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Having uninterrupted access to data is crucial when traveling. Choose the wrong eSIM, and you risk ending up stranded without so much as a gigabyte to contact family and friends.

Out of many eSIM options, aloSIM stands out as a popular choice. With positive customer reviews, competitive pricing, and a range of digitally activated data plans, it’s easy to see why.

But that doesn’t necessarily make aloSIM the best eSIM choice for your next travels.

In this aloSIM review, we break down aloSIM’s features, pros, cons, plans, and pricing so you can make the right choice when choosing an eSIM.

You’ll learn what aloSIM customers say, and the potential drawbacks of this eSIM choice.  And to help you decide on the best eSIM for your next trip, we’ll also quickly touch on an alternative: Holafly.

Man using his smartphone

How does aloSIM work?

aloSIM is a Canada-based eSIM provider that offers prepaid data for over 200 countries to help you stay connected while you travel. Purchasing an eSIM allows you to use the internet, call, and text without the hassle of a physical SIM card — assuming that your device is eSIM compatible. 

A screenshot depicting aloSIM's home page
aloSIM home page; Source: aloSIM

After purchasing an eSIM from their online store, aloSIM users install the plan by logging into the aloSIM app and scanning a QR code. For activation, you’ll need toggle on the eSIM plan in your device’s settings. 

After installing the app and activating the eSIM, you can use your mobile data to connect to the internet, make calls, or send and receive text messages.

The app also offers a dashboard, letting travelers know how much data they’ve used.

While the purchase and installation of your eSIM are easy, don’t fall into the trap of activating your plan before you travel, otherwise you’ll lose precious gigabytes before you need them.

Another downside of aloSIM is that you need a strong internet connection to install your plan. Their website even emphasizes “not using crummy airport Wifi,” which is often the only network travelers have available upon landing.

Some users have also reported problems with their installation process for data connection:

“The worst eSIM for iPhone (not locked and compatible) at least!! Sent at least/more than a dozen emails with screenshots and the issue of installing is not resolved, and I am in a new country without mobile/data connectivity, you can imagine the pain. I shouldn’t have trusted aloSIM?!!” 

If installment doesn’t work via QR code, the aloSIM app offers an alternative, manual method. This involves copying your eSIM’s activation code and pasting it into your “add mobile plan” option in your settings.

Features of aloSIM

aloSIM offers a range of features designed to make connecting to the internet quick and easy when traveling. Some of their features include:

  • Global coverage: aloSIM offers over 200 destination plans, including countries and regions. However, keep in mind that this is the norm for eSIMs. Many other providers offer just as many plans, so it shouldn’t be the deciding factor when making your choice. 
  • Flexible data plans: Each aloSIM destination has various data plans for travelers. Options typically include a 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, and 20GB plan, with some destinations having unlimited data options. 
  • Free international phone number through Hushed: While most aloSIM plans are data-only, some plans offer the option to use the aloSIM sister app Hushed to offer a free international phone number which allows about 30 minutes of calls, or 50 texts
  • 24/7 customer support: aloSIM offers 24/7 customer support through emails and live chat. They also have a comprehensive FAQ section with in-depth information and guides for smooth purchase, installation, and use. 

aloSIM screenshot with free Hushed international phone number; Source: aloSIM 

Let’s take a look at aloSIM’s feature pros and cons side by side: 

Pros Cons
Global coverage with over 200 destinations Not all areas have fast internet speeds
Flexible data plans at varying price pointsNot all data plans have an unlimited data option 
24/7, multi-language customer support Unlimited tethering makes it easy to lose all your data through hotspot
Top-up allows you to buy more data when you run outEasy to accidentally use your data by activating your eSIM before travel 

Now that we’ve established exactly how aloSIM works alongside its main features, pros, and cons, let’s see if this provider offers enough bang for your buck. 

aloSIM data plans and pricing

aloSIM offers a variety of eSIM data packages at different price points. While flexible, they’re not the same across all destinations. Take their eSIM for Mexico as an example. 

The plans on offer for Mexico are:

  • 1 GB of data valid for 7 days at $6.60 
  • 2 GB of data valid for 15 days at $11.50 
  • 3GB of data valid for 30 days at $15.50 
  • 5GB of data valid for 30 days at $23.50 
  • 10 GB of data valid for 30 days at $42.00

At first glance, these options are cheap and flexible. However, their Japan eSIM has a 20GB plan priced at $26.00 and an unlimited data option for just $20.00. 

The plans for Japan offer a lot more value for less money when compared to the Mexico eSIM of 10 GB for $42.00, making aloSIM unreliable if you’re looking for consistent pricing.

A screenshot depicting AloSIM’s Japan Sim Card options
aloSIM’s Japan SIM card options; Source: aloSIM

Overall, aloSIM isn’t expensive, but they’re not necessarily the cheapest option on the market, either. Many other providers offer similar prices for the same amount of data. 

aloSIM coverage

aloSIM offers over 200 destinations for travelers to choose from, giving you access to a wide range of data plans.

Next to countries with data plans starting at $4.50 for 1 GB of data, regional aloSIM data plan packages start at $5.00 for 1 GB of data for multiple destinations, including:

  • Asia
  • The Caribbean
  • Eastern Europe
  • Western Europe
  • Europe
  • French West Indies
  • Mediterranean
  • British Isles
  • Scandinavia
  • Central America
  • North America
  • South America
A screenshot depicting AloSIM’s regional plans
aloSIM’s regional plans; Source: aloSIM 

While far-reaching, aloSIM doesn’t offer a global eSIM data package like many other providers. If you’re traveling across regions, you’ll need to buy various plans from their store, which can quickly add up.

Performance and usability

aloSIM offers plenty of plans to get connected. But how good is the quality of those connections? 

The short answer: it depends on where you’re going.

In most cases, customers haven’t had problems with using aloSIM’s 3G LTE and 5G internet speeds. If you can stay connected in urban areas, you’ll likely have a fast, consistent, and reliable connection to browse social media, stream shows, and find your favorite places with Google Maps. Given aloSIM’s partnership with local eSIM carriers, internet stability is usually strong.

We say usually because customers have experienced connection issues in multiple countries with many destination plans. One aloSIM buyer notes:

Alosim eSIM is very unreliable, didn’t provide data service in Vietnam & Colombia (only2G), very slow in other countries.”

Customer support

aloSIM offers 24/7 customer support with email and live chat options in multiple languages. However, getting help isn’t always a smooth experience. 

The 24/7 chat connects you with a bot that often misreads questions and provides unhelpful answers.

While writing this comparison, we asked how many languages are available for customer support, only to get articles on purchasing eSIMs in different languages.

Screenshot showing ALOSim's customer support bot answering a question
Bot example for aloSIM customer support; Source: aloSIM 

Customers have also had multiple issues with getting the support team to resolve problems:

“Unreliable! I would give them 0 stars if I could. A 30 day eSIM card expired after 7 days leaving me stranded in a foreign non-English country. They said tech team would investigate, but no feedback received”

Besides their chat support and emails, customers can also turn to aloSIM’s FAQs, which contain guided instructions on using their eSIMs. 

The better choice than aloSIM: Holafly’s unlimited data

One of the biggest downsides of aloSIM is that not all of their plans offer unlimited data. If you run out mid-trip, you’ll be left to top up, which can be expensive, time-consuming, and downright inconvenient.

An eSIM provider like Holafly is a more flexible option for travelers who want peace of mind. 

A screenshot of Holalys eSIM
Holaly eSIM

Holafly gives you unlimited data for your upcoming adventure with plans ranging from $5.90 for 1 day to $138.90 for 90 days in over 200 destinations.

The daily price you pay gets lower the longer you’re away – and you’ll have access to friendly, responsive support 24/7 if you ever need it.

That means you can relax and enjoy reliable connectivity, coverage, and fast internet speed throughout your entire trip.

The verdict on aloSIM

aloSIM is, for the most part, a reliable eSIM option. However, there are some major downsides for travelers.

Their lack of a global plan means those traveling between regions will have to buy multiple eSIMs or even switch to local physical SIM cards, which defeats the purpose of an eSIM.

The quality, flexibility, and prices of their eSIM technology can be wildly different, too. Not all destinations have unlimited data options, and certain destinations are known for having poor coverage and slow internet speeds. 

Given the mixed quality and price ranges of aloSIM, this provider is best for short-term trips and light data users.

If you’re lucky enough, the plan for your destination will be cheap, though we (and aloSIM customers) can’t vouch for their connection quality.

But our customers can definitely vouch for Holafly. With unlimited data and fast internet speeds, Holafly helps you set up your upcoming adventure with peace of mind.

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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