Staying connected while travelling is essential for navigation, communication, and even capturing and sharing memories in real time. Having reliable mobile data can make your journey smoother. There are several ways to get internet access while travelling. Among all these options, in my opinion, Airalo stands out as one of the best choices for travellers. With its easy-to-use eSIM technology, affordable data plans, and coverage in over 200 countries, Airalo offers a hassle-free way to stay connected. Below you can read about my Airalo eSIM review.
Mobile data options while travelling
If you’re going abroad, here are the main ways to get internet access:
- Physical SIM cards: buying a local SIM card from a mobile provider in your destination can be an affordable option. However, it requires you to find a store, provide identification (in some countries), and swap out your home SIM. On one hand, keep in mind, you can easily lose your physical home SIM, it is a big disadvantage. On the other hand, until you can’t find a store, where you can buy the SIM card, you are without any data.
- International roaming: many telco companies offer international roaming plans, but these can be really expensive, with daily charges or high data rates. It’s best to check your provider’s rates before travelling.
- Pocket Wi-Fi: renting a portable Wi-Fi device is an option, especially for groups. However, it requires carrying an extra device, charging it regularly, and paying rental fees.
- Free Wi-Fi hotspots: cafés, hotels, and public places often have free Wi-Fi, but the connection can be unreliable, slow, or unsafe for sensitive activities like online banking.
- eSIMs: the best option for most travellers. eSIMs are digital SIM cards that work instantly, removing the need to swap SIMs or visit a store. eSIM providers among others are e.g. Airalo, Holafly or DENT. The latter is unique, because it allows users to buy, sell, and trade mobile data through its app. It works like a marketplace for leftover data and offers eSIM plans in multiple countries.
About eSIMs and Airalo
eSIMs are similar to the physical ones, but they are built in your device, works only digitally, and not tied to any specific carrier. Moreover, you can purchase and download an eSIM data plan anytime and connect to a mobile network right away. Additionally, you can store multiple eSIMs on one device.
Airalo was the world’s first eSIM store, it was founded in 2019, and it is still the largest one. They have coverage in 200 countries and regions on 6 continents. One of the biggest advantages of using Airalo eSIMs is their affordability and flexibility.
Airalo eSIM review
In the Airalo app you can choose between local, regional and global eSIMs. Prices vary depending on the country or region you’re visiting, as well as the amount of data you need. If you’re traveling to multiple countries, consider a regional eSIM, like the Latin America eSIM or Europe eSIM, which allows you to use the same data plan across different countries and could be cheaper than all the countries if you buy them separately.
There are two options if you choose the global eSIM: you can not only purchase just data, but cell service, too. If you are planning to make calls and send SMS, you have the possibility to choose the Global+ version, which covers these, as well. With Global+, you will get an international phone number while by the other options does not. If your data expires, you can top it up anytime, until you remove the eSIM itself from your device.
How to Set Up an Airalo eSIM?
- Check if Your Phone Supports eSIM
Keep in mind that not all devices support eSIMs, you can check here on Airalo’s website if your mobile is eSIM-compatible.
- Download the Airalo App
The app will help you purchase, install, and manage your eSIMs, it is available both in the App Store and in Google Play Store.
- Purchase an eSIM Plan
Choose the country or region you’re visiting and the data plan you need.
- Install the eSIM
Check the installation process on Airalo’s YouTube channel.
- Activate the eSIM
Go to your phone’s settings → Cellular/Mobile Data → Add eSIM. Select the Airalo eSIM as your data provider and make sure data roaming is enabled.
- Start Using Your Data!
Once the eSIM is activated, you can start using data in your destination country.
Don’t worry, the installation process seems difficult, but it’s not that hard. Make sure, you follow the instructions! For the installation process you need WiFi. Tip: install your eSIM before you travel, in your home country to avoid any issues during installation.
You can activate it anytime after installation. But, check your plan when the validity of your purchased package starts, this can differ for each. Most of the time you will start the data usage when you connect to a network used in your data plan. But it is also possible that it starts upon activation.
When I used it for the first time I wasn’t sure I installed it correctly, so I contacted the support center. They replied promptly and it turned out, that everything went smoothly during installation.
The data was fast and reliable in the different countries, where I used it. Except in El Salvador. The reason was because there the 3G cellular network technology was available only. The connection was very slow. Since then it changed. You can check the speed on the different locations and additional information about each plan when you click on the buy button.
If you buy a regional or global package, double-check the list before purchasing, if it covers all countries you need. Please note, that certain countries, such as China, Turkey, and UAE, may have restrictions on eSIM activation, so, it’s better to check these before purchasing.
You have the possibility to use the eSIM and your home SIM at the same time. Keep in mind, that in this case you will possibly be charged for roaming for your home SIM. If you use both at the same time, you will notice it, because you will see the strength of connection for both below each other.
The Airalo Loyalty Program
The Airalo Loyalty Program rewards users for every eSIM purchase with cashback in a currency, which called Airmoney and it is credited in your user account. In paralel, you earn various membership statuses with different additional benefits.
Besides that, they have a referral program. It means if you sign up for Airalo with a referral code, you will get a USD $3.00 discount from your purchase, or equivalent value in your selected currency. Airmoney is Airalo’s in-app currency with you can make any kind of purchases in the app.
My referral code is VERONI8021, if you would like to try this eSIM out and to have $3 USD off.
Among all the available options, Airalo is the most convenient and budget-friendly choice for travelers. With a quick setup, no hidden fees, and coverage in over 200 countries, it eliminates the hassle of physical SIM cards and the high cost of roaming.
Whether you’re traveling for a short trip or an extended adventure, Airalo provides a seamless mobile data experience. Say goodbye to expensive roaming fees and unreliable public Wi-Fi—stay connected wherever you go with Airalo eSIMs. Airalo, in particular, offers affordable, prepaid data plans that work in multiple countries.
If you want to read more about my travel experiences and guides, click here.
Disclaimer: this is my personal Airalo eSIM review and my experiences, I am not supported by Airalo by any way!