.

Another key point is that Ubigi's plans are data onlyThey do not include traditional voice calls or SMS. To make phone calls, you'll need to use WhatsApp, Skype, Telegram, or any VoIP app, which isn't a problem for most travelers these days, but it's worth keeping in mind.

Ubigi eSIM prices and value for money

Ubigi's prices vary considerably depending on the country, package size, and plan duration. Reviews and comparisons show that, for small plans with little dataThe brand can be quite economical, while for higher volumes it is not always the cheapest option on the market.

Some analyses mention examples of local rates such as:

• United States: 500 MB for 1 day for about $2,90.
• United States: Unlimited data for 7 days for about $25.
• France: 3 GB for 30 days from about $4 USD.
• Japan: 1 GB for 3 days starting at $3,5.
• Canada: Unlimited data for 7 days for around $29 USD.

At the regional level, entry prices are cited as follows:

• Europe: 500 MB for 2 days for about $2 USD.
• Asia: 500 MB for 1 day for about 2 USD.
• Americas: 1 GB for 30 days from about $16 USD.
• Africa: 1 GB for 30 days for around $7 USD.
• Oceania (mainly Australia and New Zealand): 1 GB for 7 days from USD 7.

For global plansConfigurations like the following have been observed:

• 500 MB for 30 days: around 9 USD.
• 1 GB for 30 days: about $16 USD.
• 10 GB for 30 days: about $59 USD.
• 50 GB for 180 days: around $188 USD.
• 60 GB per year: around $210 USD.
• Unlimited global data: monthly plans around $190 USD.

In euros, some Spanish comparison sites indicate that 30-day plans can range from around €9 (1 GB) to around €39 (25 GB)Depending on the destination. In general, Ubigi is considered to have reasonable prices compared to traditional roaming and is quite competitive in certain destinations, although some specialized websites point out that it is "one of the more expensive brands" when compared to providers that include unlimited data for similar or lower prices.

Several reviews agree that if you're going to use little data, Ubigi can be a good value, but if you prefer not to worry about data usage and are looking for cheap unlimited dataThere are alternatives like Holafly or some options on marketplaces like Nomad or SimOptions that may be more attractive.

Ubigi's coverage, network quality, and speed

On his official website, Ubigi boasts of having Data coverage in more than 200 destinationsDistributed across Africa, Latin America, North America, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, Oceania, and the Middle East. It operates on 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, depending on the country and agreements with local operators.

Technical tests carried out by some technological media describe a Very solid speed experience in countries with good 5G infrastructure like France, Japan, Finland, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, or the United States, with peak download speeds approaching 400 Mbps under optimal conditions. On 4G networks, typical speeds are around 80-90 Mbps, more than enough for streaming, video calls, social media, and remote work.

In regions with less reliable local mobile networks, such as parts of Asia or Latin America, results are more variable. Slightly lower speeds have been reported in countries like Indonesia or specific areas of Colombia, although performance remains acceptable for normal mobile use.

However, it is not all good news: Trustpilot and other user reviews show cases of bad experiences with the coverageFor example, some travelers report that, in the Caribbean, a plan supposedly covering the Bahamas didn't work there. Another compelling account describes serious problems in Japan: the phone showed full 5G signal, but the data connection was practically unusable, with Google Maps taking minutes to load and failures when topping up the Suica SIM card. In that case, the user ended up buying another eSIM from a different provider (mentioning Saily or Airalo) that worked without issue, and their friends with Ubigi had the same bad experience.

The reality, therefore, is that Ubigi's coverage and speed depend heavily on the local operator's infrastructure. and network congestion, as is the case with almost all international eSIMs. For many users, the experience is excellent, while in specific destinations there are complaints of instability or a complete lack of connection despite being listed among the supported countries.

Ubigi app, data management and connection sharing capability

One of the aspects most highly valued by travel blogs and comparison sites about Ubigi is its aplicación móvilThe app is used to install the eSIM, buy plans, monitor usage, and top up when you run out of data, all from the same interface and without having to go to the website each time.

In practice, this translates into being able to see at a glance how many gigabytes you have left, the plan's validity period, and Avoid the surprise of running out of internet mid-tripMany users appreciate that the purchase and installation process can be done from their mobile phone in just a few minutes, especially if they have already set up their payment information.

The app also offers the advantage of telling you if your device is compatible with eSIM as soon as you install it, and on some iOS devices it allows you to use the free eSIM that the system incorporates to activate Ubigi without needing to scan QR codes.

Another practical function is that Ubigi allows you to use your mobile phone as a tethering/hotspot access point In most cases, you can share your eSIM data with other devices (laptop, tablet, your partner's phone, etc.). However, if your plan isn't unlimited, your data will be used up faster, something several blogs point out as something to keep an eye on.

Some comparisons positively value the fact that Ubigi does not strictly limit the use of hotspots in comprehensive plans or even in certain unlimited plans, unlike other providers that restrict tethering or cap it to a daily amount of shared data.

Customer service, available languages, and response times

The support section is one of the areas that generates the most mixed opinions. On the one hand, some websites highlight that Ubiquiti offers Support in several languages, including Spanishand that the website has videos, tutorials and a fairly comprehensive FAQ section.

However, their customer service system isn't the most responsive. Many websites explain that Ubiquiti... It does not have a 100% real-time chat service staffed by people.The chat feature on the website is a bot that helps categorize the problem and create a ticket, which is then forwarded to an agent. There is also a more detailed contact form where you can provide information such as your eSIM number, device model, or the type of issue.

According to some reviews on Trustpilot, response times can be slow: there were cases where it took several days (up to five) to receive a responseThis, obviously, becomes a headache when the problem arises during a short trip in another time zone.

Regarding the schedule, it is mentioned that the Support is available from 8:00 to 21:00 (CET)They are available every day of the week, but they don't offer 24/7 service with live agents. For travelers in Asia or the Americas, this may mean that support doesn't coincide with their business hours.

Some users who experienced serious connection problems (such as the case mentioned in Japan) criticize the fact that support is limited to sending very generic answers with problem-solving steps (airplane mode, restart, manually change operator, etc.), without acknowledging a possible network failure and, in many cases, refusing refunds arguing that the user "has consumed data", even though the service has not worked as expected.

Device compatibility and pre-purchase checks

Another point that raises doubts is the Compatibility of mobile phones and tablets with Ubigi's eSIM technologyOn its website, the company maintains an updated list of compatible devices that includes iPhones (from XS/XR onwards, up to the latest models such as iPhone 15 or 16), iPads (Air, Pro, mini and recent models), many mid-range and high-end Android devices, and several laptops with Windows and integrated eSIM.

The brand itself always recommends Check compatibility before purchasingEspecially if your phone is Android and isn't listed. In that case, they advise contacting Ubigi support to confirm whether your model will be able to use the eSIM without problems.

The app also helps you check: on some devices, downloading it tells you if your smartphone supports eSIM. Another quick way to check, mentioned by Ubigi, is to dial *#06# on your phone and see if a symbol appears. EID codeIf you see it, then in principle your device is ready to use eSIM.

It is crucial to take this seriously because Ubigi They don't usually grant refunds if the problem is that your phone doesn't support eSIM or is locked by the carrier.There are user reviews on Trustpilot complaining about not getting their money back after buying an eSIM for an incompatible or locked device, precisely because of this policy.

In general, if you have a relatively modern mobile phone (recent iPhone, high-end Android from brands like Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, etc.), it should be compatible, but it's best to check by following the official recommendations before paying for a plan.

Ubigi's refund, subscription, and cancellation policies

Ubigi's contracting framework includes a number of conditions regarding refunds and cancellations which you should know before getting a plan.

Among the cases in which the company agrees to refund the amount are:

• Technical problems attributable to Transatel / UbigiThat is, demonstrable network-level service failures.
• Situations in which You haven't scanned the QR code yet to configure the eSIM on a compatible device, within the timeframes set by the company's policy.

Conversely, there are a number of situations in which Ubigi makes it clear that it does not offer refunds:

• If you have already scanned the QR code and activated the eSIMeven if you don't use it later or there are problems on the part of the local operator.
• Si Your mobile phone is locked by the operator. (SIM lock) or simply does not support eSIM.
• When dealing with recharges of an existing Ubigi eSIMThese top-ups are non-refundable.

In terms of deadlines, refund requests must be made within a maximum of 14 business days after purchase or from the moment the technical problem attributable to Transatel was detected. Once approved, the refund usually takes up to 10 business days to be processed.

Regarding cancellations, if you decide Stop using Ubigi or switch providers Before your data plan expires, the company usually doesn't charge extra fees. You simply stop topping up or renewing the plan, although naturally they don't refund the unused portion of a paid package.

Real user reviews: Trustpilot, blogs and forums

Opinions about Ubigi eSIM are varied, but if you analyze all the reviews, a fairly clear pattern emerges: Mostly positive experiences with some recurring criticisms in very specific points.

On Trustpilot, Ubigi has accumulated over 2.000 reviews with an approximate score of 4,1 5 on In some compilations, it is noted that most travelers consider the service satisfactory, the installation simple, and the plans cost-effective compared to roaming charges in certain countries.

Among the favorable reviews, ideas such as the following are repeated:

• "Very easy to useEverything is done through the app. In just a few minutes, I had the eSIM installed and working.”
• “Although it is more expensive than a local SIM, I saved myself the time of going to a store upon arrival and it worked well throughout the entire trip.”
• “Ideal for weekend getaways, I bought the eSIM a few hours before traveling and I had no connection problems.”

However, there are also criticisms, mainly focused on three aspects:

• Unstable connection in some destinationsThis has led some users to buy another eSIM (for example, from Holafly or Airalo) mid-trip because Ubigi wasn't working well for them.
• Data speed lower than expected or frequent outages, especially in countries outside of Europe or in rural areas.
• Slow or unhelpful customer serviceespecially when there are serious service problems or refund requests.

In travel blogs that have tested Ubigi on routes through Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, the conclusions are somewhat more balanced: the variety of plans and ease of useIn addition to the option of topping up the same eSIM without reinstalling anything. But they also point out that, in certain destinations, The brand is somewhat more expensive than other eSIMs without offering unlimited data as standard, and that the duration of the plans does not always flexibly adapt to all trips.

In forums and reviews from frequent travelers, the reflection that many users They end up using less data than they purchase.Some people buy 20-25 GB plans "just in case," and then, using mainly maps, social media, and messaging, they don't even use half of it in two weeks. That's why many recommend starting with a mid-range plan and, if needed, topping up later through the app instead of paying upfront for a huge package you might not need.

Advantages and disadvantages of Ubigi compared to other providers

With all the information on the table, a fairly clear list can be drawn up of Ubigi's strengths and weaknesses according to user reviews and specialized comparison sites.

Among the most frequently mentioned advantages are:

• Extensive international coverage: more than 190-200 destinations including frequent countries and other less common ones.
• Variety of plans: packages by country, by region and global; single, monthly and annual options.
• Very useful app to install, buy, monitor consumption and recharge without complications.
• Ability to share data with other devices via hotspot, without particularly strict restrictions in many plans.
• Integration in connected cars, something that virtually no other eSIM brand offers with such a strong presence among manufacturers.
• Small, very economical plans if you only want a few gigabytes occasionally.

On the downside, the most notable points are:

• Plans without voice calls or SMS, just data.
• In some countries, lack of unlimited data plans or high prices for those that do offer that option.
• Plan duration is not very flexible in certain destinations (1 day, 30 days or 12 months) that doesn't always fit with every trip.
• Technical service that, although it works, can be slow and sluggish to resolve urgent incidents.
• Website without a full Spanish version In some sections, this requires using English or other languages.
• Strict refund policy, no returns if the eSIM was activated on an unsupported or locked mobile.

On websites like Roams, for example, it is granted a overall rating close to 6,8/10It received slightly higher marks for service quality and tariff variety, but lower marks for customer service and pricing. Other websites rank it higher, highlighting the flexibility of its offerings and the backing of a large company like Transatel.

Alternatives to Ubigi: Holafly, Nomad, SimOptions, Airalo and others

Those considering booking with Ubigi usually also compare it with other brands that are very prominent on search engines and travel forums. Among the most cited alternatives Holafly, Nomad, SimOptions, Airalo, Maya Mobile, or even Revolut and DENT in some cases appear.

Holafly stands out in many comparisons for offering eSIM cards with unlimited data In most of its destinations, Holafly offers very flexible durations (from 1 to 90 days, and even monthly and annual plans) and 24-hour technical support in Spanish and other languages. Many Spanish blogs emphasize that, for those who don't want to worry about data usage, Holafly is more convenient, although in some destinations its price is higher than Ubigi's.

Another advantage of Holafly is that it usually has a Very simple QR code installation And a relatively flexible refund policy: if you end up not traveling and haven't activated the eSIM, you can get a full refund. They also have a feature called Always On that, after you finish some Light or Unlimited plans, keeps 1 GB of data per month indefinitely so you're never completely without a connection.

SimOptions, for its part, functions as a eSIM marketplace from various local providersIt has a very wide range of offerings in over 200 countries, but as an aggregator, the experience and quality of service depend on each specific brand. Its plans aren't always the cheapest or most flexible, and support can be inconsistent, as it's not always handled directly by SimOptions.

Nomad combines the marketplace approach with a pretty well-designed appIt simplifies the purchase, installation, and monitoring of data usage. It offers plans in over 100 countries, often with durations of 7 or 30 days and data limits between 1 and 20 GB. It's an option geared more towards those looking to quickly compare various eSIMs from their mobile device and who don't mind that support is primarily in English.

Airalo is also mentioned a lot in forums for having very competitive prices and a huge catalog of local, regional, and global eSIMs. In many destinations, travelers who had problems with Ubigi have reported that Airalo worked better, although, as always, this depends on the assigned local carrier. The Airalo app is highly rated for its usability.

Comparing all these alternatives, many guides conclude that Ubigi is a solid and reliable option for many tripsEspecially if you value a variety of plans, compatibility with connected cars, and the ability to manage everything from a single app. But if what matters most to you is unlimited data without worrying about usage, 24/7 support in Spanish, or maximum flexibility in plan duration, they usually recommend taking a close look at options like Holafly or other eSIMs specifically focused on tourists.

Overall, the impression left by reviews of Ubigi's eSIM is that of a service Highly competent and versatile, with extensive coverage and plans for almost any scenarioThis works especially well for those who know how to calculate their data needs and don't depend on ultra-fast customer service, but it may fall short for those who want cheap unlimited data, immediate support in their language, or absolute flexibility in duration and conditions.