Airalo review 2026: is it worth the hype?
Our in-house expert researchers and journalists conduct independent, unbiased testing of eSIM services, assessing their real-life effectiveness and usability.
By staying current with industry developments and openly sharing our transparent testing methodologies, we ensure readers receive accurate, up-to-date insights so they can make informed choices about eSIM solutions.
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Airalo is one of the top eSIMs currently available on the market. Itβs known for its ease of use, affordability, and flexibility. It also supports calls and texts, which is rare among eSIM providers.
Using an eSIM is very convenient. It helps cut down on roaming costs that come with using physical SIM cards, and itβs simply convenient. You no longer have to look for stores to buy SIMs, and you can forget about switching between multiple SIM cards if your trip includes several countries.
For this Airalo review, I tested the service firsthand, so I could share my impressions about Airaloβs compatibility, installation and activation processes, and ease of use to help you decide if itβs the right eSIM card for your needs.
| β Rating: | |
| π₯ Overall rank: | #2 |
| π΅ Price: | From $3.50 |
| π Destinations: | 200+ |
| π Offered cellular networks: | LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G |
| π± Does it allow phone calls: | β
Yes (Discover + Global plan) |
| π Does it support mobile hotspot: | β Yes |
| π Compatibility: | Android, iOS |
| π³ Payment methods: | Credit/Debit Card, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Alipay |
| Coupons: | Airalo coupon from $3.50 |
Airalo pros and cons
Our team of researchers thoroughly tests eSIM services using a clear and consistent process. We combine first-hand experience with expert analysis to evaluate features, performance, coverage, and pricing - so you can make confident decisions before your trip. Learn how we test eSIMs.
How does Airalo work?
Airalo works using eSIM technology, which is now found in the majority of modern smartphones. It gives you instant mobile data abroad, without having to buy a physical SIM card.
eSIM providers, such as Airalo, are very convenient because of:
- Quick setup. You only need to download the app, and youβll get instant service access without having to visit a store or wait for a delivery.
- No roaming fees. eSIMs are affordable, so you can forget about costly roaming fees that are charged while using your SIM abroad.
- Flexibility. You can switch between carriers and data plans directly from your devices, without having to swap physical SIM cards.
In addition, Airalo partners with many international carriers and offers eSIMs in over 200 countries and regions, making it useful for almost any destination.
Whatβs more, Airalo has an exceptionally simple eSIM activation process, which can be done before departure or after arrival. And thatβs thanks to its user-friendly app. It works as a central hub where you can buy, manage, and renew your plans, conveniently in one place and in a matter of minutes.
What type of plans does Airalo offer?
Like all the best eSIM providers, Airalo offers a good variety of eSIM plans. This includes local, regional, and global packages with different data allowances, plan durations, and prices. Here is a brief overview of all the pricing plans it has available.
Local Airalo eSIMs
Local Airalo eSIM plans cover only one country and offer several packages. For example, if you need an eSIM card to travel within the United States, youβll find the following plans:
| Local US plan | Price |
| 1 GB for 7 days | $4.50 |
| 2 GB for 15 days | $7.00 |
| 3 GB for 30 days | $9.00 |
| 5 GB for 30 days | $14.00 |
| 10 GB for 30 days | $23.00 |
| 20 GB for 30 days | $37.00 |
Regional Airalo eSIMs
Regional Airalo eSIM plans include multiple countries in the same region: Africa (36 countries), Asia (18 countries), the Caribbean Islands (26 countries), Europe (42 countries), Latin America (17 countries), the Middle East and North Africa (15 countries), and North America (3 countries).
Here is the price package for Europe, although note that the number of packages differs for all regions:
| Regional Europe plan | Price |
| 1 GB for 7 days | $5.00 |
| 2 GB for 15 days | $9.50 |
| 3 GB for 30 days | $13.00 |
| 5 GB for 30 days | $20.00 |
| 10 GB for 30 days | $37.00 |
| 20 GB for 30 days | $49.00 |
| 50 GB for 90 days | $100.00 |
| 100 GB for 180 days | $185.00 |
| Unlimited for 10 days | $35.00 |
Global Airalo eSIMs
Global Airalo eSIMs offer two types of data packages: data only or data with calls and texts. Both plans also cover 137 countries.
Letβs take a look at Airaloβs global plans:
| Data (137 countries) | Data/Calls/Texts (137 countries) | ||
| 1 GB for 7 days | $9.00 | + 10 mins and 10 SMS | $15.00 |
| 2 GB for 15 days | $17.00 | + 20 mins and 20 SMS | $27.00 |
| 3 GB for 30 days | $24.00 | + 30 mins and 30 SMS | $36.00 |
| 5 GB for 60 days | $35.00 | + 50 mins and 50 SMS | $50.00 |
| 10 GB for 180 days | $57.00 | + 100 mins and 100 SMS | $79.00 |
| 20 GB for 365 days | $66.00 | + 200 mins and 200 SMS | $89.00 |
How much does Airalo cost?
Airalo costs from $3.50 for 1GB for 1 week. You can increase your data allowance depending on how long you want to use the eSIM card. Here is the pricing for the most popular travel destinations and data plan (1GB for 7 days):
| Local eSIM plan 1GB for 7 days | |
| USA | $3.50 |
| Japan | $4.50 |
| UK | $4.50 |
| Italy | $4.50 |
| Mexico | $4.50 |
| France | $4.50 |
| Spain | $4.50 |
Does Airalo allow phone calls?
Yes, Airalo allows phone calls. You can even receive text messages with Airalo. However, this is only available with the Discover+ Global plan. It lets you make and receive phone calls, send and receive text messages, and access mobile data.
Keep in mind that you wonβt be able to make calls or send SMS messages with any other Airalo plan, as they are available with data only. You can check what your plan offers by tapping Buy Now and reviewing plan details.
However, if you only plan on using mobile data, all Airalo eSIM packages will give you access to WhatsApp, Viber, Messenger, and other internet-based communication apps. Just make sure that theyβre already set up on your device before activating your eSIM.
Customer support
Airalo offers a good variety of customer support options. Here are the ways you can get help with your Airalo eSIM card:
| Live chat | β Yes |
| Email support | β Yes |
| Help center | β Yes |
| Phone number | βNo |
| Active blog | β Yes |
To test how responsive and helpful Airaloβs customer support is, first, I headed to its 24/7 live chat. I was instantly connected to a chatbot, which gave me some good suggestions for most common problems. However, I wanted help from a human agent, and upon request, I was swiftly connected to one.
The agent was polite and professional. My overall experience with Airaloβs customer support was positive. But I must say, I would have liked a direct way to contact a human agent instead of having to go through a bot first.
Airalo also allows you to submit a ticket via email or browse the guides in its help center.
Youβll even find an active blog where you can search for interesting topics or learn something new. Unfortunately, thereβs no phone number if you prefer getting assistance via a traditional call.
What devices support Airalo eSIM?
All newer devices support Airalo eSIM. You can find out if your smartphone supports Airalo by checking its specifications on the manufacturerβs website. Make sure to also check if your mobile data carrier imposes any restrictions. You can do so by either contacting your mobile internet provider or checking your deviceβs settings.
Some examples of devices that are compatible with eSIMs include the following:
| iPhone | XR, XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 |
| Google Pixel | 2 (with Google Fi), 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Fold |
| Samsung Galaxy | S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25, Z Fold, Z Flip |
| Huawei | P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro |
| Xiaomi | 12T Pro, 13, 14 Pro, 15 |
How to activate and use Airalo eSIM
Activating Airalo eSIM, much like using it, is a simple process. The provider explains how to install and activate your eSIM after you purchase a plan.
Hereβs a detailed guide on how to activate and use your Airalo eSIM:
- Make sure your device supports eSIM technology
-
Download the Airalo app
-
On the app, select a data plan that best fits your travel needs and proceed to payment
-
Install your eSIM by following one of your preferred methods: following step-by-step prompts on the app, scanning a QR code, or entering your eSIM details manually in the deviceβs Settings
- To activate the eSIM, connect to the internet. I recommend activating your eSIM just before your trip, while youβre still home and can access a stable internet connection
- Connect to a local network
My experience using Airalo
From my own experience, I can say that Airalo is an easy-to-use and reliable eSIM. I tested it during my week-long trip to Lithuania. I set it up right before my trip so that I could enjoy instant data access upon my arrival.
Airalo was a convenient choice for my trip. I was able to stay connected equally well in the capital and in more rural areas. Since I was interested in exploring nature spots that are more remote, it was important that I have an uninterrupted connection. Whether I had to use maps for navigation or look up travel options for my next location, Airalo delivered.
Itβs not the first time Iβm using Airalo for traveling. During my previous trips to Germany and Spain, I also enjoyed the good service provided by Airalo. Also, itβs really simple to top up if you need more data. I highly recommend using Airalo for your next trip.
Airalo eSIM video review
If you want to learn everything about Airalo eSIM in under a few minutes, have a look at our Airalo video review.
Airalo eSIM review: my final verdict
Physical SIM cards are slowly being replaced by eSIMs, especially among travelers. I personally have experienced many benefits of using Airalo eSIM during my trips. Itβs affordable, easy to use, and simply convenient. With its user-friendly app, you can manage your data anytime.
Despite many positives, Airalo is not a perfect eSIM. Compared to other eSIMs, such as Saily, it has slower customer support and is slightly more expensive. However, itβs still a solid and reliable choice for multi-country trips and digital nomads.
See how Airalo compares to other services
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FAQ
Can Airalo be trusted?
Yes, Airalo is a legitimate company and a trusted eSIM. It offers reliable services and affordable pricing, making it a popular choice among travelers.
Is Airalo good for travel?
Yes, Airalo is good for travel. It has eSIM cards that work in 200+ countries, 24/7 customer support, and various perks to enhance your journey.
What are the disadvantages of Airalo eSIM?
Even though Airalo is a reliable eSIM service, it has some disadvantages. Users report that sometimes its customer support is slow to respond and activation can take up to several minutes.
Does WhatsApp work with Airalo?
Yes, WhatsApp works with Airalo. However, make sure that WhatsApp is already set up on your device before you activate your eSIM.
When to activate Airalo eSIM?
You can either activate your Airalo eSIM upon installation or at your destination. However, this depends on your eSIM plan. For more information, check the activation policy, which you can find on the Airalo app.
