Planning a trip abroad and looking for a reliable internet connection without sky-high roaming charges? Monty eSIM markets itself as an affordable travel eSIM and a budget alternative to traditional SIM cards. Let’s take a look at whether this service is genuinely worth your attention, or whether the low price comes with compromises in quality.
TL;DR
- Coverage in 190+ countries
- Data plans from $0.99
- App in English only, installation via QR code
- No phone calls – data plans only
- Main advantages: Very low prices, especially for Europe (1 GB from $1.99), quick and simple installation in minutes, 10% cashback for regular customers, regional and global plans, the option to top up your data
- Main drawbacks: Unstable connection in some locations, high latency (issues with video calls), support only via WhatsApp, English only, frequent complaints about customer support, no unlimited plans
- Verdict: A cheap option for low-maintenance travellers across Europe. For business trips and a stable connection, you’re better off choosing a pricier but more reliable provider.
Read also: Drimsim Review
What Is Monty eSIM?
Monty eSIM is a digital SIM card from Monty UK Global Limited, offering travel data plans in more than 190 countries worldwide. The service launched on 1 September 2022 and has been trying to compete with the established players in the eSIM market ever since.
The main advantage of eSIM technology is that you don’t need a physical SIM card – everything is installed digitally, straight onto your phone, using a QR code. That means no hunting for SIM card shops after you land, no swapping tiny cards, and no risk of losing your original SIM.
Coverage and Data Plan Options
What kind of coverage and plans does Monty eSIM offer? Read on.
Country Availability
Monty eSIM covers over 190 countries, putting it among the top eSIM providers. Most plans work across several countries at once, which is handy if you’re planning to visit a few destinations on a single trip.
The lineup includes:
- local plans for individual countries,
- regional plans (for Europe, Asia, Latin America, for example),
- global plans – be careful, not all of them actually work everywhere, so always check the list of supported countries before you buy.
Data Volume and Validity
Data plans start at a modest 500 MB and go all the way up to 50 GB. For most countries you’ll find at least a 10 GB plan, which should be plenty for everyday use.
Plan validity usually ranges between 7 and 30 days, depending on the price. The shorter the validity period, the lower the price for the same amount of data.
Important note: Validity starts when you connect to a local network, not when you buy the plan. So if you buy an eSIM for Switzerland that also works in the UK and install it at home, the clock starts ticking while you’re still in Britain. We recommend activating the plan as late as possible before you leave and switching the eSIM off while you’re still at home.
You might also like: Yesim eSIM Review
Prices – Are They Really That Good?
Prices start from just $0.99 (around €0.90), which sounds tempting. The best deals are above all for:
- Europe – Switzerland or Turkey, for example: 1 GB from just $1.99,
- popular Asian destinations – good prices for Thailand and Vietnam,
- North America – competitive deals for the USA and Canada,
Less attractive are the plans for Balkan countries such as Albania or Montenegro.
A Curious Quirk About Pricing
An interesting paradox is the pricing for Martinique and Guadeloupe. These Caribbean islands belong to France, so EU rules apply there. In theory, then, you could use an EU eSIM plan for $2.15 instead of a dedicated Caribbean plan costing $6.99.
Most plans allow top-ups, so if you run out of data, you don’t have to install a new eSIM – you can simply recharge your existing one.
Installation and Use
How do you install Monty eSIM?
How to Install It
The installation process really is straightforward:
- Download the app Monty eSIM (iOS or Android).
- Check compatibility – make sure your phone supports eSIM.
- Choose a plan and pay (by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay).
- Scan the QR code that arrives in your email.
- Activate on arrival in your destination country.
The app is intuitive and easy to navigate, so anyone should be able to find their way around. The downside may be that it’s only available in English.
Registration and Login
Monty uses an unusual login method – instead of a password, it sends you a verification code by email every time you log in. This can be a little annoying at times, but on the plus side, in practice you only really log in when making a purchase.
Connection Speed and Quality
This is where things start to get complicated. According to tests and user reviews, Monty eSIM’s performance is inconsistent.
What Works Well
- Download and upload speeds are surprisingly good in cities.
- Basic use – web browsing, social media, email – works without a hitch.
- Streaming generally works fine.
What Works Less Well
- High latency (ping) – in some cases up to 300 ms, due to distant routing via the USA.
- Unstable connection in rural and less developed areas.
- Problems with video calls because of the high latency.
- Online gaming – not really usable.
Some users reported that the connection stopped working altogether after a few days of use, especially in Egypt, Dubai and Vietnam. Others complained about frequent dropouts – the connection would work, then disconnect, and you’d have to toggle airplane mode on and off.
Hotspot and Data Sharing
Technically, hotspot is enabled on most plans, which means you can share your connection with other devices. That’s great if you need to connect a laptop or tablet.
But beware: Some users reported issues with the hotspot not working even when it was supposed to be supported. On top of that, sharing via hotspot eats through your data significantly faster.
You might be interested in: Holafly Review
Customer Support – Monty eSIM’s Weak Spot?
This is where Monty eSIM falls down the most. While it offers 24/7 support, the quality of service is very uneven:
The Positives
- 24/7 availability,
- fairly quick responses (in some cases).
The Negatives
- WhatsApp only – email and the contact form just redirect you to WhatsApp, which isn’t ideal for anyone who doesn’t use the app.
- English only.
- Inconsistent quality – while support can handle everyday queries, when it comes to technical problems (a hotspot that won’t work or connection dropouts, for example), they often can’t offer a solution.
- Refund problems – some users were refused a refund even when the service didn’t work at all.
Loyalty Programme
Monty eSIM offers one of the most generous cashback schemes on the market – 10% of every purchase goes back into your account. Is there a catch? The cashback only kicks in after your third purchase, and then with every one after that.
On top of that, Monty eSIM runs a referral programme – bring a friend on board and you both get $3 in credit.
For frequent travellers this programme can pay off, but for occasional users it’s not all that appealing.
Monty eSIM Pros and Cons – Summary
So let’s wrap it all up.
✅ Pros
- Very competitive prices, especially in Europe
- Wide coverage in more than 190 countries
- Simple installation via the app
- 10% cashback for repeat customers
- The option to top up your data
- Regional and global plans
- Hotspot is (in theory) supported
❌ Cons
- No unlimited data plans
- Unstable connection in some areas
- High latency due to distant routing
- Customer support via WhatsApp only
- English only
- Activation problems for some users
- Doesn’t work for traditional phone calls (data only)
- Mixed experiences with refunds
Who Is Monty eSIM Right For?
Monty eSIM can be a good choice for:
- Travel around Europe – this is where the prices are genuinely good value.
- Low-maintenance users – if you only need a basic connection for WhatsApp, maps and social media.
- Frequent travellers – thanks to the cashback programme.
- Budget travellers – if price is your main consideration.
We don’t recommend Monty eSIM for:
- Business trips that require a stable, fast connection.
- Video calls – the high latency causes problems.
- Online gaming – the same latency issue.
- Remote areas – a higher risk of dropouts.
- Users who need reliable support in a language other than English.
Alternatives to Monty eSIM
For a quick overview, we’ve lined Monty eSIM up against its most common competitors. This is a rough comparison – prices vary by destination and promotions, so treat it as a guide.
| Service | Coverage | Data type | Price from (approx.) | Hotspot | English support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monty eSIM | 190+ countries | Data plans | see pricing above | Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Airalo | 200+ countries | Data plans | ~€3.50/GB | Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Holafly | 160+ countries | Mainly unlimited data | Higher (unlimited) | Limited | ✅ Yes |
| Saily (NordVPN) | 200+ countries | Data plans | ~$3.99/GB | Yes | ✅ Yes |
| lk-sim.com (ours) | 200+ countries | Data plans | from €3 | Yes | ✅ Yes |
If Monty eSIM hasn’t won you over, consider these proven alternatives:
- Airalo – the best-known provider, with solid support,
- Yesim – excellent ratings and reliability,
- Nomad – quality service at good prices,
- Saily – focused on security and privacy,
- Holafly – a favourite for long trips.
Final Verdict
Monty eSIM is an interesting budget alternative for travellers who want to save money and don’t mind the odd technical hiccup. The low prices and wide coverage are tempting, but you have to accept that quality and reliability won’t always be consistent.
If you’re travelling around Europe, only need a basic connection and enjoy a bit of an adventure (including the occasional troubleshooting session), Monty eSIM can be a good choice. But if you need a stable connection for work, video calls or simply for peace of mind, you’re better off spending a few dollars more on a more established provider.
Our rating: 3.5/5 – great as a cheap backup option or for undemanding use, but not for anyone expecting a premium service.
💡 Handy Tip
Before buying, always read the latest reviews for your specific destination – experiences vary dramatically from country to country. And don’t forget to check whether your phone is compatible with eSIM technology!
Prices, coverage and terms for eSIM services change frequently. The details in this article are approximate and were verified in June 2026 – always check the current offer directly in the provider’s app before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Monty eSIM cost?
Prices start from 0.99 USD for the smallest packages. The most popular packages for Europe cost from 1.99 USD for 1 GB. The price depends on the destination, data volume (500 MB to 50 GB) and validity period (7-30 days). Topping up an existing package is also possible.
Is Monty eSIM reliable?
The experiences are mixed. In major cities and in Europe, it usually works well. In some countries (Egypt, Vietnam, Dubai), users have reported frequent outages and poor connection quality. The Trustpilot rating is only 2.5/5, which suggests issues with service consistency.
Does Monty eSIM hotspot work?
Yes, hotspot is theoretically supported on most packages. You can share the connection with other devices. However, some users have reported issues with hotspot functionality despite official support. Sharing data also significantly speeds up its consumption.
How fast is the connection with Monty eSIM?
Download and upload speeds in cities are usually good (4G/LTE, sometimes 5G). The problem is high latency (up to 300 ms) due to routing through the USA, which causes issues with video calls and online gaming. In rural areas, the connection tends to be slower or unstable.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
