SIM Score: How We Rate Every Country (2026)
Every country guide on SimGuide Travel shows a SIM Score from 0 to 100. This page explains exactly how that score is calculated, what each dimension measures, and which countries rank at the top of our database.
SIM Score is a 0-to-100 rating built from four weighted dimensions: Ease of Purchase (30%), Value for Money (25%), Network Coverage (25%), and Convenience (20%). A score above 80 means tourists can buy a working local SIM within minutes of landing. Below 40 means significant barriers; consider an eSIM instead.
How the score is calculated
The SIM Score is a weighted average of four dimensions, each scored from 0 to 100. The weights reflect how much each factor matters to a typical tourist buying a local SIM card on arrival.
How easy it is for a tourist to obtain a SIM card. Factors include whether a passport is required, whether registration is mandatory, and how many purchase locations are available. Online availability adds a bonus.
How affordable the cheapest tourist plan is relative to the global median of $15 USD. Countries with plans well below the median score higher. A budget bonus applies where the average tourist plan costs less than $10.
Network technology tier (5G, 4G LTE, 3G) combined with the average coverage and speed ratings of local providers. A country with 5G and high-rated providers scores near 100.
The variety of purchase locations across all providers, plus the number of competing providers. More providers and more location types means a higher convenience score.
Scoring formula
SIM Score = (Ease × 0.30) + (Value × 0.25) + (Coverage × 0.25) + (Convenience × 0.20)All dimensions are clamped to 0 to 100 before the weighted sum is computed. The final score is rounded to the nearest whole number.
Score tiers
We group countries into four tiers based on their total SIM Score.
Best-in-class SIM buying experience. No registration barriers, affordable plans, and solid coverage. Tourists can buy a working SIM card within minutes of landing.
Above-average experience. Minor friction such as a passport requirement, but overall easy and affordable. Most tourists find the process straightforward.
Workable but with notable friction. May require registration, have limited purchase locations, or offer poor value relative to the global median.
Significant barriers to getting connected. Consider buying an eSIM before arrival rather than relying on a local SIM card purchase.
Top 10 countries by SIM Score
These countries offer the best overall experience for tourists buying a local SIM card, combining low friction, good value, and strong network coverage.
| # | Country | Total | Ease | Value | Coverage | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Dominican Republic | 94 | 100 | 100 | 95 | 77 |
| 2 |  Romania | 93 | 100 | 100 | 92 | 77 |
| 3 |  Bulgaria | 93 | 100 | 100 | 92 | 77 |
| 4 |  South Africa | 91 | 100 | 100 | 98 | 57 |
| 5 |  Bahrain | 91 | 100 | 90 | 92 | 77 |
| 6 |  Poland | 91 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 57 |
| 7 |  Guatemala | 91 | 100 | 100 | 82 | 77 |
| 8 |  Reunion | 91 | 100 | 90 | 92 | 77 |
| 9 |  Malaysia | 90 | 100 | 100 | 95 | 55 |
| 10 |  Rwanda | 90 | 100 | 100 | 94 | 57 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the SIM Score?
The SIM Score is a 0 to 100 rating we assign to every country based on how easy and affordable it is for a tourist to buy and use a local SIM card. A higher score means fewer barriers, better value, and wider coverage.
How is the SIM Score calculated?
The score combines four dimensions: Ease of Purchase (30%), Value for Money (25%), Network Coverage (25%), and Convenience (20%). Each dimension is scored on a 0 to 100 scale using our published methodology, then the weighted average is taken. The full formula is: SIM Score = (Ease x 0.30) + (Value x 0.25) + (Coverage x 0.25) + (Convenience x 0.20).
How often are scores updated?
Scores update whenever we update a country guide with new provider data, revised plan pricing, or corrected registration requirements. Our country guides are reviewed at least once per year, with high-traffic destinations reviewed every six months.
Why does a country have a low score?
The most common reasons for a low SIM Score are: mandatory biometric registration with a passport (which adds friction and a 20-point penalty), expensive tourist plans relative to the global median, limited network technology (3G-only areas), or few purchase locations. Each country guide explains the specific factors affecting its score.
Does the SIM Score account for eSIM availability?
The SIM Score rates the physical SIM card buying experience only. eSIM availability is noted separately in each country guide under the eSIM section. Countries that score poorly on the SIM Score are often better served by buying an eSIM before you travel.
Want to see the full rankings?
Browse all countries sorted by SIM Score, price, or coverage.
View all country rankings