KnowRoaming
KnowRoaming is a travel eSIM company that provides international mobile data solutions through eSIM technology. Founded in 2011 in Toronto, Canada, the company initially gained attention for its Global SIM Sticker, a thin adhesive device that allowed mobile phones to access local networks abroad without physically changing SIM cards.[1][2]
History
KnowRoaming was founded in 2011 by South African entrepreneurs Gregory Gundelfinger and Mathew Stein in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.[3] The company's initial connectivity product, the Global SIM Sticker, was launched in 2013.[4] This thin adhesive chip was applied to a user's existing SIM card, allowing their phone to automatically connect to local networks in over 200 countries without incurring standard roaming charges.[4] Forbes described the SIM Sticker as a potentially disruptive roaming technology, noting its ease of use and cost-saving potential for frequent travelers.[5]
KnowRoaming has since launched an entirely digital eSIM service. Unlike the earlier SIM Sticker, this offering let travelers sign up online and connect within minutes.[6]
By the early 2020s, the company had shifted its focus entirely to eSIM technology, reflecting broader adoption of embedded SIM capabilities in smartphones and other devices.[7]
In April 2024, KnowRoaming was acquired by eSimplified, a South Africa-based telecommunications solutions provider.[8]
Products and services
SIM Sticker (2013–2020)
The original SIM Sticker was applied to a user’s existing SIM card and, when paired with a companion mobile application, allowed access to local networks in over 200 countries.[9]
eSIM services (2020–present)
As of 2025, the company’s iOS and Android applications list only fixed and unlimited eSIM packages, with no mention of physical SIM cards or the earlier SIM Sticker product.[10] KnowRoaming offers both fixed-data and unlimited-data eSIM plans. [11]
Plan Options
KnowRoaming segments its eSIM offerings into country and regional plans.[12] A 2025 review by Roami highlighted packages for East Africa, West Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, North America, Oceania and a multi‑country global option.[12]
KnowRoaming eSIM Features
Convenience for Digital Nomads
The WYSE Travel Confederation states that there were an estimated 30 to 40 million digital nomads worldwide, many of whom rely on eSIM technology for international connectivity.[13] Creator and digital nomad Penelope Bielckus described carrying “a purse full of SIM cards” before switching to eSIMs, highlighting convenience as a key benefit.[13]
Ease of Activation
A November 2024 review on 5 Star Stories noted that a KnowRoaming eSIM could be installed before departure and activated upon arrival, enabling users to connect to local networks without visiting a store or replacing a physical SIM card.[14] Business Tech Africa also reported that eSIM activation could be completed by scanning a QR code or clicking to install, with users typically online within two minutes after enabling data roaming and setting the eSIM as the primary data source.[15]
Performance
In a published review, Philip Brown of Travel eSIM Expert reported on high-speed data, achieving download speeds of up to 473 Mbps on the NOS network while using KnowRoaming in Portugal.[16]
Cost Savings & Convenience
A 2024 review on Gizmodo reported that a KnowRoaming 5 GB, 30-day travel eSIM, activated via QR code, was installed before departure and used upon arrival, resulting in estimated savings of about $60 compared to standard U.S. carrier roaming rates of $10 per day.[17]
Top Ups
KnowRoaming’s eSIM plans come with top up functionality, enabling travelers to purchase additional data rather than buying a whole new eSIM package.[18] Users should compare package pricing against their anticipated usage, browsing, social media, streaming and then top up as needed.[18]
Reliability
KnowRoaming’s eSIM service is designed for dependable connectivity as the company relies on major carrier networks such as Vodafone and Telefónica to provide consistent service.[19]
KnowRoaming’s servers actively monitor network issues and will reroute users to alternate networks when problems arise, while the eSIM technology itself adds an extra layer of redundancy.[19]
Partnerships
MTN
In December 2024, MTN South Africa launched the Travel eSIM in partnership with KnowRoaming. MTN said the service allows its customers to buy data bundles “seamlessly and more cost‑effectively than traditional data roaming”.[20]
Visa
KnowRoaming has also partnered with Visa to offer free and discounted eSIM packages to cardholders.[21] Visa cardholders receive a free international package of 3 GB valid for 21 days, and also receive 25 % off new packages, up to six per year.[21]
External Link
References
- ↑ Krishi Chowdhary (2024-09-09). "KnowRoaming review". TechRadar. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
- ↑ "KnowRoaming - 2025 Company Profile & Team - Tracxn". tracxn.com. 2025-09-04. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
- ↑ "KnowRoaming - 2025 Company Profile & Team - Tracxn". tracxn.com. 2025-09-04. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Boothman, Chris (2017-01-19). "Why KnowRoaming Is the Best Way to Stay Connected Abroad?". A Brit and A Southerner. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
- ↑ Morrison, Geoffrey. "KnowRoaming Review: International Roaming Help Or Wallet Burden?". Forbes. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
- ↑ updated, Daniel Bader last (2019-07-19). "KnowRoaming's new eSIM service gets you cheap data in the U.S. or Europe on a Pixel or iPhone". Android Central. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
- ↑ DNworld (2025-05-18). "KnowRoaming Review: The Best eSIM for Travel in 2025". Digital Nomad World. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
- ↑ "KnowRoaming - Products, Competitors, Financials, Employees, Headquarters Locations". www.cbinsights.com. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
- ↑ "KnowRoaming SIM Sticker Review". PCMAG. 2015-05-12. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
- ↑ "KnowRoaming Travel eSIMs". App Store. 2025-08-20. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
- ↑ "Best eSIM for International Travel: KnowRoaming vs. Airalo | MTN". travelesim.mtn.co.za. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Tomeu, Cintia Soto (2025-02-01). "Knowroaming eSIM Review: travel with internet connection". Roami. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Cele, ZamaNdosi (2069-04-29). "How to thrive as a digital nomad: connectivity hacks you need to know". IOL. Retrieved 2025-09-08. Check date values in:
|date=(help) - ↑ admin (2024-11-08). "Navigating the UK with KnowRoaming". 5 Star Stories. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
- ↑ "Unlocking the full power of eSIM". Business tech Africa. October 3, 2024. Retrieved October 3, 2024.
- ↑ Staff, Gadget (2024-10-16). "Unlock full power of eSIM when travelling". Gadget. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
- ↑ Ion, Florence (2024-08-10). "Reminder: Don't Go Roaming Overseas". Gizmodo. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 "Avoiding expensive roaming costs while on a summer holiday this year". Breaking Travel News. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 Dragosavac, Sandra (2024-01-15). "Knowroaming eSIM". Retrieved 2025-09-08.
- ↑ Illidge, Myles. "MTN Travel eSIMs launched — how they compare to roaming and going local". Retrieved 2025-09-08.
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 dot.jo. "Travel and stay connected!". Housing Bank. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
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