We have already evaluated other eSIM provider companies for international travelers such as Maya Mobile and YeSIM. This time we decided to evaluate the Airalo eSIM, which some travelers consider to be the most economical. Is it really the cheapest?
In this review, we are going to evaluate that point and many more aspects that we consider important to take into account during trips abroad. Their advantages, disadvantages and the best and worst rated of their international eSIM cards will be reviewed.
What is Airalo?
Airalo is an eSIM card store for international travelers. It emerged in 2019 in Singapore, as an alternative to the high prices of the international roaming service that telephone companies charge their users when they travel outside the country.
Airalo’s operation is based on the distribution of prepaid eSIM cards, which mostly include a data plan to be used for a certain number of days. Users can choose the amount of data and days that fit their travel plan. Upon arriving in the destination country, the eSIM connects to the local mobile networks available in the area and with whom Airalo has network coverage.
When the data package runs out or the days of use end, they can be recharged and continue using their services.
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What services does the Airalo eSIM offer?
At the moment, the services offered by Airalo are focused on the connectivity of international travelers at low prices. Below we detail each of them.
Mobile data
All Airalo eSIMs include a default data plan, the number of plans available depends on the country or region. However, most of them are between 1 GB and 5 GB.
The validity of data plans is usually from one week to one month. In regions such as Europe and Asia it offers eSIM cards with a duration of up to 180 days. Likewise, in its global coverage plan it is possible to use its services for one year.
Airalo classifies mobile data plans into countries, regions and global. As expected, the former have a more affordable price and the latter are more expensive.
If no data plan fits your travel plan, you may be interested in trying other options such as Maya Mobile or YeSIM, these two companies offer plans with unlimited data and up to 28 options to choose from for each destination.
Calls
The calling service is only available on your eSIM with global coverage, which covers 127 countries around the world. The validity of use also starts from 7 days to 365 days.
Depending on the duration of use, it comes with a predetermined minute package, which starts from 10 minutes to use for a week, up to 200 minutes to use for a year.
The number provided by this eSIM is unique and comes from Austria, therefore it has the code +43. It is not possible to obtain a local telephone number for the country you are visiting (except Austria).
You also need to validate your identity to be able to use this service.
Text messages (SMS)
Text messages work the same as calling, are available only on the global plan and includes the local Austria phone number.
Identity validation is mandatory to use SMS.
This plan includes 10 SMS to use for a week up to 200 SMS with a validity of up to one year.
If you require a local phone number from the US, Canada, Netherlands or Israel, the YeSIM store offers virtual phone numbers that allow you to receive SMS to activate services such as WhatsApp or Tiktok.
Top Up
Airalo recharges allow you to extend the amount of data or days of use of the eSIM that you have installed on your smartphone or mobile device. This way you avoid downloading and installing a new eSIM.
How can you get it?
The Airalo eSIM can be obtained from its website, through the app for iOS devices and also using the app for Android smartphones. To begin, it is necessary to register and validate the account with your email. Once done, you choose the data plan you need and proceed to make the purchase.
Payment methods
Airalo includes several payment methods. Among them are credit and debit cards from Visa, UnionPay, Mastercard and American Express. You can also use PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Alipay. Availability may vary depending on the purchasing channel, whether through its website or through its apps.
Payments are made in dollars, therefore if you have another currency, the conversion and commissions will depend on the payment method you choose.
What do you receive after finishing the purchase?
After you complete the purchase you will receive an email that contains a QR code and an SM-DP+ address. You will also find the new eSIM in your Airalo account by going to the section called My eSIMs.
Along with the QR code and the SM-DP+ address, they include the eSIM installation instructions. We will talk about this later when evaluating the eSIM installation methods and its ease of doing so.
Airalo eSIM service quality
Now we are going to evaluate the experience of using the eSIM, both in terms of operation and Airalo’s after-sales service.
Coverage
Airalo stands out for offering its services in more than 200 destinations around the world. Browsing speeds are usually 3G, 4G, LTE and 5G. Availability varies by area and country.
Most of their eSIMs have network coverage from one mobile carrier, with a few exceptions, where it is possible to connect to two or more local mobile carriers.
In Latin American or African countries, mobile network coverage can fluctuate between 3G, H+, 4G and LTE. To prevent bad experiences, it is important that you check the quality of the network in the area in advance if you travel to these countries to rural places or places far from cities.
If you travel to Europe and the USA, you will be able to connect to 5G mobile networks in some areas. However, the network coverage that you will find most frequently will be 4G and LTE.
Customer service and support
If you have concerns or need to resolve issues with the eSIM, Airalo offers its users a support page where you can find troubleshooting guides, steps to install your eSIM, and help content.
It also has customer service through live chat on its website and apps. Where a bot will initially assist you and, if necessary; you will receive support through agents. Likewise, it has a contact page to get help via email.
Usually, Airalo support will ask you for screenshots of your smartphone settings to help you resolve issues while using the eSIM. It is important to report the problem when it occurs and not wait to return from the trip. This way it will be easier to request a refund if they cannot solve the problem.
Ease of installation and activation
Airalo allows you to install the eSIM in different ways. They are all easy to do. It stands out for allowing direct installation through its apps for Android and iOS. This method begins the installation of the eSIM without the need to scan a QR code or enter an activation code.
Activation of most Airalo eSIMs is done automatically when connecting to the operator’s networks in the country you are traveling to. In some destinations, especially eSIMs from local providers, you need to validate your identity to activate the service.
Airalo: Pros and Cons
Taking into account all the features of the Airalo eSIM, other eSIM card providers and the user experience, below we leave you our opinion regarding advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- It is one of the eSIM provider with the largest number of countries.
- Call and SMS services.
- Affordable prices.
- Customer service via live chat.
Cons
- Few options to choose from in number of days and data per destination.
- Most of their eSIMs only have network coverage from a local mobile operator.
Customer reviews
Airalo customer opinions are diverse. In the App Store it has a rating of 4.8 out of 5, in Google Play its rating is 4.4 out of 5. On other platforms such as Trustpilot its rating is 2.4 out of 5 and on Product Hunt its rating drops to 1.7 out of 5. Below We share the best and worst rated of their eSIM services.
The best rated
- Simplicity in the installation process.
- Low prices on data plans.
- Quick response from customer service.
The worst rated
- Failures in network coverage in some areas.
- Difficulty obtaining a refund in case of failures.
In this way we conclude our evaluation of the Airalo eSIM. But before finishing we will answer the question in the title:
Is the Airalo eSIM the cheapest option on the market?
The answer to this question is no. There are other eSIM card providers such as Maya Mobile and MobiMatter that offer plans with more data and days at a lower price.
