Airalo review: Is it worth using in 2025?
Read our complete Airalo review to learn the pros, cons, features, and customer opinions on the Airalo eSIM option.
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.
We’ve dived into real reviews to help you make the right choice. 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. Airalo eSIM plans start when you connect to a mobile network within your chosen destination, so you don’t start digging into your validity period earlier than you’d expect.
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 pros ✅ | Airalo cons ❌ |
Affordable price for eSIMs | Doesn’t have unlimited data packages |
Available in 200+ countries | Poor customer service channels |
Loyalty plan with cashback (Airmoney) rewards | No long-term plans |
Some plans come with an international phone number for calls and texts |
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.
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 many, but if you regularly use data-heavy apps like TikTok or YouTube on your phone, you’ll find yourself needing data top-ups frequently. 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
To see how all this works in real life, you can check customer reviews on third-party sites like Trustpilot for user reviews of the different plans.
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.
4. Customer service and technical support
Airalo offers two customer support channels (chat and email). You can check how users rate their customer support on Trustpilot.
On the website, you’ll find a “contact us” option that lets you explain your issue. However, this might take hours to respond.
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.
There are multiple criteria you have to meet to be eligible for an Airalo refund. Here are the terms and conditions regarding how to get an Airalo refund:
- 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.
When you file for a refund, make sure not to delete your Airalo eSIM until the refund is settled, as you might be asked to provide information from your account or eSIM profile.
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. Using the app is usually much more convenient on the go than using the website. It comes in particularly handy for tracking your data usage and making sure you don’t lose connection.
Users can download and install the app on Android and iOS devices, and it works around the world.
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:
- Traveler: New customers receive a 5% Airmoney reward for every purchase.
- Silver traveler: Once customers have spent over $20, they receive a 6% Airmoney reward for each purchase.
- Gold traveler: Customers who have spent over $70 receive a 7% Airmoney reward for each purchase.
- Platinum traveler: Customers with over $200 in purchases get 10% back in Airmoney for each purchase.
Holafly vs. Airalo: Never run out of data again
Don’t want to constantly keep an eye on your data usage or worry about losing connection at the worst time? 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:
Company | Holafly | Airalo |
---|---|---|
Mobile hotspot | Yes (up to 1 GB a day) | Yes (you can tether as much data as you’ve purchased) |
Unlimited data | Yes | No |
Top-ups | Yes (additional days) | Only on certain plans |
App | Yes | Yes |
Customer support | 24/7 in different languages through different channels | 24/7, but it takes longer to get help from Airalo |
Prices | $28.90 for 7 days of unlimited data ($4.13 per day) | $4.50 for a 7-day, 1 GB data plan |
Cheapest data rate | From $1.54 for a 90-day, unlimited data plan | From $2.10 per GB for a 30-day, 20 GB plan |
eSIM compatibility | Compatible with eSIM-compatible devices | Works with eSIM-compatible devices |
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.
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 $6.90 for 1 day to $139.90 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.