Simplifly
Simplifly is an eSIM and mobile connectivity platform built and operated by Shaurya Bahl. It allows users to purchase and activate digital SIM cards (eSIMs) for international travel without needing a physical SIM card.
Website: gosimplifly.com
Overview
Simplifly integrates the Dtone DVS API to source and distribute eSIM data plans across a range of global destinations. Originally launched as a B2C (consumer-facing) product, it has evolved toward a B2B model targeting businesses in the UAE and Gulf region — specifically hotels, airlines, and corporate travel managers.
Technology Stack
- Built with Expo / React Native and deployed via EAS Build
- Backend integrates the Dtone DVS API for eSIM inventory and provisioning
- Swift/native login architecture calling Shaurya's own API
- Published on the App Store (navigated App Store compliance for webview-based app)
- Server infrastructure with Nginx reverse proxy on simpliflyon.cloud
- Environment separation: UAT (testing) and Production modes
- Stripe payment integration for order processing
Business Model
B2C
Travelers purchase eSIM data plans directly through the Simplifly platform for use abroad. No physical SIM required — activate digitally before or upon arrival.
B2B (Primary Focus)
Businesses (hotels, airlines, travel companies) in the UAE/Gulf integrate Simplifly to offer connectivity as a value-add service to their customers or staff. This is the more scalable direction Shaurya is pursuing.
The B2B platform includes:
- Business dashboard with One Balance system
- Team distribution tools for managing employee eSIMs
- Reseller configuration for partners
- Developer portal with API keys and documentation
- Tiered pricing for different business sizes
Product Expansion
Beyond eSIMs, Simplifly has expanded to include:
- Mobile recharge services
- Gift cards distribution
- Full B2B digital services API platform
Market Context
The Gulf region — particularly the UAE — is a major international travel hub. Dubai alone receives tens of millions of tourists and business travelers annually, all of whom face international roaming costs. eSIMs offer a fast, frictionless alternative, and embedding that solution into the hospitality and airline booking flow (B2B) is a significant opportunity.
The Dtone DVS API gives Simplifly access to a large catalog of eSIM and top-up products globally, allowing the platform to serve many destinations without building carrier relationships from scratch.
Key Challenges Navigated
- UAE eSIM regulatory and legal considerations — eSIM is a regulated product in the UAE, and certain restrictions apply (e.g., UAE residents cannot purchase eSIMs through some channels)
- App Store compliance — especially around webview-based app flows
- B2B go-to-market strategy — identifying and pitching to hotels, airlines, and corporates
- Native Swift login layer on top of his own API
- EAS build pipelines and publish flows
- Payment infrastructure — Stripe integration with order tracking (payment IDs like
pi_xxxxx)
Architecture
simplifly.com/
├── Consumer Area
│ ├── /dashboard — User overview
│ └── /profile
├── Business Portal (One Balance)
│ ├── /business/dashboard — Overview + One Balance widget
│ ├── /business/work — Distribute to team
│ ├── /business/resell — Reseller config
│ ├── /business/developer — API keys + docs
│ └── /business/pricing — Pricing tiers
├── Checkout Flow
│ ├── /checkout/[packageId]
│ └── /success/[orderId]
└── Admin (internal)
└── /admin
Remittance Connection
Shaurya's interest in connectivity infrastructure extends to financial connectivity. He also built Raly, a remittance intelligence tool for GCC-to-Asia/Africa corridors — reflecting his broader interest in the financial and connectivity infrastructure serving the Gulf's large expatriate and traveler population. His father Ashish Bahl works at Thunes, a global cross-border payments company, which directly influenced this thinking.
Source Countries
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Singapore