Updated September 30, 2026 · TariffCue Editorial Team
BambooSIM vs Simsima
Where BambooSIM and Simsima differ
| Compare |  BambooSIM |  Simsima |
|---|---|---|
| Host network | Local partner networks, e.g. KDDI (au) and SoftBank in Japan | Multiple local operators (Free Mobile, Orange France, Bouygues Telecom and others) |
| Price from | $4.95 | $1.50Lower |
| Reference plan prices | 90d plans · eSIM: 30.00 USD for 90 days (0.33 USD/day), 30GB, prepaid, no contract; Unlimited · eSIM (au KDDI, 10 Mbps): 8.95 USD for 3 days (2.98 USD/day), unlimited data, prepaid, no contract; One-time bundle · eSIM: 10.60 USD for 4 days (2.65 USD/day), 12GB, prepaid, no contract | Europe 20 GB: $23.98 per 30 days, 20 GB, 30-day prepaid | Europe Unlimited: $22.12 per 7 days, unlimited, 7-day prepaid | Europe 1 GB: $4.01 per 7 days, 1 GB, 7-day prepaid |
| Unlimited plan price | $8.95Lower | $22.12 |
| Roaming countries | 200Higher | 190 |
| Wi-Fi calling | No | Not confirmed |
| EU roaming | Not confirmed | Included |
| Data rollover | No | Not confirmed |
| Mid-contract price rises | Pricing may be adjusted with 30 days' notice for existing plans or immediately for new purchases | Not confirmed |
| Credit check required | Not confirmed | No |
Same on both: Seller type (Mvno), SIM-only (Yes), 5G (Yes), eSIM (Yes), Hotspot sharing (Yes).
We earn a commission when you sign up through links on this site. Partner status can affect where a brand appears in our rankings.
Key differences
- BambooSIM scores higher overall: 9.0 vs 8.8.
- Price from is lower at Simsima: $1.50 vs $4.95.
- Unlimited plan price is lower at BambooSIM: $8.95 vs $22.12.
- Roaming countries is higher at BambooSIM: 200 vs 190.
- Support channels: only BambooSIM offers Chat.
Our verdict on each
BambooSIM
BambooSIM suits travellers who want a prepaid eSIM on a local network and no contract. Entry pricing starts at $4.95, the Unlimited eSIM plan is priced at $8.95, and every plan runs on local partner networks, so you pay for the trip and nothing renews.
Simsima
Simsima suits travellers who want a prepaid eSIM covering Europe and a long list of other destinations, with entry prices from $1.50 and unlimited data sold as a weekly plan.
Score breakdown
| Area | BambooSIM | Simsima |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 9.0HigherEntry pricing starts at $4.95, unlimited data sits at $8.95, and every plan is prepaid with no contract. | 8.8Entry at $1.50 and the unlimited plan at $22.12 sit in the middle of the site's price field rather than at either extreme. |
| Offer | 9.1HigherPrepaid eSIM plans on Local partner networks, e.g. KDDI (au) and SoftBank in Japan, with 5G, eSIM and hotspot sharing available and no contract term. | 8.9Roaming reaches 190 countries destinations, Europe roaming is included, and eSIM plus hotspot sharing come as standard. |
Licences and countries
| Country | BambooSIM | Simsima |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | Australia | Spain |
Where they rank in our lists
| Ranking | BambooSIM | Simsima |
|---|---|---|
| Phone plans with eSIM | 5 of 389 | 13 of 389 |
How the counts compare
| Fact | BambooSIM | Simsima |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $4.95 | $1.50 |
| Unlimited plan price | $8.95 | $22.12 |
| Roaming countries | 200 | 190 |
If neither fits
ESIMZON has price from at $1, against $4.95 for BambooSIM and $1.50 for Simsima.
ESIMZON reviewEvery fact side by side
| Fact | BambooSIM | Simsima |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | Prepaid | Prepaid |
| Legal entity | BambooSIM Pty. Ltd. (ABN 29 682 015 489) | Dimitri MORVAN BRAHIM |
| Headquarters | Australia | Spain |
| Support channels | Help centre, Email, ChatCovers more | Email, Help centre |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | BambooSIM | Simsima | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price from | $4.95below the median | $1.50below the median | $5 |
| Unlimited plan price | $8.95lowest quarter | $22.12below the median | $25 |
| Roaming countries | 200highest quarter | 190highest quarter | 100 |
Median across 176 listed providers.
Pros and cons
BambooSIM
Pros
- Runs on Local partner networks, e.g. KDDI (au) and SoftBank in Japan, so your phone joins a local carrier instead of roaming on a home network
- eSIM is available across the plans, so there is no plastic SIM to collect and no store visit
- 5G is supported and hotspot sharing is available, so a phone can tether a laptop while travelling
Cons
- Data rollover is not available, so unused data is lost when a plan ends
- Wifi calling is not available, which matters where a local partner network has patchy indoor coverage
- Support runs on help centre, email and chat only, with no voice line listed
Simsima
Pros
- A credit check is not required, so an eSIM profile can be set up without one.
- Simsima sells as an MVNO, so it sits with the network-side sellers in this group while ESIMZON and KnowRoaming are both resellers.
- Billing is prepaid, so a trip-only top-up is possible and nothing has to run to a contract end.
Cons
- Support runs on email and help centre only, so a problem that needs a voice on the line waits on an email reply.
- On unlimited price it ranks 7 of 7 brands, which is the measure where it has least to show against its rivals.
- The terms name an individual, Dimitri MORVAN BRAHIM, as the legal entity, so the counterparty is a person rather than a corporate provider.
Who each suits
BambooSIM
Who it suits
- Travellers buying data before arrival rather than shoppers for a local contract
- People who want an eSIM on a local network instead of roaming on a home SIM
- Readers who prefer prepaid plans with no contract term
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone who would rather buy from a reseller than an MVNO, since ESIMZON and KnowRoaming are both listed as resellers
- Travellers who need wifi calling, since it is not available here and the alternatives on the shortlist carry a different seller type
- Anyone who expects a quoted rate to stay put, since prices can be adjusted on notice for current subscribers
Simsima
Who it suits
- Travellers crossing several European borders who want a prepaid eSIM they set up themselves.
- People who want European roaming included and a top-up rather than a contract.
- 5G users who also want hotspot sharing on the same profile.
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone who wants to phone for help: support runs on email and help centre only, and KnowRoaming, a reseller, is the alternative to weigh.
- Buyers hoping for a discounted annual rate: billing is prepaid, so ESIMZON, a reseller, is the other name here.
- Anyone who needs a single named host network: co:sim describes its network as local carrier networks, the simpler proposition to weigh.
Current offers
BambooSIM
Current offer
Discount code
Student Beans 15% off a new travel eSIM: 15% off a new travel eSIM purchase
Verified students enrolled in Australia or Singapore, code via Student Beans verification; applies to a new eSIM purchase, not top-ups or replacements; cannot be combined with NEW10 or another discount; one discount per order.
Source, checked September 30, 2026
Simsima
Current offer
Discount code
5% off first eSIM order with code WELCOME5: 5% off the first eSIM
Code WELCOME5 applied at checkout on the first eSIM order; does not combine with SimCoins cashback when a partner promo code is used
Source, checked September 30, 2026
Questions about each
BambooSIM
What does a BambooSIM plan cost at the start?+
Entry pricing starts at $4.95, and the Unlimited eSIM plan is priced at $8.95. Every plan is prepaid with no contract, so there is no introductory rate that quietly renews higher later. What you pay at purchase covers the plan you chose, with the reference plans offered at set data or speed limits.
Is there a contract or an early cancellation fee?+
There is no contract. Billing is prepaid, and the reference plans are all sold as prepaid eSIM plans with no contract term, so there is nothing to cancel and no notice period to serve. You are tied only to the plan you buy, though prices can be adjusted on notice for current subscribers.
Simsima
What does a Simsima plan cost to start?+
Entry pricing begins at $1.50, and every plan is bought as a prepaid top-up rather than a contract. That means the starting figure is the figure you pay, and the same amount applies when you refill, so there is no introductory rate that later renews higher. The unlimited plan is priced separately at $22.12.
Does signing up need a credit check?+
A credit check is not required, and the plans are sim only, so nothing is financed and no handset sits on the plan. The eSIM profile is created without a credit file being consulted, which keeps the route in short. It does not change the shape of the service, since billing stays prepaid and support stays on email and help centre.