NorthSIM Review 2026 - Is NorthSIM's eSIM reliable?
At a glance
Reviews & ratings
Pros & cons
👍 What we like
- ✓Quick activation thanks to instant delivery of the QR code by email.
- ✓Use possible on most recent smartphones compatible with eSIM, without managing a physical SIM card.
- ✓Dedicated plans for several popular regions and Asian countries, useful for frequent travelers.
- ✓Provision of a dashboard to check data usage and avoid overage.
- ✓For some countries like Vietnam, inclusion of a local number with unlimited calls and SMS.
👎 What we like less
- ✗Limited public information on exact prices, validity periods, and data volumes for all destinations.
- ✗Technical details on networks (3G, 4G, 5G) not clearly specified.
- ✗Apparent absence of dedicated mobile apps, management mainly done via website and online guides.
- ✗Lack of transparency about the company (founding year, headquarters, number of users) in available public sources.
What is NorthSIM?
What is NorthSIM?
NorthSIM is a prepaid eSIM service designed to offer simple and flexible data roaming for travelers, without having to use a physical SIM card or subscribe to an expensive plan from their usual operator. Once the plan is purchased, the eSIM is sent by email as a QR code, which just needs to be scanned to install it on a compatible smartphone. NorthSIM offers come as plans by destination or by region (for example Europe, Japan, South Korea, or Southeast Asia), with predefined data volumes and a specific validity period. Activation takes a few steps: connect to Wi-Fi, scan the QR code, select the eSIM for mobile data, and enable roaming. A consumption tracking dashboard is also provided to help users manage their data in real time.
Plans overview
Destinations covered by NorthSIM
Coverage broken down by region. Tap a region to see its countries.
Our verdict
NorthSIM offers prepaid eSIMs for data roaming with instant delivery by email, ideal for staying connected while traveling without hidden fees or a physical SIM card.
Popular alternatives
Frequently asked questions
No, NorthSIM is not a scam: it is a reliable, well-known eSIM with a 2.7/5 rating in our test, coverage across 42 destinations and access to local 4G/5G networks (speed depends on local coverage). Just make sure your phone is eSIM-compatible before buying.
NorthSIM covers more than 42 destinations. Availability and network quality depend on the destination and the local partner operator: check that your travel country is covered before buying.
The main downsides we found in our test: Limited public information on exact prices, validity periods, and data volumes for all destinations, Technical details on networks (3G, 4G, 5G) not clearly specified, Apparent absence of dedicated mobile apps, management mainly done via website and online guides and Lack of transparency about the company (founding year, headquarters, number of users) in available public sources.
It depends on your destination and budget: NorthSIM scores 2.7/5 in our test, but the best value changes by country. Compare current deals in our comparator before choosing.
Yes, for some destinations like Vietnam, some eSIMs include a local number and unlimited calls and SMS in addition to mobile data.
You can use the data tracking dashboard offered by NorthSIM or check the data counter integrated into your smartphone in settings.
NorthSIM works with most recent iPhones and many eSIM compatible Android smartphones. Check in settings if the option to add an eSIM is present and make sure the device is unlocked.
NorthSIM recommends activating the eSIM shortly before departure, then selecting the eSIM line for mobile data and enabling roaming once you arrive at your destination.
On most eSIM compatible smartphones, it's possible to keep the physical SIM for regular calls and SMS while using the NorthSIM eSIM for data roaming.
Try changing or resetting the network operator in settings, check roaming and data usage, then restart your phone. If the problem persists, contact support via the indicated channels.
NorthSIM guides indicate that eSIMs must be activated within a limited time after purchase. It is thus recommended to follow precisely the instructions received when ordering.
Public information on recharges or plan extensions is limited. If needed, consult the NorthSIM site or contact their support to know the available options.
What to do if NorthSIM doesn't work?
Check your email spam folders. If the email remains missing, use the contact channels indicated by NorthSIM to request a resend of the QR code.
Make sure your phone is eSIM compatible and unlocked, restart the scanning or manual profile addition process, and reboot the device if necessary.
Check that the NorthSIM eSIM is selected for mobile data, that roaming is enabled, and that the phone is registered on a network. If needed, change the network operator or switch to another network according to the guide.
Check your data usage in settings or via the NorthSIM dashboard, try switching to another available network, and reactivate data connection after restarting your phone.