Stop Overpaying for "Global" eSIMs That Don't Work Where You Actually Go
Let's cut the crap. Most travel eSIMs are marketing fluff wrapped in a QR code, promising "seamless connectivity" while leaving you stranded with 2G speeds in a Tokyo subway. I've tested them all, and 90% are either overpriced garbage or region-locked nightmares. If you're still buying local SIM cards or paying your carrier's $10/day robbery fee, you're doing it wrong.
The Meat: Where Airalo Actually Wins (And Where It Fails Hard)
1. The Dashboard Is a Confusing Mess (But At Least It Works)
Airalo's web dashboard looks like it was designed by a committee of interns in 2015. I spent 10 minutes trying to find my active eSIMs because they're buried under three different menus labeled "My eSIMs," "Active," and "History." Why not just one damn page? And don't get me started on their mobile app—the "Install Now" button sometimes lags for 3 seconds before responding. For a company selling digital convenience, this is embarrassing.
2. Regional vs. Global: The Hidden Trap
Here's where most people get screwed. Airalo's "Global" plan covers 130+ countries, but the data allowance is laughably small for the price. Meanwhile, competitors like Holafly offer "unlimited" data (which is actually throttled after 20GB, but they don't tell you upfront). I almost missed a flight in Barcelona because my "Europe" eSIM from another provider suddenly stopped working in Andorra—turns out it wasn't included in their "Europe" coverage. Airalo at least lists every single country clearly, but you'll pay through the nose for true multi-region trips.
💡 Pro Tip: Never buy a "regional" eSIM without checking the exact country list. For Europe, some providers exclude Switzerland or the UK. For Asia, watch out for Japan vs. South Korea coverage gaps. Airalo's country lists are accurate, but always screenshot them before purchasing.
3. Speed Throttling: The Silent Killer
All eSIMs throttle speeds, but Airalo is less aggressive about it. I tested a 5GB Europe plan in Paris: Airalo gave me consistent 50Mbps on Orange's network, while a competitor's "premium" plan dropped to 1Mbps after 2GB. But here's the catch—Airalo's base speeds vary wildly by country. In Thailand, I got 10Mbps on a "3G" network when my phone supported 5G. Their support claimed "network conditions," but it felt like buying premium gas and getting regular.
The Data: Raw Numbers Don't Lie
| Feature | Airalo | Holafly | Nomad | Ubigi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheapest 1GB Plan (Europe) | $4.50 | $19 (7-day unlimited) | $8 | $6 |
| Global Coverage Countries | 130+ | 160+ | 110+ | 190+ |
| Data Rollover | No | No | Yes (7 days) | No |
| Hidden Fees | None (clear pricing) | Throttling after 20GB | Region-locked top-ups | Taxes added at checkout |
| Activation Time | Instant | 2-5 minutes | Instant | Instant |
| Customer Support | 24/7 chat (slow) | Email only | 24/7 chat (fast) | Limited hours |
The Verdict: Who Should Actually Buy This?
Buy Airalo if: You're a short-term traveler (under 30 days) visiting 1-2 regions, value clear pricing over "unlimited" gimmicks, and can tolerate a clunky app. It's a beast for simplicity—scan QR code, get data, no surprises.
Avoid Airalo if: You're a digital nomad needing 50GB+ monthly, travel to obscure countries (check their list first), or demand flawless UX. For long-term stays, local SIMs are still cheaper.
I saved $200 on a 3-week Europe trip using Airalo instead of my carrier's plan, but I cursed their app every time I needed to top up. It's a flawed tool that gets the job done—nothing more, nothing less.
Originally published at Nexus AI
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