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In a Nutshell
- Is Yesim worth it? Yes, based on my experience. I tested Yesim on my iPhone and found it easy to set up and reliable for everyday travel. In Seoul, I reached download speeds of up to 210.2 Mbps on LG U+ 5G, while apps such as Google Maps, Naver Maps, TikTok, Instagram, and WhatsApp worked without issues. I also received a human response from Yesim support in under two minutes.
- What worked and what didn’t? The biggest strengths for me were the simple installation, fast connection, mobile hotspot support, responsive customer service, and extra features such as unlimited plans and a built-in VPN for iOS. The main drawbacks are that Yesim isn’t always the cheapest option, the free VPN is limited to Apple devices, and its virtual numbers aren’t a replacement for a traditional voice and SMS plan.
- Yesim promo code. New users can get 20% off all Yesim plans with code TRAVLISTS20. There is no minimum spend or discount cap, and the code currently has no expiration date. I tested it at checkout before publishing this review.
Yesim Promo Code
Quick Book: Get Yesim eSIM
Get 20% off all Yesim plans with our coupon code TRAVLISTS20. The code is for new users only, with no minimum spend or discount cap, and currently has no expiration date. I verified it at checkout as of this article’s last update. Feel free to contact us if anything seems off.
Meet Yesim eSIM
Yesim is an eSIM provider offering single-country, regional, and global data plans. They also offer unlimited data plans, a built-in VPN for iOS, virtual phone numbers, cashback, and a reusable eSIM. I first tested Yesim in Seoul using my iPhone 15 Pro and have purchased their eSIM for China, as well.
One thing I liked about Yesim is that they offer several ways to install the eSIM. My purchase email included an activation link, QR code, and manual installation details. I used the activation link during my South Korea test and had the eSIM working in about four minutes, excluding around two minutes I spent correcting settings I had missed.
Before going into my full Yesim eSIM review, here is some basic information based on my testing and research.
- Coverage: Yesim offers single-country, regional, and global plans.
- Installation: You can install Yesim using an activation link, QR code, or manual installation. I found the activation link the easiest because it did not require another device to display a QR code.
- Reusable: Yesim says you can purchase another plan for your existing eSIM without reinstalling it. I had not personally tested reusing the same eSIM across multiple trips during my original South Korea test.
- Unlimited data: Yes. Yesim offers unlimited plans alongside fixed-data plans. Fair usage policies may apply to unlimited plans. I used a fixed-data plan for my South Korea test, so I did not personally test their unlimited data there.
- Mobile hotspot: Yes. I successfully connected my MacBook to Yesim while testing the eSIM in Seoul, although I initially had trouble getting the hotspot to work.
- Network access: This depends on the destination and local operator. In South Korea, my Yesim eSIM connected to a major local network (LG U+) and gave me 5G service.
- Phone number: Yesim offers virtual phone numbers separately, mainly for receiving verification codes. Their travel eSIM plans do not provide traditional calls and texts.
- VPN: Yesim offers a built-in VPN for iOS. I did not test it during my South Korea test because I did not need a VPN there. This would be helpful if you are going to China.
- Cashback: Yes. I received 5% cashback in Ycoins after purchasing my South Korea plan. Ycoins can be used toward future Yesim purchases.
On paper, that gives Yesim quite a few features beyond basic mobile data. But some worked better for me than others, so let’s look at the pros and cons before getting into my full testing experience.
What Worked
Yesim was easy to install and worked reliably during my South Korea test. I connected to LG U+ 5G and recorded download speeds of up to 210.2 Mbps in Seoul. Mobile hotspot worked with my MacBook, and when I contacted customer support, I received a response from a human agent in under two minutes. I also liked that Yesim offers extras such as unlimited plans, a built-in VPN for iOS, virtual numbers, a reusable eSIM, and Ycoins cashback.
What Could Be Better
Yesim was not always the cheapest option when I compared their fixed-data plans with providers like BNESIM and Airalo. I also ran into a few smaller issues: getting my hotspot connected initially required troubleshooting, some information about features such as the reusable eSIM could have been clearer, and the virtual numbers are mainly intended for verification codes rather than traditional calls and texts. Overall, none of these issues stopped me from using the eSIM successfully, but they are worth knowing before you buy.
I monitor active Yesim discount codes and update this page whenever a better discount becomes available. TRAVLISTS20 currently offers the highest regular discount I’ve verified.
Yesim Review: My Experience with the eSIM
For this review, I purchased a Yesim eSIM with 1GB of data and tested it on my iPhone 15 Pro in Yeouido, Seoul, in May 2026. I tested the installation and activation process, 5G connection, mobile hotspot, everyday apps, speed, and customer support.
| What Yesim Says | My Experience |
|---|---|
| Installation: Simple eSIM installation | I used the activation link and had the eSIM working in about 4 minutes, excluding around 2 minutes I spent correcting settings I had missed. |
| Network: Connects to a local network at your destination | My eSIM connected to LG U+ and showed 5G on my iPhone. |
| Speed: High-speed mobile data | I recorded up to 210.2 Mbps download in Seoul. |
| Browsing: Mobile data for everyday travel | Naver Map and TikTok loaded without issues during my test. |
| Mobile hotspot: Supported | I successfully connected my MacBook, although I initially had trouble getting the hotspot to work. |
| Support: Customer support available | I contacted Yesim twice during my test and received responses from human agents in under 2 minutes. |
Purchase
I purchased my Yesim eSIM directly and used a discount code during checkout. For my South Korea test, I bought a 1GB plan, which was enough for testing the installation, network connection, speed, hotspot, and everyday apps.
One thing I noticed at checkout was a $0.60 secure payment fee. The discount code I used at the time covered the price of the data plan, but I still had to pay this fee. This was based on my May 2026 purchase, so checkout fees may be different when you book.
After purchasing the plan, I received an email at 2:16 PM containing several ways to install the eSIM, including an activation link, QR code, and manual installation details.
Installation & Activation
I chose the activation link because I think it is easier than scanning a QR code. A QR code usually requires displaying it on another device, while the activation link allowed me to complete the setup directly on my iPhone.
At 2:20 PM, I clicked Activate eSIM in 1 Tap. My iPhone opened the Cellular setup screen, where I selected Activate and then Continue. I chose Abroad + Data Only, and the initial setup was completed at around 2:21 PM.
The Yesim eSIM appeared in my iPhone settings as Travel-CMLink. I turned the line on, but I initially missed some of the settings required to start using mobile data. At 2:25 PM, I turned Data Roaming on, switched my primary SIM off, and selected Yesim under Cellular Data.
At 2:26 PM, the 5G icon appeared and websites started loading. My Yesim eSIM had connected to LG U+, one of South Korea’s mobile networks.
Excluding roughly two minutes I spent correcting the settings I had missed, the entire installation and activation process took about four minutes and fewer than 10 clicks.
One thing that confused me before installation was a warning in the Yesim app about installing the eSIM outside my destination. I contacted Yesim support, and an agent named Nick confirmed that I could install the eSIM before arriving. You do need an active internet connection to install it, so I recommend setting it up before your trip while you still have reliable Wi-Fi.
Speed & Performance
The strongest result from my South Korea test was the speed.
At 2:34 PM, Ookla Speedtest recorded 99.69 Mbps download while my MacBook was connected through my iPhone’s hotspot. Later, at 2:58 PM, Google’s speed test recorded 210.2 Mbps download, 17.5 Mbps upload, and 43 ms latency with the hotspot turned off.
In everyday travel use, I had no problems using Naver Map, Google Maps, Kakao Maps, TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, and general web browsing. Pages loaded quickly and videos played without noticeable buffering. Despite using a travel eSIM rather than my regular Korean SIM, the connection felt close to what I normally experience with a local mobile plan in Seoul.
Mobile Hotspot
Yesim also worked as a mobile hotspot, although this was the one part of my test that initially required troubleshooting.
My MacBook would not connect at first, so at around 2:44 PM, I contacted Yesim support. A human agent named Lina joined the chat at around 2:46 PM and asked for screenshots of my settings and information about my location.
I eventually got the hotspot working and successfully used Yesim’s mobile data on my MacBook. The initial issue was inconvenient, but the quick response from customer support made troubleshooting easier.
Customer Support
I contacted Yesim support twice during this test, and both times I reached a human agent quickly.
The first time was before installation, when I asked whether I could set up the eSIM before arriving at my destination. Nick confirmed that I could. The second was when I had trouble connecting my MacBook to my mobile hotspot, when Lina joined the conversation in under two minutes.
That was one of the better parts of my Yesim experience. Rather than relying only on an automated chatbot, I was able to speak with actual support agents when I had questions or needed help.
Yesim eSIM Promo Code
You can save 20% on all Yesim plans using our coupon code TRAVLISTS20. The code is available to new Yesim users and currently has no expiration date.
- Discount: 20% off
- Minimum purchase: None
- Discount cap: None
- Eligibility: New users only
- Eligible plans: All Yesim plans
- Valid until: No expiration date currently set
- How I tested it: I entered TRAVLISTS20 during checkout and confirmed that the 20% discount was applied before payment.
I recommend checking that the discount appears at checkout before completing your purchase. If the code isn’t working as described, feel free to contact us so we can check it.
Would I Recommend Yesim eSIM?
Yes. I would use Yesim again. My South Korea test was straightforward overall: installation took about four minutes, I connected to LG U+ 5G, and I recorded download speeds of up to 210.2 Mbps in Seoul. Everyday apps worked without issues, and I was also able to use my iPhone as a mobile hotspot for my MacBook.
Customer support was another strong point. I contacted Yesim twice during my test and reached human agents in under two minutes. This was particularly helpful when I had trouble getting the mobile hotspot to work.
Yesim isn’t always the cheapest option. When I compared fixed-data plans during my original test, providers such as BNESIM and Airalo were sometimes cheaper. Some of Yesim’s additional features also have limitations: virtual numbers are mainly useful for verification codes rather than traditional calls and texts, and I did not personally test an unlimited plan during my South Korea test.
Even with those limitations, I would recommend Yesim, especially if you value easy installation, fast mobile data, responsive human support, and features beyond a basic travel eSIM. With TRAVLISTS20, new users can also get 20% off all Yesim plans, which makes the pricing more competitive.
If you want to compare Yesim against the other providers Travlists has reviewed, our Travel eSIM Hub has the full lineup with honest pros and cons for each, not just the one covered in this review.
FAQ
Is Yesim eSIM worth it?
Yes, based on my experience. I found Yesim easy to set up, fast, and reliable during my South Korea test. I connected to LG U+ 5G, reached download speeds of up to 210.2 Mbps, used mobile hotspot successfully, and received human support responses in under two minutes.
Yesim is not always the cheapest option, but if you value easy installation, responsive support, unlimited-data options, and additional features such as a built-in VPN for iOS, it is worth considering.
What is the best Yesim promo code?
New Yesim users can use TRAVLISTS20 to get 20% off all Yesim plans. There is no minimum spend or discount cap, and the code currently has no expiration date. I tested it at checkout before publishing this review and confirmed that the discount was applied.
I was also able to confirm with Yesim that 20% off is the highest regular discount offer, while 15% is the standard discount that other publications offer. Having said that, Yesim may occasionally provide Travlists or other sites with limited-time promotional offers that are higher than the regular discount. Check our Promo Codes section before booking.
Can I use the Yesim promo code more than once?
TRAVLISTS20 is intended for new users. During my earlier testing, I also found that after registering one first-user promo code on my account, I could not register another first-user code on the same account.
Because that test involved an earlier promotion, I recommend checking the current terms and confirming the discount at checkout.
Does Yesim work in South Korea?
Yes. I personally tested Yesim in Seoul on an iPhone 15 Pro. My eSIM connected to LG U+ 5G, and I recorded download speeds of up to 210.2 Mbps. I used navigation, messaging, social media, and general web browsing without noticeable connectivity problems.
Does Yesim work in China?
Aside from data, Yesim also offers a built-in VPN for supported iOS devices. This may be useful when traveling in countries with internet restrictions.
Can I install Yesim before traveling?
Yes. I confirmed this directly with Yesim support during my test. You need an active internet connection to install an eSIM, so I recommend setting it up before your trip while you still have reliable Wi-Fi.
How long does Yesim eSIM installation take?
My South Korea setup took about four minutes, excluding roughly two minutes I spent correcting settings I had missed. I used the activation link included in my purchase email. On a separate trip to China, setup took around two minutes.
Do I need to turn on Data Roaming for Yesim?
I needed to turn on Data Roaming for the Yesim eSIM during my South Korea test before mobile data started working. I also selected Yesim under Cellular Data and switched off my primary SIM while testing.
Does Yesim support mobile hotspot?
Yes. I successfully connected my MacBook to my iPhone using Yesim’s mobile hotspot in Seoul. I initially had trouble getting the connection to work, but the hotspot eventually connected successfully.
Does Yesim offer unlimited data?
Yesim offers unlimited-data plans alongside fixed-data plans. I used a fixed-data plan during my South Korea test, so I did not personally test their unlimited option there. Fair Usage Policies may apply, so check the terms of your specific plan before purchasing.
Does Yesim include calls, texts, or a phone number?
The travel eSIM I tested was data-only and did not include traditional voice calls or SMS. Yesim offers virtual phone numbers separately, but these are mainly intended for receiving verification codes rather than replacing a traditional mobile number.
You can still use data-based calling and messaging apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, KakaoTalk, and Messenger.
Can I reuse a Yesim eSIM?
Yesim says you can purchase another plan for an existing eSIM without reinstalling it. During my original South Korea test, I had not personally tested reusing the same Yesim eSIM across multiple trips, so I treat this as a provider feature rather than something I personally verified.
How I Test
Every eSIM reviewed on Travlists is personally purchased and tested by Julian. Testing includes installation time, speed tests at multiple points in the day using both Ookla and Google’s Internet Speed Test, mobile hotspot performance, real-world app usage, and at least one interaction with the provider’s customer support team. Screenshots and receipts are documented throughout.
This Yesim review reflects testing conducted in Yeouido, Seoul, South Korea in May 2026 on an iPhone 15 Pro. Read our full testing methodology →
Purchase Receipt
Here is the receipt for my Yesim eSIM purchase:
