Airalo eSIM — Wide Coverage & Cheap Local Packs


Traveler installing an Airalo eSIM on the phone

Provider guide

Airalo eSIM (2025): Local & Regional Plans for Less

A practical guide to Airalo: how it works, who it suits, plan types, hotspot notes, quick setup on iOS/Android, and smart alternatives.

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On this page:
Quick take •
Who it suits •
Plan types •
Setup •
Fix issues •
Alternatives •
FAQs

Quick take

What we like

  • Huge coverage footprint: local and regional eSIMs across many destinations.
  • Low entry price: small packs for short trips or light users.
  • Hotspot on many plans: handy for laptops/tablets; check plan notes.

Keep in mind

  • Data is metered: streaming and cloud backups can eat through small packs.
  • Coverage varies: quality depends on the partner network in each country.
  • Multiple top-ups: for longer trips you may need a bigger pack or renewals.

Who Airalo suits

  • Budget travelers who want the lowest starting cost.
  • Short trips (2–14 days) with maps, chat, email, and a bit of social.
  • Multi-country routes using regional/global packs instead of many single-country SIMs.

Plan types you’ll usually find

Prices and availability change — always review inside the Airalo app/site before purchase.

TypeWhere it helpsNotes
Local eSIM (single country)Best price/GB for one destinationGreat for city breaks and focused itineraries
Regional eSIM (e.g., Europe/Asia)Cross-border tripsOne eSIM works across multiple countries
Global eSIMRound-the-world or uncertain routesConvenient, usually higher cost per GB
Tip: If you plan heavy uploads (Reels/Drive), consider a larger pack (20–30 GB) or mix with Wi-Fi to avoid frequent top-ups.

Setup: iOS & Android (2–3 minutes)

iOS (iPhone)

  1. Go to Settings › Cellular and tap Add eSIM.
  2. Scan the QR or paste the activation code from Airalo.
  3. Name the line (e.g., Airalo) and set it as Mobile Data only.
  4. Keep your physical SIM for calls/2FA if needed.
  5. Enable Data Roaming on the Airalo line when you land.

Android

  1. Open Network & Internet › SIMs (may vary by brand).
  2. Select Add eSIM / Download a SIM then scan the QR.
  3. Use Airalo for Mobile data; keep your main SIM for calls.
  4. Toggle Data Roaming for Airalo on arrival.

Troubleshooting that fixes 90% of issues

  • Toggle Airplane mode for 10–15 seconds, then off.
  • Verify Data Roaming is ON for the Airalo line only.
  • APN usually auto-sets; if not, enter the APN shown in your plan.
  • Try manual network selection if the signal is weak, then restart.

Best alternatives

  • Holafly: simple “unlimited” experience with fair-use; good for heavy scroll/video.
  • Nomad: competitive large bundles and promos, strong for multi-country travel.
  • See our full comparison to match your route and usage.
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Airalo eSIM — FAQs

Is Airalo cheaper than roaming?
Usually yes — especially with local packs. For very light use, a small pack can save a lot over carrier roaming.

Can I use hotspot?
Many Airalo plans allow tethering; check the plan’s details before purchase.

Will WhatsApp keep my number?
Yes. Airalo is data-only — your WhatsApp stays tied to your existing number.

Can I top up or extend?
Yes. Most plans support top-ups directly in the app before or after expiry.

Do I get 5G?
In many destinations, yes — availability depends on local networks and the specific plan.