Holafly eSIM: Review

Enter the Holafly eSIM, a potential game-changer aiming to simplify the equation. By harnessing a tiny chip, embedded directly within your phone, you can unlock seamless internet access across borders. But does the Holafly eSIM truly deliver stress-free connectivity, or are there hidden complications?

This review dives in, exploring the setup, functionality, and value of the Holafly eSIM, to help you decide if it's the right fit for your next international adventure.

A Closer Look

Comparing data plans on the mobile app

Using the Holafly eSIM while traveling

Trying out the Holafly eSIM

Hands On Experience

I recently tried the Holafly eSIM on a trip to Malaysia using my Google Pixel 7 Pro.

The physical SIM has become a staple of my travels over the last 12 years. Something cozy and familiar - but also a familiar point of frustration. Finding a local vendor, comparing carriers and plans, and making top-up payments in a foreign country - all easier said than done.

eSIM technology promised to change all that.

Ordering an eSIM on the Holafly website was easy and took less than a minute. Their user interface is polished and intuitive, making the process for a first-timer less daunting. Just select your country and length of time.

The Holafly mobile app is equally as effortless.

App checkout

After completing the checkout, I received an email within minutes containing the eSIM QR code and instructions on how to install the eSIM.

Order confirmation email

Here are the steps followed for my Android phone:

Done!

Overall Experience

How would I compare the Holafly eSIM experience to the old-school physical SIM?

It was like swapping a clunky Model T Ford for a sleek banana-yellow Lamborghini.

Setup? Easy.

Scan a QR code, and bam, internet access like a local.

Top-ups? In seconds.

Just a few clicks on the Holafly website.

Speed? Super fast.

Check out this Speedtest:

But most importantly. Holafly eSIM saves so much time.

I can't start to count the hours I'll be saving on future trips by opting for an eSIM over a physical SIM.

This makes travel fun and spontaneous again.

Backstory

Holafly is a communications provider founded in 2018 that offers eSIMs for all types of travelers. Covering over 160 countries, there's a very good chance Holafly offers a data plan for where you're heading next.

Innovation is in Holafly's DNA, as they continue to push the boundaries of the travel eSIM industry. In June 2022, they became the first to offer unlimited data caps on travel eSIMs. And in March 2023 they released eSIM top-ups for even more freedom and convenience. In October 2023 Holafly revamped their mobile app to allow in-app purchases (iOS, Android).

Over 1 million travelers have already trusted Holafly. They must be doing something right because the positive reviews are flooding in on TrustPilot. 4.7 out of 5 from over 34k reviews.

Is Holafly eSIM Right For You?

While I love using the Holafly eSIM when traveling, this product is not for everyone. Here's how to tell if it's a good fit for you.

Firstly, your phone must be eSIM-compatible. Check this up-to-date list of compatible phones and tablets. If your device is not on the list, it might be time to consider an upgrade.

Next, check if your travel destination is covered. Holafly supports data roaming in over 160 countries, so there's a pretty good chance it is. If you're hopping around a region, consider a regional eSIM for additional flexibility: Europe, Asia, North America, Latin America, or the Caribbean.

Most current Holafly eSIM data plans offer unlimited bandwidth, which is great news for heavy internet users and travelers who yearn for peace of mind. However, there's a catch. Due to restrictions by supporting local networks, some unlimited plans don't allow data to be shared between multiple devices (also called "hotspot" or "tethering"). So, check the "technical specs" for your destination on the Holafly website. If you're traveling in a group and need to share a single internet connection, look up your destination's technical specs. If it doesn't support tethering, then you'd be better off looking elsewhere.

Tip: Some popular destinations that support tethering: North America, Norway, and St Martin, while over a dozen Caribbean destinations support limited tethering.

As of June 2023, some European eSIM plans now include a phone number, but keep in mind it could be from another country (currently, all numbers are issued from Austria), and SMS is not included. These plans include 60 minutes of making and 60 minutes of receiving calls, which is plenty for most travelers.

If most of your communication is via apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, TikTok, Skype, Telegram, Signal, etc., then you can keep using those anywhere in the world without changing any settings on your phone.

Pro Tips For Holafly eSIM

Unlike many other eSIM providers, Holafly offers transparency in the networks used for each country. Check the "used networks" of your travel destination on the Holafly website. Then, compare that network's coverage map. This is especially useful if you're taking a road trip to more remote areas.

As of July 2023, Holafly offers a flexible refund policy. This covers two scenarios - you have to cancel or change travel plans, or a connection failure prevents you from using the eSIM (network or device problem). This gives you peace of mind to order your eSIM in advance, and still have up to 6 months to request a refund if your travel plans don't go ahead.

It's recommended that you install the eSIM the day before you travel (especially if it's your first time using eSIM) but only activate it when you arrive at your destination. It can take up to 4 minutes to connect to the local network for the first time, so be patient. No internet connection is needed to activate the eSIM.

Very importantly, don't delete the eSIM. It can only be installed once, and deletion cannot be undone. If you need to extend your time, just top it up.

Scoreboard

Where To Buy Holafly eSIM