As a full-time digital nomad who travels the world with my wife and daughter, staying connected with a reliable service and affordable data is an absolute must. Over the past few years, we've tried out a variety of international SIM card and eSIM options, and Airalo has consistently proven to be one of the best travel eSIM providers on the market. But why?
In this in-depth Airalo review, I'll share my personal experience using their eSIM service in multiple countries, walk you through the simple setup process, and highlight both the pros and cons of the Airalo platform. By the end, you'll know exactly whether Airalo is the right travel eSIM for your next international adventure.
Why Use a Travel eSIM?
Before we get into the Airalo review, let's quickly cover why you might want eSIM data plans during your travels and how it could save you hundreds of dollars in international fees.
Traditional physical SIM cards have long been a hassle for globetrotters, requiring you to hunt down a local SIM card provider in each new destination, often with language barriers and potential scams to navigate.
With a travel eSIM, you can simply download a digital SIM card onto your compatible smartphone before your trip, and have data connectivity as soon as you land in your destination. No more hunting for a SIM card, no more expensive international roaming fees, and no more missed calls or texts from your bank due to lack of service.
Airalo is one of the leading eSIM providers for travelers, offering coverage in over 200 countries and regions around the world. Their eSIMs can be purchased and set up in just a few minutes, making them the perfect companion for the modern digital nomad or frequent international traveler.
How Trustworthy is Airalo? Is it Legit
Yes Airalo is a legitimate company, but their online reputation could use some TLC.
This was my biggest concern when I was first researching options. I’m not sure why their online reputation isn’t that great. You will get mixed reactions in Reddit and Trust pilot so I decide to dig a bit deeper.
What I found was there was a substantial news piece by Entrepreneur magazine and that their lead funding partner e& Capital has confirmed a $60 million series B raise.
As far as we could tell, people were, and still are, frustrated because they couldn’t figure out how to use it properly (the instructions are very detailed and specific as you will find when you go through the steps) and they decided to take it out on the company by posting online.
My Experience Using Airalo eSIMs
Over the past 5 months, we have used Airalo eSIMs while traveling through 4 different locations: London, Netherlands, Greece, and Japan. Here's a breakdown of how the service performed in each location:
London, UK
Our first experience with Airalo was in London, where we spent several weeks exploring the beautiful attractions like St. James Park, the House of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. The Airalo eSIM worked flawlessly, providing us with reliable 4G LTE data that was more than sufficient for navigation, social media, and light work tasks.
One of the standout features was the ability to easily top up our mobile data plan right from the Airalo app if we started to run low. This came in handy a few times when we needed to increase our data allowance quickly to get us through the day.
Netherlands
Next, we traveled to Amsterdam, and this is where I made a rookie mistake that almost soured my opinion of Airalo. In my haste to get the eSIM set up before entering the country, I failed to properly configure one of the settings, which resulted in slower-than-expected data speeds.
However, once I took a closer look at the setup instructions and made the necessary adjustments, the Airalo eSIM performed just as well in Amsterdam as it had in London. The data was reliable, and we had no issues using Google Maps, streaming music, or staying connected with friends and family back home.
Greece
Our next stop was Greece, where we put the Airalo eSIM to the ultimate test - using it while floating in the Elafonissi Beach. To my surprise, the eSIM maintained a strong 4G LTE connection, even in this unique environment. I was able to make a successful phone call back home, demonstrating the reliability of the Airalo service.
Japan
Finally, we traveled to Japan, where Airalo's coverage and performance continued to impress. The data speeds were more than adequate for our needs, and we never experienced any significant connectivity issues during our time in the country.
One additional benefit we discovered in Japan was the ability to receive SMS messages from our banks on our home phone numbers. This was crucial for accessing online banking and other sensitive accounts while abroad.
Here you can see a week into our trip in Japan and we still have plenty of data:
Setting Up Your Airalo eSIM
The process of setting up an Airalo eSIM is incredibly straightforward, and can be done in just a few minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Choose Your Destination and Plan
- Visit the Airalo website or download the mobile app to get access to their eSIM store.
- Select your destination country or region, and choose the appropriate data plan based on your travel needs and length of stay. To find your ideal data allowances, just look at your past bills.
- Airalo offers local, regional, and global eSIM plans, so you can find the perfect option for your trip.
Step 2: Ensure Device Compatibility
- Make sure your smartphone is eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked.
- Most modern flagship smartphones from Apple, Samsung, Google, and other major brands support eSIM technology.
Related:
- Check if your iOS is eSIM compatible.
- Check if your Android os is eSIM compatible.
Step 3: Install the eSIM
- Follow the detailed instructions provided by Airalo to install the eSIM on your device.
- This typically involves navigating to your phone's cellular settings, tapping "Add Cellular Plan," and then scanning a QR code or manually entering the eSIM information.
- Be sure to carefully read and follow all the steps to ensure a smooth setup process. The instructions are quite specific.
Step 4: Activate and Start Using Your eSIM
- Once the eSIM is installed, you can activate it and start using your Airalo data plan.
- The eSIM will automatically connect to the local network in your destination country, providing you with instant data access.
The entire setup process can be completed in just a few minutes, allowing you to have a reliable data connection as soon as you arrive at your destination. And if you ever need to top up your plan or make changes, the Airalo app makes it easy to do so right from your smartphone.
Do note, that each eSIM package comes with a validity period. It doesn't last forever so you'll need to cross reference with your itinerary to save money by not over buying data.
Pros and Cons of Airalo eSIMs
After extensively testing Airalo's eSIM service in multiple countries, here's a breakdown of the key advantages and potential drawbacks:
Pros:
- Affordable Data Rates: Airalo's eSIM plans are generally more cost-effective than traditional international roaming charges or purchasing local SIM cards in each destination. Did I mention, no hidden fees?
- Instant Connectivity: With an Airalo eSIM, you can have data access as soon as you land in your destination, without the hassle of finding a local SIM card provider.
- Reliable Performance: In my experience, the Airalo eSIM provided consistent 4G LTE mobile network speeds that were more than sufficient for my needs, even in remote locations like beaches.
- Flexible Plan Options: Airalo offers a variety of local, regional, and global eSIM plans, allowing you to choose the perfect data package for your specific travel itinerary.
- Easy Top-Ups: If you start to run low on data, you can quickly and easily top up your plan right from the Airalo app.
- Dual-SIM Compatibility: Airalo eSIMs can be used alongside your primary SIM card, allowing you to maintain your home number while traveling.
Cons:
- Potential Setup Challenges: While the Airalo setup process is generally straightforward, there is room for user error if you don't carefully follow the instructions. This is what happened to me when we went to the Netherlands.
- Occasional Connectivity Issues: In a few rare instances, I experienced minor hiccups with Google Maps freezing or needing to be restarted. However, these were isolated incidents and didn't significantly impact my overall experience.
- Limited 5G Coverage: At the time of writing, Airalo's eSIM plans do not yet offer 5G data speeds in all destinations. This may be a consideration for those who require the fastest possible internet connection.
Overall, the pros of using an Airalo eSIM far outweigh the minor cons. The service was a huge help for my wife and I, allowing us to stay connected and productive while traveling the world as digital nomads.
Airalo vs. the Competition
In my research, I've found that Airalo's eSIM prices are generally more affordable than many of the competing travel eSIM providers on the market. Of course, pricing can vary depending on your specific destination and data needs, but Airalo has consistently offered competitive rates in the countries I've visited.
One key advantage of Airalo is the ability to easily manage your eSIM plan directly from their mobile app. This makes it simple to top up your data, switch between plans, or troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Other eSIM providers may require you to log into a web portal or contact customer support team to make changes to your account.
Additionally, Airalo's global coverage is impressive, with eSIM plans available in over 200 countries and regions around the world. This makes it a great option for frequent international travelers or those embarking on extended trips to multiple destinations.
That said, it's always worth comparing Airalo's offerings to other leading eSIM providers like Holafly and Keepgo to make sure you're getting the best deal for your specific travel needs. But in my experience, Airalo has consistently been one of the most reliable and cost-effective options on the market.
Other eSIM providers
Frequently Asked eSIM Questions
Does Airalo give you a phone number?
The Discover+ Global plan does come with a phone number, but most of their plans are geared toward data only.
Can I still receive calls on my primary number?
You can continue to use your existing phone number with your primary SIM card alongside the Airalo eSIM data plan as long as your device lets you have a SIM and eSIM activated at the same time. For peace of mind, always contact their customer support team before traveling.
Can I use Airalo eSIMs for streaming services
Yes you can, but of course make sure you’re not wasting all your data that you just purchased on streaming services and instead using it wisely to get around and travel without headaches.
Does Airalo allow texts?
Most plans are data only and do not allow texts but some of their plans like the Discover+ do allow traditional SMS texting.
Does Airalo have a loyalt program?
Yes, they do, you can get a small referral bonus (around $3 of Airmoney) if you share your referral code. The person you share with just needs to add your code during the initial sign up process.
If they sign up after and want to use your code, you can try to contact customer service, but there is no guarantee that they will honor the code.
Final Thoughts: Is Airalo the Best Travel eSIM?
After extensively testing Airalo's eSIM service versus physical SIM cards in multiple countries over the past 5 months, I can confidently say that it is one of the best travel eSIM providers available today. The combination of affordable pricing, reliable performance, and user-friendly app make Airalo a fantastic choice for international travelers and digital nomads alike.
While no service is perfect, and I did encounter a few minor hiccups along the way, the overall experience with Airalo has been exceptional. The ability to have instant data access as soon as I land in a new destination, without the hassle of hunting down a local SIM card, has been an absolute breakthrough for my productivity and peace of mind while on the road.
We hope that this airalo eSIM review has been truly helpful in helping you figure out your data usage plans for reliable connectivity.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your bags, fire up that laptop and start nomading with this reliable eSIM at your fingertips.
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