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Holafly vs SimsDirect: Which eSIM is better?
Find out how to connect to the best network! Take a look at the differences between Holafly vs SimsDirect, including features and prices.
August 17, 2023
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Limitless data plans in more than 170 destinations
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You may have recently heard all the rave about the new eSIM and how its development has innovated the way we communicate with each other. From a chip the size of a credit card to a tiny millimetric square soldered to the main board, these devices have been considerably reduced in size throughout the years.
An eSIM, or embedded SIM card, is a microchip that comes with your cellphone from the factory. It avoids you having to insert and remove a physical chip each time you change operators or networks. Two popular international providers are Holafly vs SimsDirect.
Numerous domestic and international providers are offering these eSIMs with a variety of plans and packages. These options generally offer the same services that a regular SIM card includes, like data, text messaging, and even calls.
Additionally, there are plenty of channels to get your digital SIM. For example, you may get one on the official website, on the app, or perhaps over the phone.
International eSIM
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Feature Comparison
| Features | Holafly | SimsDirect |
| Customer Service Languages | English, Spanish, German, French, and more | English |
| Unlimited data plans | Yes | Yes |
| Registration required | No | No |
| Platforms | Website, App | Website |
| Payment methods | Credit card, PayPal, EU Bank, Apple Pay, Google Pay. | Credit card, PayPal, shopPay |
| 24/7 customer support | Yes | No |
| Includes a local phone number for voice calls or messages | Yes | Yes |
| Instant delivery | Yes | Yes |
| Installation | QR code, Manually | QR code, Manually |
| Share data with other devices | Yes | Yes |
| Payment currency | USD ($), EUR (€), GBP (£), and more | USD ($) |
>Compare what Holafly and Simcorner offer<
Holafly
In our Holafly vs SimsDirect comparison, let’s begin with the former. Holafly is a cutting-edge eSIM (embedded SIM) service that has changed the game for mobile data access while traveling internationally. Holafly allows users to stay connected while traveling internationally without the need to swap out real SIM cards or incur exorbitant roaming fees.
Holafly’s eSIM technology means customers can quickly and easily add a virtual SIM card to their smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. This allows customers to immediately connect to local cellular networks upon arrival in a foreign country, eliminating the need to find a local store and buy a new physical SIM card.
Holafly’s accessibility is a major selling point. There is no need to get a local SIM card or go through complicated activation procedures when buying an eSIM plan through the Holafly website or app. To accommodate customers’ varying demands, the firm provides a selection of international data and even calling services in specific locations.
Because of its broad device compatibility, Holafly’s eSIM solution is a flexible choice for both frequent and occasional travelers. Overall, Holafly’s user-centered strategy, combined with its breakthrough eSIM technology, has positioned it as a game-changer in the world of foreign connectivity, delivering a hassle-free and cost-effective alternative for maintaining a mobile presence abroad.
How Holafly’s eSIM works
As previously mentioned, installing and activating an eSIM from Holafly is a piece of cake. It only takes a few steps, and it’s as simple as buying, scanning, and connecting! The only thing you have to do is go to Holafly’s website, where you select your destination and the plan that accommodates your needs. Once your purchase has been confirmed, you’ll receive the installation QR code in your email in a few minutes.
On the app, you’ll also be able to monitor your consumption and even top up your virtual SIM! That way, you won’t have to worry about buying a new eSIM. All you have to do is top up, and you’ll connect in no time!
Holafly eSIM Advantages
- Unlimited data plans and packages.
- You can choose the exact number of days of use for the eSIM for Thailand tourists and many others!
- Top up your eSIM.
- Quick and easy purchase.
- Receive your eSIM QR code immediately upon payment!
- Your phone will become a dual-SIM device.
- Data sharing with other devices.
- You will be able to keep your phone number on WhatsApp.
- A multilingual, dedicated customer service and support team is available 24/7.
- Connect to the best network in any country.
- eSIMs provide an internet connection for up to 90 days.
- Holafly offers an eSIM for China travel that includes a VPN. Other options, like the best eSIM for Morocco, best eSIM for Portugal or the best eSIM for Egypt, include unlimited data but last fewer days.
Downside of Holafly’s eSIM
Check carefully which plans and packages include data sharing because not all do.
Holafly eSIM-compatible phones
Good news for those of you who have several different eSIM-compatible devices! Your phone is not the only way to connect to the internet with a digital chip. There’s actually a whole range of hardware that can get a direct internet connection. This includes iPads, your laptop, and even wearables. This way, you’ll be able to connect no matter where you need to. Chat with that friend of yours through your computer, or call your family back to let them know you’re safe!
iPhone
- iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone SE 2 (2020), iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone SE 3 (2022), iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPads (only iPads with 4G connectivity)
- iPad Pro 11″ (model A2068, from 2020), iPad Pro 12.9″ (model A2069, from 2020), iPad Air (model A2123, from 2019), iPad (model A2198, from 2019), and the iPad Mini (model A2124, from 2019).
Apple Watch
- Apple Watch Series 3 or later models
Samsung
- Samsung Galaxy S20, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S21, Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, Samsung Galaxy S21+ Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S22, Samsung Galaxy S22+, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy Fold, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, Samsung Galaxy S23, Samsung Galaxy S23+, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, and the Samsung Watch.
Google phones
- Pixel 3 (not including phones bought in Australia, Taiwan, or Japan). Phones bought with US or Canadian carriers other than Spring and Google Fi don’t work with eSIM), Google Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a (not including phones bought in Japan or with Verizon service), Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Google Pixel 7, and Google Pixel 7 Pro.
Huawei
- Huawei P40, Huawei P40 Pro, and Huawei Mate 40 Pro and wearables.
Oppo phones
- Oppo Find X3 Pro, Oppo Reno 5A, Oppo Reno6 Pro 5G, Oppo Find X5, and Oppo Find X5 Pro
Other eSIM-compatible devices
- Motorola Razr 2019, Motorola Razr 5G, Gemini PDA, Rakuten Mini, Rakuten Big-S, Rakuten Big
- Rakuten Hand, Rakuten Hand 5G, Sony Xperia 10 III Lite, Sony Xperia 10 IV, Xperia 1 IV, Sony Xperia 5 IV, Surface Pro X, Honor Magic 4 Pro, Fairphone 4, Sharp Aquos Sense6s, Sharp Aquos Wish, Xiaomi 12T Pro, and DOOGEE V30
Computers with eSIM
- Microsoft Surface Pro X, Microsoft Surface Go 2, Microsoft Surface Pro LTE Advanced, Acer Swift 3, Acer Swift 7, Asus Mini Transformer, Asus NovaGo, Asus VivoBook Flip 14, HP Elitebook G5, HP Probook G5, HP Zbook G5, HP Specter Folio 13, Lenovo Yoga C630, Lenovo Miix 630, Lenovo Yoga 520, Lenovo Flex 5G, and Samsung Galaxy Book 2
Holafly coverage around the world
There are plenty of countries and regions to visit around the globe. We know that you want to visit the best places, and with Holafly, you’ll be able to travel to over 160 destinations where this company offers coverage. Take a look at the countries where Holafly operates. You can get an eSIM for any of these countries, but there are also regional eSIMs, for example, the Europe digital SIM or the Latin America eSIM.
In North America, their coverage includes Canada, the United States, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama. South America encompasses offerings in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Peru, and Uruguay. Throughout Europe, Holafly’s reach extends to Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. In Asia, their services cover Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. Additionally, they provide connectivity to Australia and New Zealand in Oceania, as well as Egypt and Morocco in Africa.
Holafly eSIM Pricing
When it comes to pricing in our Holafly vs SimsDirect comparison, Holafly has a good variety of plans and packages for many destinations. Prices can go from $19 up to $129, with the valid time going from 5 days up to 90 days with a Canadian eSIM, Egypt eSIM, Thailand eSIM, and others! The best part is that an unlimited 5-day data plan can go for as little as $19! Other plans include plenty of data, which will definitely be enough for your travels.
There’s another option available for Holafly’s Japan eSIM for tourists, which allows people to buy data packages for the exact amount of days they plan to stay in the country. Here, the prices vary from $6 to $139.
SimsDirect
Our second provider is SimsDirect, which also provides eSIM cards with plans and data for other countries around the world. Take one on your trip to connect while you’re abroad; however, since they’re for the short term, most are only for one month.
How SimsDirect’s eSIM works
To get one of these digital chips, you can go to the SimsDirect website and look under the eSIMs tab to check the available destinations and plans. They don’t have an app at this time, so you won’t have to option of buying on the go.
Advantages of SimsDirect’s eSIM
- Variety of plans available
- Multiple payment methods accepted
- Minutes for some destinations
Disadvantages of SimDirect’s eSIM
- Customer service is only available in English from 10a.m. – 5p.m. AEDT.
- They only offer their services through their website. They don’t have an app available.
SimsDirect eSIM-compatible phones
Apple:
Apple’s iPhone lineup features a range of models with varying eSIM compatibility. Starting with the iPhone XR (model A2105) released in 2018, through the iPhone 14 Pro Max, eSIM capability has been integrated into iPhones to enable seamless connectivity. Notably, iPhone 13 and 14 models allow the activation of two eSIMs simultaneously. However, iPhones from mainland China and those from Hong Kong and Macao (excluding the iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone SE 2020, and iPhone XS) do not support eSIM functionality.
Samsung:
Samsung’s offerings, such as the Galaxy S20 series, Galaxy S21 series, and the upcoming Galaxy S22, are equipped with eSIM compatibility. The Samsung Galaxy Fold series, Galaxy Z Flip series, and Samsung smartwatches (via the Samsung Wearable application) also feature eSIM support. Notably, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G or 5G variant does not support eSIM.
Google:
Google’s Pixel series encompasses several eSIM-compatible models, including the Pixel 2 (for phones acquired with Google Fi service), Pixel 3, Pixel 3a, Pixel 4, Pixel 4a, Pixel 5, and Pixel 6 series. However, certain Pixel models from specific regions, such as Pixel 3 devices from Australia, Japan, and Taiwan, as well as Pixel 3a devices from Southeast Asia, lack eSIM functionality.
Huawei:
Huawei’s eSIM-compatible smartphones include the Huawei P40, P40 Pro, and Mate 40 Pro. It’s worth noting that the Huawei P40+ and P50 Pro do not support eSIM functionality.
Other eSIM-compatible devices:
Several other brands offer eSIM compatibility across their products, such as the Oppo Find X3 Pro, Oppo Reno series, Motorola Razr series, Nuu Mobile X5, Gemini PDA, Rakuten series (Mini, Big-S, Big, Hand, Hand 5G), Sony Xperia series, Microsoft Surface Pro X, Honor Magic 4 Pro, Fairphone 4, and Sharp Aquos devices. Additionally, Xiaomi’s 12T Pro is also eSIM compatible.
SimDirect’s Global Coverage
SimDirect’s eSIMs are mostly regional packages and plans. They provide coverage in the following countries specifically. USA, New Zealand, Japan, the UK, Thailand, Indonesia, Fiji, and Hong Kong. Several different packages are offered for each of these destinations. On the other hand, regional digital SIMs are available for Europe, Southeast Asia, Asia, North America, South America, and the Middle East.
SimDirect’s eSIM pricing
Depending on your destination and how many days you’re going to stay there, that will be the corresponding price and rate from SimDirect. For as little as $29, you can get 3 GB and 30 days of coverage, and prices can go up to $85 for a flat amount of data.
>Read all about the Holafly vs. Numeroesim comparison<
Differences between Holafly and SimsDirect
One of the first differences we can find is the higher coverage that Holafly offers, with over 160 destinations around the globe. Additionally, Holafly offers access through their website and app, so you can keep track of your consumption! SimsDirect only has a website. In trouble? No worries; with Holafly’s around-the-clock customer service, you’ll be covered in case you experience any issues. SimsDirect can’t boast that feature; they have limited customer service during their time zone hours. Overall, in our Holafly vs SimDirect comparison, Holafly takes the podium as the best option to get your eSIM and have the experience of a lifetime!
