BNESIM Review: Global eSIM Tried and Tested in 4 Countries

A few months ago, a friend invited me to travel together. The moment we landed at the first airport, I watched her running around trying to find a SIM card kiosk just to get online.

That’s when I told her about BNESIM, short for “Best Network Ever”. Founded in 2017, it's a global eSIM provider that promises one eSIM (digital version of a SIM card) that works in over 200 countries.

I’ve been using on my travels as a digital nomad for a while now, and, in this review, I’ll share what I liked, what could be improved, and whether BNESIM is actually worth it.

BNESIM: Quick Verdict

How Does BNESIM Work?

Setting up BNESIM was surprisingly easy.

You just download the BNESIM app (available for iPhone and Android), sign up with your email, and start browsing data plans right inside the app.

Payment is straightforward. You just pay with your card, and within minutes, the eSIM is ready to activate via QR code.

Once installed, it automatically connects to BNESIM’s partner networks in each country, so you never have to swap SIMs or manually select carriers. It’s basically plug-and-play for your phone.

BNESIM also lets you buy and manage your plan from their website, but I personally found the app much easier to use. It’s faster, cleaner, and just works better when you’re on the move.

BNESIM Plans and Pricing

BNESIM claims coverage in 200+ countries and regions, partnering with over 340 local mobile operators worldwide. You can pick from regional plans (like Europe, Asia, or the Americas) or global plans that work in 200+ countries.

Prices start from just a few euros for small data packs, and you can buy anything from 1GB for a few days to unlimited monthly plans.

Their structure is a bit different from most competitors, though. It might look like a lot at first, but it actually gives you the flexibility to match your travel style. Here’s how it breaks down:

Subscription Plans (Monthly Auto-Renewal)

Ideal for frequent travelers or longer stays. These plans usually cost less per GB than short-term ones, and you can cancel anytime before the next renewal.

One-Time Prepaid Plans (Fixed Duration)

Perfect for short trips. You pay once for a set amount of data that lasts a specific period, usually 7, 15, or 30 days. When the data or days run out, the plan simply expires.

No-Expiry “Pay As You Go” Plans

This one’s unique to BNESIM. You can buy, say, 5 GB of data that never expires and use it whenever you want. If you only use 2 GB on one trip, the rest stays available for the next. I love this option, and I’ve often finished trips with leftover data, so having it roll over feels like a win. These lifetime plans cost a bit more per GB than the 30-day ones, but they offer unbeatable flexibility.

BNESIM Real World Performance

So, how does BNESIM actually perform when you’re out traveling? Honestly, it impressed me.

During my trips across Asia, Europe, and North America, the data connection was solid almost all the time. Of course, speeds depend on the local infrastructure and network you latch onto. Here’s a quick look at the average results I experienced across a few destinations:

Performance in developed urban areas is excellent and more than enough for video calls, remote work, or streaming. In rural zones in countries like Mexico or Portugal, speeds drop, but the connection remains stable enough to stay productive.

Overall, I found BNESIM very reliable. I never experienced random service drops, and the eSIM always registered on a local network wherever I went. Thanks to its multiple network agreements, if one carrier’s signal got weak, BNESIM automatically switched to another and always kept me online.

BNESIM Extra Features

Besides just data, BNESIM includes a bunch of extras that make life easier for anyone constantly on the move. Here are some highlights:

1. International Phone Numbers and Calls

You can get virtual phone numbers from different countries directly inside the BNESIM app. That means you can make and receive calls through the internet (VoIP) without worrying about roaming costs. It’s perfect if you need a local number for work, clients, or two-factor authentication while abroad.

2. Cloud Numbers

If you travel frequently between regions, this feature is gold. You can assign multiple numbers to your BNESIM account and switch between them depending on where you are.

3. Built-in VPN (BNE Guard)

BNESIM comes with an optional VPN for extra privacy when using public Wi-Fi. It’s not as advanced as a dedicated service like NordVPN or Surfshark, but it’s a handy bonus when you just need quick, secure browsing on the go.

4. 24/7 Customer Support

I was positively surprised to find BNESIM’s support team available 24/7 through chat and email. They usually respond quickly, and the help center covers most basic troubleshooting topics.

5. Smart Top-Up

This feature automatically adds data when your balance gets low, so you’re never left disconnected mid-trip. You can turn it on or off in the app, which is great if you like full control over your spending.

6. BNE Loyalty Program

BNESIM rewards you for every purchase with loyalty points you can redeem for discounts, extra data, or even international calls. It’s a nice little perk if you use the service often.

7. Crypto Payments

BNESIM also accepts cryptocurrency payments You can pay for plans using Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other major coins.

8. Travel Extras

Inside the app, you’ll also find travel-related offers like hotel deals, airport lounge access, and car rental discounts. It’s not the main reason to get BNESIM, but it adds value if you like keeping everything in one place.

Alternatives to BNESIM

I’ve had a great experience using BNESIM, but depending on your travel style or budget, you might prefer something else. Here’s how it stacks up against a few popular alternatives:

Holafly

Holafly is all about simplicity. You pay once, get unlimited data for a fixed number of days, and you’re online instantly. That convenience, however, comes at a price. Holafly’s plans are usually more expensive than buying an equivalent amount of data from other providers. Still, if you value ease over cost, it’s a solid pick.

Saily

Saily is a newer player, launched in 2024 by the NordVPN team, so privacy is one of its selling points. You buy prepaid plans by country, region, or global coverage with a set data limit and duration. It doesn’t offer extra perks like loyalty points, phone numbers, or rewards, but it’s reliable if you just want no-frills connectivity.

Airalo

Airalo is one of the biggest names in the eSIM space, known for affordable local plans and a massive country selection. The app is clean and beginner-friendly, but data allowances can be small. It’s great for light travelers or those who only need basic browsing, but heavy users might burn through data quickly.

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Written by Angelina Bertoni

After trying the conventional life, I packed everything into a backpack and started walking the world. I feel the energy of the spaces I explore — and that’s what I write about.

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