Airalo eSIM: Honest Review & Top Alternatives for 2025

Airalo was initially a game-changer, but its reliability and customer service have become inconsistent.

Many alternatives offer superior service and value.

Choosing the right eSIM depends on your trip's length and data needs.

Holafly, Saily, and Jetpac are strong contenders.

Consider factors like data limits, pricing, customer support, and additional features when selecting an eSIM provider.

I love a travel gadget, but I hate wasting money. When I heard about eSIMs I knew I had to try one. I was like, if they’re really as convenient as they sound, this will be a game changer. So I tried Airalo. I used it in two different countries and had vastly different experiences. Here’s what to know before you get an eSIM from this provider. This post contains affiliate links. Booking through these links generates a small commission for me at no extra cost to you. In fact, it’ll also get you a discount! Thanks for your support.

Do I think Airalo is legit? Previously, my answer was yes and no. However, in light of recent experiences, I have to give it a soft no. I’ll give Airalo credit as one of the first and most prominent eSIM providers. But between consistently disappointing customer service and so many complaints from people saying their eSIMs never worked, it just not reliable enough. (See the comments section below, lol.) Fortunately, there are lots of other eSIM companies out there now, and they can be a great travel tool. More on all of this below.

I used an Airalo eSIM for the first time on my three-day stopover in Qatar and it served its purpose beautifully. When I downloaded one again for a 3-month trip in South Africa, it wasn’t so successful. And that’s when I had to go through several interactions with Airalo’s customer service.

Why I Wanted to Try an eSIM

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A friend I met in Bucharest recommended I try out an eSIM and raved about Airalo. He’d been on an extended trip and used eSIMs in every country he visited. My experiences connecting to local networks over the past several months of country hopping had been very different.

My process typically looked like this:

Taking screenshots of my Airbnb or hotel’s location and check-in instructions

Connecting to airport wifi to get directions

Finding the place and checking in

Searching for the nearest cell store

Fumbling my way through the local language or trying to interpret data package options on a brochure

Doing mental math because I’m in a new country with a new currency

Getting a SIM card (and maybe overpaying for it)

His process looked like this:

Downloading an eSIM before getting to a new country

Activating it on arrival

Using data on the local network

So obviously I was like, his way is the way of the future and sounds like a dream, gimme one.

My Experience with Airalo

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In Qatar

So I used my first Airalo eSIM in Qatar on a 3-day stopover. I paid for and downloaded it a couple of days before we arrived. As soon as we got to the airport, I connected to the wifi and “activated” my SIM. The instructions were super easy and just involved tapping a few buttons in the settings app on my iPhone. I was blown away by how fast everything was.

In South Africa

We then went to South Africa for 3 months and I used Airalo again. It was just as easy to install and activate the eSIM, but the network reception was really hit and miss. I chalked that up to South Africa’s infrastructure and made do with what I had. It worked perfectly for 30 days. After I paid for a top-up, it worked for like 24 hours before it started getting wonky. I didn’t just have a weak network or a brief drop in signal, I had 0 bars. OR it would show I had 5G and full bars, but nothing would load. I hadn’t done anything to my settings. So it didn’t make sense.

Airalo Customer Service

a blue and green new year wallpaper with a palm tree

I contacted Airalo about my issue in South Africa and they gave me a list of instructions that were not super easy to read. I sent them a bunch of screenshots and spoke to someone for about 20 minutes, but I had limited access to wifi (loadshedding, baby) and we never found a solution. I contacted them later and never heard back. When I contacted them the third time… I sent my first message at 3:30 PM and they didn’t respond until about 24 hours later. In that timeframe, I’d given up and gone to get a physical SIM the old-fashioned way.

I’d only used 0.5 GBs of the 10 GB I paid for and asked for a refund, and at first they refused because they couldn’t see an issue with the ICCID (nerd stuff). It was only $26 USD, but I think that sucks.

After some back and forth, they finally agreed to give me credit. That’s better than nothing and seemed reasonable enough, so I thanked them for the offer… But getting that “offer” was like pulling teeth. I don’t get trustworthy, reliable, honest vibes from the company. Call me crazy, but I think that’s important.

My Best Advice if Something Goes Wrong with Your Airalo eSIM

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Take a ton of screenshots/recordings of what you’re experiencing.

Get a screenshot of the remaining data in your package to support your request for a refund.

Reference the terms and conditions (particularly section 6) in your communication with the customer service rep.

Being polite and patient can go a long way!

Alternatives to Airalo

I first published this post in 2023, but in the first few months of 2025 I’ve gotten a lot of comments from people sharing a negative experience with Airalo. (You can read through them at the bottom of this page.) The last thing I’d ever want is for you to lose any money trying out this tool — so you may want to explore some alternatives.

I’ve also tried Holafly and Saily eSIMs, which both worked well. And I’ll be exploring other options on upcoming trips. If you’re looking for an alternative to Airalo, here are some options with stronger reviews.

Holafly: Every eSIM offers unlimited data, and you pay based on how many days you need it for. They also just released an awesome monthly subscription option with global coverage called Holafly Plans. Holafly is more expensive than Airalo, but you get what you pay for! Here’s a 5% discount on their regular eSIMs. Or get an exclusive 10% discount on the monthly plan (up to 12 months) with code RUNAWAYTRAVELLER at check out. I also wrote a more in-depth review.

Saily: One of the most affordable options on the market, Saily is the best alternative to Airalo. The activation was a bit delayed when I tried it, but then it worked a treat. It’s already affordable, but here’s an extra 5% discount and a more in-depth review.

Jetpac: This is probably the “coolest” eSIM provider out there. They have a bunch of additional features like free lounge access if your flight is delayed. They also have rave reviews on Trustpilot —4.8/5! Here’s 10% off any purchase over 10 USD.

Airalo Pros and Cons

Haven’t decided whether you want to give Airalo a test spin? Here are the key pros and cons of Airalo eSIMs to consider.

Pros

You can activate an Airalo eSIM as soon as you enter the country. (As long as you have wifi.)

You don’t have to compare providers or avoid scams.

You don’t need to bring your passport or proof of address.

eSIMs are specifically designed for travelling.

You can try Airalo at a discount and stack up credit for referring your friends.

Cons

You don’t always get a phone number.

Customer service was meh.

Cell service might not be as good as with a local SIM.

Would I use Airalo again? No, I won’t be using Airalo again. If you’re staying somewhere for 30 days or more, get a local SIM or do a monthly subscription with Holafly Plans. It was significantly cheaper for me to get a real SIM in South Africa. Though South Africa is a famously affordable destination. In some countries, an eSIM may actually be cheaper.

Airalo: $26 USD for 10 GBs over 30 days in one country or region.

MTN (South Africa local phone provider): $8 for 20 GBs over 30 days.

Holafly Plans: $65 USD per month for unlimited data anywhere in the world — with the ability to hot spot to another device. Get 10% off for the first year with my code: RUNAWAYTRAVELLER

There’s no point in getting a local SIM if you’re on a three-day stopover like I was in Qatar. That’s prime eSIM time!

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FAQ

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that's built into your phone. It eliminates the need for a physical SIM card, making it incredibly convenient for international travel.

How does an Airalo eSIM work?

You purchase and download an Airalo eSIM data plan for your destination. Once you arrive, you activate it using a QR code and your phone's settings, granting you immediate access to mobile data.

Is Airalo eSIM suitable for all countries?

Airalo offers eSIMs for many countries, but coverage isn't universal. Check their website for availability in your specific travel destination before purchasing.

What are the advantages of using an eSIM over a physical SIM card?

eSIMs are more convenient (no need to find a store), often cheaper for short trips, and eliminate the hassle of swapping SIM cards.

What should I do if my Airalo eSIM isn't working?

First, check your phone's settings to ensure the eSIM is correctly activated. Contact Airalo's customer support for troubleshooting assistance. Provide them with screenshots and details of your issue.

What is Airalo eSIM, and how does it work?

Airalo is a company that offers eSIMs (embedded SIMs) for international travel. Instead of using a physical SIM card, you download a digital SIM directly to your compatible smartphone. This allows you to access local data plans in various countries without the need for a physical SIM swap. It works by connecting your phone to Airalo's network partner in your destination country, providing you with mobile data access.

Is Airalo eSIM a reliable option for international travel in 2025?

Airalo's reliability can vary depending on the specific country and network partner. While generally reliable for data access, coverage might not be as extensive as local providers. It's crucial to check reviews for the specific country you're visiting before purchase. Network congestion in popular tourist areas could also impact speed and performance. In 2025, the reliability should be similar to previous years, but always check current user reviews for up-to-date information.

What are some better alternatives to Airalo eSIM in 2025?

Several alternatives exist, including other eSIM providers like Holafly, GigSky, and Ubigi. These providers offer similar services but may have different pricing structures, data packages, and coverage areas. Local SIM cards purchased upon arrival at your destination are another option, potentially offering better value for extended stays. The "best" alternative depends on your specific needs and travel plans.

How does Airalo's pricing compare to other eSIM providers and local SIM cards?

Airalo's pricing is generally competitive, but it's essential to compare prices across different providers for your specific needs. Sometimes, purchasing a local SIM card might be cheaper, particularly for longer trips. Factors like data allowance, validity period, and specific country impact pricing. It's recommended to research and compare offerings from various providers (including Airalo) before making a decision.

Are there any hidden fees or charges I should be aware of when using Airalo?

While Airalo is transparent about its pricing upfront, it's crucial to read the terms and conditions carefully. Be aware of any potential roaming charges if you use data outside the specified country or if you exceed your data limit. Check the fine print for any unexpected fees related to activation, cancellation, or customer service. Comparing pricing structures against others, helps in finding the best option.

What are the compatibility requirements for using an Airalo eSIM?

Not all phones support eSIM technology. Check your phone's specifications to ensure it's compatible with eSIM. Most modern iPhones and some Android devices support eSIM. If your phone is not eSIM compatible, you'll need a physical SIM card. Airalo's website usually has a list of compatible devices. Always confirm compatibility before purchasing an eSIM.

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