Home / Best eSIM providers / Airalo
Airalo: comprehensive review in 2025
Bottom Line
Airalo is the go-to choice for travelers who value reliability and ease of use over rock-bottom prices. Best for those who want a hassle-free eSIM experience with strong customer support and don't mind paying a bit more for peace of mind.
Airalo is the go-to choice for travelers who value reliability and ease of use over rock-bottom prices. Best for those who want a hassle-free eSIM experience with strong customer support and don't mind paying a bit more for peace of mind.
Pros
- Seamless app experience with direct eSIM installation (no QR codes needed)
- Airmoney loyalty program rewards frequent travelers with cashback
- Auto-renewable plans prevent unexpected data interruptions
- Extensive coverage in 200+ countries and regions
- Reliable network partnerships (Webbing) with consistent performance
- 30-day refund policy for technical issues
- $3 discount for first-time users (code: ESIMSI1669)
Cons
- Not the cheapest option (mid-range pricing)
- Routing through Singapore from Vietnam added latency (not ideal for real-time calls)
- 4G only in our Vietnam test (no 5G access)
- Limited network selection in some countries (only VinaPhone in Vietnam)
esims.io team's takeaway
Airalo is one of the world's largest and most established travel eSIM providers, serving millions of travelers since 2019. Positioned as a mid-range option with premium features, Airalo offers comprehensive coverage across 200+ countries with a focus on reliability and ease of use.
The eSIMS.io team tested Airalo's Vietnam plan (10GB "Xin Chào") from Ho Chi Minh City. Setup was seamless using direct app installation, and we connected to the VinaPhone network in under one minute. While we experienced routing through Singapore (adding some latency), download speeds were consistently strong at 40-50 Mbps with 4G connectivity.
What sets Airalo apart is their "Airmoney" loyalty program, auto-renewable plans, and exceptionally smooth user experience. The mobile app is polished and intuitive, making it easy to purchase, install, and manage eSIMs. They also offer comprehensive support through their AI chatbot and help center, ensuring travelers can get help anytime.
Purchase and Installation
Purchase channels
Website
Purchase available on Airalo's website
Mobile app
Purchase available through Airalo's Apple and Android app
Accountless purchase- not included
Buy eSIM plans without creating a user account
Gift eSIM capability- not included
Purchase eSIM plans as gifts for friends and family through Airalo
Website and mobile app purchase available. Account creation required for Airmoney loyalty program and purchase history tracking.
Accepted currencies
Multiple currencies
Multiple currencies accepted, including Euros and USD
Multi-currency support allows payment in local currency, eliminating foreign exchange fees.
Installation methods
QR code scanning
Airalo shares QR code to scan—requires a second device
Manual activation
Airalo gives manual setup credentials
Direct app installation
iOS installation directly from provider's app—no codes needed
One-tap iOS link- not included
Airalo sends URL triggering direct iOS installation without mobile app
Direct app installation provides the most streamlined experience. QR code and manual entry available for users preferring traditional methods.
Supported languages
Interface available in 12 languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Arabic, Turkish, and Russian.
Network Quality and eSIM Features
Network quality & roaming
Likely good internet performance
Based on our testing, your traffic may travel to a neighboring country or nearby region before reaching the internet (regional connection). You'll likely experience slightly higher latency (delays) than local connections, but it should be good for most activities. Websites might occasionally detect you in the nearby routing country instead of where you are.
Partners with Webbing network infrastructure across 200+ destinations. The 8/10 score indicates strong connectivity, though routing through Singapore adds latency in distant regions.
View speed tests for Airalo →eSIM plans, destinations and prices
Coverage in 201+ destinations
Airalo offers 1198 different plans across 201 countries and regions
Price range: 4.00 - 185.00
Plans starting from 4.00 up to 185.00, with an average of 20.15
Airalo ranks #13 out of 38 providers by average plan price, placing it in the mid-range pricing category.
View destinations and eSIM plans for Airalo →Connectivity
Hotspot & Tethering
Share your data connection with other devices
Wearables support- not included
eSIM can be used on smartwatches and wearable devices
Phone number- not included
Native phone number included—may come with calls and/or SMS
Virtual number (VoIP)- not included
App-based phone number—may support calls and/or SMS
Virtual location / VPN- not included
Choose your virtual location for enhanced privacy
Hotspot tethering supported for sharing connection with laptops or tablets. No wearables, phone numbers, or virtual voice capabilities.
Plan flexibility
Programmable activation- not included
Schedule when your eSIM plan starts instead of immediate activation
Top-up
Add more data to your existing plan when needed
Auto-renewal or auto top-up
Option to automatically renew or top-up plan for continuous connectivity
Reinstallable eSIM- not included
Delete and reinstall your eSIM profile on the same device
Pay as you go- not included
Pay only for the data you use instead of fixed plan amounts
Auto-renewable plans prevent service interruptions. Top-up through mobile app. eSIM cannot be reinstalled on new devices without repurchase.
Special perks
Crypto payments- not included
Pay with cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
Loyalty program & cashback
Earn rewards, cashback, and benefits for repeat purchases
Discounts and coupons
Discount codes available—check for current offers
Free trial or data- not included
Try the eSIM service with a small amount of free data before committing to a full plan
Airport lounge access- not included
Access to airport lounges when purchasing an eSIM plan—either included or available for an additional fee
Airmoney loyalty program provides cashback on purchases. Referral program with $3 discount (code: ESIMSI1669) for new users.
Support
Customer support
Help center
Self-service knowledge base with guides and FAQs
Chat support- not included
Chat support with human customer service agents—might not be real-time
WhatsApp support- not included
Chat with support via WhatsApp messaging
Phone support- not included
Call customer service hotline for assistance
AI chatbot
Can help troubleshoot generic questions in real-time but might not provide extensive support
Email support or Contact Form- not included
Contact customer service via email—might take long to get a reply
AI chatbot provides instant automated assistance. Help center covers common issues. No live chat or phone support, though AI bot handles straightforward problems adequately.
Visit Airalo help centerRefund policy
- Airalo's refund policy primarily applies to eSIMs that are not working due to an Airalo technical error and requires you to request a refund within 30 days of purchase
Fair usage policy
Fair usage policy applies to unlimited plans. After reaching specified data threshold, speeds may be reduced to 512 kbps to ensure fair network access for all users.
Frequently Asked Questions about Airalo
Who is Airalo?
Airalo is a global eSIM provider offering digital SIM cards for international travelers. They provide instant connectivity in multiple countries without physical SIM cards.
Is Airalo a legitimate eSIM provider?
Yes, Airalo is one of the world's largest and most established travel eSIM providers, serving millions of travelers since 2019. Our team personally tested their Vietnam plan in Ho Chi Minh City, confirming reliable connectivity with 8/10 network performance. They offer comprehensive coverage across 200+ countries with proven reliability.
Are Airalo plans expensive?
Airalo is budget-friendly with plans ranging from $3.43 to $158.51. With an average price of just $16.63 across 1182 plans covering 200+ countries, they offer excellent value for cost-conscious travelers. Their pricing is below the market average, making them an attractive choice for international connectivity without breaking the bank.
How fast is Airalo's network in Vietnam?
In our Ho Chi Minh City speed tests, Airalo delivered 40-50 Mbps download speeds with stable 4G connectivity on the VinaPhone network. Traffic routes through Singapore (nearby region) adding minimal latency. Performance is strong for browsing, social media, streaming, and video calls. No 5G access in our Vietnam test.
Can I use Airalo eSIM for hotspot tethering?
Yes, Airalo supports hotspot tethering. Share your eSIM data connection with laptops, tablets, or travel companions' phones. This makes it convenient for digital nomads working remotely or business travelers who need to connect multiple devices.
How easy is it to set up Airalo eSIM?
Airalo offers very easy setup with three installation options: direct app installation (no QR code needed), QR code scanning, or manual entry. Direct app installation is the smoothest—just tap to install your eSIM without needing a second device. Most users complete setup in under 5 minutes. Connection to VinaPhone network happened in under one minute in our test.
What is Airalo's refund policy?
Airalo offers a 30-day refund policy for eSIMs that aren't working due to an Airalo technical error. Request the refund within 30 days of purchase—the issue must be due to Airalo's system, not device incompatibility or user error. This provides better consumer protection than many competitors.
Who should choose Airalo?
Airalo is best for business travelers, digital nomads, and anyone seeking a simple, reliable eSIM experience. The mid-range pricing, auto-renewable plans, and Airmoney loyalty program make it ideal for frequent travelers who value hassle-free connectivity over rock-bottom prices. If you want peace of mind with proven reliability, Airalo delivers.
Does Airalo eSIM include a phone number?
No, Airalo provides data-only eSIM plans without traditional phone numbers for voice calls or SMS. You can still make calls using VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, or Google Voice over the data connection. This is standard for most travel eSIM providers.
Are there discounts available for Airalo?
Use promo code ESIMSI1669 to get $3 off your first purchase. Airalo also offers Airmoney—a loyalty program where you earn cashback on purchases and referrals that can be used toward future eSIM plans. This rewards frequent travelers with ongoing savings.
Can I top up my Airalo eSIM if I run out of data?
Yes, Airalo allows top-ups through their mobile app with additional data. This prevents being stranded without connectivity mid-trip. Airalo also offers auto-renewable plans that automatically extend to prevent unexpected service interruptions.
Compare Airalo with similar eSIM providers
| Provider | Pricing |
|---|---|
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Airalo(You're here) #2 | $4.00 - $185.00 Avg: $20.15 |
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 WiFi Map #18 | $4.99 - $29.99 Avg: $17.10 |
 Simoptions #19 | $17.90 - $17.90 Avg: $17.90 |
 GlobaleSIM #20 | $2.70 - $234.90 Avg: $18.12 |
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 eSIM2Fly #22 | $8.80 - $32.00 Avg: $18.60 |
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 O2 #25 | $24.90 - $24.90 Avg: $24.90 |
 Digital Republic #26 | $24.92 - $24.92 Avg: $24.92 |
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 Bouygues Telecom #33 | $46.50 - $46.50 Avg: $46.50 |
 KeepGo #34 | $2.00 - $740.00 Avg: $110.34 |
* Providers sorted by rating (highest first), then by average price for unrated providers.
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