Ubigi: The international eSIM from a global telecom leader, launched in Paris in 2017
Ubigi is a native eSIM operator, meaning it sells its own data plans directly to travelers without using third-party intermediaries. The brand is backed by Transatel, a subsidiary of the NTT Group, one of the largest telecommunications providers in the world, based in Japan. This is not a fly-by-night startup. Ubigi is built on robust telecom infrastructure and agreements with more than 300 mobile operators worldwide.
Launched in 2017 from Paris, the service is now used by several million individual and business customers. On Trustpilot, Ubigi holds a rating of 4.1/5 from over 33,000 reviews (data as of November 2025). The app is available on iOS and Android.
⚠️ Important note: Ubigi is a data-only service. Traditional phone calls and SMS are not included. To place calls or send texts from abroad, you will need to use VoIP applications like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or iMessage, which require an active internet connection.
Global coverage and plan variety
Ubigi covers more than 200 destinations across five continents. The service offers several types of plans:
- Country-specific plans (single destination): Ideal for trips to one country.
- Regional plans: Europe, Asia, Americas, and more, for multi-destination trips.
- Global plans: A single eSIM valid in a wide range of destinations.
- Unlimited plans: Available for specific regions (see conditions below).
Data volumes range from 500 MB to 60 GB depending on the destination, with validity periods from 1 to 30 days for one-off plans. Ubigi also offers monthly and annual auto-renewing plans, designed for frequent travelers or digital nomads.
5G is included at no extra cost in countries where it is available.
| Destination | Data Volume | Validity | Indicative Price | Calls/SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3 GB | 15 days | ~7 $ | Data only |
| United States | 60 GB | 30 days | ~36 $ | Data only |
| Japan | 10 GB | Variable | ~24 $ | Data only |
| Mexico | 10 GB | Variable | ~24 $ | Data only |
⚠️ Prices vary by destination and change frequently. We recommend checking the official Ubigi website for current pricing before making a purchase.
Installation, compatibility, and dual SIM
Installing a Ubigi eSIM involves three steps: purchasing the plan on the website or app, receiving a QR code via email, and scanning that code in your phone settings. The eSIM profile installs in seconds.
Smartphone compatibility
Not all phones support eSIM. To check quickly, dial *#06# on your phone. If an EID number appears, your device is compatible. Supported models include the iPhone XS/XR and newer versions, Samsung Galaxy S20+ and newer, and Google Pixel 3 and newer. Compatibility can also vary depending on the country where the phone was purchased and whether it is "unlocked".
⚠️ We recommend verifying your device compatibility before buying. Ubigi provides a verification tool on its website using the *#06# code, along with step-by-step instructions for iOS and Android devices.
Dual SIM: Keep your primary number active
The Ubigi eSIM works alongside your regular SIM card. Your primary phone number remains active for receiving SMS (bank codes, two-factor authentication) and incoming calls, while the eSIM handles your data connection abroad. This is one of the main advantages of eSIM over a physical SIM card: there is no need to remove or swap anything.
- Smart Start: Delayed activation: Your plan's timer does not start until you arrive at your destination, not at the time of purchase. You can buy your plan up to 6 months in advance and install it from home.
- Recharge without Wi-Fi: If your data runs out during your trip, Ubigi allows you to buy more directly from the app, even without a Wi-Fi connection, a rare feature in this industry.
- Hotspot/tethering: Tethering is permitted. You can connect your laptop or other devices via your phone.
- Real-time data usage: The Ubigi app allows you to check remaining data and manage your plans at any time.
- One eSIM, everywhere: Once the eSIM is installed, you simply buy a new plan in the app for your next destination. No need to reinstall anything.
- Localized IP feature (beta): For residents of France and the United States, Ubigi offers an option to toggle your IP address between your destination country and your home country, which is useful for accessing your usual streaming services.
Conditions, transparency, and customer support
Ubigi offers unlimited plans for certain regions (Europe, Asia, etc.). Like the vast majority of unlimited offers on the market, these plans may be subject to a fair-use policy beyond a certain threshold. The specific conditions vary by destination. We recommend reading the terms and conditions for each plan before buying.
For fixed-volume plans, unused data expires at the end of the validity period. It cannot be carried over.
Regarding recurring plans: monthly subscriptions can be canceled after a minimum of 3 months. Annual plans, however, cannot be canceled mid-year, which is a point to verify before subscribing.
Customer support is available via online chat and email, with assistance offered in French. Several user reviews point to response times that vary by hour, as support does not appear to be available 24/7. In the event of an activation issue, expect a potential delay before receiving a response.
⚠️ Regarding China: users report variable access restrictions depending on the Chinese region, linked to local censorship. Ubigi cannot guarantee stable access to all services in this country. If you are traveling to China, check the specific conditions before purchasing.
Frequent pros in user reviews
- Simple and quick activation with QR code received instantly by email.
- Timer starts upon arrival, not at purchase, so no data is wasted.
- Reliable coverage in Japan, Europe, the United States, and many popular destinations.
- Tethering/hotspot use is permitted without restriction.
- Recharging is possible even without Wi-Fi, which is useful if you run out of data.
- Solid infrastructure backed by the NTT Group for long-term service.
Warning signs to watch for
- Data-only service: no traditional calls or SMS included.
- Customer support has limited hours, and responses can take several hours outside of business times.
- Coverage is uneven in rural and remote areas, as with any operator.
- Annual plans cannot be canceled, so check the commitment before subscribing.
- Some reports of intermittent disconnections, particularly in certain areas of Japan.
- Access conditions in China are potentially limited depending on the region.