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Holafly vs. Nomad: Which eSIM is better?

If you want to know more about the Holafly vs. Nomad comparison, here's all the information you need to know about it!

Manuel M.

November 2, 2023

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Highly rated Based on +35.000 customer reviews on Trustpilot
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Trusted worldwide Over 1 million travelers across the globe have trusted Holafly
Unlimited data Unlimited data Limitless data plans in more than 170 destinations
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Currently, there are many eSIM providers available that aim to provide stable and reliable connections to their customers while they travel. Holafly and Nomad are two examples of companies that offer these products and services for many destinations. The former was established in 2017 and the latter in 2020 and they have grown into popular cellular providers. Today we are going to dive into the differences between Holafly vs. Nomad. We’ll talk about plans, rates, service, and much more.

If you’re not sure what an eSIM is, you can do a little research here. Both of these providers offer customers attractive features and will surely help you make the best choice before traveling. Stay tuned to learn more about their perks and benefits!

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Feature comparison

Let’s start with a quick summary of the features that each company offers. There are some that you’ll easily find on their websites, but there are also small picks and needles that are hidden.

Features Holafly Nomad
Trust Pilot Reviews4.7/5 – 28,151 Reviews4.4/5 – 2,149 Reviews
Customer Service LanguagesEnglish, Spanish, German, French, and moreEnglish, Spanish 
Unlimited data plansYesNo
Talktime (minutes)Yes*No
Coverage+170 Destinations+165 Destinations
Sign-up requiredNoYes
PlatformsWebsite, AppWebsite, App
Price/RatesStarting at $19Starting at $17
Flexible Refund PolicyYes! Up to 100%*Strict refund policy
Payment methodsCredit card, PayPal, EU Bank, Apple Pay, Google Pay.Credit Card, PayPal
24/7 customer supportYesYes
Includes a local phone number for voice calls or messagesYesNo
Instant deliveryYesYes
InstallationQR code, ManuallyQR code, Manually
Share data with other devicesYesYes
Payment currencyUSD ($), EUR (€), GBP (£), and moreUSD ($), EUR (€), GBP (£), and others.
Table 1. Feature comparison between Holafly vs. Nomad’s services

As you can see, each provider has different features. Holafly offers unlimited data for many destinations and even minutes; additionally, they have a very flexible refund policy and an eSIM that works well in China thanks to its VPN. On the other hand, Nomad has lower prices for some destinations; however, their customer service is only in English, and they offer fewer payment options. That may be an issue for some.

Finally, you can judge from the reviews yourself; Holafly has a higher customer experience score and many more reviews. But let’s take a closer look at each provider to get more details.

>Read about the Holafly vs. Airalo comparison<

Data plans: Prices and amount of Data

Both providers offer different prices and amounts of data for the countries they cover around the world. Overall, they both work similarly in terms of the search for and purchase of their products and services. You just go to the official website or app, choose your destination and complete the payment. You’ll receive the installation QR code, which you just have to scan with your phone’s camera. Continue reading to find out more about each one specifically.

Holafly offers various plans for each destination where they offer coverage like a great Indonesian eSIM option. We’ve set up a table with the average price, days, and amount of data included.

DaysDataPrice
5Unlimited with calls*$19
7Unlimited with calls*$27
10Unlimited with calls*$34
15Unlimited with calls*$47
20Unlimited with calls*$54
30Unlimited with calls*$64
60Unlimited with calls*$87
90Unlimited with calls*$99

Advantage

Holafly has the benefit of including unlimited data in all of their plans and packages. You’ll never end up without a connection. Post all your pictures and upload your videos for everyone to see! Additionally, through the app, you can easily purchase and top up your digital SIM; we will look further into that later on in the article. *Calls are included for specific countries.

Disadvantages

Digital SIMs are compatible with mostly newer, high-end phones.

Holafly eSIM home
Holafly eSIM Store.

Nomad, on their end, doesn’t offer unlimited packages and their packages differ regarding the destination. We’re going to show you the package that they offer with the unlimited data eSIM USA to give you an idea of their prices.

DaysDataPriceProvider
3010$19Multiple
305$14Multiple
303$12Multiple
3015$27Multiple
3010$20Orange
305$13Orange
303$12Vodafone
71$6Vodafone
71$6Multiple
3020$33Multiple

Advantages

  • Nomad offers multiple plans supported by one or several local carriers. You can choose the plan according to your preferences.

Disadvantages

  • They don’t offer unlimited data. You’ll have to monitor your consumption so you don’t run out of data.
  • Coverage may vary depending on the provider of the plan you choose.

Overall, both of these providers offer plans that cost around the same price with varying amounts of data and perks. However, Holafly stands out because it offers unlimited data. Additionally, they include talk time, ease of use, and coverage in more countries. You won’t have an issue getting, installing or using their virtual SIM.

Average Speed and Coverage Comparison

Connection speed and coverage are crucial factors for a traveler, given that this determines the level of experience while traveling.

Average Speed

Holafly stands out because, thanks to their contract agreements with local operators at their destinations, you’ll be connecting to the best network in the region or area. Through 5G or 4G LTE networks, your device will fly. You can easily look up local restaurants or tourist hotspots and get information in no time. On the other hand, Nomad also provides a 5G or 4G connection, although their connection depends a lot on the specific area that you’re visiting and the time of day.

ProviderConnection
Holafly5G/4G/LTE
Nomad5G/4G*

In the end, both providers offer a suitable connection speed. You’ll have a great experience with Holafly, with high-speed connections and no issues while you enjoy your time. You won’t have many issues with Nomad; just be aware if you’re going to a rural area and check that you’ll still have reliable speed.

Holafly speed in Spain. Source: Speedtest.net

Coverage

Knowing where you’ll have connections is another very important factor to keep in mind. If you want to go to the beach but don’t have a connection there, then how are you going to send your pictures to your friends or contact the police in case of an emergency? Let’s take a look at more information on coverage for these two providers.

One special feature included with the China Holafly eSIM, for example, is the VPN option that they offer so that you can connect to social media and other websites that may be blocked. On the other hand, talk time and minutes are included for most European countries. You’ll have a total of 120 minutes to make and receive calls. Their coverage is based on the best networks in the area, which generally cover the whole destination country or region.

Nomad’s digital eSIM also has an offer that adds value to their products. Among their services, they have a virtual chip that has global coverage but not in 165 countries. They have two plans that cover 109 or 139 countries. The coverage extends across borders and depends on the local availability of domestic networks.

You can easily notice that Holafly eSIM once again takes the lead with unlimited coverage, VPN at certain destinations and even calls that include a local number!

Holafly vs. Nomad: User Experience and Customer Service

User Experience

Getting an eSIM is essentially easy to buy and install. Thanks to apps and websites, it’s not necessary to go into a store and request a chip from the staff. With Holafly’s easy-to-use website and user-friendly app, you’ll be able to look up and purchase your digital SIM on the go. It doesn’t matter if you forget to get it before you leave; connect to the airport and get your virtual chip in just a few simple steps!

The same goes for Nomad. They have an app and website where you can get their products. However, one disadvantage is that you’ll have to sign up and register to get one of their eSIMs. This takes time and can be crucial if you’re in a rush. With Holafly, you don’t have to sign up; just provide your email so we can send you the activation QR code, and you’ll be good to go!

Customer Service

Customer service is one of the pinnacles of customer loyalty and it’s important to provide effortless communication channels to resolve issues or inquiries quickly. Holafly offers several channels, so customers can contact support and receive service. They have the chatbot through the app or web, email and WhatsApp. The best part is that their customer service is available 24/7 and in several languages. If your eSIM doesn’t work, for example, their team is ready to help you out.

Nomads customer service is only available in English and through their Contact Us form. You’ll have to provide your information, screenshots of the problem and explain the issue in detail. This may create some delays in terms of processing your request and receiving a resolution.

Once again, Holafly takes the lead thanks to their multichannel option to contact customer service and their accessibility for those who speak different languages. When you decide which eSIM to get, make sure it’s easy to get an agent on the line or through chat so you don’t waste your time while abroad.

Device Support

Do you know what devices are compatible with Holafly and Nomad? Your smartphone may have eSIM technology, but is it compatible with the provider? That’s the real question. The former company offers digital SIMs that work with iPhone, iPad, Google Pixel, Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola, even laptops and smartwatches. This is truly beneficial if you want to connect several devices to the internet separately.

The provider Nomad also provides virtual SIM support for iPhones, Samsung, Motorola, Google Pixel, Xiaomi and Oppo. They don’t offer eSIMs that work with laptops or smartwatches. If you want to connect your Apple Watch while in another country, you can look into alternatives.

Flexible Refund Policy

We know that you may run into issues days prior or even on the same day that you get and try to use your eSIM. There may be cases where there’s nothing else to do but simply cancel the purchase and request a refund. Having a comprehensive refund policy is vital for any company. Holafly has a flexible money-back guarantee policy where you can request a partial or total refund of what you paid. These circumstances are if there’s a service withdrawal, if you have persistent connection issues and if you accidentally get an eSIM for a locked or incompatible device.

Nomad, on their end, also has a refund policy. You can get a refund before the installation and activation of their digital SIM or if there is an issue after installation that comes from the company itself. Take a look at a summary and important information regarding each company’s refund policy.

Refund ReasonHolaflyNomad
Connection IssueYesYes
Incompatible/Locked DeviceYesNo
Service WithdrawalYesYes

Data Sharing

Data sharing is another feature that may or may not be included with international eSIMs. As for Holafly, they do not include tethering for the moment; you’ll still get unlimited internet so that won’t be an issue. Nomad does offer tethering, so you can connect other devices to your cellphone’s hotspot. Even though the latter has the upper hand, many times unlimited data is more favorable and cheaper than having to purchase and top up your eSIM multiple times on your travels.

Voice Calls

Sometimes hearing your loved one’s voice makes all the difference. Being able to make live calls while traveling is a huge perk that has huge value. Even if you need to call your hotel’s reception or customer service, you can get personalized service. Holafly has understood this need and has been including call minutes for their digital SIM. In Europe, you’ll get an Austrian phone number (+43) and receive a total of 120 minutes to be able to make and receive calls while you’re there.

Nomad does not include minutes or talk time with their virtual SIM card. Calling through WhatsApp or another app is an option; however, if there is a bad connection, this may be an issue.

Top Up

Having enough data is important, but sometimes your work or travel require you to get an additional package to last through the day. Getting additional data doesn’t have to be difficult nor should it require much hassle. With Holafly, you can easily top up your data connection through the app and make sure you don’t run out. However, since they offer most plans with unlimited internet for many destinations, you won’t find yourself in need of adding more data in most cases. If you do, you can do so in just a few minutes from the app or the website.

Nomad offers the option to top up data on their eSIM card as well. You can do so through the app; however, you have to keep in mind that you’ll need to still have data from your previous digital SIM to top up in time. On the other hand, you can top up while connected to the hotel WiFi.

Holafly vs Nomad : Reddit Opinions

Let’s take a look at some customer opinions when using Holafly or Nomad eSIM. This can also give you more confidence when you know what other users have experienced.

Holafly

Customer comment about Holafly on Reddit
Customer comment about Holafly. Source: Reddit

Nomad

Nomad eSIM comment on Reddit.
Customer remark about Nomad. Source: Reddit

>Find out all about Holafly vs. SimsDirect<

Which eSIM is better?

After reviewing the nitty-gritty of each company and their eSIM service, we can conclude that Holafly takes first place. Their unlimited data service and 24/7 customer service are features that give customers peace of mind and satisfaction. Plus, the user-friendly website and app make it all the easier to purchase and use a Holafly digital SIM in minutes! You won’t miss a beat.

Nomad offers limited data connections and their service has fewer customer reviews. However, they do stand out thanks to their tethering option. Now that you are informed of what each service entails, you can decide and choose the best eSIM that works for you and your travel plans. Keep in mind how much of an internet user you are and if you depend on your phone to keep all your reservations and flight information.

travel sim card unlimited data
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Frequently Asked Questions

Holafly vs. Nomad: Which is better for Europe?

Nomad and Holafly offer similar plans and packages for tourists traveling to Europe. However, Holafly offers 120 minutes to make calls to other countries. Additionally, they have 24/7 customer service and an excellent app where you can monitor and manage your eSIM.

Can Nomad be trusted?

Nomad has a score of 4.4 on Trustpilot and over two thousand reviews. They are a legitimate company. However, you should also check other users’ experiences with their digital SIM cards.

Is Holafly worth it?

With over 28 thousand reviews and a total score of 4.7 on Trustpilot, plus the additional services that they offer, as we mentioned before, check their customer reviews and you’ll see that they provide an excellent service.

What are the disadvantages of Nomad?

Nomad only offers customer service through their contact page on their website and it may take a long time to get a response or resolution to your inquiry.