When I first heard about Airalo, I wasn’t sure if it was real or just hype.
I travel often, and one of my biggest headaches has always been buying SIM cards in a new country.
I’ve stood in long airport lines, argued with shopkeepers, and wasted hours trying to get data working.
That’s when I decided to try Airalo eSIM. In this review, I’ll share my honest experience. I’ll keep it simple and clear so you can decide if Airalo is right for you.
What is Airalo eSIM?
Airalo is an app that sells eSIM. An eSIM is a digital SIM card that works without any plastic chip. You install it on your phone with a QR code or through the app. Once it’s active, you get mobile data in the country you visit. No more swapping SIM cards.
I like that Airalo has plans for over 200 countries. You don’t need to search for local SIM shops. Everything is on your phone.
How Does Airalo eSIM Work?
Using Airalo is very simple. I opened the app, picked the country I was visiting, chose a plan, paid, and installed it. After a restart, my phone connected to the local network. That was it. No stress.
The app also shows your balance, data left, and when the plan will expire. You can top up with a few taps.
Airalo eSIM Pros and Cons
Pros:
Quick setup with QR code.
Data plans for many countries.
No need to change SIM cards.
Works well for short trips.
Affordable options compared to roaming.
Cons:
Some plans don’t include calls or SMS (data only).
Coverage depends on local carriers. Sometimes weaker in rural areas.
Not every phone supports eSIM yet.
Is Airalo eSIM Legit?
Yes, Airalo is legit. I used it in Europe, the USA, and Asia, and it worked fine. Payments are safe through the app. I never had issues with scams or hidden fees.
Airalo eSIM Data Plans Review
Airalo offers country, regional, and global eSIMs. For example:
A country plan gives data only for that country.
A regional plan covers multiple countries, like Europe or Asia.
A global plan works in many countries worldwide.
The data size ranges from 1GB for a few days to 20GB for a month. Prices are fair. For example, I paid around $10 for 3GB in Europe, which lasted me the whole week.
Airalo Coverage and Reliability
Coverage is solid in big cities. In the USA, it worked smoothly in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. In Europe, I had fast 4G in Paris and Berlin. But in remote mountain areas, speed dropped. That’s normal because it depends on local carriers. Still, I was never completely offline.
Airalo eSIM for USA Travelers
If you’re visiting the USA, Airalo has special eSIMs for travelers. Plans start small and go up to larger data bundles. I tested one in New York. The speed was fast enough for streaming, maps, and video calls. Just remember, these plans are mostly data-only.
Airalo eSIM for Europe Travel
Europe is where Airalo shines. Instead of buying a SIM in every country, I used one regional eSIM for 30 countries. I crossed borders on a train, and my phone stayed connected. No need to switch anything. This saved me time and money.
Airalo for Asia and Africa Travel
In Asia, I used Airalo in Thailand and Japan. It worked well in cities. In Africa, I tried it in Kenya. The internet was okay, but in some rural areas, coverage was weaker. Still, it was better than hunting for a local SIM.
Airalo App Review
The Airalo app is simple. You buy, install, and manage everything in one place. I liked that it showed my data usage in real time. I could also top up without buying a new eSIM.
Airalo Pricing vs Competitors
Airalo is usually cheaper than traditional roaming. Compared to Nomad eSIM, I found Airalo had more country options. But Nomad sometimes had slightly better rates in certain regions. For frequent travelers, Airalo’s wide coverage gives it an edge.
Airalo vs Nomad eSIM
I tested both. Nomad was good, but Airalo had smoother setup and a cleaner app. Airalo also had more choices for regional and global plans. Nomad may save you a few dollars in some places, but Airalo felt more reliable overall.
Airalo Prepaid eSIM Review
The prepaid eSIMs are flexible. You pay once, use the data, and that’s it. No contracts, no bills. Perfect for short trips.
Is Airalo Safe to Use?
Yes, it’s safe. Payments are encrypted, and the app is on official stores. I never faced any issues with data leaks or fraud.
Airalo eSIM Setup Guide
- Download the Airalo app.
- Pick a plan.
- Pay with card or PayPal.
- Install the eSIM with a QR code.
- Restart the phone.
That’s all. It took less than five minutes.
Airalo Refund Policy Review
If a plan doesn’t work, Airalo does offer refunds. I had one case in a country where my eSIM failed to activate. I contacted support, and they refunded me within a few days. It wasn’t instant, but it worked.
Airalo Alternatives 2025
If you want to compare, there are other eSIM apps like Nomad, Holafly, and Ubigi. Each has pros and cons. Holafly, for example, gives unlimited data in some regions but costs more. Ubigi has great coverage but fewer local options. For me, Airalo hit the right balance.
Cheapest International eSIM Airalo
Airalo often has some of the cheapest small plans. For example, $5 for 1GB in many countries. This is enough for maps and messaging on short trips.
Airalo eSIM Worth It or Not
So, is Airalo worth it? For me, yes. It saved me time, stress, and money. It’s not perfect, but it’s one of the easiest ways to stay connected abroad. If your phone supports eSIM, I recommend giving it a try.
FAQ
Is Airalo eSIM better than buying a local SIM?
For short trips, yes. It’s faster and easier. For long stays, a local SIM might be cheaper.
Can I use Airalo eSIM and my regular SIM together?
Yes. Most modern phones support dual SIM, so you can keep your main SIM active for calls and use Airalo for data.
Does Airalo work without Wi-Fi?
You need Wi-Fi to install it, but after that, it works on mobile networks.
Can I keep my WhatsApp number with Airalo?
Yes. Airalo only gives data. Your WhatsApp number stays the same.
What if Airalo eSIM doesn’t work?
Contact support. If it still fails, you can get a refund.
To Sum Up
Airalo made my trips smoother. No shops, no waiting, no hassle. It won’t replace local SIMs for long-term stays, but for travelers, it’s a smart choice. Thanks for reading my Airalo eSIM review.