Airalo vs Holafly: Which eSIM Service Should You Choose for Your Next Trip?
If you’ve ever landed in a new country only to realize that your mobile network isn’t working—or worse, you’re racking up roaming charges—you’re not alone. That’s where eSIMs come in. These digital SIM cards let you connect to local networks without swapping out your physical SIM. But with so many eSIM providers out there, which one do you choose?
Let’s take a close look at two of the most popular names in the game: Airalo and Holafly. Whether you’re a digital nomad, an occasional traveler, or on your first overseas adventure, this guide breaks down the differences so you can pick the one that fits your travel style best.
What Is an eSIM Anyway?
Before we dive in, let’s clear up what an eSIM is. Think of it like a digital version of the little SIM card inside your phone. Instead of physically inserting something, you just download a profile to your phone and boom—you’re connected. Super handy when you’re hopping countries or want to avoid the hassle of buying a SIM at the airport.
Meet the Contenders: Airalo and Holafly
Both Airalo and Holafly make it easy to stay connected overseas, but they take different approaches. Understanding how they work—and where they shine—can help you avoid travel headaches.
Quick Comparison
- Airalo: Offers data-only eSIMs in over 200 countries. Great if you want flexibility and budget-friendly plans.
- Holafly: Known for unlimited data plans in many regions. Ideal for heavy users who want hassle-free connectivity.
Airalo: Great for Budget Travelers
If you like having options and love to hunt for deals, Airalo might be your match. It’s essentially an eSIM marketplace, offering local, regional, and global plans.
Why travelers like Airalo:
- Wide coverage: Works in 200+ countries and regions, from big cities to remote spots.
- Price flexibility: Plans start as low as $4.50 for short-term use.
- Pay-as-you-go: You choose how much data you want based on how long you’ll stay.
- Multiple eSIM tiers: Choose between local, regional, or global packages depending on your route.
But here’s the catch: most of Airalo’s plans are data-only. That means no calls or texts through your regular number, unless you use apps like WhatsApp or Skype.
Bonus Tip: I used Airalo on a two-week trip across Europe, and it worked seamlessly in Italy, France, and Germany. I only needed 3GB to check Google Maps, Airbnb notifications, and stay active on Instagram—no complaints there.
Holafly: Better for Non-Stop Data Users
Now let’s talk about Holafly, which caters more to travelers who want things simple and unlimited.
Unlike Airalo, Holafly offers unlimited data in over 160 destinations, making it great for people who don’t want to constantly watch how much data they’re using. One price. One plan. No stress.
Highlights of Holafly:
- Unlimited data: Stream, scroll, and navigate to your heart’s content, especially helpful for business travelers or content creators.
- Set-it-and-forget-it: Simple setup process—you get a QR code, scan it, and you’re online within minutes.
- Good for longer stays: If you’re staying two weeks or more, unlimited data can actually be a great deal.
- Human support: 24/7 live chat—in multiple languages. Super helpful if you’re in a jam abroad.
One thing to note: While Holafly says “unlimited,” very high usage might result in a speed reduction. So if you’re binge-watching Netflix all day, you might feel it.
Something to consider: Holafly doesn’t usually offer local phone numbers. So if you need to call local restaurants or businesses outside of internet apps, that could be a downside.
Ease of Use: Which One’s Easier to Set Up?
Both services make installation simple, but they go about it slightly differently.
Airalo setup: After purchase, you get installation instructions. You can install your eSIM manually or scan a QR code. Their in-app interface helps manage multiple eSIMs easily.
Holafly setup: You receive a QR code by email almost instantly. Scan it, and you’re connected—no need to manage data limits or top-ups later.
In my experience, both took less than 10 minutes to get up and running. But Holafly felt slightly easier because I didn’t have to choose a data plan or monitor usage.
Pricing: What Will It Cost You?
Let’s be honest—price is a big factor. So how do Airalo and Holafly stack up when it comes to cost?
Airalo: More affordable, especially if you’re a light data user.
- For example, you can get 1GB of data in Japan for around $4.50–a solid short-term solution.
- Regional plans (like Europe or Asia) typically start at around $10 for 3GB.
Holafly: Charges more, but you get unlimited data.
- Expect to pay around $19 for a 5-day plan in Europe or Asia.
- For longer stays, a 30-day plan might cost around $64, depending on the country.
So, Airalo wins on variety and budget, while Holafly offers peace of mind for those who don’t want to worry about running out of data.
Customer Support and User Experience
Nobody wants to deal with tech issues while traveling—but if problems do pop up, you want help fast.
Airalo’s support: Response times can vary, and their main support is via email or help articles. It’s helpful, but not always instant.
Holafly’s support: Bigger focus on customer service, with live chat available 24/7. Lots of users mention fast response times and friendly assistance.
If being able to chat with a real human ASAP is important to you, Holafly pulls ahead here.
Not All Phones Work with eSIMs
One last thing before you jump in—make sure your phone is eSIM-compatible. Most newer iPhones, Pixel phones, and some Samsung Galaxy models are supported. But older devices or certain regional versions may not be.
Pro tip: Check the compatibility list on Airalo or Holafly’s website before buying.
Final Verdict: Choose What Fits Your Travel Style
Still wondering which is better—Airalo or Holafly? Here’s how to decide:
- Choose Airalo if: You’re a casual data user, love customizing plans, and want the most affordable option. Best for shorter trips or multi-country adventures.
- Pick Holafly if: You need data round-the-clock, prefer simplicity, and don’t want to track usage. Great for remote workers or longer vacations.
At the end of the day, both options beat the high costs and hassle of traditional SIM cards or roaming fees. Whether you’re checking maps in Morocco or hopping on a Zoom call from Bali, you’ll be connected—without the stress.
So, where’s your next stop? Wherever it is, an eSIM could be your new favorite travel companion.
