Maya eSIM review: Is it worth your money?

What is the Maya eSIM?

Maya Mobile, founded in 2021, is a US-based travel eSIM company delivering mobile data services for travelers and remote workers. It provides coverage in 200+ countries and territories, with a range of options from short-term packages to unlimited data plans in select destinations. Maya Mobile says it aims to keep travelers connected without the usual international roaming fees or SIM card swaps. 

Maya eSIM pros and cons

The Maya eSIM has a lot going for it: wide coverage, flexible plans, and an easy setup. But like any service, it’s not perfect. Where does it work well, and where does it fall short?

Maya eSIM review

Let's explore the key features of the Maya Mobile travel eSIM based on customer feedback and real-world use.

How does the Maya eSIM work?

The Maya Mobile eSIM works like any other embedded SIM: It connects you to local networks in supported destinations using the eSIM technology built into your phone. Unlike a traditional SIM card, there’s no need to swap out your existing SIM. Instead, the Maya eSIM acts as a secondary data plan while keeping your existing phone plan intact.

Like other eSIM companies, Maya eSIM activation requires five steps:

1. Buy a data plan based on your destination and data needs. You’ll receive a QR code via email. 

2. Scan the QR code with your eSIM-compatible device. If scanning the QR code isn’t an option, you can enter the activation code and other details manually.

3. Upon arrival at your destination, activate data roaming on the Maya eSIM profile.

4. Turn off data roaming on your primary SIM card. This prevents unexpected roaming charges from your home network.

5. Your connection should be up and running within 15 minutes.

Plans 

The Maya eSIM offers two types of plans: limited data and unlimited data. Availability depends on your travel destination, but both types connect to 4G and 5G networks where available.

• Limited data plans range from 1 GB to 40 GB, with durations of 5 to 30 days.

• Unlimited plans allow daily high-speed use but with a soft cap (more on this in the pricing section).

• Auto-renewal is available for up to 180 days, giving frequent travelers a hassle-free experience.

You can manage your plan — add data, switch regions, or cancel — through your Maya Mobile account. However, since Maya doesn’t have a mobile app, you'll have to handle everything through a browser.

Pricing

Maya Mobile pricing depends on your destination and data needs. Here's a quick summary of its travel eSIM plans:

• Limited plans:

  • Starting at US$6.29 for 1 GB (e.g., Egypt)

  • Up to US$34.99 for 40 GB (e.g., Europe)

  • Validity: 5 to 30 days

  • Prices vary by country and region

• Unlimited plans:

  • Maya’s “unlimited” eSIM plans come with a daily high-speed cap.

  • US$2.25–US$4.50 per day → 3 GB of high-speed data per day

  • US$3.70–US$5.40 per day → 5 GB of high-speed data per day

Compatibility

The Maya eSIM works with a wide range of devices, including iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel models. However, laptops, smartwatches, and some other devices aren’t listed as compatible. If you're not sure whether your device supports a Maya virtual SIM card, check its compatibility list before buying.

Activation process 

Setting up a Maya eSIM is usually simple via QR code, but some users have reported issues — especially on certain Android devices.

If you run into this issue, you can manually update your APN settings by going to "Settings" > "Connections" > "Mobile Networks" > "Access Point Names (APN)."

Network speed

Maya Mobile connects to major local carriers, with speeds up to 5G where available. Some of the mobile networks you’ll use in different regions include:

• Australia: Optus.

• France: Free Mobile, Orange.

• Italy: Iliad, Vodafone.

• USA: AT&T, Verizon.

While speeds are generally good, some users report unstable internet connections. 

If you rely on fast and stable internet for work or calls, keep in mind that performance can fluctuate based on location and network congestion.

Customer support

Maya’s main support channel is a chatbot, but you can switch to a human agent by typing “Agent” in the chat and providing your email address. Once you do, you’ll get a response via email — usually within a few hours. However, some users have reported longer response times, which can be frustrating if you’re on a short trip.

If you need help, you can also use the "Contact us" option in the website’s main menu to submit a request to the support team.

Auto-renewal

Maya Mobile lets you enable auto-renewal at checkout, ensuring your plan refills automatically so you never run out of data. This option is handy if you're unsure how much data you’ll need.

Saily vs. Maya 

If you’re comparing travel eSIM services, Saily is one of Maya’s biggest competitors. While both offer reliable mobile data, Saily packs in extra features that set it apart.

Verdict: Is the Maya eSIM worth it?

Maya Mobile gets a lot right — wide coverage and flexible eSIM data plans make it a strong choice for travelers who want reliable data without the hassle of opening SIM trays and swapping cards. If you need unlimited plans in select destinations, it’s one of the better options out there.

That said, it has a few drawbacks. The absence of a universal global plan means you’ll have to pick individual country or regional packages. If managing your eSIM through a dedicated mobile app matters to you, Maya Mobile falls short there too.

For travelers who want more control and security, Saily is worth a look. It offers a global plan, a mobile app, built-in ad blocking, and extra privacy features like virtual location — things Maya doesn’t provide.