Is Airalo eSIMs Worth It? My 2-Year Review

Before eSIMs, I always despised spending precious time at the airport lining up for a physical SIM card, only to be surprised by how expensive some of them were.

Maybe it’s just me, but travel days are always a write-off. After landing at a destination, the last thing I want to do is line up for a physical SIM card.

I also looked into data roaming plans with my default carrier, but they’re almost always extremely overpriced.

Check out the video I made on my review of Airalo eSIMs a while back!

So, when my traveler friends introduced me to Airalo, I jumped at the opportunity to try it out.

Two years into using Airalo (as well as other eSIM products), I believe I have a solid opinion on whether Airalo eSIMs are worth it.

Let’s dive into my Airalo eSIM review, highlighting the pros, cons, summarizing my 2 year experience with the eSIM provider to help you decide if this is the right choice for you!

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What Is Airalo?

Airalo is the world's first eSIM store with a marketplace of data packages for travelers who regularly visit other countries like myself.

Airalo now has eSIM cards for over 190 countries and regions around the world, with many local and regional data plans to choose from. Regardless of where you're going and what type of trip you're taking, it's very likely Airalo has the eSIM for you.

But what makes Airalo different?

Airalo makes partnerships with local internet and cellular service providers from across the world to secure low price cellular plans for travelers like you.

But first, what are eSIMs and why are they superior to physical SIM cards?

Psst... I'm going to be real. While this is my honest review, we're such fans that we've scored a deal for you from Airalo. If you've decided to purchase, use code "PILOT10" for 10% off your purchase, or use referral code "PILOT2992" when you first sign up to receive $3 off your first purchase!

eSIMs vs. traditional SIM cards: What's the difference?

Today, nearly 80% of the world has mobile phone coverage, making it easy to connect with anyone, no matter where you are. But that doesn't mean traditional phone carriers have gotten cheaper and more affordable.

In fact, many travelers often come home to a horrible surprise of overage charges applied on their data plans, even if they've gone through the process of turning data off abroad. I made that mistake once and it nearly doubled my travel budget.

With Airalo, you're able to purchase regional and local data plans available all around the world from local providers. This means that Airalo have spent the effort in connecting with local cellular carriers worldwide to make sure you get the affordable prices on your data plans while traveling.

It's such a relief to not deal with hidden fees and expensive roaming fees. Be able to book your transportation and contact people right as the plane lands, without having to worry about your bill skyrocketing.

Plus, you wouldn't have to wonder around airports looking for a vendor to buy local sims from. You'll get service right when the plane lands.

Obviously I'm already sold on t he concept of eSIMs, but I can recognize that it's not for everyone.

Here are eSIMs benefits and features that I've summarized for you:

• Local data plans from local providers
• No issues with storing physical plastic sim cards.
• Keep your number active while still being able to switch your data plan
• Better plans at affordable prices
• No excessive roaming charges
• Instant activation and ready-to-use.
• Switch between data plans to a local, continental, or international plan easily

Now that you're aware of the benefits of eSIMs, let's find out how you can get set up with Airalo.

How do you install an Airalo eSIM?

I'll get to this later in my review, but one of the biggest issues people have with Airalo eSIMs, or eSIMs in general, is the installation process. I'm going to quickly walk you through the set up process so you don't end up wasting money on your eSIM!

You can either set up your eSIM profile before you arrive at your destination, in the airport connected to WiFi, or at your convenience. I like to do it the day before I'm set to begin my ravels.

Most eSIMs don't activate until you arrive at your destination; however, you can get connected as soon as you land if you set it up earlier.

Before you install Airalo, make sure that your phone is carrier unlocked and can support eSIMs. This is very important! Wondering if your phone supports eSim? Follow the eSim phone compatibility guide they've written before you buy!

Express Installation Guide

If your device is eSim compatible and you'd like to use Airalo as your eSim provider, this is how you getset up with your eSim services at your next destination.

1. Download the Airalo App (You can use their website as an alternative).

2. Choose your destination or region you're traveling to.

3. Buy & Install your eSIMs as per instructions on the app.

2. Activate your eSIM in 3 ways: Direct installation, QR code, or manual installation. Follow instructions provided by Airalo for Direct or QR code installations, or read on to find the manual installation guide.

3. Depending on the eSIM you choose, your eSIM will activate immediately when you arrive at your destination, or your activation policy will direct you to further installation instructions, typically involving setting up an APN. Don't worry, Airalo will provide clear instructions as to how.

Tip: Once you get your destination, make sure you turn off "Allow Cellular Data Switching" on your mobile phone to avoid charges to your other providers!

Manual Installation

If the QR code does not work or if you'd like to manually activate your Airalo eSIMs yourself, here are the instructions to do so. I really only had to do this once or twice but it's super easy.

1. Go to “Settings” on your phone
2. Select “Cellular/Mobile”, then “Add a Cellular/Mobile Plan”
3. Select “Enter Details Manually”
4. Enter the SM-DP, address and activation code (you'll find these in the Airalo app's purchase confirmation details)
5. Enter a 4-digit confirmation code (if applicable)

And you're done! You'll automatically get service once you land at your destination. No more desperately searching for airport wifi.

Highlights of Airalo

Whenever I go abroad, one of the first things I'm doing when I arrive is updating people and checking what's next on my Pilot itinerary. With Airalo, these steps are practically effortless.

Connect to the Local Network as Soon as You Land

Airalo takes the stress away of buying a SIM in the country you're going to. I don't have to worry about setting up a new SIM in the new country; I can easily connect to my local network as soon as the plane lands —I don't even have to wait to use the airport's free Wi-Fi.

Have Access to Multiple eSIMS

So I travel alot, so another big benefit to using Airalo, is the ability to store multiple eSIMs in your account. If you're a digital nomad, you'll find it very convenient to have all of the eSIMs stored on your device without needing to line up at the airport and keep track of those plastic SIM cards. The app has all the information I need, and I can  see all my eSims from my travels.

There is even regional eSIMs provided by Airalo for those that are staying in multiple countries but won't want to pay for a full 5 or 7 days worth of the local phone plan!

Language Support

It is often difficult to ask for assistance while visiting a country with a different native language than your own. With Airalo, you can contact a customer support team that speaks your language. I found that's not always the case when purchasing a local esim on site.

Save Up to 10x Roaming Mobile Data

Avoid high roaming charges. Airalo offers cheap mobile data fees!

There are different packages, with the lowest starting at $4.50!

Airmoney

Airalo rewards customers with a currency they call 'Airmoney.' Every time a customer purchases a new eSIM, they can earn credits that can be used for discounts when purchasing their products. Honestly, I'm not one of these people, but I'm sure there is a way to really use this to your advantage with smart purchases.

Airalo Chat Support

So there have been several Airalo reviews I've seen that talk about the delays with Airalo's in-app 24/7 chat support, but I still believe that it's one of the best amongst Airalo's competitors. Unfortunately the baseline for support isn't high these days lol.

Some reviews have said that it took Airalo ~5-15 minutes to reply, while others claimed it took them close to a day to respond. Personally, whenever I had to contact support, they were generally helpful and I've never had a unhappy experience. Keep in mind this is just my experience and your milage may vary.

Drawbacks of using Airalo

Are there any downsides to using Airalo? Of course. I'll let you decide for yourself how much these impact you. This list isn't exhaustive, but just the drawbacks that I believe matters a great deal.

No local Number

Airalo's prepaid travel eSIM is just like other eSIMs that don't usually come with a local number.

They're data-only sims. However, it doesn't mean you can't make phone calls. With messaging apps such as Whatsapp and Facebook messenger, you can still make calls and contact your friends and family!

Infrequent Intermittent Services

If you're traveling somewhere where Wi-Fi and internet connections are a bit unreliable, Airalo might not work for you. A solution to this is to enable call/SMS on your home SIM, making your phone contactable if it's necessary.

Airalo also offers data and voice packages in some countries on their list but make sure to check the packages for details on data only or data and voice.

Incompatible Devices

This isn't so much an Airalo issue as it is a device compatibility issue.

Many devices currently do not support eSIM capabilities, including older version iPhones. Make sure you read up on Airalo's eSim phone compatibility guide they've written before you buy.

With that being said, a lot of smartphones are moving in the direction of eSIMs. As shown in iPhone 14's removal of the SIM slot for their US users, it's clear that eSIMs will continue to be the popular option amongst mobility users across the world.

My Experience Using Airalo Over 2 Years

Over the past two years, I’ve used Airalo in multiple destinations—from quick weekend getaways to longer backpacking trips. I’ve also used numerous competitors, as well as alternatives like data roaming plans, portable Wi-Fi devices, and sometimes relied solely on public Wi-Fi.

Here’s a breakdown of what I’ve loved, what could be improved, and how it compares to other options.

1. Ease of Use

Airalo’s UI and setup are intuitive and simple.

I simply open the Airalo app, choose a destination plan, and pre-download the eSIM profile to my phone. As soon as I land, I switch it on, and boom—I’m connected. No kiosks, no hassle.

One caveat is the complexity of setting this up, especially if it’s your first time using an eSIM or if you’re not technically inclined. If you’re unfamiliar with creating and setting up different cellular profiles or turning off home SIMs to avoid roaming charges, it can be frustrating when the eSIM you paid for doesn’t work as intended upon arrival.

In the two years I’ve used Airalo, I’ve referred and helped various friends and family set up eSIMs on their devices. What stumps people the most is the need for manual network selection or the process of turning off their home SIM.

One area Airalo could improve is making its installation instructions less generic. Some regions require specific manual setups, while others are relatively painless.

Honestly, though, eSIM setup is just an inevitable part of the technology and not necessarily a reflection of Airalo itself.

Pro Tip: I always install the eSIM the day before traveling (around the same time I download my Netflix movies) to avoid relying on Wi-Fi if there are any setup issues.

2. Pricing

Airalo’s pricing has always been one of its best features. Don’t get me wrong, some eSIM plans are pricier than competitors, so I’ll always price shop around if I feel rates are too steep.

What’s great about Airalo’s pricing is the transparency. Converting currencies at local airports can be a hassle, but Airalo keeps it simple by showing plans and rates in ascending order, with options to top up manually or automatically.

While not always cheaper than local SIMs, it’s close enough—and the added convenience is worth every penny, in my opinion.

3. Performance

For the most part, Airalo has provided reliable connections in urban and well-populated areas. Streaming videos, using maps, and messaging friends on WhatsApp worked smoothly in most countries I visited.

However, in smaller cities and towns—places that aren’t popular with tourists—I found Airalo slightly unreliable. If you need a connection at all times while traveling extensively around a country, I’d still recommend going with a local SIM.

For example, when I was traveling around Japan for work, Airalo’s connectivity was highly intermittent, so I ended up splurging on a portable Wi-Fi device.

Airalo Alternatives

Here are some noticable Airalo eSIM competitors that I've tried. Out of the bunch, I feel the most popular ones are Holafly and Nomad. Here's the comparison:

Airalo vs. Holafly

From my experiences with the app, they're both easy to use and the buying/installation process is straightforward. If I had to pick one, I'd go with Airalo. However, I've found Holafly to be great if you want unlimited plans (If you constantly find yourself online).

Price wise, Holafly is more expensive than Airalo, but most of their packages include unlimited data plans, so the price makes sense for what you'll get.

Check out our full review of Holafly to learn more about them!

Airalo vs. Nomad

Nomad eSIMs is another alternative to Airalo that offers competitive pricing for local data plans fit for budget travelers.

While both apps have intuitive installation and payment processes, the actual data plans itself is where Nomad stands out.

In some cases, Nomad pricing can be more competitive and easily available than Airalo, covering 112+ countries around the world. Just like Airalo, Nomad also offers region data plans for those planning to travel to multiple countries. I have had some in my group of travel partners use Nomad with great results.

I'd recommend you to check the prices of the eSIMs of both apps with your destination to make your decision on which eSIM provider you should go with for your next trip.

Is Airalo Worth It After 2 Years? 

In my opinion—yes, Airalo is absolutely worth it.

Over the past two years, it’s saved me time, money, and stress. Whether I’m on a short trip or backpacking across multiple countries, Airalo has made staying connected easy and affordable.

You're also able to see your data usage on the app and top up whenever you're running out, which in my opinion is a super convenient feature for travelers like me who's always on the go. Oh, I also love their iPhone widgets and how it notifies me when I’m about to run out of data.

However, do I think Airalo is significantly superior than all other eSIM providers? Not always. Even though I default to Airalo first, I’ll always price shop if I’m not satisfied with the plans they’re offering.

The other competitors also offer competitive pricing with reach in other countries Airalo might not offer, so definitely check them out before you buy.

Important: Make sure you check if your phone supports eSIMs before purchasing. I've had a friend buy an eSIM from Airalo just to realize that its incompatible.

My Rating: 4.4/5

Pros:

• Instant Connection
• Easy to Set Up
• Multiple eSIM Access
• Short + Long Term Plans Available
• Worldwide coverage
• Competitive Local Rates

Cons:

• No Local Phone Number
• data-only eSIMs for Most Countries
• Data and voice available for limited countries

Additional Airalo and eSIM FAQs

Can Airalo be trusted?

Definitely. Airalo partners with local phone carriers around the world and is one of the world's first eSIM companies. If there's anyone to trust for eSIMs, it's Airalo.

Is Airalo eSIM reliable?

Mileage may vary from different service providers in different countries. For my experience in 5+ countries using Airalo's eSIMs, they're all decently fast, sufficient for me to watch livestream videos or Netflix without delay.

Is Airalo data fast?

Airalo partners with fast data service providers and is still working on expanding coverage. With that being said, Airalo themselves mention spotty services in rural areas as a limitation of the coverage of local carriers.

Does eSIM drain battery?

No, it drains at the same speed to a phone with a physical SIM card inserted.

Does eSIM have faster data?

No. The actual speed is not affected if you use an eSIM compared to a physical SIM card, since they rely on the same technology.

Is there a downside to using eSIM?

I'd say there's no significant downsides, other than the ones we've already mentioned, which focuses more on the downsides of eSIM providers and cell service carriers.

Stay connected and organized during your trip

After two years of using Airalo eSIMs, I can confidently say it’s definitely played a big part of my travel routine. I no longer stress about finding Wi-Fi, dealing with roaming fees, or swapping SIM cards at airports. The convenience and affordability are unmatched, and I don’t plan on going back to traditional SIMs anytime soon.

If you’re looking for a simple, reliable way to stay connected while traveling, give them a try! While you're looking for tools to help you stay organized on your trip, check out Pilot!