During a recent trip to Italy, I tried out a new eSim from AirAlo to lower my data charges and increase speeds. It was easy, fast, and inexpensive.
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What Is It?
AirAlo is an eSim provider that uses local data plans to offer low cost, fast connectivity while traveling abroad. A few years ago, eSims augmented or replaced physical sim cards in cell phones. Some phones, like the iPhone, offers dual e-sims that make using a local sim seamless and without removing your current phone line.
For example, ahead of a trip to Rome I installed the AirAlo eSim and used it for my data while in Italy, but kept texting and phone on my primary T-Mobile sim. This meant that callers had the same experience they always would but rather than being stuck with slower internet or paying for a daily package, I used AirAlo for just my data connection.
How Much Was It?
I added an e-Sim with 2 GB of data valid for 15 days for just $8, but I also used a $3 off promo code from someone else, here’s mine if you want to save $3: KYLE7231. In essence, for $5, I had 2 GB of blazing fast 5G (because it’s as if I was a local phone subscriber) and that covered my entire trip, rather than $5/day with a 500 MB limit on T-Mobile or $10/day with your regular plan data allotment from Verizon.
AirAlo offered top-up 1GB for $4.50 which I added toward the end of my trip just to be sure I didn’t switch to T-Mobile’s 3G speed when my allocation ran out.
With sim validity for just 15 days and required activation before you depart your primary country, I’d suggest buying a base load of data and then adding more as it’s needed. For example, I thought during my weeklong trip I would probably go through a 1 GB plan and with the referral code it was basically free to get the second gigabyte. But as week came to a close I actually needed a third GB.
How To Install
The most important thing to remember about an AirAlo eSim is that it needs to be installed in your home country before your departure. That said, some trips are longer than the validity of the sim (15 days in my case, but some global eSims are available for 30 days up to one year) so while I didn’t encounter this challenge, I wonder if they can actually be added or installed outside of your home country after all.
How It Performed
Despite some initial struggles (because I didn’t follow the instructions fully) it performed fantastically. Like any network, there were a couple of spots where coverage was limited in the countryside, but in that case my T-Mobile had either compensated in a few cases or both similarly struggled (I was 60 miles into rural Italy.)
I experienced speed that ranged from 10-120 Mbps depending on how far from civilization I was at the time. At 8-10 Mbps you should still be able to stream video streaming and I had no trouble with the performance during my visit. Switching between eSims was also simply a toggle between multiple eSims and select where you want to receive calls and texts (T-Mobile in my case) and data (AirAlo.)
Will I Use It Again? Where It Comes Up Short
I will likely use AirAlo again but I will point out some shortcomings.
I happen to have loaded the e-sim and then proceeded to drop my phone requiring an entire replacement. AirAlo’s e-sims can’t be transferred from phone to phone though they have your name, login, prior phone, and usage statistics. Maybe this is a technical issue and maybe it’s not. Either way, it’s another reason to not buy a huge amount of data in case something happens.
The company also has global eSims which are more expensive and work in 135 countries. I may give this a try, especially on a cruise or multi-leg trip where I will still want seamless data on a layover or as I arrive in various ports.
I liked the experience, it was less expensive than T-Mobile for top speed data and it was easy to use. I will continue to exercise caution about the amount of data I purchase initially and for shorter trips I may continue to rely on the slower but included data offered in my T-Mobile package.
What do you think? Do you get local eSims when traveling abroad?
I fould eSIM plus offer more data for less price than Airalo while in Europe, not that orange mobile has an eSIM app and Vodafone offer bonus data on their eSIM plans now.
Sorry, but that’s being way too cheap. I just turn my phone when I get to Europe and it works like I am in the US. Maximum ATT charges me is $100 for the entire month of unlimited use. $100 when you are in vacation in Europe is nothing compared to the greater scheme of things. And it is effortless.
I can see the attraction of that approach, but, in addition to hating the idea of being taken advantage of as a captive customer, I am always doing my homework on these things after I was unable to work for an entire week when I got to Mozambique and discovered that my mobile phone network didn’t have an agreement with a local firm. No roaming, no 2-factor SMS verification, no access to VPN. Still can’t use an esim though, despite using a 2023 ‘flagship’ phone.
@PM – I feel your pain, but am not entirely surprised that Mozambique does not allow for the same flexibility as others.
I used a data eSim from Maya recently. The Europe package for 10 or 15 days and easy top up when needed suited my needs perfectly.
I use eSims too, but although my Samsung phone has two eSims, I can only use one at a time. Surprised to see that you can keep your phone number working via your home eSim while using your vacation eSim for data. This would be very useful bc when I start using Uber in a foreign country it asks me to confirm my identity with a text message, which is not easy when I’ve switched away from my home eSim. Is there a trick for doing this? Or is this a feature you can use with an iPhone but not Android?
Happy camper with Airalo in various countries and continents but nowadays it’s also a good idea to check the local offerings as eSIMs are so easy to provide.
For example in Montenegro one can get 500GB tourist eSIM for 15€ (14 days), or 1TB tourist eSIM for 20€ (30 days). 1TB of mobile data should be plenty for most people.
Of course national differences apply as well, some carriers in some parts of the world offer decent roaming and of course EU carriers within EU offer pretty good roaming without any extra fees. For example my subscription gives me 20GB/month within EU without any cost.
I know like 6 years ago Tiffany said she had a bad experience with Google Fi, but I’ve been using it since 2016 and it’s amazing. I probably spend ~40% of the year abroad and it works like a charm. Everywhere is at least LTE. Most places seem to be 5G. I don’t know why we, as travelers, are still even having this conversation.
You can easily install AirAlo out of your home country – you just need a network connection, and most airports have Wifi.
Of course it’s prudent to install on advance and have a connection upon landing.
I can second this. Used Airalo in Japan earlier this year and bought and activated their eSim in Osaka. They walk you right through the process, was super easy and much cheaper than paying day rates to US carriers.
Not sure I understand – doesn’t your T-Mobile come with high speed data abroad?
Anyway, glad to see Airalo has improved. Tried using it in Japan 2 years ago and they didn’t set up their account properly to work on local carriers (the issue was on their end, not mine). Customer service was slow and made the purchase pointless by the time they figured it out.
@DC – T-Mobile offers slower data, I believe it’s 3G included in the plan and one doesn’t realize just how slow that is in modern terms until you’re forced back into it.
Gotchya. I have a plan with high speed international, so that’s the difference.
If you travel a lot internationally (ha- if!!) you may want to move into that plan. It’s worked pretty nicely for me.
Just used saily esim in mexico was able to activate there no problem. 5$ for 1gb I’ll take it!
Kyle, just to clarify…were you able to active the Airalo eSIM, but only use it for data, and use your US number for calls/text, WITHOUT paying for roaming?
So, I can activate an Airalo eSIM instead of paying Verizon $10/day (which I do because I am lazy), and I will just still be able to use my regular US number for incoming calls, texts, etc?
Thanks!
@DMNYC – That’s 100% correct. I was receiving calls (and making them) on my standard T-Mobile line while receiving 5G high-speed data from a local eSim. No roaming. Your assumption with regard to Verizon is correct.
Thanks!
I first discovered Airalo when Google Fi was going to cut me off while I was in Australia. I have the $10 per gig plan, and, while international roaming is the same rate, they limit you to 3 months at a stretch (which can be <3). I now just buy the 20G, 365 day plan for $69. It has worked great in Australia, New Zealand, France, the Netherlands, England, and the US. I should note that you get 4G speeds in some countries.
we used airalo in austria and germany in march no issues main use was gmaps Most phones now allow multiple esims and you pick which one is active Just create the accounts and install everything before you leave on your trip. Then turn it on when you fly out
I have a Samsung and tried to use it on my last trip. Could not because the phone was still locked as I have not yet paid it off. So make sure your phone is unlocked before you travel! AT&T will not unlock until you pay it off.
“The validity period starts when the eSIM activates. Most eSIMs will activate when the installed eSIM connects to the supported network at the destination.” From their app. I have installed an eSim from them in the US and it worked fine in the visited country. Sometimes, I needed to cycle the eSIM on/off or the “allow roaming” on/off when arriving in a new country with my Pixel.
My Airalo eSim stopped working after a day in Australia, saying it had exceeded capacity when it was nowhere near. Their support is very weak and non-communicative. Expect long delays and useless replies. I attempted to get a resolution for 3 days and then gave up. The eSim did start working again though after another couple of day (without any notification from support).