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Ah, international data roaming. Back in the day, hearing these three words made every traveler anxious. The thought of even turning on your phone in a foreign country sent chills down one’s spine. However, staying in touch with loved ones or work colleagues is one of the things that every traveler must consider before setting off for their trip across borders.
One of the ways to do so was to subscribe to data roaming plans or buy international SIM cards. But with these options, travelers are often faced with the dilemma of overpaying for data roaming. Also, the cost of some of the international SIM cards was a source of frustration.
But since the invention of eSIMs, travelers have found enormous relief on their travel spend. They are far more convenient for avid travelers eager to see what the world has to offer without having to worry about where to find a SIM card stall at the airport.
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Airalo is one of the most talked eSIM providers among travelers. There is high praise across several review sites, which of course begs the question; Is it legit? Read on to find out.
eSIM vs. traditional SIM cards: How do they compare?
You might be wondering what an eSIM is. eSIMs are embedded Subscriber Identity Modules or simply embedded sims. These were designed to replace the old-style plastic removable SIM cards inside your phone.
Instead of the removable plastic card, your phone now has a small chip inside termed eSIM. You can’t take the chip out and use it in another phone. With eSIMs, you can rewrite the information on them. So, you can switch to a different network without needing to take out the SIM card and put in a new one.
You also get to keep all your SIM card information in one place. So, you can access contacts even if you change networks, unlike a traditional SIM card. However, not all phones work with eSIMs. So, check to see if your phone can use eSIMs before buying one!
What is Airalo?
Airalo is the first-ever global online store for eSIMs, designed for avid travelers hopping from one destination to the next. Launched in 2019, Airalo offers eSIM cards to more than 190 countries worldwide with a variety of local and regional data plans to pick from.
Think of Airalo as a huge shop filled with eSIM packages and plans. It doesn’t matter where you are headed or what kind of trip you’re embarking on – there’s a good chance that Airalo has the eSIM for your travel needs.
Airalo has invested effort in establishing connections with local networks and cellular companies all across the globe. In essence, when you buy an eSIM plan from Airalo, you are purchasing a local eSIM plan from a local provider.
Airalo handles the boilerplate details, so you can enjoy the ease of using an eSIM without spending a fortune. This is why Airalo has gained immense popularity in recent years! No more searching for decent Wi-Fi connections around the airport – those days are behind us.
How does Airalo work?
Most of the Airalo plans and bundles rely on data. It simply means regular phone calls and SMS will not work, but you can still use your apps and make calls or send messages using online services like iMessage or Skype.
To use Airalo, just buy an eSIM plan for the country you are visiting. Then, download the Airalo app, and follow the steps to add the eSIM to your phone via its settings – no need for a laptop. Once the Airalo eSIM is set up, you can connect to the local network and enjoy fast and reliable internet.
Airalo offers different types of eSIMs for various travel locations, divided mainly into three categories. These include;
- Local eSIMs– These are usually cheaper and are a great choice if you are traveling to one or two countries in a single trip.
- Regional eSIMs– These cover regions such as the Caribbean, Europe or Latin America. These are handy if you are planning to visit multiple countries for a short time.
- Global eSIMs– The global eSIM offers you coverage in about 80 countries. These are the most popular countries covered by Airalo. Before buying the plan, be sure to check and see if your destination is among these to help make an informed decision.
You also have to select how long the eSIM card will work and how much data it comes with. Airalo eSIMs usually last from 7 to 30 days, and they come with between 1GB to 20GB of data. Keep in mind that this varies depending on the country. The Global SIM, for example, can work for up to 180 days.
How much does an Airalo cost?
The price of Airalo varies depending on where you are going and how much data costs there. Also, how much data you want and how long you want it to last is another price determinant. Usually, getting a larger amount of data for a longer time is a smarter money choice. But if you are a sporadic traveler, settling for data that is just enough for your trip makes a lot more sense.
Here is a rough idea of Airalo’s data plans across the planet as of June 2023;
- Pay $16 for 5GB valid for 30 days in the US
- Pay $20.50 for 3GB valid for 30 days in Tanzania
- Pay $15 for 5GB valid for 30 days in the UK
- Pay $20 for 5GB valid for 30 days in 39 countries in Europe. It includes the UK, Spain, France, and Italy
- Pay $20 for 5GB valid for 30 days in 13 countries in Asia. It includes Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, China, and Cambodia
As you can see, the prices for data plans are mostly quite reasonable. Airalo also offers a loyalty program to enable avid travelers to save even more. It also gives customers special rewards termed ‘Airmoney.’ When customers buy a new eSIM, they get credits that they can use to get discounts on their purchases.
Why is Airalo making a buzz among travelers?
Value for money and convenience
In the past, travelers were stuck between a rock and a hard place. You had to either get a local SIM card or pay high roaming fees. Neither was cost-friendly nor worth the dime. With Airalo, you can easily stay connected while traveling abroad. Just buy the data amount you need for your destination country. When you arrive, activate the eSIM at the airport, and voila, you are good to go.
Good for the environment
In a world increasingly leaning towards sustainability pioneers, Airalo is a trailblazer making several international network service providers rethink their dependence on plastic sim cards.
Before the eSIM revolution, many travelers were buying SIM cards for short-term use on vacation, which ultimately harmed the environment. Think of it this way, each traditional SIM card has a packaging and is made of plastic. Airalo presents a modern solution.
What are the disadvantages of using Airalo?
So are there any downsides to using Airalo? Yes, there is just one;
No local number
One drawback with Airalo is that you have no local number, so you can’t send texts or make calls. However, with several apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Skype, you can still enjoy these perks. For iPhone holders, iMessage will also work with Airalo.
Is Airalo legit? Well, Airalo helps travelers save time and money, letting them travel anywhere with peace of mind. With the app, you can quickly connect to data and use multiple eSIMs, which is great for frequent travelers hopping from one destination to the next ticking off their bucket lists.