If you’re anything like me, you hate paying ridiculous roaming charges or wasting time in airport kiosks hunting down a local SIM. Over the last few years, I’ve relied on eSIMs to stay connected while travelling — whether for navigation, work, or just uploading an unhealthy number of Instagram stories.
Two of the biggest names in the eSIM space are Airalo and Holafly, and I’ve personally used both. Here’s my honest comparison based on real travel use — including what each one is best for, where they fall short, and a few hacks I’ve discovered along the way.
Which One Should You Choose?
| Feature | Airalo | Holafly |
|---|---|---|
| Data Type | Fixed packages (1–20GB) | Unlimited data |
| Price | 💸 Cheaper | 💰 Slightly more |
| Speed of Setup | ⏳ Can be slow | ⚡ Super quick |
| App Experience | Much improved | Very polished |
| Best For | Light users, budget travel | Heavy data users, longer trips |
Airalo – Affordable and Great for Light Use
I’ve used Airalo multiple times for weekend trips, especially when I knew I wouldn’t need much more than Google Maps and WhatsApp. Their pricing is hard to beat, and you can get a few gigs of data for the price of a coffee.
✅ Pros:
Super affordable (starting from ~$4 depending on region)
Offers regional and global plans
Setup is much easier than it used to be
Easy to keep track of how much data you’ve used
❌ Cons:
You don’t get the eSIM instantly — it can take 15–30 minutes
No unlimited plans, so you need to keep an eye on your data usage
Past setup experiences were a bit clunky (though much improved now)
Best For:
Short trips, casual data use, or anyone travelling on a budget.
Holafly – Unlimited Data Without the Stress
Holafly is my go-to when I’m travelling for longer periods or know I’ll be using my phone constantly (which, let’s face it, is most of the time). What I love most? Unlimited data. You can stream, browse, video call, and map your way around town without ever worrying about data limits.
✅ Pros:
Unlimited data in loads of destinations (including the UK, Europe, USA, Japan etc.)
eSIM arrives instantly — via email, app, AND WhatsApp
Easy to install: just tap the QR or follow the in-app guide
Customer support is excellent and available 24/7
Earn Holapoints when you join their Travel Club
❌ Cons:
Slightly more expensive than Airalo (but worth it if you’re a heavy user)
No hotspot/tethering allowed on unlimited plans
Best For:
Travellers who stream, work remotely, or don’t want to constantly check their data balance.
💡 Holafly Hacks (from someone who’s used it too many times)
Download the Holafly app – You’ll automatically get 5% off your order.
Join their Travel Club – Every time you buy an eSIM, you earn Holapoints that turn into discounts later.
Order one now, get a discount later – They often email a 5–10% discount code within a day of your first purchase, so if you’re buying more than one, space them out a bit!
⚠️ Heads Up If You’re Using Airalo
Don’t wait until the last minute to buy — you may need to wait 30 minutes before receiving the QR code.
Setup is pretty good now, but make sure you’re on solid Wi-Fi when you activate the eSIM.
Save your eSIM info somewhere outside the app just in case you need to reinstall it.
Final Thoughts
I’ve used both Airalo and Holafly in multiple countries — and both have their place depending on the trip. Here’s my take:
Go with Airalo if you’re on a budget and just need basic data access for a few days.
Go with Holafly if you’re going somewhere for a while, using a lot of data, or just want a stress-free setup with great support.
Personally? I lean Holafly when I’m doing longer trips or anything work-related — not having to worry about data limits is a game-changer.
FAQs
Which eSIM is better for unlimited data?
Holafly offers unlimited data in most destinations. Airalo only offers fixed plans.
How do I install an eSIM?
Once you purchase, you’ll receive a QR code or installation guide. On iPhones:
Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM – then follow the instructions.
Can I use both my eSIM and my regular SIM?
Yes — most phones let you use one SIM for calls/texts and the other for data.
How can I save money on Holafly?
Use their app for an automatic 5% discount, join their Travel Club for Holapoints, and check your inbox for post-purchase discount codes.
Is Airalo hard to set up?
It used to be, but they’ve really improved the process. Still, don’t leave it till the last minute in case there’s a delay.
