I’ll start by saying that I swear by Google Fi. From allowing me to break out of the toxic and contract-based phone relationships so many Americans have, to eliminating the necessity for SIM cards in every country I visit, Google Fi has changed my life.
With this being said, it isn’t perfect. While not often or persistent, I have experienced coverage headaches while roaming on Google Fi; the carrier’s terrible support has left me with few options to address these. Well, save for installing a secondary eSIM from a company such as Sim Local.
My comparison of Sim Local vs Google Fi, to be sure, isn’t one-to-one—the former isn’t a full-service carrier like the latter, and isn’t a direct replacement. Instead, I want to emphasize why I’ve found the two to be a killer combination, and explain why you might consider a similar match-up.
Why I Love Having a Backup eSIM, Even With Google Fi
Although this post is about whether to choose Sim Local or Google Fi, I don’t necessarily think it’s an either-or question. Google Fi, as I explained in the introduction, has been a constant presence in my life (both while at home in the US, and also out on the road) for nearly five years. It’s reliable almost 100% of the time, enough so that it is almost always sufficient completely on its own.
Well, except when it’s not. While limited in duration and frequency, the reality is that I have more than once suffered a lapse in my Google Fi service. As a result, even though I don’t install one for every trip, I like the fact that I know that I can reach for a Sim Local eSIM at any moment, and that I am familiar enough with installation and use that I can slot into using it in minutes, if not seconds.
Ways to Compare Sim Local with Google Fi
Cost
It’s hard to do a direct comparison between the cost of these two providers. Although not a legacy “contract” carrier, Google Fi does work best if you keep the service consistently and pay a monthly fee, usually well under 100 USD per line. By contrast, it’s best to think of Sim Local in terms of price-per-travel-day, which can be as low as 3 USD. With an eSIM from SIM Local, you can choose packages tailored to the traveler, from the number of days you need, to the amount of data you need (included unlimited options).
Coverage
Both Sim Local and Google Fi function the same way—namely, they partner with local SIM networks to provide coverage. As a result, at least in theory, the coverage should be identical. However, there were many times on my latest trip when my Google Fi was slow or non-functional, but switching to Sim Local (which partners with KDDI for unlimited plans and docomo for plans sold by the GB) resulted in a fast, reliable connection.
Speed
Likewise, you would think that both of these providers would offer similar speed, since they latch onto the same local networks. Yet again, however, I found that even when attached to identical Japanese carriers, the speed could vary—usually, but not always, in favor of Sim Local, especially in the Tohoku region and otherwise off Japan’s beaten path.
Support
Google Fi is, in my opinion, the best “normal” cellphone plan that exists for US residents—but only because of the quality of the product itself. The support, sadly, is awful, and is the main reason I started using an eSIM as a “backup.” I’ve never had to use Sim Local’s support, thankfully, but it seems to be simple and straightforward, with options for support via email and WhatsApp.
Duration of us
Sim Local can be useful on every “travel” day you have, but is not really designed to be used in your home country (although you could do so, if you really wanted to—I could buy a Sim Local US eSIM). By contrast, Google Fi is an “everyday” plan that has utility both at home and overseas. In combination, they’re unstoppable!
Sim Local Saved Me Many Times
On my most recent trip to Japan as I’m writing this (October/November 2025, in case you’re reading this post in the future), Sim Local was quite literally a lifesaver. Most notably, I was in a situation where I needed to take a Zoom call inside a busy train station, the WiFi was crap and my Google Fi connection was not strong enough for the call. I risked having to upset or even alienate my client! Sim Local’s connection saved the day!
Now, while this situation alone illustrates why the question of Google Fi or Sim Local isn’t actually an either-or one, it isn’t the only situation where Sim Local ended up being more valuable than Google Fi. There were many navigation situations, particularly when driving over water, where toggling from Google Fi to Sim Local was the only reason that I didn’t lose connection and get marooned somewhere unfamiliar.
Other FAQ About Google Fi and Sim Local
Do I still need a local eSIM if I use Google Fi?
You don’t necessarily “need” a local eSIM if you use Google Fi, which is designed to work all the time in every country. As a general rule, however, I always like to have a backup, because while Google Fi is a great service, I know from personal experience that it isn’t perfect.
Is Sim Local better than Google Fi?
Sim Local isn’t “better” than Google Fi, since they aren’t the same kind of product. Google Fi is a full-service global cellphone plan designed for and marketed to US residents, while Sim Local sells à la carte local eSIM products to travelers on specific, finite trips.
Does Sim Local work in the US?
Sim Local does offer a US eSIM designed for non-American travelers who are visiting the US. However, purchasing one of these isn’t a replacement for a US cellphone plan, whether you choose a next-generation service like Google Fi, or sign a contract with a legacy wireless provider like Verizon or AT&T.
The Bottom Line
Comparing Sim Local vs Google Fi isn’t like comparing Sim Local with Saily or Holafly. One of these companies is an eSIM provider; the other is a full-service cell carrier. On the other hand, having a backup plan is always smart; I’ve found that Sim Local is an effective reinforcement for the generally powerful global roaming that Google Fi offers. In particular, I love the ability to switch between eSIMs when one isn’t working as I need it to be, which all but guarantees constant, fast coverage, no matter the circumstances. Speaking of guarantees, why leave your next Japan trip to chance? Commission a custom Japan itinerary today, and let me take the guesswork out of your travels.
