Monty eSIM Review: Cheap Alternative for Travel Data

Heading abroad and looking for a quality and affordable alternative to a local SIM card? Monty eSIM review might help you decide. Monty eSIM is a relative newcomer on the market, but it’s clear that they mean business and want to compete with the best providers out there.

Monty eSIM launched on September 1, 2022, and has since been striving to hold its own against strong competition in the industry. It caught our attention primarily due to its pricing, but we also appreciate its intuitive user experience.

It’s a company under a telecommunications innovator, and it’s clear that they’ve handled the technical aspects well. Let’s dive into what you can expect from this provider.

eSIM Offerings

Monty eSIM boasts one of the broadest selections with very competitive pricing.

Coverage

The platform proudly offers coverage in over 190 countries, putting it among the top providers, even surpassing some more established eSIM sellers. Most eSIMs work across multiple countries, which is useful if you plan to visit several destinations.

Of course, they also offer regional and global packages. Just be cautious—having a global plan doesn’t automatically mean coverage everywhere. Always check the list of countries included in the plan before purchasing.

Data Volume

Monty eSIM provides data plans ranging from 500 MB to a solid 50 GB. It may vary a bit by country, but you’ll find at least a 10 GB option in most places.

However, don’t expect unlimited data. Even in Thailand, where some competitors offer it, unlimited data is not an option. We’ll see if this changes in the future.

Prices

As always, pricing depends on the data amount, but with Monty, the duration of validity also plays a role. Often, you’ll find data packages that are valid for 7 to 30 days. The shortest duration is, of course, the cheapest.

Prices are especially reasonable within Europe, which is good news for places like Switzerland and Turkey. There, you can get 1 GB for as little as $1.99.

Unfortunately, Balkan countries like Albania and Montenegro are not very cost-effective.

A curious case in their offerings is Martinique and Guadeloupe. These territories are part of France, and despite being in the Caribbean, they follow EU rules. So, you’d be better off with an EU SIM, which can cost as low as $2.15 per 1 GB compared to $6.99.

For most countries, you can also easily top up your eSIM, so there’s no need to purchase a new one or reinstall it.

Validity

As I mentioned earlier, validity periods are quite flexible with Monty and influence the cost. You usually have options ranging from 7 to 30 days.

Validity starts when your phone connects to a local network (always check this). Also, be careful where your plan is valid. Many packages work in multiple countries, so you might accidentally activate it earlier.

Example: You buy a 5 GB eSIM for Switzerland. It’s valid in 34 countries, including the Czech Republic. If you install it now but travel in a few days, it will connect to the Czech network and start the clock on your plan. I recommend installing and activating as late as possible and keeping the eSIM deactivated until you reach your destination.

📱 Learn more about installing and activating eSIM. 📱

Monty eSIM Website and App Overview

You might be a bit surprised by Monty’s registration and login method. You simply enter your email, and a code will be sent to you for the next step. This will also be how you log in each time. It can be slightly annoying, but you only really need to log in when making a purchase.

Both the app and website are straightforward and user-friendly. You’ll easily find the package you need. Click on it to see the details, and if everything checks out, you can proceed to buy.

How Easy Is It to Purchase and Install an eSIM?

As mentioned earlier, buying is incredibly easy. Once you’ve selected your package, you proceed to payment. The system will ask if your device supports eSIM before you buy.

Payment options include credit card, ApplePay, and GooglePay. Pricing is in dollars only. Once the transaction goes through, you’ll receive an email with a QR code. Simply scan it with your device, and you’re set. The provider has a clear guide on their website. The app also features a “User guide” section with step-by-step instructions.

Can I Share Data via Hotspot?

Yes, you can share your data using a hotspot with all plans, allowing other devices to connect. Just keep in mind that this will drain your data faster. Fortunately, you can easily top up your eSIM.

Loyalty Program

Monty eSIM offers one of the highest cashbacks at 10%. This means you get 10% of the paid amount back into your Monty account after each purchase. To ensure customer retention, the cashback is only released after your third purchase. After that, it applies to every purchase.

Like most providers, Monty eSIM also has a referral program. You’ll find your code in your account under Wallet, then Refer and Earn. Share this with a friend, and when they make a purchase, you both receive $3.

Customer Support

You can contact the provider through a form on the website, email, and WhatsApp. They claim to be available 24/7. I wrote to them at ten in the evening, and they responded, so this seems accurate. However, if you send an email or use the form, you’ll be directed to contact them on WhatsApp, making these options somewhat redundant. There’s definitely room for improvement since not everyone uses this app.

Other than that, the support is responsive, and it appears you’re chatting with a real person. However, note that communication, like the website, is only available in English.

Monty eSIM Review: Final Verdict (Pros and Cons)

Monty eSIM stands out as one of the better eSIM providers. They offer a wide selection of countries and data packages, often at excellent prices. For this reason, I definitely recommend them.

I have mixed feelings about the loyalty program. It’s not very appealing for occasional use. However, if you plan to use Monty eSIM regularly, it’s definitely worth it.