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Every traveller hates not being able to connect to the internet abroad, this is due to our dependence on the internet for communication with teams, friends, and family across the world. Data and call roaming always cut deep in the pocket and introducing eSIMs changed a lot for adventurers. Airalo prides itself as a leading eSIM hub globally with services across over 200 countries. This wide coverage ensures smooth and fast connectivity, it is no wonder many travellers have been talking about their experience using it from country to country and other continents. Our goal is to uncover the key to hassle-free data options from Airalo and how you can enjoy the service while travelling.
| Coverage | 200+ Countries |
| Data | 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, & 20GB (No unlimited data plans) |
| Calls | 10, 20, 30, 50, 100, & 200 Mins (based on call plans) |
| Text | 10, 20, 30, 50, 100, & 200 SMS (based on text plans) |
| Validity | 1, 15, 30, 60, 180, & 365 Days (Based on plans) |
| Price | $4.50 - $185 (depending on selected) |
| Data Sharing |
Yes |
| App | Yes |
| Customer Support |
Yes (English) |
There are three eSIM categories by Airalo Local, Regional, and Global eSIMs. These categories also vary based on destination, duration of stay in a particular country or region, and data allocation. Let’s take a deep dive into the details:
Let’s say you are planning a trip to a particular location (Bali, Indonesia), you can get Airalo’s local eSIM for Indonesia and enjoy uninterrupted connectivity from the moment you land. What if you plan to move around two or three countries in Asia? Then you can opt for the regional plans which allow you to stay connected within the same region. For those who travel across different continents the best option would be the global plan which has both data only and data/calls/text options. Make sure to verify if the eSIM data plan covers the countries you’ll be visiting before you make any payment.
Airalo knows that when people travel it is often for short trips and in rare cases long stays. The eSIM plans vary between 7-30 days based on the ever-changing itinerary of travellers. Although there are different durations for countries/regions, the global eSIMs have up to 180 days duration. So, while relaxing in Bali enjoying your nomad life and beautiful sunsets, you can use the appropriate plan that aligns with the number of days you plan to stay.
Data allocation is available in a wide range from 1GB upwards of 100 GB. For an everyday user who just wants a data connection to check messages and post a few photos on the gram, you can get by with the 2GB weekly plan. For people who use heavy data, you are better off getting a coworking space or visiting the café. But if you love to have your privacy and work indoors then Airalo has eSIM data plans up to 100GB. You can find these options in the regional eSIMs section.
Most network carriers lock devices to their service, this makes it difficult to use other network SIMs. If you use older phone models, you may have to check with your network provider to see if your phone is locked and ask them to unlock it. Airalo eSIM is compatible with new smartphones like Samsung, Apple, Nokia, Google Pixel, and many more. So, before you purchase an Airalo eSIM, please verify your device on the list of compatible devices.
It is easy to set up your Airalo eSIM with its user-friendly and straightforward installation instructions available on the app & the Airalo website. Below is a step-by-step guide to how it works:
Upon selecting your eSIM type and country or region, some data plans will pop up to choose from with price, data allocation, and validity periods. This would help you pick the right plan based on the duration of your trip and data needs. Although they offer mostly data-only plans, you can choose the regional plans to enjoy data/calls/text plans if they support them.
After selecting the right plan for your trip, make the payment by clicking the “Buy” button. Choose your preferred payment method which also supports Apple Pay, enter your details and you’ll get a confirmation email about your purchase and you are good to go.
Once you have paid for your plan, the best time to install your eSIM plan is before you arrive at your destination. This would help you get things up and running immediately after you touch base in the country without the stress of searching for internet access.
You have two options to install your eSIM:
The favourite option for installing and activating your new eSIM is via the Airalo mobile application. This option automatically installs and activates your eSIM while presenting you with the QR code and manual installation options. The automatic installation method is easy and simple, saving you time and stress with swift connectivity. After you pay for your selected plan from the mobile app, you auto-install the eSIM. Just click and give it a few minutes to install and activate.
You can monitor data consumption via the website or mobile app, and if you find yourself running low on data, it is easy to top up if your data plan supports the option.
There has been a lot of buzz within the travel community about Airalo eSIMs and how reliable their service is abroad. We have gathered some feedback from travellers on Tripadvisor, Trustpilot, Reddit, and Fibery to see their thoughts about their experiences. Some of the notable reviews are as follows:
Based on these reviews from travellers, Airalo eSIMs are convenient and cost-effective for staying connected while travelling. Many users expressed the ease of use and the effectiveness of the service for them on their trips. They also mentioned how easy the set-up process was, and how cheap the eSIM was compared to local SIM packages. Others stated how it was more expensive than physical SIM cards in other countries. There were also concerns about compatibility issues, technical glitches, and slow customer support. Most times, these are common issues where some users get good services while others get a bad experience. But when you overlook the downside it is quite convenient to use the eSIM to avoid buying a local SIM and giving out your personal information or swapping from one SIM to another.
We’ve been testing and reviewing eSim services since 2019. We have a network of travellers that give feedback on our eSims globally.
