Travel · Review · Updated 17 October 2026
Airalo reviewPrepaid travel eSIMs for 200+ destinations, bought and installed from your phone
Excellent
Brent score, out of 5
Airalo is the simplest way to get mobile data abroad without roaming bills or hunting for a local SIM: buy an eSIM for 200+ destinations in the app, install it before you leave, and it activates when you land. Prices are fair for short trips, and the app is rated 4.7 on iOS and 4.6 on Google Play. Unlimited plans slow to 1 Mbps after 3 GB a day, and most plans are data only, so it does not replace your phone number.
Price
Fixed-data plans from A$6; unlimited from A$17 for 3 days
Free option
Paid only
Best for
Travelers with an eSIM-compatible, unlocked phone
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Best for
- Travelers with an eSIM-compatible, unlocked phone
- Short trips where carrier roaming is expensive
- Multi-country trips covered by a regional plan such as Europe or Asia
- Business travelers who want data working the moment they land
Skip it if
- People whose phone is locked to a carrier or lacks eSIM support
- Travelers who need a local phone number for calls and texts
- Heavy users who stream or hotspot more than 3 GB a day on unlimited plans
You land, switch off flight mode, and either get a roaming text with a daily charge or no data at all while you try to order a ride. Buying a local SIM means queues, passport checks and a tiny tray tool you never have.
Airalo sells eSIMs: digital SIM profiles you buy and install from your phone before you travel. You keep your normal SIM for calls and texts, and use the Airalo eSIM for data when you arrive. It covers more than 200 destinations, and Airalo says over 30 million people have used it.
It is not perfect for everyone. Here is what it costs, how the unlimited plans really work, and who should look elsewhere.
What is Airalo?
Airalo is an eSIM store and app. You choose a local (one country), regional (for example Europe, Asia or North America) or global eSIM, pay in the app or on the website, and install it on a compatible phone using a direct install, manual entry or a QR code. The plan's validity period starts when the eSIM first connects to a supported network at your destination. Plans come as fixed data or unlimited data for set periods, and you can top up from the app.
Pros and cons
What we like
- Coverage in 200+ destinations, plus regional and global eSIMs
- Validity starts when the eSIM connects at your destination, not at purchase
- Install in minutes from the app, with direct, manual and QR options
- Strong app ratings: 4.7 on iOS and 4.6 on Google Play
- 24/7 support via chat and WhatsApp, in multiple languages
What could be better
- Unlimited plans drop to 1 Mbps after 3 GB in a day (default fair-use threshold)
- Most plans are data only, with no local phone number
- Refunds for a wrong purchase or changed plans are Airalo credit, not cash
- Needs an unlocked, eSIM-capable phone
Overall
Excellent
- Coverage4.6
- Ease of use4.5
- Value4.0
- Support4.1
Key features of Airalo
Local, regional and global eSIMs
Buy a single-country eSIM, a regional one such as Europe (41 countries) or Asia, or a global eSIM for longer multi-region trips.
Validity starts on arrival
The validity period begins when the eSIM connects to a supported network at your destination, so you can install it days before you fly.
Unlimited data with fair use
Unlimited plans in places like Japan, the US and Europe run 3 to 30 days. By default, speeds drop to 1 Mbps after 3 GB in a day and reset every 24 hours from activation.
Fast install from the app
Install directly from the app, by manual entry or with a QR code. Airalo's app is available in 53 languages.
Airmoney credit
Airalo's in-app credit, Airmoney, is earned back on purchases and is also how refunds for wrong purchases or changed plans are paid.
Airalo pricing
Checked 2026-10. Prices can change; confirm on Airalo’s site.
Fixed-data eSIM
From A$6
one-off, per trip
- Starting price in many countries (Japan, US, UK, Thailand and more)
- Set data and validity
- Top up in the app
Japan unlimited
A$17 (3 days) to A$101 (30 days)
one-off, per trip
- 7 days A$39
- SoftBank network
- 3 GB/day at full speed
United States unlimited
A$17 (3 days) to A$99.50 (30 days)
one-off, per trip
- 7 days A$37
- Data only
- 3 GB/day at full speed
Europe unlimited
A$17 (3 days) to A$104 (30 days)
one-off, per trip
- 41 countries
- 7 days A$40
- 3 GB/day at full speed
Global eSIM
From A$12.50
one-off
- Multi-region coverage
- Fixed data
Watch out: Prices shown are Airalo's Australian-dollar prices as displayed from Australia (other regions see local currency), and unlimited plans slow to 1 Mbps after the daily threshold stated in each package.
See current Airalo pricing →What people use Airalo for
A week in Japan
A traveler installs a 7-day Japan unlimited eSIM at home, lands at Narita, and has maps and translation working before reaching immigration.
A two-week Europe rail trip
A couple crossing four countries buys one Europe regional eSIM each instead of a new SIM at every border.
A business trip to the US
A consultant keeps her home number for calls and uses an Airalo US eSIM for data and email, avoiding a daily roaming fee.
How to get started with Airalo
- 1
Check that your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM.
- 2
Download the Airalo app and choose your destination or region.
- 3
Buy a plan and install the eSIM over Wi-Fi before you leave.
- 4
On arrival, switch mobile data to the Airalo eSIM and turn on data roaming for that line.
- 5
Top up in the app if you run low.
Airalo alternatives
| Product | Choose it when |
|---|---|
| Airalo 4.3 | Travelers with an eSIM-compatible, unlocked phone |
| Holafly | Choose it if you want an alternative unlimited travel eSIM and want to compare daily limits and prices. |
| Saily | Choose it if you want another app-based travel eSIM to compare for your destination. |
| Your carrier's roaming pass | Choose it if you need your own number for calls and texts abroad and the daily fee is acceptable. |
Airalo: frequently asked questions
Does Airalo give you a phone number?+
Most Airalo plans are data only. Your normal SIM keeps your number for calls and texts, and you can use apps like WhatsApp over Airalo data.
When does an Airalo eSIM start?+
The validity period starts when the eSIM connects to a supported network at your destination, so installing it before you travel does not use up days.
Is Airalo unlimited data really unlimited?+
Data is not cut off, but by default speeds drop to 1 Mbps after 3 GB in a day, resetting every 24 hours from activation. Some packages state a different threshold.
Can I get a refund from Airalo?+
You can request one in the app for eligible orders. For a wrong purchase or changed plans, refunds are Airmoney credit; for installation issues or an eSIM that does not work, you can choose credit or your original payment method.
Will Airalo work on my phone?+
Your phone must support eSIM and be network unlocked. On Android you need an option to add a carrier; check with your device maker or carrier to confirm.
Final verdict
Is Airalo worth it?
If your phone supports eSIM and you want data working the moment you land without a roaming bill, Airalo is the easiest place to start. Pick your destination, install the eSIM before you fly, and switch it on when the wheels touch down.
Get an Airalo eSIMAffiliate link · we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Reviewed by
Amjid Ali, Founder and editor
Amjid Ali is a Melbourne-based AI and automation lead, author of five books on infrastructure, automation and digital transformation, and a corporate trainer whose courses on n8n, Proxmox, firewalls and ERP have taught thousands of IT professionals.
Last updated 17 October 2026 · How we review
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Airalo 4.3
Fixed-data plans from A$6; unlimited from A$17 for 3 days