Ubigi review 2024
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Learn moreNo one enjoys the hassle of switching SIM cards or dealing with excessive data roaming charges. That’s why many travelers turn to eSIM services like Ubigi. Ubigi eSIM allows you to access high-speed internet from over 200 destinations without the need of a physical SIM card.
Launched in 2018, Ubigi eSIM service is highly rated for its ease of use and excellent speeds. But is Ubigi still a good option with many eSIM providers available today? We put the service to the test for this Ubigi eSIM review, assessing its network coverage, plans, pricing, and user-friendliness.
⭐ Rating: | |
🥇 Overall rank: | #10 out of #11 |
💵 Price: | From $4.00/week (prices vary depending on your destination) |
🌏 Countries and regions: | 200+ |
🛜 Offered cellular networks: | 5G, 4G, 3G, and LTE |
📱 Does it allow phone calls: | ❌ No |
🔗 Does it support mobile hotspot: | ✅ Yes |
Ubigi Pros and Cons
What type of plans does Ubigi offer?
Ubigi offers an array of plans to suit the needs of different travelers. You can opt for a local, regional, or global Ubigi eSIM data plan. Each plan has a different duration and price. There is also an option to opt for "One eSIM" feature – meaning you keep the same eSIM for your account and can top-up for a different destination when you feel suitable. Here’s a breakdown of some Ubigi plans.
Local Ubigi eSIMs
A local Ubigi eSIM plan is ideal if you’re visiting just one country. This eSIM provider offers local plans in over 200 locations. If you’re visiting the United States, for example, these are the local Ubigi eSIM plans available to you:
Local US plan | Price |
500 MB for 1 day | $2.90/month |
1 GB for 7 days | $4.00/month |
10 GB for 7 days | $12 |
3 GB for 30 days | $8.00/month |
10 GB for 30 days | $17 |
50 GB for 30 days | $58 |
5 GB per month (unlimited validity) | $7/month |
20 GB per month (unlimited validity) | $18/month |
24 GB for 12 months (2 GB/month) | $39 |
60 GB for 12 months (5 GB/month) | $70.00/month |
Regional Ubigi eSIMs
Ubigi’s regional plans cover multiple locations in the same region. You can get a regional plan for Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, or the Caribbean. This is perfect if you’re visiting different destinations in the same region. Here’s an overview of Ubigi’s regional plans for Europe.
Regional Europe plan | Price |
500MB for 1 day | $2 |
10 GB for 7 days | $15 |
3 GB for 30 days | $9 |
10 GB for 30 days | $19 |
50 GB for 30 days | $69 |
5 GB per month (unlimited validity) | $12/month |
20 GB per month (unlimited validity) | $27/month |
24 GB for 12 months (2 GB/month) | $44 |
60 GB for 12 months (5 GB/month) | $99 |
Global Ubigi eSIMs
Ubigi’s global eSIM plans allow you to access the web from 200+ countries and regions across the globe. You can choose from the following plans:
Global plan | Price |
500 MB for 1 day | $9 |
500 MB for 30 days | $15 |
1 GB for 30 days | $27 |
5 GB per month (unlimited duration) | $48/month |
20 GB per month (unlimited duration) | $158/month |
How much does Ubigi cost?
Ubigi’s prices start from about $2 per day. The cost of Ubigi eSIM plans varies depending on the country, region, data allowance, and duration of your plan. Here’s a quick look at the prices of some Ubigi plans for popular travel destinations.
Local eSIM plan | |
USA (1 GB for 7 days) | $4 |
Japan (1 GB for 30 days) | $4 |
UK (10 GB for 7 days) | $8 |
Italy (3 GB for 30 days) | $7 |
Mexico (1 GB for 30 days) | $15 |
France (10 GB for 7 days) | $7.5 |
Spain (3 GB for 30 days) | $7 |
Does Ubigi allow phone calls?
Ubigi is a data-only service; it doesn’t support phone calls or text messages on its eSIMs. This is one of the most significant cons we found while conducting tests for this Ubigi review. However, you can still make calls and receive messages using apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype, Zoom, and Facebook Messenger.
Customer support
Ubigi has limited customer support options. These are the ways you can reach Ubigi’s support team if you encounter any issues with your eSIM:
Live chat | ✅ Yes |
Email support | ✅ Yes |
Knowledge base | ✅ Yes |
FAQs | ✅ Yes |
Phone number | ❌ No |
Ubigi has a vast knowledge base with answers to questions and solutions to most issues users are likely to encounter. If you don’t find what you’re looking for there, the only way to get in touch with Ubigi is via email.
Clicking “Contact support” on Ubigi’s website will take you to a form where you’re asked to outline your questions or the issue you’re experiencing. Company usually replies with 24 hours.
What devices support Ubigi eSIM?
Most new devices support eSIM. If your device was released in the past 5 years, there’s a good chance it is compatible with Ubigi. However, you can check if your device supports eSIMs by referring to its specifications or contacting your network provider.
The table below shows some devices that are compatible with Ubigi eSIM service.
iPhone | SE 2, SE 3, XR, XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 |
Google Pixel | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
Samsung Galaxy | Tab S9, Z Flip, Z Fold, S20, S21, S23, Note 20, Fold, A54, S24 |
Huawei | Mate 40, P40 |
Xiaomi | 13, 12T, 14 |
How to use and activate Ubigi eSIM
Ubigi eSIM is incredibly easy to set up; it only takes a few steps. While the Ubigi app is straightforward to use, it’s clunky and slow compared to the apps of other eSIM providers like Saily.
Before you proceed with the steps below, we recommend checking that your device is eSIM-compatible and isn’t restricted by your network provider.
Here’s how to start using Ubigi:
- Head over to the Ubigi website, choose the data plan you prefer, and purchase the eSIM profile.
- You’ll receive an email with a QR code.
- Scan the QR code and follow the on-screen instructions to activate your Ubigi eSIM.
- Download the Ubigi app and create an account.
Another way to set up Ubigi is via the app. You can create a free eSIM profile before purchasing a data plan.
- Download the Ubigi app from Apple’s App Store or Google Play Store.
- Create an account and verify your email.
- Now, you can link a free Ubigi eSIM to your account by selecting your device and installing the eSIM profile.
- You’ll be directed to go to your device settings and choose Ubigi eSIM under Mobile data > Preferred SIMs.
- Once you’re ready to use Ubigi, go to the “Top-up” menu on the Ubigi app, purchase your preferred data plan, and start browsing.
How to buy Ubigi eSIM card
You can buy a Ubigi eSIM card via the company’s website or app. Ubigi accepts payments via Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, or credit/debit cards (like VISA, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, JCB, Maestro, and Union Pay).
How to activate Ubigi eSIM card
Ubigi doesn’t activate automatically. Like Saily and other eSIMs, you must go into your device’s settings to activate your Ubigi eSIM card — after setting up your eSIM profile.
Here’s how to activate a Ubigi eSIM on an iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Mobile Data and choose Ubigi.
- Toggle “Turn on This Line” and activate data roaming.
- Select “Mobile Data Network” and add “mbb” under Cellular Data.
Here’s how to activate Ubigi eSIM on an Android device:
- Go to Settings and select SIMs or SIM Manager.
- Choose Ubigi under Mobile Data (it may be named “secondary” if you haven’t set a name for it yet).
- Turn on data roaming.
Final thoughts
Ubigi’s vast network coverage is one of the things that sets it apart. However, it doesn’t support phone calls and text, which can be a major letdown for some users. Plus, its mobile app is a bit clunky. Overall, Ubigi is a great eSIM service, but it’s a few steps behind others like Saily and Airalo. You might also like to check out our Ubigi vs. Airalo comparison to make the final decision.
More eSIM guides from Cybernews:
Saily review: discover the top eSIM provider of 2024
Airalo review: learn more about Airalo and what it offers
Best eSIM providers: meet the best eSIMs in 2024
Best eSIM providers in Europe: find out which eSIM provider to choose when traveling in Europe
FAQ
Is Ubigi trusted?
Yes, Ubigi has been around for over five years and is widely used by travelers across the globe. You’ll find many Ubigi reviews from users on traveler forums and sites like Reddit.
What is the difference between Ubigi and Airalo?
Ubigi and Airalo are similar in many ways. The most significant difference between them is that Airalo supports calls and texts (with Discover+ Global plans) while Ubigi doesn’t. Also, while Airalo only offers one-off plans, Ubigi has recurring monthly plans.
Is there a downside to using eSIM?
eSIMs provide the same functionality as physical SIM cards. The biggest downside of using eSIMs is that you can’t easily switch between devices.
Can I make calls with Ubigi eSIM?
No, Ubigi doesn’t support calls and text messages. You can only use it to access the internet.
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