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Matthew Metcalfe
June 17, 2024
Considering using Airalo as your eSIM service provider while traveling overseas?
There are some things you should know first.
The world has gone digital and so have SIM cards. You no longer have to go through the hassle of getting a local physical SIM card whenever you travel.
That means no more:
- Trying to understand local plans
- Getting ripped off
- Giving out your passport details for a simple SIM card
eSIMs have revolutionized how we can connect while traveling in a foreign country. There is no doubt that Airalo will make your trip more convenient.
But now for the big question – Is Airalo really as good and reliable as people claim?
In our Airalo review, I will break down everything that Airalo offers including how much you have to pay for their eSIMs and our results of testing Airalo in 8 different countries.
By the end of this Airalo review, you’ll know whether Airalo is worth it for you or not!
Let’s get started.
Airalo eSIM Review: What Is Airalo?
Airalo is a global eSIM provider that allows travelers to add eSIMs to their phones and connect in more than 200+ countries and regions worldwide. They were actually the first-ever eSIM store.
They have tons of different local and regional data plans available to choose from. This allows you to stay connected for affordable prices anywhere in the world.
Think of Airalo like a massive store for eSIM packages and plans.
But here’s where they differentiate from their competitors:
Airalo has spent time and resources connecting with local networks and cellular companies all over the world. You are essentially buying a local eSIM cellular plan from the local provider.
What does that really mean for you?
Short answer – Lower costs.
Airalo does the work for you, so you can enjoy the convenience of an eSIM without having to pay a fortune. This is one of the big reasons Airalo has become so popular over the last few years!
We Tested Airalo In 8 Different Countries
We have tried a lot of eSIM apps and providers over the years.
But none more than Airalo.
What really matters is the real-world performance and speed while overseas. Below are the results of testing Airalo in 8 different countries:
| Country | Speed Test | Network |
| Australia | 59 Mbps | LTE |
| France | 35 Mbps | LTE |
| Indonesia | 32 Mbps | 4G |
| North Macedonia | 12 Mbps | 4G |
| Portugal | 28 Mbps | 4G |
| Thailand | 63 Mbps | 5G |
| Vietnam | 31 Mbps | 4G |
| Japan | 106 Mbps | 5G |
Overall pretty good, right?
The truth is the speed of your eSIM is based on the quality of network connections in each country. For example, our Airalo eSIM speed test in Japan was 106 Mbps because they have great infrastructure and a 5G network. Now compare that with North Macedonia the test resulted in just 12 Mbps.
But what we did find with testing is that Airalo’s eSIM speeds were similar to physical SIM cards in the country.
And in some countries like Portugal, the eSIM was cheaper than we were getting at a local SIM card provider like Vodafone, MEO or NOS.
That’s kind of crazy!
The best part is that the eSIMs are connected to the local network. So you should get a similar performance without visiting a physical phone shop.
How Does Airalo Work?
Most Airalo plans and packages are data-based.
That means you won’t be able to make phone calls and send an SMS. But the good news is that you should be able to use most of your apps and make calls and send texts through internet-based services like iMessage or Skype for Phone.
Here’s how Airalo works:
You choose and buy an Airalo eSIM plan for the country you are visiting. Next, you simply download the Airalo app and follow the instructions to add Airalo eSIM to your phone using the device settings. You can even do all of those on your mobile phone, so you don’t need to waste time getting your laptop out!
Once your Airalo eSIM is added, you can connect to the local network and enjoy fast and reliable internet access. Sounds cool, right?
In the past you have had 2 choices:
- Get a local SIM card
- Pay huge roaming costs
Both aren’t very attractive.
Airalo takes out the sting of staying connected while traveling in a foreign country.
Simply buy the amount of data your want for the country you are traveling to. Then when you arrive, activate the eSIM at the airport and away you go.
It doesn’t get much easier than that!
eSIMs vs Physical SIMS
Think of an eSIM like a digital version of a physical SIM card.
Rather than putting the physical SIM card in your phone, you get a unique code for your digital SIM. There are a couple of big benefits to eSIMs:
- Flexibility to install a new eSIM anytime, anywhere
- No need to carry around physical SIM cards
- More options for data plans and packages
- Fewer restrictions when it comes to contracts or other commitments
- Better security for your SIM and plan overall
The bottom line is physical SIM cards are becoming a thing of the past. eSIMs make your life easier and offer the flexibility you need when traveling.
Review Of Airalo’s Top Features
Airalo has a ton of great features.
Below I have listed some of the best things that Airalo offers, including the cost of their eSIM data plans and how the setup process works.
Let’s jump in.
Local eSIM Data Packages
Local eSIMs are what most people will be interested in.
They are single-country eSIM plans with the best value for money. Airalo now offers local eSIMs in over 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Basically, anywhere that you want to travel, Airalo has you covered.
That’s impressive. But what about the cost?
Airalo has done a good job connecting with local internet companies in many different locations worldwide. That helps lower the cost because you ultimately buy from the local supplier.
Check out the table below to see how much Airalo costs in 10 popular countries:
| Country | Data Plans & Prices (USD) |
| France | 7 days – 1GB – $4.50
30 days – 3GB – $10 30 days – 10GB – $23 |
| Mexico | 7 days – 1GB – $8
30 days – 3GB – $21 30 days – 5GB – $32.50 |
| United States | 7 days – 1GB – $4.50
30 days – 3GB – $11 30 days – 10GB – $26 |
| Italy | 7 days – 1GB – $4.50
30 days – 3GB – $10 30 days – 10GB – $24 |
| Hungry | 7 days – 1GB – $5
30 days – 3GB – $10 30 days – 10GB – $22.50 |
| Turkey | 7 days – 1GB – $5
30 days – 3GB – $8 30 days – 10GB – $18 |
| Greece | 7 days – 1GB – $5
30 days – 3GB – $9 30 days – 10GB – $25 |
| Colombia | 7 days – 1GB – $8
30 days – 3GB – $21 30 days – 5GB – $32.50 |
| Indonesia | 7 days – 1GB – $5.50
30 days – 3GB – $11 30 days – 10GB – $24.75 |
Not bad, right?
Here’s the thing to keep in mind:
From our experience, Airalo is still usually more expensive than buying a local physical SIM. But in lots of countries, they are pretty close to the same price. For example, we purchased Vietnam eSIM from Airalo when we traveled there as digital nomads in Vietnam. The price was very close to the local tourist SIM Card plans being offered at the airport.
And for the convenience that Airalo eSIMs offer, it’s often a no-brainer for us.
You can see from the table that some of the data plans in places like Mexico or Colombia are pretty expensive. It comes down to the partnerships that Arialo has been able to create. So it’s not always going to be super cheap.
But in many European countries and North America, we found that the eSIM plans offered by Airalo were about the same price or, in some cases, even cheaper.
As eSIMs get more traction in the market, you will likely see the price come down.
What about coverage?
Generally, speeds have been good for us. You will get 4G in most countries. In more developed counties like Singapore and the United States, you can get 5G as well.
Just like physical SIMs, it depends on the country’s infrastructure and how remote your location is.
We have made an in-depth comparison of 5 Airalo eSIMs in 5 different countries further down in this blog, so you can get a better idea of what to expect.
Regional eSIM Data Packages
As a full-time digital nomad couple, we travel to a lot of places.
Regional eSIM data plans have saved a ton of money and made travel much easier.
What are regional eSIMs?
Regional eSIMs are data plans that cover multiple countries in a region. For example, Airalo has a regional eSIM package for Europe that covers 39 countries within the Eurolink network. That means that you will have access to data in each of those countries while in Europe.
Not bad, right?
In total, Airalo has 6 different regional eSIM packages:
- Africa
- Asia
- Caribbean Islands
- Europe
- Latin America
- Middle East & North Africa
Here is the cost of Airalo’s regional eSIMs and what’s included in each:
| Region | Number Of Countries Included | Plans & Prices (USD) |
| Africa | 27 Countries | 30 days – 1GB – $27
30 days – 3GB – $59 |
| Asia | 13 Countries | 7 days – 1GB – $5
30 days – 3GB – $13 30 days – 10GB – $37 |
| Caribbean Islands | 24 Countries | 7 days – 1GB – $15 |
| Europe | 39 Countries | 7 days – 1GB – $5
30 days – 3GB – $13 30 days – 10GB – $37 |
| Latin America | 19 Countries | 7 days – 1GB – $15
30 days – 3GB – $39 30 days – 5GB – $60 |
| Middle East & North Africa | 15 Countries | 7 days – 1GB – $15
15 days – 2GB – $28 30 days – 3GB – $39 |
Traveling through multiple countries?
Regional eSIMs from Airalo can save you a lot of money. The fact that you can buy one eSIM that works in multiple countries is unreal.
I especially love the 90-day and 180-day regional eSIMs that offer larger amounts of data for as low as $1.80 per GB. That’s something you just won’t find with a physical SIM!
We used the Airalo Europe eSIM multiple times while in Europe and never had a problem. It was a fast and instant connection in each country we visited. The truth is after testing multiple eSIM providers in Europe, we found that Airlo ultimately was the best eSIM for Europe travel.
Airalo claims that they always try to connect to the fastest network, so in theory, you should get the best performance no matter where you are.
Personally, I think the regional plans are a game changer for eSIMs. This will save you a lot of money and hassle whether you are on holiday, remote working or are digital nomads like us!
Global eSIM Data Package
The Global eSIM data package is for real international travel.
You buy one package and get access to data in 84 countries. It’s a great international plan!
Yes, global doesn’t mean every country in the world. But the 84 countries it includes are some most popular tourist and digital nomad hotspots on our planet.
Airalo offers 5 global eSIM plans. Here’s how much each of the Airalo Discover Global eSIM plans costs:
| Days Valid | Data | Price |
| 7 Days | 1GB | $9 |
| 15 Days | 3GB | $24 |
| 30 Days | 5GB | $35 |
| 60 Days | 10GB | $59 |
| 180 Days | 20GB | $89 |
If you are traveling to lots of different countries in one huge trip, the Airalo Global eSIM plan is definitely worth checking out.
Now the only downside is the price.
You will ultimately pay more per GB than on a local eSIM or regional plan.
But remember, you are getting access to a ton of countries. From the moment the chief flight attendant says, “if your phone is within reach, you can now turn it on,” you will be connected online – just like a local.
That’s really cool!
Powerful & Easy To Use App
Airalo has done an incredible job with their application.
I mean think about it…
They offer international eSIM data plans in over 200+ countries and regions. Each of those countries and regions has multiple eSIM options.
That means there are probably about a thousand eSIM plans in their store.
The Airalo app makes it easy to find what you are looking for while showing you what’s available. That means you always get the best deal without feeling overwhelmed.
Straight off the bat, the app is easy to use and navigate. It has a very clean user interface that makes it quick to see the different options.
The search function at the top of the map means you can look for any country fast. If you are heading to multiple countries, you can look at the regional plans to see which countries are included.
What about payment?
I don’t know about you, but I hate pulling out my credit card when paying for something on the phone. That’s why I love that Airalo works with Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and even Alipay.
It makes the payment and setup process way more convenient. With minutes you can find, buy and set up your eSIM plan. All without having to leave the Airalo app.
It doesn’t get much better than that.
The truth is the Airalo app needed to be flawless – and it is. They have built a great app that is easy to use and provides an excellent eSIM experience.
Effortless Connection & Easy Setup Process
eSIMs are a technical thing.
Installing them isn’t exactly straightforward.
Airalo has done a good job of walking you through this process. Whenever you buy an eSIM from Airalo, you will immediately get step-by-step instructions to install it.
You simply need to follow each instruction.
The first time it might take a minute to get used to the activation process, but after that, you will be good to go.
If you ever have any issues, you can always reach out to support and they will assist you with setting it up properly.
Great Service & Support
Speaking of support…
We use eSIMs all the time.
Pretty much every time we land in a new country, we have an eSIM activated and ready to go. Nowadays, it’s almost scary not to be connected in a new place.
But using eSIMs that much has meant we’ve run into a couple of problems.
We’ve had to contact and test Airalo support a few times.
Airalo has a chat function built directly into the app. They offer 24/7 support and service, but the only downside is that it’s not necessarily live.
On average, it has taken us about 15-30 minutes to get a reply from their customer service team. I have heard from other friends that it can take a couple of hours. That means if you’re having an issue that needs to be solved right now – you will probably be in a bit of hot water.
That said, After reviewing the best eSIM providers, none of Airalo’s competitors currently offer a live chat function either. So maybe it’s more of an industry thing.
The Airalo team is really friendly and efficient. They have always wanted to help solve my problem and aren’t just trying to push me away.
Service is an essential part of any online business. And Airalo has excellent support staff who are willing to put in the time and effort to help you properly.
That’s a big plus in my book!
Airalo Pros & Cons
Airalo is one of the best eSIM providers out there!
But that doesn’t mean everything is perfect. Here is a list of pros and cons for Airalo you should think about:
Airalo Pros:
- Access to eSIM plans in over 200+ countries, territories and regions
- Great customer service and 24/7 support
- Affordable data plans with no hidden fees
- Good performance and speeds in most countries
- eSIMs are connected to the fastest local network
- Easy-to-use and intuitive app
- Regional plans and a global plan for even more convenience
Airalo Cons:
- No live chat support
- No family plan options to share data
- Mostly data-only plans – limited call plans and no SMS
- eSIMs don’t include a local phone number
- Most eSIMs aren’t cheaper than local SIM cards (yet)
Most people (like us) will conclude that the pros far outweigh the cons. But in our Airalo review, I want to give you the complete picture.
Will Airalo eSIMs Work On Your Phone?
eSIMs aren’t compatible with every phone.
The first thing you need to check is if your phone is unlocked. Most phones in the United States come locked if you purchase from a company like AT&T or T-Mobile. You’ll need them to unlock it before you use Airalo (or any eSIM provider).
iPhone user?
You can check if your iPhone is unlocked right now:
- Click on Settings > General > About
- Now scroll down until you see the “Carrier lock” section
- If it says “NO SIM restrictions,” your phone should be unlocked
If your phone isn’t unlocked, you won’t be able to install an Airalo eSIM. So it’s something you need to check.
Next, you need to check if your phone model can use eSIMs.
Here’s a brief list of eSIM-compatible phones:
- iPhone XS & XR or later
- Samsung Galaxy S20 or later
- Samsung Galaxy Fold &Z Fold
- Google Pixel 3 & 3XL or later
- Huawei P40, P40 Pro & P50 Pro
Check this complete eSIM compatible phones list to see if your phone supports eSIMs.
Airalo Alternatives
Airalo does have competitors.
So how do they stack up?
If you are looking for Airalo alternatives, make sure you check out the list of the best eSIM providers right now. But here’s a quick breakdown of Airalo’s top 2 alternatives.
Airalo vs Nomad
Nomad is Airalo’s top alternative overall.
The truth is that we use and recommend Nomad eSIM as well. Why?
Because usually, where Airalo lacks, Nomad often has a good plan. We use both eSIM providers regularly and always check to see which has the best for the country we are visiting.
Nomad eSIMs pricing is very competitive compared to Airalo and in some cases, better. They have coverage in 112+ countries worldwide. Their regional data plans are also excellent!
If you are looking for an alternative that compliments Airalo well, then download Nomad.
Want to learn more about Nomad? Check out our complete Nomad eSIM review to see everything that Nomad offers!
Airalo vs Holafly
Holafly is another big name in the eSIM world.
They have a great app that is easy to use and their buying process is straightforward. I don’t think their app is as good as Airalo’s, but it’s definitely not bad.
What about the price?
Holafly is more expensive than Airalo. But most of Holafly’s packages include unlimited data plans. You pay more, but you get more and that makes sense.
If you are a data-hungry traveler, Holafly could be a good alternative. Check out our complete Holafly eSIM review to see the speed and performance of Holafly eSIMs overseas.
Airalo Discount Codes
Who doesn’t love a promo code? To get started on Airalo we have some promo discount codes you can use to save money. Here they are:
New Airalo customers – Get $3 off your first order by using discount code: MATTHE8846
Existing Airalo customer – Get 10% off your order by using the discount code: AUGUST10 (valid until end of August). I always update this code so feel free to bookmark this page and come back to get a new code every time you need a new eSIM.
Copy the code above, click here to get your eSIM and apply the code at checkout. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments.
How To Buy An eSIM Package On Airalo
Ready to get started with Airalo?
You can buy your Airalo eSIM before you arrive at your destination. Use the discount code “MATTHE8846” at checkout to get $3 off your first order.
Here’s how it works:
Head over to the Airalo website.
Now choose the data plan you want for the country (or region) you are visiting.
You will now be prompted to sign in or sign up. Sign up for an account on Airalo.
Now choose your preferred payment method and complete the order.
Don’t forget to use the discount code “MATTHE8846” at checkout to get $3 off your first order.
That’s it! You will receive an email with the installation instructions and a QR code. Just follow the instructions to install your eSIM. You can download the Airalo app and log in to access your new plan.
Remember:
If you are heading overseas now, buy your Airalo eSIM before you leave. Then you can activate it when you arrive at the airport in your destination country.
Airlalo Review: Final Thoughts
That brings us to the end of our Airalo review!
Airalo is the best eSIM provider available at the moment! They are also our go-to eSIM company of choice.
Their intuitive app has been a great addition to our growing list of digital nomad apps. The Airalo plans are also really affordable and they have no hidden fees.
Plus, airalo eSIMs are automatically connected to the fastest local network for each country you visit!
Airalo has completely changed how we connect online as we travel full-time as digital nomads. The convenience and flexibility that they offer us is unbeatable.
Ready to get started?
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Airalo work?
Most Airalo plans and packages are data-based. You download the Airalo app, choose your preferred plan and follow the instructions to add Airalo eSIM to your device. All this is done on your phone, so you don’t need to waste time getting your laptop out. Once your Airalo eSIM is added, you can enjoy fast and reliable internet access.
Is my phone compatible with an Airalo eSIM?
Airalo is compatible with most modern unlocked iOS and Android devices. This is a small list of phones that Airalo eSIMs are compatible with:
- iPhone XS & XR or later
- Samsung Galaxy S20 or later
- Google Pixel 3 & 3XL or later
It’s best to check with your phone manufacturer to ensure that you have an eSIM-compatible device before buying.
How much does Airalo cost?
The amount Airalo costs depend on the location and data plan you choose. The more data you buy, the cheaper it gets. On average, you can expect to pay about $11 USD for 3GB for 30 days. An example of a higher data plan is about $25 for 10GB for 30 days.
What are the best Airalo Alternatives?
The best Airalo alternatives are Nomad eSIM and Holafly. Nomad is great for travelers looking for affordable data plans and offers coverage in over 112+ countries. Holafly is a more expensive option, but most of their data plans are unlimited, making them great for heavy data users.
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