Airalo review: Is it worth using in 2025?

If you’ve spent time browsing eSIM options, you’ve likely run into Airalo. With various data plans at different price points, this eSIM provider lets you connect to networks without a physical SIM card. 

However, that doesn’t necessarily make this major eSIM player the best option for your upcoming adventure.

To help you make the right choice, we’ve gathered first-hand real reviews. In this article, we’re taking an in-depth look at Airalo and if it’s worth using in 2025. We cover everything from pricing to network coverage and quality. 

How does Airalo work?

Airalo sells international eSIMs to 200+ destinations through its app and website.

Once purchased, Airalo sends you directions for installing your eSIM data package in just a few minutes.

It’s worth noting that while some Airalo eSIM plans start when you connect to a mobile network within your chosen destination, others start automatically upon installation – eating into your data from the get-go.

After connecting, you’ll be able to use your phone as you travel without a physical SIM card. For the Airalo eSIM to work, your phone must be carrier-unlocked and eSIM-compatible.

Airalo pros and cons

Let’s take a look at both the advantages and the disadvantages of purchasing and using an Airalo eSIM.

Airalo eSIM review: What are customers saying?

In this next section, we’ll review everything from network coverage to the Airalo app user experience. By the end of this Airalo review, you’ll know if you should choose this eSIM provider for your upcoming adventure.

1. Pricing

Compared to traditional data roaming fees, Airalo is a cheaper option. 

For example, their European eSIM card gives you 1 GB of data for 7 days at $5.00 USD. Through this pricing strategy, Airalo targets travelers on a budget who are willing to save money by refraining from using their phones. 

This said, Airalo does offer a variety of data packages at different price points, making it possible to find a suitable fit. 

However, the cheapest option may not be the best option when choosing eSIMs. Most travelers will need more than a gigabyte for a seven-day stay. In such cases, choosing an unlimited data option, or a cheap, local physical SIM card, could be a better option for you.

One review on Trustpilot emphasizes that Airalo eSIMs can be more expensive and not worth it compared to local SIMs:

“I bought the Giza Mobile eSIM for Egypt, 5 GB for 30 days. The price with a promotional discount was EUR 21.25 (regular price EUR 25), which is much more expensive than a physical local SIM card, but I wanted to avoid the hassle of having to switch around SIM cards. Later I realized that depending on the data volume and period, even my home providers’ roaming packages were cheaper than Airalo.”

2. Data packages

Airalo offers limited data eSIMs only, with customers having to top up when they reach the plan’s included gigabytes. However, not all Airalo data plans have a top up option available. 

While this might be suitable for some, the approach limits your ability to navigate with Google Maps, browse the web, and stay connected throughout your trip. The worry of running out of data can negatively impact peace of mind, convenience, and even safety.

With over 200 destinations available, Airalo has three main types of plans to choose from. These include:

• Local plans: Airalo’s data plans for specific countries generally range from 1 GB of data for 7 days at $4.50, to 20 GB for 30 days at $42.00.
• Regional plans: Airalo offers regional plans for Africa, the Caribbean Islands, Latin America, North America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and Oceania. Typically, these plans range from 1 GB of data for 7 at $5.00 to 100 GB for 180 days at $185.
• Global plans: Airalo’s global plans work in 124 destinations with various mobile carriers and include calls and texts. These plans vary from 1 GB for 7 days at $15.00 to 20 GB for 365 days at $89.00

However, running out of data while traveling due to low-limited data packages is a common issue, alongside difficulties getting the data plans to work. A user on Trustpilot mentions:

“First time using Esim. Could not get to work in Singapore – several people tried.

However, worked well in Vietnam. Unfortunately, ran out of data and could not get top up to work. (Disappointing) Was satisfied with ease of setup and that it “found” a carrier.”

Not sure if I would use again.”

3. Network coverage and quality

Airalo offers eSIM data packages for over 200 destinations around the world, including regional eSIMs and even various global options.

They also offer information on the network provider and data speeds for their destination through the website or the app. Because Airalo partners with local carriers in each destination, network coverage is fast and reliable, operating at 4G/LTE/5G phone speeds. 

However, Airalo falls short in certain locations. For example, customers have encountered issues using apps with Airalo’s Japan eSIM:

“Does anyone have an idea why Airalo is so incredibly slow in Japan for me? Even in central Tokyo, I do not get 5G. Only LTE. Most websites and apps don’t load. Luckily, WhatsApp and Google Maps seem to be unaffected. But when I try Google Speedtest, it just gives me an error.”

This is not a unique case, as there are several Reddit threads about Airalo providing poor internet connection in different places. This is a quote from one of those threads:

“TL;DR: Airalo’s service was unreliable, customer support was useless, and there are much better options out there. Avoid Airalo at all costs.

I bought an Airalo eSIM for my trip, thinking it would be a convenient option. Big mistake. The service worked about half the time, and when it did work, it would constantly disconnect and reconnect. I’d have to toggle airplane mode or restart my phone constantly just to get a signal back. I spent more time trying to get it to function than actually using my phone.”

Another reviewer on Trustpilot further describes issues including connection constantly dropping and slow internet speeds using Airalo’s Japan eSIMs.

You also might want to hold off on installing your Airalo eSIM until after you touch down at your destination. 

Here’s why.

Some of Airalo’s plans activate as soon as you install them. Even if you’re not at your destination, you’ll be losing valuable data and time that you paid for.

If you use the activated eSIM’s data beforehand, you might end up needing a top-up before your trip is over.

Other plans, however, activate when you connect to a carrier in your chosen destination. 

To avoid confusion, read the installation instructions beforehand. There’s nothing worse than being stranded in an unknown area without data. 

4. Customer service and technical support

While Airalo offers two customer support channels (chat and email), users rate their customer support as poor with just 2.5/5 stars from over 2,000 reviews on Trustpilot.

Most notably, customers emphasize how ineffective the support team is in solving issues:

“I’ve used over ten of their eSIMs and recently purchased another one. Unfortunately, due to issues on their end, it didn’t work. When I reached out to their support team, instead of addressing the problem, they made claims about actions I hadn’t taken. Despite the small amount involved ($10), they refused to offer a refund, which is surprising given how much I’ve spent with them in the past. I cannot recommend this service, as they seem incapable of resolving issues when they arise.”

On the website, you’ll find a “contact us” option that lets you explain your issue. However, this option’s waiting time is even longer, frequently taking hours to get a response.

Airalo also offers a ‘Help Center’ where you can read up on different features and topics such as the loyalty program, smartphone support information, and the Airalo eSIM not working.

It’s also worth noting that Airalo has a strict refund policy. There are multiple criteria you have to meet to be eligible for an Airalo refund. Here are Airalo’s terms and conditions:

• A refund must be requested within 30 days from the date of purchase, after you’ve gone through troubleshooting.
• The customer has to be cooperative and work with the Airalo support team to look for solutions.
• Once your eSIM expires, you won’t be able to get a refund if you still have data remaining on your plan.
• It’s important for you to also keep in mind that Airalo won’t provide you with a refund in the event that you get an additional service or other products to connect to the internet in the meantime.
• In the case of an accidental purchase, once the eSIM is installed on your phone or device, you will not be eligible for a refund.

5. Airalo app

The Airalo app allows customers to browse, purchase, and activate their eSIMs, track data usage, and even top up data if their plan allows it.

Users can download and install the app on Android and iOS devices, and it works around the world. 

On the app store, Airalo has a 4.6-star rating, while on Google Play, the Airalo app has a 4.4-star review. However, not all the reviews are positive.

Many users have encountered issues, including bugs and confusing directions when navigating it.

One Airalo app user on Google Play emphasizes the difficulty of contacting support using the app:

“Nowhere can you actually contact anyone within their website. The app is even worse, it goes to the web and then asks you to download the app when you try to use the contact button. No support=unusable.”

Another user on Trustpilot notes:

“I had multiple issues with their service, especially their limited, buggy app. Do not use their service.”

6. Airalo loyalty program

Airalo also offers a loyalty program that lets long-time users get a cash-back reward based on their previous purchases. With every plan you purchase, you’ll receive a percentage back in the form of Airmoney to be used in the Airalo eSIM store. 

The loyalty program comes with four levels:

1. Traveler: New customers receive a 5% Airmoney reward for every purchase.
2. Silver traveler: Once customers have spent over $20, they receive a 6% Airmoney reward for each purchase. 
3. Gold traveler: Customers who have spent over $70 receive a 7% Airmoney reward for each purchase. 
4. Platinum traveler: Customers with over $200 in purchases get 10% back in Airmoney for each purchase.

However, it’s worth noting that Holafly also uses Airmoney instead of cashback refunds, which can be frustrating, as one Trustpilot reviewer notes:

Holafly vs. Airalo: Never run out of data again

While Airalo does certain things right, it’s far from a convenient eSIM. From poor customer support to limited data plans, Airalo doesn’t really deliver in offering a service that goes a step beyond the local, physical travel SIMs we are all used to.

As an international eSIM provider that focuses on delivering unlimited data and high-quality customer services available in multiple languages, Holafly is your best bet to stay connected during your entire trip and avoid any buyer frustrations.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of Holafy and Airalo:

While Airalo certainly is a popular choice for eSIMs, many users encounter issues ranging from slow internet speeds to strict refund policies, and unresponsive customer support—as we’ve mentioned above.

To top it all off, their plans are limited. Running out of data mid-trip means you’ll need to purchase more. 

If you need to stay connected and travel with peace of mind, Airalo may not be the best option for you.

Holafly, on the other hand, gives you unlimited data for your upcoming adventure. These plans range from $5.90 for 1 day to $138.90 for 90 days in over 200 destinations. Purchasing a Holafly eSIM gives you reliable connectivity and coverage, fast internet speed, and lets you share up to 1 GB daily. 

With Holafly, you’re not just staying connected, you’re getting peace of mind, making it the better option for your upcoming travels.

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Armin Tanovic

Originally from Michigan USA and currently based in Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina, Armin Tanovic has five years of experience writing content and copy for both US and European marketing agencies. He’s written for travel brands like TravelPerk, and loves an adventure in the great outdoors. You can catch him off the beaten path exploring mountains and coastlines while drawing his writing inspiration from the scenery.

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