Staying connected while traveling abroad has always been a challenge. Between expensive roaming charges, unreliable airport SIM card vendors, and the constant hassle of swapping out tiny plastic SIMs, many travelers have long wished for a better solution.
Enter Airalo — the world’s first and largest eSIM store, with coverage in over 200 countries. Airalo promises to make staying connected easier, cheaper, and more seamless, no matter where you go. But does it really live up to the hype?
After digging into how it works, testing plans, and researching user feedback, I’ve put together this detailed Airalo review to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your next trip.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What is Airalo?
Airalo, founded in 2019, is an eSIM marketplace that lets you purchase and activate digital SIM cards directly from your phone.
Instead of buying a physical SIM card when you arrive at your destination, you simply download an eSIM plan through the Airalo app or website, install it on your phone, and activate it when you land.
The app offers local, regional, and global plans at competitive prices, with packages ranging from as little as $4 for 1 GB of data to larger monthly or unlimited packages.
✈️ Get your Airalo eSIM today and save on roaming fees
How Does Airalo Work?
Using Airalo is surprisingly simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Check Your Device
First, make sure your phone is eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked. Most modern iPhones (from iPhone XS onward) and many Android flagships (Samsung, Google Pixel, Huawei, etc.) support eSIM.
2. Download the Airalo App
The app is available on both iOS and Android. This is where you’ll browse, buy, and manage your eSIMs.
3. Choose a Plan
Airalo offers three types of plans:
- Local eSIMs (specific to one country, e.g., Japan or Italy)
- Regional eSIMs (covering multiple countries, e.g., Europe or Asia)
- Global eSIMs (valid worldwide, great for frequent flyers)
4. Purchase & Install
After purchase, you’ll receive installation instructions. This is usually done via a QR code or directly through the app.
5. Activate Upon Arrival
Some plans activate immediately, but most start only when you land and connect to a supported network.
6. Top-Up Easily
If you run out of data, you can buy more directly in the app without reinstalling.
📲 Try Airalo now — setup takes less than 5 minutes
Key Features of Airalo
Here’s what makes Airalo stand out:
- 🌍 Global Coverage — Available in 200+ countries and regions.
- 💸 Affordable Pricing — Packages start at just $4.
- 🛫 No Roaming Fees — Avoid outrageous carrier charges abroad.
- 🔐 Digital SIM — No physical card needed, no risk of losing it.
- 🔄 Flexible Plans — From 1 GB for short trips to long-term options.
- 💳 Airmoney Rewards — Earn credits with every purchase.
- 📞 Voice & SMS (on some plans) — Though most are data-only.
- 👩💻 24/7 Support — In-app chat and email assistance.
Pros and Cons of Airalo
Like any service, Airalo isn’t perfect. Here’s the honest breakdown:
✅ Pros:
- Easy setup — activate within minutes.
- Competitive pricing compared to roaming.
- Huge global coverage (200+ countries).
- Rewards program (Airmoney).
- Supports tethering on many plans.
❌ Cons:
- Most plans are data-only (no SMS or calls).
- Service reliability can vary by country and provider.
- Requires an eSIM-compatible, unlocked device.
- Some users report spotty connectivity or delays.
Airalo Pricing: Is It Worth It?
One of Airalo’s biggest advantages is pricing transparency. Here are some typical examples:
- Japan eSIM: 1 GB / 7 days – $4.50
- Europe Regional eSIM: 5 GB / 30 days – $20
- Global eSIM: 10 GB / 30 days – $40
Compared to major carriers’ international roaming fees ($10–$15 per day), Airalo can save frequent travelers hundreds of dollars per trip.
Real User Experiences
⭐ Positive Reviews
Many travelers highlight Airalo’s ease of use:
- “The easiest, most cost-effective way to stay connected abroad.”
- “I landed in Italy, turned on my phone, and had internet within 2 minutes.”
⚠️ Negative Reviews
Others report challenges:
- Connectivity issues in remote areas.
- Data running out quickly with smaller plans.
- Customer service sometimes slow to respond.
Alternatives to Airalo
While Airalo is one of the most popular eSIM providers, there are alternatives worth comparing:
- Nomad eSIM – Similar pricing, with slightly different country coverage.
- Holafly – Offers unlimited data plans in many destinations.
- Ubigi – Focused on business travelers and cars with eSIM support.
That said, Airalo’s coverage breadth and pricing flexibility make it a top choice for many.
Who Should Use Airalo?
Airalo is best for:
- 🌎 Frequent Travelers — Business travelers, digital nomads, globetrotters.
- 📍 Short-Term Visitors — Great for vacations, short trips, or layovers.
- 💻 Data-First Users — Perfect if you rely on WhatsApp, Messenger, or VoIP.
But if you absolutely need traditional voice calls and SMS (like for bank OTPs or two-factor authentication), you may want a local SIM instead.
Airalo Tips & Best Practices
- ✅ Download and install before you fly — avoid airport Wi-Fi headaches.
- ✅ Keep your primary SIM active (if dual-SIM supported) for calls and OTPs.
- ✅ Track data usage in the app to avoid sudden cut-offs.
- ✅ Use messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, iMessage) for calls and texts.
- ✅ Combine with Wi-Fi where available to stretch your data.
FAQs About Airalo
1. Does Airalo work on all phones?
No. You need an unlocked eSIM-compatible phone. Check Airalo’s compatibility list in their app.
2. Can I use Airalo for calls and SMS?
Most plans are data-only, though some offer add-ons with voice/SMS.
3. What happens if I run out of data?
You can top up instantly through the app — no reinstall needed.
4. Is Airalo cheaper than local SIM cards?
In many cases yes, especially for short trips. But if you’re staying long-term in one country, a local SIM may be more economical.
5. Is Airalo safe to use?
Yes. Airalo is a reputable company used by millions worldwide. Your payment and data are secured.
Final Verdict: Is Airalo Worth It in 2025?
Airalo is a game-changer for international travel. It eliminates the stress of finding SIM cards abroad, avoids high roaming fees, and provides near-instant connectivity in most parts of the world.
It’s not perfect — being mostly data-only and sometimes unreliable in remote areas — but for the vast majority of travelers, Airalo is one of the best, easiest, and most affordable options available today.
If you value convenience, cost savings, and flexibility, Airalo is absolutely worth considering for your next trip.
🌍 Ready to try it? Download Airalo today and stay connected worldwide
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