This blog post is all about an Airalo eSIM review.
In today’s world, going on holiday without access to data is simply a no-go.
We rely on our phones for everything. From navigating via Google Maps, chatting with friends and family on WhatsApp, keeping up with social media, or even just checking the local weather.
Relying on shaky hotel Wi-Fi or scrambling to find a cafe with a decent hotspot is a recipe for frustration. And let’s not even talk about the extortionate roaming charges or miniscule overseas data allowances from traditional providers.
Last year when I started my backpacking journey, I discovered eSIMs. And, more specifically, Airalo eSIMs.
Since then, travelling without worrying about data has been an absolute game-changer.
Let me walk you through my Airalo eSIM review including what an eSIM is, how to set one up, why you should choose Airalo, and why this approach to staying connected has completely transformed my travel experience.
This blog post is all about an Airalo eSIM review.
Airalo eSIM Review: What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is essentially a digital SIM card embedded into newer smartphones.
You don’t have to fiddle around with physical cards or keep track of tiny SIM trays and pins. Instead, you download a digital profile and install it directly onto your phone’s hardware.
Think of it like having multiple “lines” stored in your phone, without the hassle of physically swapping a SIM card.
This technology allows you to switch between different data plans and carriers with just a few taps.
No more worrying about losing your SIM card or forgetting it in a random hotel room abroad. It’s all digital, seamless, and designed for the modern traveller like you and me.
Airalo eSIM Review: How Do I Download An eSIM?
Downloading an eSIM (especially from Airalo) is super straightforward:
- Check Your Phone Compatibility: First, ensure your phone supports eSIMs. Most newer smartphones (like recent iPhones and many Android models) do, but a quick Google search or a look at your phone’s specs can confirm this.
- Download the Airalo App: Head over to your app store, download the Airalo app, and sign up for an account. The app’s interface is very user-friendly, and you’ll be guided through selecting a country or region and picking a data plan that suits your travel needs.
- Purchase Your Data Package: After choosing the right package, proceed to checkout. Make sure to use the email address tied to your Airalo account, so the eSIM can be delivered instantly.
- Use my code for $3 off: Make sure to apply ‘ORLAGH3’ to the code section so you can receive $3 off your first eSIM purchase.
Airalo eSIM Review: How Do I Activate the Airalo eSIM?
Activating your Airalo eSIM is where the magic happens, but it’s far easier than you might think:
- QR Code or Manual Install: Once purchased, you can either scan a QR code provided by Airalo or install the eSIM profile directly from the app. Usually, I go for the QR code method as it takes all of 30 seconds.
- Assign to Your Phone’s eSIM Slot: After scanning, your phone will prompt you to add the new eSIM. A few taps later, you’ll see the Airalo line appear alongside your existing SIM profile.
- Enable Cellular Data: Once you’ve landed at your destination, enable the Airalo eSIM and turn on cellular data. Within moments, you’ll be online, checking Instagram Stories, mapping your route to the hotel, or texting family to let them know you’ve arrived safely.
I typically do this while waiting in the airport, right after landing, but before I even leave the terminal. That way, when I step outside, I’m already fully connected and ready to explore.
Airalo eSIM Review: How Much Does It Cost?
One of the best parts about using Airalo is that data packages are genuinely affordable.
Depending on the country or region, you might pay just a few dollars for several gigabytes of data, enough to last you through a week-long holiday.
Even if you need more, topping up is a breeze and can be done instantly via the app.
This affordability means you can stop obsessing over every MB of data you use abroad. No more switching off mobile data to avoid hidden fees.
Instead, you can roam at will, open Google Maps, stream a quick TikTok video on viral food spots, or FaceTime your family without worrying about bankrupting yourself.
Airalo eSIM Review: Why Use an Airalo eSIM Over a Traditional SIM?
Traditional SIM cards feel like relics from another era.
When travelling, I used to hunt down local SIM cards. Wasting time at kiosk counters, struggling with language barriers, and dealing with complex registration processes.
Plus, I always risked losing my original SIM or misplacing the tiny pieces of plastic somewhere in my luggage.
With eSIMs, it’s all digital. You can store multiple plans, switch between them with a tap, and never worry about losing or damaging a SIM card.
It’s the flexibility, speed, and simplicity that truly stand out, making it a must-have upgrade for any frequent traveller.
Multiple SIMs at Once: The Best of Both Worlds
Another huge advantage of eSIMs is that you’re not forced to choose one SIM over another.
Modern phones often allow multiple SIM profiles to coexist, which was a game-changer for me on recent trips.
For instance, when I went to Bali a few years back, I ended up swapping out my original SIM card for a local one. While that gave me affordable data, it also meant I was using a new local number.
Suddenly, friends and family back home couldn’t easily reach me, and when I eventually popped my original SIM back in, I was greeted with a flood of missed calls and messages.
With an Airalo eSIM, it’s a totally different story.
Now, I keep my original SIM active for calls and texts while dedicating my data connection to the eSIM. This means I can enjoy cheap, reliable data from Airalo without sacrificing my original number or missing important messages.
It’s the best of both worlds: continuous connectivity to home while still enjoying the cost savings and convenience of a local data plan.
RELATED blog post to read: What Devices Support eSIMs?
Airalo eSIM Review: Why the Airalo eSIM?
There are a few eSIM providers out there, but Airalo has been my personal favourite for a few key reasons:
- Global Reach: Airalo offers eSIMs for countries all over the world. Whether I’m heading to Europe, Southeast Asia, or South America, I can usually find a local or regional Airalo eSIM with great coverage and data speeds.
- Affordable Plans: Their packages are competitively priced, so I’m never stuck choosing between splurging on data and going without. The cost efficiency is unbeatable in my experience.
- User-Friendly App: The Airalo app makes everything from purchasing to activating a breeze. Even if you’re new to eSIMs, the interface walks you through every step.
- Regional eSIMs: This feature has been a game-changer for me. When travelling through Southeast Asia where I hop borders every few days, I found a regional eSIM that covers multiple countries. No more dealing with new local SIMs every time I cross a checkpoint. It’s hassle-free and ideal for long-term, multi-country trips.
Airalo eSIM Review: Different Packages for a Few Dollars
One of the coolest aspects of Airalo is how flexible their packages are.
If I’m on a short three-day trip to a new city, I might grab a small data package for just a few dollars. Enough to cover maps, messaging, and some light browsing.
If I’m settling into a country for a month, I can choose a larger data pack. It’s entirely customizable, and topping up is effortless if I underestimate my needs.
Airalo eSIM Review: Set It Up at the Airport for Instant Access
My routine now is to download and activate my Airalo eSIM as soon as I land.
While waiting for my luggage at the carousel, I switch on my data and instantly have online access.
Gone are the days of searching for an airport kiosk or waiting until I reach the hotel’s WiFi. I can order a taxi, check my email, or update my friends in real-time, right from the moment I land.
Regional eSIMs: A Godsend for Border-Hopping
During my Southeast Asia adventure, I often crossed borders every few days.
Setting up a local SIM in each new country would have been a logistical nightmare. Instead, I opted for a regional Airalo eSIM that covered multiple countries in the area.
It was genuinely life-saving: I never had to waste time finding a new SIM, dealing with unfamiliar mobile operators, or guessing data rates. My phone just worked, everywhere.
This level of convenience made my travels smoother than ever. Whether I was in Thailand, Vietnam, or Singapore, I was always connected at a predictable rate without lifting a finger.
Why You Need the Airalo eSIM
The travel landscape has changed dramatically in the past decade.
Travelling without reliable data is no longer practical, or enjoyable.
With Airalo eSIMs, I’ve found a solution that’s simple, cost-effective, and incredibly convenient.
From seamless activation and flexible packages to global coverage and the ability to buy eSIMs while abroad, Airalo has truly revolutionized how I stay connected on the road.
If you’re heading off on your next trip and dreading the usual SIM card shuffle or WiFi worries, do yourself a favor and try Airalo.
Once you’ve experienced the freedom of instant, hassle-free data, you’ll wonder how you ever travelled without it.
Download the Airalo app here and make sure to use my code ORLAGH3 for $3 off your first purchase!
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