We travel slow as digital nomads for many years now. So, one of our essential needs on the road is connectivity.
Based on the destination(s) and duration of our trip, we choose between a local SIM and travel eSIM.
I have used Airalo eSIM for my personal mobile data needs, and so, decided to share my experience about this eSIM.
If you are looking for first-hand user feedback about Airalo, this should guide you with your decision-making process as I get into the details of the Airalo eSIM review based on my personal experience.
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Do not have time to read the entire thing? Here is what you need to know:
📶 We recommend Airalo eSIM for its excellent network coverage.
🗺️ We like Airalo’s choice of data plans at various geography levels – country specific, regional and global.
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💵 New Users: Use coupon code NEWTOAIRALO15 for 15% discount on first purchase
💵 Existing users: Use coupon code AIRALOESIM10 for 10% discount on your next purchase.
My eSIM Review: Quick Ratings
🎖️ Here is a quick overview of my ratings of Airalo eSIM on various aspects, score 10 being the best.
| Category | Rating (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
| 🏙️ Coverage | 9 |
| 🏷️ Cost-Benefit Efficiency | 8 |
| 📜 Data Plan Options | 9 |
| 📶 Ease of Activation | 8 |
| 📲 Add-on Options in Data Plan | 5 |
| ☎️ Customer Support | 6 |
Airalo eSIM Review Details and My Ratings from Experience
Airalo offers eSIMs that allow users to download and activate a cellular plan simply by scanning a QR code.
This eliminates the need for physical SIM cards and offers more flexibility when traveling abroad.
Here I evaluate Airalo’s eSIM products and support on 6 different criteria: Coverage, Cost-Benefit Efficiency, Data Plan Options, Ease of Activation, Add-on Options in Data Plan, and Customer Support.
For each category, I share my personal ratings on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being best.
Coverage: 9/10
Airalo offers coverage in over 190 countries, making it an incredibly versatile choice for international travelers.
As long-term travelers in the Latin American region, we found the coverage in both Central and South American countries to be impressive.
📶 We experienced fast connections in most major locations, likely due to Airalo’s partnerships with some of the top local network providers in each country.
Cost-Benefit Efficiency: 8/10
- Versus Roaming: Airalo offers cheaper pricing compared to traditional roaming plans, often providing cheaper data options for travelers.
- Versus Local Providers: In some cases, the data costs with Airalo are quite competitive compared to local network providers.
For instance, during our travels in Brazil, we found Airalo’s pricing to be close to what local providers offered to foreign visitors.
Opting for a local SIM card makes sense price-wise ONLY if you plan to stay in the country for several months.
💰 In many countries, local SIM prices can be higher for foreign visitors because the local network providers levy additional fees.
Data Plan Options: 9/10
Airalo offers a variety of plans to suit different needs, which can be more affordable.
Geography-based plans: Airalo offers plans for different geography clusters – country, region and global.
This helps frequent travelers to stay connected throughout the trip, right from the time of landing in a new country.
You do not need to buy multiple SIM cards for different countries.
Data Limits and Validity-based Plans: Airalo provides a wide range of data usage and validity period combinations, offering travelers the convenience of selecting plans that best suit their needs.
📶 We look for the sweet spot of usage and validity based on our travel duration and destination(s). Airalo’s several option make it easy to choose.
Ease of Activation: 8/10
In short, my experience with the steps from purchase, eKYC and activation, has been impressive.
After I purchased an Airalo eSIM, I received the QR code for activation shortly afterwards and followed the steps to activate it.
📶 My Airalo eSIM activation took just a few minutes and I was able to start using mobile data right away.
Add-ons in Data Plans: 5/10
If you are looking for add-ons or specific benefits, the local SIM providers fare better.
Depending on the country and SIM vendor, you may get additional benefits, for instance, free unlimited Whatsapp usage or certain additional usage for Social Media apps like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube.
➕ Airalo does NOT offer such social media specific add-on benefits over the data plans.
Customer Support: 6/10
Airalo has lots of materials online for troubleshooting and ‘How to’ guides.
The plan selection, purchase, steps to activate and activation of the eSIM are all streamlined and intuitive.
However, getting to a human support past the chatbot, in my personal experience, may take a while.
☎️ Most people may not face any challenge, however it might be challenging to get immediate help if issues arise.
Airalo eSIM Review: My Final Verdict
Due to its excellent network coverage, choice of various country/ regional/ global level data plans, and ease of QR code based installation and activation, Airalo eSIM is great for staying connected throughout your trip, right from the time you land in a new country every time.
For longer trips however, example, multi-month duration in one country, getting a local SIM may turn out more cost effective than getting an Airalo eSIM.
While reaching to a human support beyond the chatbot may be cumbersome, most likely, you won’t feel the need for it.
✅ My Overall Rating: 7.5/10
Travel eSIM: What Next?
Ready to try travel eSIM for your next international trip? Then check these:
➡️ Step-by-step Guide to Get Started with Airalo travel eSIM
➡️ Choose Local SIM or Travel eSIM? Example of a destination.
Planning a Slow Travel or Digital Nomad Journey?
We have slow traveled for more than 2 years in Latin America. Check out some of our resources here:
➡️ How we take care of our well-being as Digital Nomads in Latin America
Travel Resources
- Flights: Skyscanner
- Hotels: Booking.com | Expedia
- Tours: Viator | GetYourGuide
- Travel Insurance:
- Heymondo (get 5% off)
- SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
- eSIMs:
- Transfers: Bookaway. Code PARADISE5 for 5% off
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