Ditch Roaming Fees in Europe: My Airalo eSIM Review

Kristin Espinar

In this Airalo eSIM review, I explore the functionality, costs, coverage, and usability of this virtual SIM card service, specifically testing it in Europe. As someone who values convenient and flexible mobile connectivity while traveling, I assess whether Airalo eSIM delivers the reliability and value I seek, ultimately determining if it’s a worthwhile choice for my travel needs.

Showcasing the convenience of eSIM technology on a smartphone

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What is Airalo?

Airalo is a startup founded in 2019 that provides eSIM data plans designed for travelers. Based in Estonia, Airalo aims to make international data easy and affordable.

With Airalo, users can access eSIMs in over 190 countries around the world. Rather than having to buy local SIM cards in each destination, Airalo allows you to purchase just data, which is delivered via an eSIM profile.

This eSIM profile gets loaded directly onto your phone, allowing you to access data without the need for a physical SIM card. The eSIMs work in smartphones that support eSIM technology, which includes most newer iPhone and Android models.

Airalo focuses on flexibility and affordability. They offer short-term data packages tailored to travel, with prices starting from just a few USD. Users can purchase exactly the amount of data they need, for the countries they are visiting, without being locked into long contracts.

So in summary, this Airalo eSIM review found that Airalo provides eSIM data plans designed for travelers who want an easy and affordable way to access mobile data internationally. With coverage in over 190 countries, Airalo aims to make staying connected while traveling simpler.

How Airalo eSIMs Work

One thing this Airalo eSIM review wanted to explore is how they work. Airalo uses eSIM technology for its global data plans. eSIMs, or embedded SIMs, are software-based SIM cards that are installed digitally on a device.

With an eSIM, there is no need for a physical SIM card that you insert into your phone. Instead, an eSIM is built into the device hardware and you can activate service through a QR code scanned using the Airalo app.

The major advantage of an eSIM is convenience – you can quickly activate or switch between service providers by installing eSIM profiles. This makes eSIMs ideal for international travel.

eSIMs are steadily gaining adoption, and are compatible with many of the latest iPhone and Android devices. So if you have a newer model smartphone, chances are it supports eSIM functionality.

To set up an Airalo eSIM, all you need to do is install the Airalo app, choose your service plan, scan the QR code, and the eSIM profile will be digitally transmitted to your device. Within minutes you can connect to cellular networks worldwide.

Airalo Pricing and Data Plans

Another area to explore with this Airalo eSIM review is pricing. Airalo takes a pay-as-you-go approach to eSIM pricing, allowing users to only pay for the data they actually use. There are no contracts or monthly fees. Users can choose from a range of data packages to suit their needs and budget.

The most basic package starts at just $3 for 500MB of data, valid for 3 days. This is an affordable option for quick trips or light data usage. For longer trips, there are options like $30 for 5GB valid for 30 days.

For heavy data users, Airalo offers up to 50GB packages valid for 30 days. Pricing scales up accordingly based on the amount of data. The largest 50GB package costs $200.

An interesting feature of some Airalo plans is data roll-over. If you purchase a 30-day 10GB plan but only use 5GB, the remaining 5GB gets rolled over to your next purchase. This ensures you don’t lose unused data.

No matter where you are traveling, Airalo has you covered with eSIM data in over 190 countries. Some areas like the United States and Europe have package pricing specific to those regions for convenience. But Airalo’s global eSIMs work in countries all around the world.

With flexible pricing, data rollover, and worldwide coverage, Airalo provides an affordable pay-as-you-go eSIM solution for travelers. The range of packages and durations ensures you can find a data plan to suit any trip or budget.

Android phone user showcasing the eSIM digital interface

Ordering and Activating Airalo eSIM

Ordering an Airalo eSIM is quick and easy. You can purchase directly through the Airalo website or mobile app. As soon as your order is complete, you’ll receive your eSIM via email.

To activate your Airalo eSIM, open the Airalo app on your phone and scan the QR code provided in your eSIM email. This will activate your eSIM plan instantly. Airalo eSIMs are compatible with a growing number of phones that support eSIM technology, including recent iPhone and Google Pixel models.

The entire process of ordering and activating an Airalo eSIM takes just a few minutes. You’ll receive your eSIM promptly after purchase, and can activate it right away through the Airalo app QR code scan. Then you’re all set to use your Airalo eSIM for travel connectivity. This is a plus for this Airalo eSIM review.

Using Airalo eSIM for Travel

Traveling abroad used to mean juggling physical SIM cards and dealing with expensive roaming fees. But with Airalo eSIM, you can ditch the hassle and cost of roaming while enjoying seamless connectivity worldwide.

One of the biggest benefits of using Airalo for travel is avoiding roaming fees. Simply purchase an Airalo eSIM before your trip an you will have affordable high-speed data plans in over 190 countries. There’s no need to hunt down local SIM cards at your destination or rack up ridiculous roaming charges from your provider back home. Airalo’s prices are transparent and inexpensive.

You’ll also enjoy the convenience of having just one eSIM to provide connectivity everywhere you go. Switching SIMs in different countries or having to unlock and relock your phone is a thing of the past. Your phone will intelligently connect to the best local networks through the AiraloeSIM.

Managing your Airalo eSIM is easy with their app. You can top up your data plan anytime, see usage info, and purchase more data as needed. Plans are available for durations ranging from 24 hours to 28 days. With the ability to add data in over 190 countries from your phone, you’ll stay conveniently connected no matter where you roam.

For frequent travelers who want to banish roaming fees and SIM card hassles, Airalo provides the ideal travel connectivity solution. One eSIM gives you fast, affordable data worldwide.

Airalo Coverage Map

Airalo provides eSIM data coverage in over 190 countries around the world. This makes it a great option for international travelers who need connectivity across different regions.

Airalo has particularly strong coverage throughout Europe, North America, and Australia through partnerships with major carriers. Most destinations in these continents have reliable Airalo service.

Coverage is growing in Asia and South America as well. While not as extensive as other areas yet, Airalo is actively expanding its carrier partnerships to provide connectivity across more countries here. Some key countries with Airalo coverage include Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Thailand, Brazil, and more.

Specific carriers Airalo partners with includes:

Europe: Swisscom, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Vodafone, and more
North America: AT&T, T-Mobile
Asia: AIS, DTAC (Thailand), Singtel
Australia: Telstra
South America: Claro

Check Airalo‘s live coverage map on their website to view all current coverage areas. As they continue expanding partnerships, the map is frequently updates with new countries and carriers.

Airalo Customer Support

Airalo prides itself on providing excellent customer service to travelers using its eSIM service. One of the standout features is the in-app live chat, which allows customers to get direct support right within the Airalo app. The chat agents are very responsive, with most queries answered within minutes.

Many users have praised Airalo’s customer service team for being friendly, knowledgeable, and solving issues quickly. Besides in-app chat, Airalo also provides support via email and social media channels like Facebook and Twitter. They monitor these channels closely and are quick to respond to any inquiries.

Overall, customer reviews of Airalo’s support are very positive. Users mention the agents being able to diagnose and fix problems promptly. The chat feature makes it easy to get help while traveling, without incurring international roaming charges on your phone. With their responsiveness across chat, email and social media, Airalo’s customer support is a key strength of the service.

Airalo User Reviews

Airalo has received largely positive feedback in app store reviews, with many users praising it for offering easy activation and reliable data connections abroad.

On the iOS App Store, Airalo has a 4.7 out of 5 star rating based on over 5,000 reviews. Many of the top reviews mention how seamless it is to set up an eSIM and start using data right away after landing in a foreign country. Users describe the activation process as “quick and easy” and “hassle-free.”

Reviews also highlight the reliability of Airalo’s data connections. Users mention getting fast LTE speeds that allow them to stream video and make FaceTime calls without any problems. One reviewer wrote, “Worked perfectly in Italy with very good speeds.” Another said, “I’ve used it now in Mexico, Switzerland, Italy and it has worked amazingly.”

There are some negative reviews mentioning bugs and glitches, especially related to the initial account setup and eSIM activation. A few users said they had trouble scanning their eSIM QR code or making sure their eSIM activated properly when first using Airalo. However, most said that they were able to quickly resolve issues by contacting Airalo customer support.

Overall, App Store reviews indicate high satisfaction with Airalo’s easy-to-use eSIMs for travel and praise its performance for providing fast, reliable data abroad with minimal hassle with setting up. While some users have encountered technical difficulties, Airalo’s customer service team seems prompt in addressing any activation issues.

Pros of Airalo eSIM

With an Airalo eSIM, you can enjoy several key benefits for international travel and connectivity.

No roaming fees – One of the best perks of using an Airalo eSIM is avoiding expensive roaming charges from your regular carrier. Airalo offers local data plans in over 140 countries, so you won’t pay costly roaming fees when traveling abroad.
Flexible, affordable data plans – Airalo provides flexible data packages to suit your needs and budget. Plans start from $3 for 300MB of data and go up to $30 for 5GB. You can easily add more data anytime through the Airalo app. The prices are very reasonable especially in comparison to roaming rates.
Easy digital activation process – To set up Airalo, it only takes a few taps in their app. You simply scan your passport, select a plan, and your eSIM will activate. No need to buy local SIM cards in each destination.
Reliable connections abroad – Users report Airalo provides fast, reliable connectivity internationally across 4G/LTE networks. So you can stay conveniently connected for maps, messaging, social media, and light browsing.

Cons of Airalo eSIM

One of the main downsides of Airalo eSIM is that it requires a compatible iPhone or Android device. The eSIM technology is still relatively new, so it won’t work on many older smartphones. You’ll need an iPhone XS/XR or newer, or certain flagship Android phones like the Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy. This limits compatibility and means an Airalo eSIM won’t work for every traveler right now.

Additionally, Airalo’s country coverage is excellent in Europe and North America, but can be more limited in some parts of Asia, Africa, and South America. Be sure to check their coverage map for the destinations you plan to visit. There have been some reports of users struggling to get a strong and reliable connection with Airalo in more rural or remote areas.

Finally, some users have reported issues getting their Airalo eSIM activated properly and connecting to networks smoothly while traveling. While most people find Airalo easy to set up and use, there have been isolated cases where the eSIM didn’t function as expected. Troubleshooting connection problems while overseas can also be a hassle.

FAQ: Airalo eSIM

Is Airalo eSIM legit?

Yes, Airalo is a legitimate provider of eSIM services. They offer eSIM cards for various destinations worldwide, allowing travelers to conveniently access mobile data without the need for physical SIM cards.

What are the disadvantages of Airalo?

While Airalo offers many benefits, there are a few potential disadvantages to consider. One is the availability of coverage in certain regions; not all countries may be supported by Airalo’s eSIM service. Additionally, depending on your usage habits, the cost of data packages may be higher compared to local SIM cards in some destinations. Lastly, since eSIM technology is still relatively new, not all devices may be compatible with Airalo’s eSIM offerings.

Is there a downside to using eSIM?

Using eSIM technology offers numerous advantages, such as flexibility, convenience, and the ability to switch between carriers without changing physical SIM cards. However, there are some potential downsides to consider. One is the limited availability of eSIM support across different devices; not all smartphones and tablets are equipped with eSIM capabilities. Additionally, if you lose access to your device or encounter technical issues, restoring eSIM functionality may be more complex compared to replacing a physical SIM card.

Does Airalo allow phone calls?

Airalo primarily provides eSIM services for data connectivity, meaning that its primary focus is on providing mobile data rather than traditional voice calling services. However, some eSIM plans may include limited voice calling options or support for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications, allowing users to make calls over the internet using data connectivity.

In conclusion, this Airalo eSIM review reveals a convenient and affordable solution for travelers seeking seamless mobile connectivity internationally. With coverage in over 190 countries, Airalo offers flexibility through its pay-as-you-go pricing model and data packages tailored to various travel durations. While compatibility limitations and occasional activation issues exist, Airalo’s reliable connections and excellent customer support make it a compelling choice for those looking to stay connected on the go.

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