I’ve been using the Airalo app for my travels for the past two years. In this article, I’ll share the pros and cons of these eSIM cards and give away my discount coupons. The coupons are regularly updated!
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What is Airalo eSIM?
Airalo is an app where you can buy an eSIM for any country in the world.
An eSIM is a built-in SIM card in your device that lets you connect to cellular networks without needing a physical card. The latest phone models support eSIMs, and some, like the last iPhone, have even got rid of the physical SIM slot altogether.
Pros – Why Airalo is a right choice for you
👍 Convenient. You can buy a card before your flight, activate it offline, and voila — you have internet right away. You can message your family, order an Uber, or contact your hotel if you arrive and find the door locked … or can’t find the entrance 😅. Not all airports have internet, and sometimes you need it immediately during your taxi ride. We’ve all been there.
👍 Less Stress. The first days in a new country can be stressful. Hunting for a local SIM card isn’t fun. What if you arrive at night or on a Sunday when everything is closed? In some countries, you can only buy a SIM card at an office and you will need to bring your passport. In others, activating a SIM is a hassle. Like in Argentina, where I had to send a passport photo to a mobile company on Twitter. Add language barriers and the need to choose from a million tariff options…
👍 Cashback. The app has a generous cashback system. If you use it actively, you’ll occasionally get free SIM cards. Plus, there are always discount coupons available.
👍 Cheaper. Sometimes, the prices in the app are lower than at airports, where tourist rates can be outrageous.
👍 No Card Swapping. You don’t have to swap cards in your phone, and you won’t accidentally lose an important SIM card.
👍 eSIM Advantage. Modern phones might not have a slot for a physical card. For example, in Ecuador, you can only get an eSIM at an office. It might not be conveniently located, while street kiosks sell only physical SIMs.
👍 Constant Internet Access. It’s convenient. I used to travel without internet, relying on Wi-Fi at cafes and hotels. But having internet on the go lets you check nearby restaurants, see if a museum is open, read descriptions of attractions, or look at reviews. It adds spontaneity to travel and saves time and money.
I’ve been using Airalo for two years. For me, the convenience outweighs the downsides, which I’ll talk about below.
Cons – When you shouldn’t buy Airalo eSIM
‼️ Price: Airalo eSIMs can be more expensive than local alternatives. Sometimes just a bit, other times significantly, like in Argentina.
‼️ Internet Only: Airalo eSIMs are for internet only; you can’t make calls with them. For short trips, this isn’t a big deal since you can use messaging apps for calls. But if you’re staying longer, you’ll need a local number for things like food delivery, doctor’s appointments, or restaurant reservations.
‼️ Limited Operators: If you’re going to a specific region where only one operator works, Airalo might not be helpful.
‼️ Special Conditions: For traveling in South America, it’s convenient to buy a Claro SIM card that works across the continent without roaming. With Airalo, even if you use Claro, you’ll need three different SIMs for three countries.
How to Use Airalo eSIM
Step 1. Download the Airalo app.
Step 2. Choose your destination country and select a data plan.
Step 3. Install the eSIM in the app. This can be done offline.
Step 4. Activate the eSIM in your phone settings + don’t forget to activate the roaming! Note: Activating a new eSIM will deactivate any previous eSIMs. Also notice, that eSIMs bought through Airalo cannot be returned or reactivated. Other eSIMs bought from an office, with an actual number, will be paused but can be reactivated.
Airalo Discount Coupons
🎁ELENA8504 – Get $3 off when you sign up.
💐June 2024 Coupons:
- AIRALOJUNE10 – 10% off for existing customers (valid until June 31, 2024)
- AIRALOJUNE15 – 15% off for new customers (valid until June 31, 2024)
Airalo vs MobiMatter
Airalo isn’t the only app for buying travel eSIMs. MobiMatter is an eSIM aggregator that includes Airalo’s offers and helps you find the best rates.
MobiMatter also has a cashback system and a user-friendly interface. The activation process is the same.
I often check prices on MobiMatter but usually buy on Airalo due to their frequent coupons and convenient plans, plus I’ve been accumulating cashback there. However, the choice depends on the destination. For instance, in Argentina in 2024, Airalo’s good rates disappeared, so I got a SIM on MobiMatter for 75% less.
MobiMatter Discount Coupon:
- FCWTR78673 – Get 50% cashback (up to $5) on your first purchase.
