Airalo eSIM review: Is it worth using?

What is Airalo?

Airalo is a global eSIM store that offers digital SIM cards to travelers, allowing them to stay connected without relying on physical SIMs or expensive roaming charges. It was launched in 2019 by Ahmet Bahadir Ozdemir, Abraham Burak, and Duran Akcaylier, and, as of May 2024, had over 10 million users.

Whether you need data for a single country, a whole region, or a global plan that works in multiple destinations, Airalo has you covered — they offer plans in over 200 countries and regions. But what makes it truly appealing is that you can buy and activate an eSIM in just a few taps, meaning you’ll have internet access the moment you land. 

Pros and cons of Airalo

Before adding Airalo to a list of essentials for your next journey, you should weigh its strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

Airalo pros:

Airalo cons:

Airalo eSIM review

Airalo has gained a solid reputation as one of the go-to eSIM providers for travelers, but to see how Airalo performs in real-world use, we took a look at what real-life customers have to say.

Many travelers praise Airalo for its ease of use and affordability. Some reviewers mentioned that it was easy to purchase and fairly straightforward to set up — you just need to follow the instructions in the app. Other travelers highlighted the pricing, saying Airalo’s data plans were great value for money.

But just like any other service, Airalo isn’t perfect. Some users reported connectivity issues in certain regions, especially in remote areas where local networks are weaker. Others noted that Airalo has some customer service issues, with people complaining that there is no phone line — you can email them but it would likely take 24 hours to receive a response.

How does Airalo work?

Airalo works just like any other eSIM — it’s a digital alternative to a physical SIM card that connects you to a local network while you travel. 

Getting started with Airalo is easy. First, you’ll have to sign up for an account or log in if you already have one. Then, you'll search for available eSIMs for your destination, purchase a selected data plan, and Airalo will instantly provide you with the eSIM details.

Next comes installation. Airalo provides a QR code that you can scan on your phone to add the eSIM profile. Alternatively, you can manually enter the activation details if scanning isn’t an option. The setup process varies slightly depending on whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android device, but Airalo offers step-by-step guidance within the app.

Finally, activation happens either instantly or upon arrival at the destination, depending on the plan. All you need to do is go into your phone’s settings, set the eSIM as your active data line, and ensure roaming is turned on.

Plans

Airalo offers a range of plans tailored for international travelers for 200+ destinations, with data packages from 1 GB to 100 GB and validity varying by destination. Planning to visit just one country? Airalo’s local eSIM data plans have you covered. Planning a multi-country adventure across Europe, Asia, or the Americas? Their regional eSIMs will keep you connected. And if you’re planning to jump between continents, they also offer global eSIM data plans that will keep you connected in multiple countries with just one plan.

However, it’s worth checking the details for each destination — most plans offer only data, meaning calls and texts will need to be handled through apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime. Also, if you're using a local plan, you'll have to install a new eSIM for each country.

Pricing

Let’s talk numbers! Picking the right eSIM also means getting the best offer that wouldn’t hurt your wallet. Here are some popular destinations as well as some regional and global plans, offered by Airalo:

These prices were taken from Airalos’s website on March 19, 2025.

The price for Airalo plans varies depending on the destination, so always check the price and compare it to competitors like Saily so you won’t break your budget. Airalo is quite affordable for short trips or light data users, but its costs can climb up fast when you need more data. If you’re planning a longer trip, you might want to consider other providers that come at a lower price, such as Saily.

Network speed

You don’t want to waste time on slow-loading pages when you’re on holiday. However, you have to keep in mind that your connection speed depends on the local carrier and the network your eSIM taps into.

Thankfully, Airalo supports speeds up to 5G, so you won’t have to worry about slow connections. But don’t forget that 5G isn’t always a given. It’s typically strongest in major cities, but if you’re heading off the beaten path, expect your connection to switch to 4G or even 3G.

Customer support

Customer support can be a lifesaver when you're dealing with connectivity issues in a new country. Airalo offers 24/7 support via live chat and email, which is great if you need help on the go.

Many users praise the responsiveness of Airalo’s support team, saying they get their issues solved without any problems. However, some users mention that getting a fast response can be a hit or miss — sometimes it takes days before Airalo responds.

Additional features

Airalo keeps things straightforward — it’s all about providing eSIMs for travelers. Unlike competitors like Saily, it doesn’t come with extra perks like security features. But Airalo has a solid reputation, with many users appreciating its reliability and ease of use.

Airalo comes with a loyalty program called Airmoney, where you earn store credit with every purchase. Frequent travelers who stick with Airalo can accumulate enough credit to offset future eSIM costs, which is a nice perk.

Saily vs. Airalo

If you’re looking for alternatives, you should consider getting Saily, which offers the same eSIM service. However, Saily and Airalo have some differences in pricing, coverage, ease of use, and overall value. If you're wondering which one is the better fit for your next journey, we've compared the key features side by side:

The information about Airalo’s features was last verified on their official website on March 25, 2025. The Trustpilot rating was last checked on the corresponding Trustpilot pages on that same date.

The Saily eSIM app goes beyond just connectivity — it offers an all-in-one eSIM for multiple destinations, live chat support, and added security features, making it a top pick for frequent travelers. While Airalo is a well-known and user-friendly eSIM provider, it falls short in some areas, like multi-destination support and the ability to reuse an eSIM.

Saily also has a referral program — you can invite friends to try Saily, and both of you get discounts on your next purchase. It’s an easy way to save if you have travel buddies who also need an eSIM.

All in all, is Airalo worth it?

Airalo provides a solid solution for international travelers seeking reliable mobile data. With a wide range of local, regional, and global plans, Airalo offers flexibility and competitive pricing, especially for those who frequently travel across different regions.

The pricing structure is transparent, with clear options for various needs, whether you’re traveling for a short weekend getaway or a long journey across several continents. The network speed, especially in high-coverage countries, is fast enough for most browsing and streaming needs, but data speeds can slow down once you exceed your allocated high-speed data.

That said, if you’re looking for a broader range of plans with even more flexibility and competitive pricing, consider exploring Saily as an alternative to Airalo. The Saily eSIM app is designed with travelers in mind, providing a seamless and user-friendly experience for managing your mobile data needs on the go.