When it comes to eSIM cards, Airalo is second to none. Founded in 2019, Airalo was the world’s first eSIM store and has remained the largest one to date. With hundreds of thousands of users, tens of thousands of reviews, and hundreds of countries and regions covered, we’re the spot for the best eSIM plans. Read on to find out what users love about Airalo eSIMs!
Why eSIMs?
Picture this: You have a brand new phone and now have to trek to your local store to set up a local data plan with a physical SIM card. Time-consuming, right? What if you could access that store from the comfort of your home and from just one device?
That’s the solution we came up with. The option to download data plans whenever (and wherever) makes connectivity simpler, more affordable, and more sustainable — three things we can get on board with!
What Is an eSIM?
eSIM stands for “embedded subscriber identity module.” Unlike a physical SIM card, embedded SIMs are built directly into your device. This means you have the freedom to download data plans and switch providers all from the Airalo app.
Here are some of the perks of using an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card:
- Download your plan with a QR-Code
- Keep your primary line while accessing data on your eSIM
- Tether data from your eSIM to other devices
- Save multiple eSIMs on your phone for easy access (depending on your device)
- Name and organize your eSIMs with custom labels
- Avoid roaming costs — all Airalo eSIMs are prepaid and supported by local networks
Find Out if Your Device Supports eSIMs
Not sure if your device will support an eSIM? Follow these steps to find out.
1. Check if Your Device is eSIM-Enabled
To find out if you have an eSIM-compatible phone, you can check our list of devices that support eSIMs. While most current Apple and Android devices support eSIMs, note that some countries and networks may restrict eSIM use.
If your phone model or device is not mentioned on our list, you can check your device's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity), which can be found in your device’s settings. If your phone is enabled for an eSIM, you should see "eSIM," "eSIM support," or "Virtual SIM card" beside your IMEI.
2. Check if Your Phone is Unlocked
To use an eSIM, your phone also needs to be unlocked from a mobile network. For most networks, this means owning the phone outright and being able to add, replace, and remove SIM cards without restriction. If you’re unsure whether your device is unlocked, you can contact your cellular provider to find out its status.
The Benefits of Using an eSIM
Having mobile data on the fly is ideal for practically every situation. Here are a few of the benefits our users keep sharing with us (and why they think Airalo has the best eSIM plans!).
Instant Connectivity
Nearly all our users agree that having instant connectivity is a game-changer. As one of our users, Dr. Jolin, tells us:
You can travel to a remote country where you'd spend hundreds of dollars on internet roaming, OR you can get this app, get an eSIM and have a local data provider internet working within minutes for the price of two coffees!
Time on your vacation or business trip is precious, and the last thing you want to do is spend time trying to set up a physical SIM card. With an embedded SIM, you can download, install, and connect quickly and easily.
Global Coverage
We receive plenty of reviews from veteran travelers who are making the switch to eSIM technology. One user, BCGregory, says:
I have traveled globally for several years with 45 countries under my belt. Airalo has been, by far, the easiest, most useful, and most cost-effective option for traveling abroad that I have found.
With plans for hundreds of countries and regions, Airalo has the best eSIMs for life-long travelers. All you need is one phone with eSIM support to access them all.
This is made even more straightforward by our continental/regional and global plans. If you’re traveling across Europe, for example, you can stay connected across multiple countries with mobile data coming from a single eSIM!
Affordable and Transparent
A recurring theme across our reviews is that eSIMs are an affordable alternative to roaming from a home network. David Schouten tells us:
I have used [an eSIM] a few times now and am very satisfied. I have even used it a few times at the end of the month, where I used up all the data from my regular carrier, and it's cheaper to buy some MBs via Airalo than through my carrier.
Now, that’s saying something! When your home provider offers you data coverage in another country, the rates are typically charged at a premium. Daily roaming plans can cost upwards of $10-15 dollars a day — that’s nearly $70 a week. Airalo’s plans start at $5 for a 7-day plan. Sounds like a better deal to us!
24/7 Support
Since Airalo is a global organization spanning multiple countries and continents, we have a support team that works around the clock. Here’s what Levy Borromeo has to say:
I had a great experience with my inquiry because of the fast responses, detailed and helpful explanations, and my issue was resolved fast. I also felt that you put the customer in mind over the process. Great experience overall, and I'm also very satisfied with the product.
We know not everyone is an eSIM expert and ensuring we’re available to guide and support you on your journey is a top priority. There are several ways to get in touch with our support team, including email, social media, and the chat function in the Airalo app.
We’d love to hear how Airalo has changed your travel experience! Leave us a review on the App Store or Google Play.
