Lyca Mobile eSIM Review 2025: Pricing, plans and reviews

We tested Lyca Mobile eSIM to see whether its affordable plans and easy setup live up to the promise. The activation process was quick and the connection stable, but the overall experience feels bare-bones compared to bigger eSIM providers.

You’ll save money and stay connected, though you may have to deal with slow support and a clunky app along the way.

What is Lyca Mobile eSIM and how does it work?

Lyca eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone instead of a physical plastic card you slot into a tray. An eSIM works exactly like a regular SIM card for calls, texts, and data, but everything happens through software instead of hardware.

Here's how you get a Lyca eSIM:

1. First, you buy a regular Lyca Mobile plan from their website. You pick either a Pay Monthly plan or a Pay As You Go plan based on how much data you need. When you're checking out, you choose "eSIM" instead of getting a physical SIM card mailed to you.
   
2. Next, you activate your eSIM. You open your phone's camera and scan the QR code from the email. Your phone will prompt you through a few setup steps.
   
3. Follow the instructions on your screen, and within about 5 minutes, your eSIM downloads to your device and activates. You can immediately start using data, making calls, and sending texts.

Lyca Mobile doesn't own cell towers. Instead, it connects you to established carrier networks. In the US, your Lyca eSIM runs on T-Mobile's nationwide network. You get the exact same coverage quality and speeds as customers paying full price for those premium carriers, just at much lower monthly costs.

Your phone needs to work with eSIM technology. Not every phone supports eSIM yet. Your device must be both unlocked (meaning it's not tied to a specific carrier) and eSIM-compatible. Most iPhones from the XS model onwards support eSIM, as do Google Pixel phones from Pixel 3 and newer.

If your phone supports dual-SIM functionality, you can keep your regular physical SIM card active while also using the Lyca eSIM. This lets you receive calls on your home number while using Lyca's cheaper international data and calling features.

Switching your eSIM to a new phone isn't automatic. The Lyca Mobile website doesn't offer a self-service option for moving your eSIM between devices. Instead, you need to contact Lyca customer support and request a new QR code for your new phone.

Why should you consider Lyca Mobile eSIM?

Lyca eSIM makes sense for budget-conscious travelers who make frequent international calls. If you call family in other countries regularly, the included free calling to 100+ destinations saves you serious money compared to standard roaming charges. 

It also appeals to digital nomads who move between countries and want one plan that works across borders without constant SIM swapping.

For short trips, it provides reliable data without high costs, while students and seasonal workers appreciate the flexible, no-contract structure that lets you start or stop service anytime.

However, there are a few drawbacks worth noting. Customer support can be slow, with response times sometimes stretching past two hours during busy periods. If something goes wrong with activation or billing, you may spend more time troubleshooting than actually using your plan.

Network switching isn’t available, since you’re locked to partner networks. In the US, that means T-Mobile coverage only, which can leave gaps in rural areas where other carriers perform better.

Lyca Mobile eSIM: data & pricing

Lyca eSIM plans vary by region and reseller. You can buy directly from Lyca’s country sites or through travel partners like Sim Local, which offer destination-specific eSIMs with local numbers and EU roaming.

Lyca Mobile eSIM country availability

Lyca Mobile is the world’s largest international mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), serving more than 16 million customers worldwide and growing by a new user every few seconds. 

Lyca Mobile currently operates in 23 countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, North Macedonia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and Russia.

Beyond mobile services, Lyca has expanded into other sectors with Lycamoney (financial services) and Lycafly (travel and flight booking), extending its global vision of keeping communities connected through both communication and travel.

Lyca Mobile eSIM network coverage

Lyca eSIM uses established carrier networks rather than building its own infrastructure. In the United States, your eSIM runs on T-Mobile's network, which means you get identical coverage to T-Mobile customers. 

In the United Kingdom, Lyca eSIM connects through EE's network, which provides the best 4G coverage in the UK. You get the same coverage as EE customers with typical 4G speeds around 45 Mbps, though speeds can soar past 130 Mbps in city centers. 

European destinations use local partner networks in each country. France, Germany, Spain, and other EU countries connect you to major carriers in those regions. The quality stays consistent since Lyca partners with established operators rather than budget networks.

You stay locked to whatever network Lyca assigns in each country. No network switching means if you hit a coverage dead zone, you can't manually hop to a different carrier like you might with a multi-network eSIM. 

During network congestion, Lyca eSIM users may experience reduced speeds since MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) typically get lower priority than direct carrier customers. You'll notice this most during major events, rush hours, or in crowded tourist areas.

Lyca Mobile eSIM features

Lyca eSIM packs several features into its plans that go beyond basic data connectivity. Most plans include unlimited domestic calling and texting within your primary country. 

• International calling stands out as a major feature. US plans include free calling to 100+ destinations worldwide, while UK plans include free international minutes to 42 countries.
  
• Hotspot and tethering capabilities come standard on most plans. The entry-level plans might restrict or limit hotspot use, but mid-tier and unlimited plans typically allow you to share your data connection with laptops, tablets, or other devices.
  
• Data priority on the network falls into the standard MVNO category. You're using T-Mobile or EE infrastructure but at a lower priority level than direct carrier customers. During busy times, you might see slower speeds while the network handles premium customers first.
  
• Lyca eSIM supports dual-SIM functionality on compatible devices. You can keep your primary SIM active while adding the eSIM as a secondary line. This lets you receive calls on your home number while using Lyca's cheaper data and international calling features.
  
• Missing features include WiFi calling support, which Lyca officially doesn't offer despite the underlying networks supporting it. Visual voicemail isn't available either, though you can customize your voicemail greeting.
  
• Data-only plans exist but aren't prominently featured. Most Lyca eSIM packages bundle data with calling and texting rather than offering stripped-down data-only options at lower prices. So if you only need data, you're still paying for voice and SMS features you won't use.

Lyca Mobile eSIM customer reviews

Reviews for Lyca Mobile are mixed, with many customers sharing both good and bad experiences. On Trustpilot, the company scores about 3.5 out of 5 stars in the US and 3 out of 5 in the UK.

Most of the negative feedback focuses on customer service issues. Many users say it takes a long time to reach support, sometimes up to one or two hours. Others mention language barriers that make it hard to explain problems clearly. 

Billing mistakes and refund delays come up in several reviews too. A few people mention connection or signal issues, but those are less common than service complaints.

The Lyca mobile app also gets mixed reviews, averaging around 2–3 stars on the App Store. Customers say it works fine for checking balances or buying plans, but not when they need real help or troubleshooting.

On the positive side, many users praise Lyca Mobile’s affordable prices and easy setup process. Plans are very budget-friendly and users like deals such as unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of data for just $5 a month, saying it offers great value.

Lyca Mobile eSIM customer support

Customer support represents Lyca eSIM's weakest area based on user feedback and review patterns. The company offers support primarily through email, live chat, and phone, but response times and helpfulness vary dramatically.

Phone support exists but comes with legendary wait times. Multiple users report holding for 1-2 hours before reaching an actual human agent. The phone system routes you through an AI chatbot named Lia first, which users consistently describe as unhelpful before finally connecting you to a person.

Email support operates on a supposed 48-hour response window, though several customers report waiting weeks without receiving replies. The email address appsupport@lycamobile.com handles app-related issues, while general support goes through their main contact form.

Specialized eSIM support doesn't appear to exist as a separate team. You get routed to the same general customer service queue whether you're asking about eSIM activation, billing, or plan changes. This means agents may not have specific training on eSIM troubleshooting, which can extend resolution times for technical issues.

Lyca Mobile eSIM app and ease of use

The Lyca Mobile app exists for both iOS and Android, providing a central hub for managing your eSIM account and services. The app handles basic account management tasks reasonably well but shows its limitations when you need more advanced features.

Inside the app, you can check your data balance, view remaining minutes and texts, see your plan expiration date, and review recent usage history. The interface shows your current plan at the top with quick access to your remaining resources. 

The app rates 2-3 stars on Apple's App Store with mixed feedback. Users appreciate the convenience of having account access in their pocket but complain about bugs, crashes, and poor customer service integration. 

The user experience feels basic but functional. The app uses straightforward menus, though the design looks somewhat dated compared to modern fintech or travel apps. Navigation requires minimal learning, with main features accessible from the home screen in just a tap or two.

Customer service integration represents the app's biggest weakness. The built-in chat feature connects you to support agents but frequently switches from human help to an automated bot mid-conversation. 

Lyca Mobile eSIM alternatives

There are several eSIM providers that compete with Lyca Mobile in the travel and international data market. Each one focuses on slightly different needs and users.

Lyca Mobile eSIM is a great low-cost option for travelers seeking reliable coverage, free international calling, and quick, contract-free activation. However, its customer support and app experience still have room for improvement.

If you’re looking for a smoother experience or more flexible travel data, Holafly stands out with unlimited plans and excellent customer service, while Airalo and Nomad offer broader global coverage and transparent pricing. 

Overall, Lyca Mobile eSIM is best for travelers who want reliable coverage at a low cost and don’t mind limited customer support.