Airalo eSIM Review: Data for Travelers + Discount Code 💵

If you are going on vacation and looking for the right eSIM to stay connected, you’ve probably heard of Airalo. It is arguably the most well-known eSIM provider in our area. Airalo was also the first provider we personally tried and continue to use, so we’re happy to share our experiences. Let’s discuss the pros and cons we found with this provider.

📱 Don’t know what an eSIM is? Read our article. 📱

eSIM Offerings

Most packages are data-only, meaning they don’t include voice calls or SMS. There are a few exceptions that allow calling, but only within specific countries. With data, you can still make calls via apps like WhatsApp or Messenger.

Coverage

Airalo offers coverage in over 200 countries and regions, ranking it among the top eSIM providers. Besides individual countries, they also provide regional packages (e.g., all Middle Eastern countries, all Asian countries, etc.) and global packages that cover most of the world. They’ve been in the market since 2019 and recently celebrated 10 million users.

Compared to other providers, their regional packages are particularly praiseworthy, as they include most countries within a given area. For example, other providers often omit the entire Balkans from European packages, but Airalo’s European package includes the Balkans, as well as Georgia and Turkey.

Data Packages

With Airalo, you can get data packages ranging from 1 GB to 20 GB, and in some cases up to 50 GB. Regional eSIMs even offer up to 100 GB. Airalo does not provide unlimited data, except for select countries like Thailand or South Korea.

Some packages also offer the option to top up additional data on an already installed eSIM (which also extends its validity). While you won’t save any money this way, at least you won’t have to go through the installation process again.

Airalo Pricing

Package prices depend on the data amount and the country you’re buying it for. Generally, you can buy 1 GB of data starting at $4.5. The more data you purchase, the lower the cost per GB. For example, 10 GB usually costs around $20-$35.

The most affordable packages are generally for Southeast Asia, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Packages for most African countries or South America tend to be quite expensive.

Regional and global eSIM prices increase significantly, so it may be more economical to buy multiple eSIMs for specific countries you’ll be traveling between. In my opinion, the Asia eSIM is worth it, offering coverage in 18 countries for a price comparable to individual countries in the region.

Validity Periods

Unfortunately, data packages don’t have unlimited validity. One eSIM can last between 7 to 30 days. If you buy just 1 GB of data, you only have a week to use it. For packages of 3 GB or more, the validity extends to 30 days. Be sure to check when the validity starts. For some packages, it begins when you install the eSIM, while for others, it starts when the eSIM connects to the local network.

Website and App Usability

Airalo has one of the cleanest and most user-friendly websites among all providers. It’s available in 50 different languages and is perfect even for beginners. The homepage gives a quick overview of how to get an eSIM, and the help center answers all your questions, complete with visual guides.

Their app is also easy to navigate, guiding you through the eSIM purchase process and showing you exactly what to do next. You can easily see how many days and data you have left without searching through menus.

How Easy is it to Buy and Install an eSIM?

You can purchase an eSIM via the website or the app (which we find easier). Payments are accepted in various currencies (euros, dollars, pounds…), but it’s most economical in US dollars. You can pay by card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, or even Alipay, making Airalo one of the most versatile in payment methods.

Once you’ve bought your data package, you’ll need to install the eSIM on your phone. It only takes a few minutes. The app provides a detailed guide on what to do next. If you’re still unsure, you’ll receive an email with a tax receipt and a video tutorial explaining the whole process step by step.

The app even gives you three different ways to install the eSIM. One involves scanning a QR code, which requires another device or a friend’s help, but it’s nice that the app offers two other options that don’t.

Can You Share Data Using a Hotspot?

If you need to share your data with another device, that’s no problem. You can use a hotspot, but be mindful of your data usage, as more connected devices will drain your data faster.

Loyalty Program

For every purchase, you get 5-10% cashback in your virtual wallet. The percentage depends on how much you’ve already bought from Airalo, but even the initial 5% is a good deal.

You also get $3 for every referral. The person you refer will get the same amount off their first purchase.

💸 Use our discount code for $3 off your first purchase 💸
Airalo code MAREK7858

Credits never expire, so you don’t have to worry about them running out right before your vacation. You need at least $1 in credits to use them for a payment.

Customer Support

Airalo offers a 24/7 live chat on their website. We tested it and were disappointed.

If you have a simple question that a chatbot can answer, it’s great and even works in your language. But for more complex issues, you have to get past the chatbot to reach an operator and then wait until one is available. When we asked a question in Czech, we waited hours only to be told that no Czech-speaking operators were available and to try in English.

However, when I used their contact form on the website and wrote in English, I received a response within five minutes (or within two hours at night).

Conclusion and Evaluation (Pros, Cons)

Airalo is definitely a great choice if you’re new to using eSIMs. If you’re planning a week or two in one country, it’s easy to pick a suitable plan. Beginners will find the app user-friendly, even without knowing English. You don’t need any special knowledge to get started with Airalo.

Here’s a list of the advantages and disadvantages we’ve noticed over time to help you decide.

FAQ