The largest International eSIM marketplace, but is it still the best choice?
Airalo is a native eSIM operator, more specifically a marketplace. The company does not run its own network, but instead cuts deals with local carriers in each country to offer data plans through its mobile app.
Founded in 2019 in the United States by Abraham Burak and Bahadir Özdemir, Airalo markets itself as the world's first eSIM store. The company reports over 20 million users and coverage across more than 200 countries and regions. On the funding front, it raised $200 million in a Series C round (July 2025) following a $60 million Series B, backed by investors like Sequoia, Telefónica Ventures, Orange, and Rakuten Capital.
The app holds a 4.7/5 rating on the App Store and 4.6/5 on the Google Play Store. On Trustpilot, the rating sits at 3.9/5 (across roughly 21,000 reviews), a gap that reflects more mixed experiences in the field.
Coverage, plans, and pricing
Airalo offers three main types of plans:
- Local plans: for a single country (e.g. France, Japan, Thailand). These are the most affordable.
- Regional plans: cover multiple countries in a given zone (Europe up to 42 countries, Asia 18 countries, the Caribbean, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa...).
- Global plans (Discover / Discover+): up to 137 countries with a single eSIM. The Discover+ plan includes calls and texts alongside data.
The vast majority of Airalo plans are data-only, meaning no traditional calls or SMS. Only the Discover+ Global plan includes calling and texting, which remains rare in the International eSIM market.
| Data volume | Validity period | Price | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 3 days | $4.50* | Data only |
| 3 GB | 7 days | $7.30* | Data only |
| 10 GB | 15 days | $16* | Data only |
| 20 GB | 30 days | $24* | Data only |
| 50 GB | 30 days | $36* | Data only |
Starting prices hover around $4 to $5.10* for 1 GB over 7 days depending on the destination. European regional plans (Eurolink) start at $5.10* for 1 GB, and global plans at around $9* for 1 GB.
Worth noting: Airalo also offers unlimited plans in certain countries. These plans are subject to a fair use policy. After consuming 3 GB in a single day, speeds drop to 1 Mbps according to Airalo's posted terms. That is plenty for messaging and basic web browsing, but not for video streaming or video calls.
⚠️ Friendly tip: Unlimited plans drop to 1 Mbps after 3 GB per day. This threshold is clearly stated before purchase on Airalo, which is a great point for transparency compared to other providers.
Europe regional plans
For a trip to Europe, Airalo offers several regional lineups:
- EUconnect: 28 EU countries plus the UK
- Eurolink: 42 countries (adds Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, the Balkans...)
- Discover / Discover+: even broader coverage including micro-states
Regional plans cost more than local plans, but they save you from juggling multiple eSIMs on a multi-country trip.
Installation and user experience
Installation takes just a few minutes through the Airalo app (iOS and Android), available in 53 languages. Three methods are provided: scanning a QR code, direct installation from the app, or manual APN configuration (the network access point that lets your phone connect to the internet).
Good news: you can install your eSIM before you leave, right from home. All you need is a Wi-Fi connection. The eSIM activates automatically as soon as you connect to a compatible network in your destination country.
Smartphone compatibility
Your phone needs to meet two criteria: be eSIM compatible (most recent smartphones are, starting from the iPhone XS for Apple) and be carrier-unlocked. Airalo features a compatibility check page on its website and in the app. We recommend checking before making any purchase.
Dual SIM and primary number
This is a common concern for travelers. By using an Airalo eSIM for data, you keep your primary SIM active at the same time. Your main number remains reachable for calls and texts (bank codes, authentication...). Data flows through the Airalo eSIM, while calls and texts use your usual line.
Keep in mind: leave data roaming turned off on your primary line to avoid roaming fees from your home carrier.
- Pre-departure installation: Yes, the eSIM can be installed from home. The plan validity starts on the first connection to the local network, not at purchase.
- Data tracking: The app displays remaining data in real time. A widget is available for your phone's home screen.
- Top-ups during the trip: Possible via top-ups directly in the app. Some plans also offer auto-renewal when 10 percent data remains.
- Hotspot tethering: Allowed on most Airalo plans. On unlimited plans, tethering is also allowed without limits, but the 3 GB per day fair use cap applies to total consumption.
Terms, transparency, and customer support
Data expiration
Unused data at the end of the validity period is lost. There is no rollover to a future plan. If you buy 10 GB for 30 days and only use 3 GB, the remaining 7 GB disappear when it expires.
Refund policy
Airalo grants a 14-day right of withdrawal, provided the eSIM has not been activated. Once activated, refunds are only issued if the service fails due to an issue on Airalo's end. Requests must be made within 30 days of purchase. Airalo takes up to 10 days to attempt troubleshooting before approving a refund.
In practice, if your eSIM fails during a short trip, this turnaround can pose a real issue. Refunds can be credited as Airmoney (the app's virtual currency) or to the original payment method (taking up to 30 business days).
Customer support
Support is available 24/7 via in-app chat and WhatsApp. There is no phone number. Based on user reviews and tests by several specialized sites, initial contact goes through a chatbot trying to resolve the issue automatically. Reaching a human agent can take several minutes (around 6 minutes of wait time reported during tests).
Loyalty program
Airalo runs a system called Airmoney where every purchase earns a small credit usable on future plans. A referral program offers $3.40* in Airmoney per referee. Airmoney expires one year after the last transaction.
Recurring pros in user reviews
- Quick and simple setup, with the option to prepare everything before departure
- Very broad geographic coverage (200+ destinations), including countries overlooked by competitors
- Competitive pricing on small data packages (1 to 5 GB)
- Hotspot tethering allowed on most plans
- Handy data usage widget and auto-renewal options
- Orange in France, Viettel in Vietnam, Vodafone in Qatar: reliable local partners in many countries
Red flags to watch out for
- Customer support routes through a chatbot first, with wait times to reach a human
- Strict refund policy: 10-day resolution window, no refunds after activation if the issue does not originate with Airalo
- Data does not roll over when the plan expires
- Unlimited plans throttled to 1 Mbps after 3 GB per day (fine for messaging, not enough for streaming)
- Coverage can be spotty in rural areas or less touristy destinations
- Prices less competitive than newer rivals for large data volumes (10 GB+)
⚠️ Friendly tip: We recommend testing your eSIM right after installation (from home if possible by briefly turning on data) and saving screenshots of your APN settings. If you run into issues upon arrival, this will speed things up when dealing with support.