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Kolet eSIM review: Features, pricing, and user insights

Kolet eSIM review covering features, pricing, coverage, and user feedback. Learn about Kolet’s pros and cons, the installation process, and how it compares to Holafly as an alternative for travelers.

julio osuna english content writer

Published: November 4, 2024

If you’re exploring eSIM options for your next trip, Kolet is likely on your radar. Their website promises affordable and reliable connectivity in over 190 popular travel destinations. But is it the right choice for you? 

In this Kolet eSIM review, we’ll break down everything you need to know — from coverage and pricing to real user reviews — giving you a clear view of whether Kolet can meet your travel data needs and what might be the best alternative if it doesn’t.

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What is Kolet eSIM?

Kolet is a French startup founded by four entrepreneurs that focuses on simplifying connectivity for travelers. It is taking an interesting approach to distributing its eSIM by partnering with travel companies like hotels and airlines. Kolet allows travelers to get an eSIM with a free 1 GB data trial for the first two days of their trip.

The company is working to obtain a B Corp certification, which recognizes businesses that meet high social and environmental standards. Part of Kolet’s vision includes allowing users to donate unused data to people without internet access.

Kolet eSIM home page
Kolet eSIM home page. Source: Kolet

Kolet eSIM pros and cons

Before we dig into the details of our Kolest eSIM review, here is an overview of the good and not-so-good things about how Kolet works:

Pros:

  • Affordable pricing for many destinations
  • Free trial for two days
  • Adequate Help Center
  • Data sharing

Cons:

  • No unlimited data options
  • Very limited regional plans
  • It’s necessary to download the Kolet app for eSIM activation
  • Purchase available only in USD and EUR

Kolet eSIM Review: The details

Here’s a closer look at what Kolet brings to the table. Let’s peel back the layers and review their coverage and pricing, as well as the Kolet app features and customer support options.

Network coverage

Kolet eSIM helps travelers stay connected in 190 countries, including major travel destinations such as the USA, Europe, Australia, and regions in Asia and South America. They work with local carriers to provide 5G in areas where available, though some destinations may still rely on 4G networks, which impacts speed and quality. 

In some destinations, Kolet eSIM will connect to only one local network, while in places such as the UK or the USA, you can choose among several networks. You can check that information as you purchase your Kolet plans.

One of Kolet’s downsides is that it doesn’t have many regional eSIM data plans. Like the Holafly eSIM for Europe, Kolet does offer a regional plan for the EU — but it’s missing non-EU European destinations like the UK. Plus, while Holafly has regional plans for Asia and other regions, Kolet doesn’t offer multi-country eSIM plans. If you plan to travel to several countries in these regions, you must buy a data plan for every new country you visit. 

Kolet eSIM no regional plans for Asia
Kolet eSIM search offers no results for regional eSIM for Asia. Source: Kolet

Plans and pricing

The prices for Kolet’s data plans depend on the destinations. That’s why, for some places, the cheapest option for a data plan is $3.99, while these starting prices can go up to $12.99. Here are the prices for some of the destinations. The validity period for all data plans is 30 days.

United States of America data plans:

  • 1 GB for $3.99
  • 3 GB for $10.99
  • 5 GB for $16.99
  • 10 GB for $21.99
  • 20 GB for $32.99

United Kingdom data plans:

  • 1 GB for $3.99
  • 3 GB for $10.99
  • 5 GB for $16.99
  • 10 GB for $21.99
  • 20 GB for $32.99

South Africa data plans:

  • 1 GB for $6.49
  • 3 GB for $15.49
  • 5 GB for $22.49
  • 10 GB for $43.99

Key features

Kolet’s eSIM service is similar to what most eSIM providers offer. This means that you need to have an eSIM-compatible phone to use this service. Your new eSIM will be data-only, and you will mainly manage your eSIM through the Kolet app. Besides that, some features specific to Kolet make them a good option for travelers to stay connected.

  • Single eSIM for all destinations: No need to take out your physical SIM card or to swap eSIMs; just top up data for your next destination as you change countries.
  • Pre-travel installation: Set up your eSIM before departure and activate it upon arrival.
  • Travel partners gift: Enjoy a complimentary 1GB of data when you book your international travel through one of the Kolet travel partners.
  • Referral program: Share Kolet with friends and earn a $3 discount for each referral, with easy steps in the Kolet app.
  • Supports hotspot functionality: Share your Kolet connection with other devices.
  • Gift eligibility: Each traveler gets one 1GB gift per international trip, transferrable to a companion. If you decide to add more, you will need to add a payment method and purchase more data through the Kolet app.

Kolet app 

Kolet’s app simplifies the eSIM process with options to browse available plans, make purchases, and activate eSIMs directly. Additional features in the app include easy top-ups, a Help Center for support, and options to manage personal settings, such as redeeming referral codes or viewing purchase history. The app is compatible with most eSIM-ready Android and iOS devices, although some features may be limited depending on device compatibility.

Kolet eSIM app on Play Store
Kolet eSIM app on Play Store. Source: Play Store

Purchase and activation

To purchase a Kolet eSIM, users can choose between the Kolet website or the mobile app. Activation is straightforward and involves selecting an installation method: QR code, activation code, or automatic setup. Each method includes step-by-step instructions, ensuring easy setup regardless of tech experience. Keep in mind that you’ll need an internet connection to install your eSIM.

Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Open the Kolet app or website: In the app, go to the Home section and tap “Install my eSIM now.” On the website, purchase your eSIM and data plan if you haven’t already.
  2. Choose an installation method:
    1. Automatic installation (recommended): follow simple on-screen instructions in the Kolet app.
    2. Activation code (manual input): manually enter a code provided in the app, which is ideal if the automatic setup isn’t accessible.
    3. QR code (scan with another device): receive a QR code to scan with your device.
  3. Follow the instructions: Complete the on-screen steps for your chosen method.
  4. Activate at destination: Open the Kolet app and activate your data plan. You don’t need the internet to activate your plan. 
kolet esim installation
Kolet eSIM installation. Source: Kolet

Customer support

Kolet provides two main support options: a Help Center with answers to frequently asked questions and a live chat feature initially managed by a bot. Users can escalate issues to speak with a representative, and they respond to their chat within minutes. Kolet offers support in English and French, though additional language options may be limited depending on the region.

Kolet eSIM customer support
Kolet eSIM customer support. Source: Kolet

What do users say about eSIM Kolet?

Kolet eSIM is a fairly new company, so it is no surprise that there are not many reviews online about it. They don’t have a Trustpilot set up, and their only ratings are on the Google Play and Apple Store.

The eSIM Kolet has a 5-star rating on Google Play and 4.7 on Apple Store. While most of the reviews are 5-star ratings, there are some 1-star reviews. 

On Reddit, there are mainly people asking if Kolet is a legitimate eSIM provider. There are some that praise their eSIM services.

Reddit post about Kolet eSIM
Reddit post about Kolet eSIM. Source: Reddit

There are also those who are concerned about privacy and the fact that this company requests their phone number for account creation. This is a screenshot from a forum in which different eSIMs were discussed.

ISPreview forum post about Kolet eSIM
ISPreview forum post about Kolet eSIM. Source: ISPreview.co.uk

Given that there aren’t that many customers sharing their experience with this provider, you may want to look into a more tested and proven eSIM provider before purchasing. Especially if you want the comfort of having an eSIM with unlimited data at your disposal. 

Holafly: The best unlimited data alternative to Kolet

Holafly is an excellent alternative to Kolet for travelers who need reliable, unlimited data options. With broad international coverage, including unique regional plans, Holafly easily meets diverse travel needs.

Holafly eSIM
Holafly eSIM. Source: Holafly

Here are Holafly’s benefits at a glance:

  • Unlimited data: Offers unlimited data plans in numerous destinations, perfect for heavy internet users
  • Broad coverage: Available in over 190 destinations worldwide
  • Regional plans available: Provides flexible regional plans, enhancing travel convenience
  • Multilingual support: Customer service is accessible in several languages
  • User-friendly app: Manages data and support effortlessly in-app
  • Trusted provider: Over 45,000 satisfied Trustpilot reviews, showcasing proven reliability

Kolet eSIM review: The conclusion

Kolet eSIM is a new but promising option for frequent travelers and first adopters willing to give new companies a chance. With a single reusable eSIM, Kolet offers data plans for 190+ destinations. While Kolet’s online reviews are few, they are mainly favorable. 

For those who don’t want surprises, a more established provider, Holafly, is an ideal alternative. It offers unlimited data plans, broad coverage, and over one million customers so far. 

Julio Osuna

Julio Osuna

English Content Writer

I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.

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