Introduction
If you’re a frequent traveler, a digital nomad, or someone who hates juggling SIM cards at airport kiosks, you’ve probably heard of Airalo. This innovative platform offers digital SIM cards—better known as eSIMs—that let you connect to mobile networks around the world without ever touching a physical SIM card.
As someone who has personally tested Airalo in several countries, including Italy, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, the USA, China, Vietnam, Canada, Barbados, Hong Kong, Morocco, and Singapore, I’m excited to share my honest (and properly field-tested) experience.
Disclaimer: This is an affiliate article. I’ve personally used Airalo multiple times, and if you sign up using my link—https://ref.airalo.com/o2Mz—both you and I receive $3 in Airalo credit. It’s a win-win that supports my work and your next trip.
What Is Airalo, and How Does It Work?
Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that provides mobile data plans globally. Instead of searching for local SIM cards, standing in line, or swapping nano-SIMs, you can buy, install, and activate an eSIM from your phone in minutes.
Here’s how it works:
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Check if your device supports eSIMs. Most modern smartphones (like iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3+, Samsung Galaxy S20+) do.
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Download the Airalo app. It’s available on both iOS and Android.
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Choose a data plan. You can pick a single-country plan, a regional one (e.g., Europe, Asia, the Americas), or a global plan.
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Activate instantly. Scan the QR code or install directly through the app.
No more SIM swaps. No more roaming shocks. Just seamless connectivity everywhere.
Why I Use Airalo for Every Trip
I’ve been using Airalo for years now, and it’s become my go-to travel companion whenever I travel abroad. Here’s why:
🌍 1. Instant Global Connectivity
When I landed in Italy or Singapore, I didn’t waste a minute hunting for local SIMs. My Airalo eSIM connected me right away. Every country I visited had excellent coverage—and for a digital nomad, this immediate access is priceless.
💰 2. Cost-Effective Data Plans
Compared to traditional roaming, Airalo is much cheaper. While roaming fees can reach up to $10 per MB in some regions, Airalo offers plans for as low as $5 for 1GB depending on the country.
🧳 3. Ideal for Multi-Country Itineraries
If you’re traveling through multiple countries (say, Vietnam to China to Canada), Airalo’s regional or global plans keep you connected without switching SIMs. The Asia Regional Plan, for instance, covered me across 13 countries—no settings tweaks needed.
📱 4. Easy Setup and Management
Everything—from purchasing to activation—is done in the app. You don’t need to talk to a local vendor or change your SIM tray. It’s all digital.
Real-World Test Results: Countries I Tried
| Country | Experience Summary |
|---|---|
| Italy | Great 4G coverage, smooth connectivity on arrival. |
| Dubai & Abu Dhabi (UAE) | Fast connection, but minor throttling indoors. |
| USA | Solid nationwide coverage; no signal drop on major highways. |
| China | Works, but limited access to blocked services unless VPN used. |
| Vietnam | Great speed in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. |
| Canada | Perfect for cross-province travel; smooth LTE. |
| Barbados | Stable 3G with occasional drops in rural areas. |
| Hong Kong | Lightning-fast 5G performance. |
| Morocco | Reliable 4G in cities; slower performance in desert regions. |
| Singapore | Instant activation, top-tier network speed. |
Overall satisfaction: 9.5/10
The Only Downside: Local Numbers Are Expensive
While Airalo offers data-only plans, it doesn’t usually include a local phone number—unless you specifically buy one that does. This can be problematic if you need to receive SMS codes (like for banking or WhatsApp verification) or make local phone calls.
Some providers linked to Airalo do offer add-on numbers, but those are relatively expensive compared to local prepaid SIMs.
My workaround? Use WhatsApp, Telegram, or an international VoIP service like Skype for calls and messaging. It’s cheaper and works over your Airalo data connection.
Installing an Airalo eSIM: Step-by-Step
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Download the Airalo App from the App Store or Google Play.
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Create an Account. (Use referral link for bonus credits.)
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Choose Your Plan. Local, regional, or global options.
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Purchase and Follow Activation Steps. You can scan a QR code or install directly.
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Switch to eSIM in Settings. Toggle Airalo as your data plan when abroad.
Once activated, your eSIM connects automatically every time you enter a covered region—no need to reinstall anything.
Affiliate Offer: Get $3 + Help Support This Blog
This review contains an affiliate link. I’ve made sure to test Airalo extensively—this is based on hands-on experience, not just hearsay.
If you want to try Airalo, use this link: https://ref.airalo.com/o2Mz
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You’ll get $3 in travel credit immediately.
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I’ll also receive $3, which helps me keep creating helpful travel tech reviews.
It’s free money for both sides and an easy way to give the service a try on your next trip.
Conclusion: Airalo Is a Must-Have for Every Traveler
Airalo is affordable, reliable, and super convenient—especially for people who travel frequently across multiple countries. It’s truly a modern solution for today’s connected traveler. Aside from the slightly higher cost of getting a local number, it’s practically flawless in everyday use.
Whether you’re exploring the pyramids of Morocco, working from a café in Vietnam, or snapping sunset photos in Barbados, Airalo keeps you connected every step of the way.
Ready to try? Sign up here: https://ref.airalo.com/o2Mz
You’ll get $3 Free Credit, and I’ll get the same—thanks for supporting my independent travel blog.
