When it comes to travel, I’ve been around the block, or should I say around the world! Like all travelers, I have extensive experience with eSIMs and physical SIM cards. I’ve used international physical SIMs, my domestic carrier’s travel plans, international roaming cards, and nearly every major eSIM provider. Recently, I tried the international eSIM from Holafly, which stood out from the rest. I’m sharing my Holafly review to explain why I believe it’s the top prepaid eSIM for world travel. And if you want to get one for your next trip, use my code GLOBEDIGGER for a discount.
There is an affiliate link at the end of this blog. If you purchase through the link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I trust and use myself.
What is an eSIM
If you haven’t used an eSIM before or heard of them, in a nutshell, they are a digital SIM card built directly into your phone. You don’t need to insert a card since it is already embedded in the phone’s hardware. An eSim provider like Holafly can set up the service remotely. Some older phones aren’t equipped with eSIMs, but I know the iPhone 11 and later models have the technology. If you’re unsure about your phone’s compatibility, Holafly offers a handy tool on their website to check if your device is compatible.
Why I Love The eSIM From Holafly
Here are a few points that make Holafly the best international eSIM for me.
Unlimited Data
Every other international eSIM I’ve tried has a data cap, ranging from one to a few gigs. If you only have three gigs of data, you spend more time worrying about exceeding your limit than enjoying your epic vacation. With Holafly, the data is unlimited, which is a major advantage in today’s social media-driven world. The eSIM from Holafly is as fast as local providers in the region you’re visiting, as they partner with regional carriers. I have tested this at home in Canada and the connection was no different than my local mobile provider. Travel without the stress of needing data top-ups while sharing your holiday and staying connected to the world.
Holafly Connects me to the Internet the Second I Land
Having an internet connection immediately upon arriving at a destination is crucial. With my international eSIM from Holafly, this is guaranteed. I recommend purchasing it before leaving to ensure you are ready to go upon arrival. I have been in situations where I wasn’t prepared and ended up rushing to find a SIM card after landing. Airport Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable, and it can be stressful when you can’t access hotel bookings, Google Maps, or even order an Uber due to no connection. It can also be a safety concern, especially for women travelers. Protect yourself by getting a prepaid eSim in advance.
The eSIM from Holafly Provides Access to over 200 Destinations
Holafly services are available to all the top travel destinations across Europe, including hot spots like Portugal, Greece, and also to the UK, the USA, and Mexico. I have visited 44 countries, and Holafly serves them all, helping me stay connected to the world.
get to keep my Current SIM Card and WhatsApp number
I have taken trips using physical SIM cards, switching them every few days. This can be confusing, resulting in multiple cards. I have accidentally thrown out the wrong one, and then needed to get a new card when I got home, meaning no service. With my eSIM from Holafly, I can keep my regular SIM, so this doesn’t happen.
I also get to keep my regular WhatsApp number, which helps me stay connected with friends and family back home. WhatsApp is also how tour companies and some hotels communicate with travelers. I often connect with fellow travelers and locals I meet along the way, staying in touch via WhatsApp when I return home. After all, it’s the people and relationships that make travel so special.
Holafly Offers 24/7 Customer Support
Holafly offers 24/7 customer support through their website chat and WhatsApp. This is a significant advantage for an eSIM provider. If an eSIM installation process in your phone gets interrupted, you might need assistance to activate it. Although unlikely, it’s comforting to know support is available. If you’re installing an eSIM for the first time, even if you do it correctly, you might need a little help to ensure everything functions properly. That was my experience when I first activated my Holafly eSIM. I contacted support via web chat, and in no time at all, I was ready to go. This can be especially helpful if you’re abroad and need support. As travellers, we know how vital it is to stay connected.
Holafly International eSIM Plans
Holafly offers plans for specific destinations as well as regions. If you’re headed to Thailand, they have a plan for that, and if you need coverage for many different countries in Asia, in Europe or in many others they offer that too. I wish I had Holafly in 2022 when I was travelling through Europe. Their Europe plan covers over 40 European countries. As shown below, 7 days in Europe costs just $40 CAD. And there are no hidden fees, including those annoying roaming charges we’ve all been hit with.
I won’t go into detail on every plan, but I am sharing a screenshot of some popular destinations and the regional plans available. When you visit the Holafly website, you can search for your preferred destination. Both the website and app are user-friendly, making it easy to find your plan.
How to Buy an eSIM From Holafly
Buying an international eSim from Holafly couldn’t be easier. You can buy it through their website or app if you’ve already downloaded it. On the homepage, a search bar allows you to type in your destination, directing you straight to the plan page. There, you specify how many days you’ll need coverage for and how many plans you wish to buy. Then, you complete the purchase online, and it’s done. The whole process takes a maximum of 1-2 minutes! Seriously, Holafly has this buttoned down, and it’s super easy. Remember, if you’re unsure about your phone’s eSIM compatibility, they have a tool for that, which covers virtually all smartphones on the market.
Activating Your New Holafly eSIM
You’ve purchased your new eSIM, so what’s next? First off, as I mentioned earlier in the blog, I recommend activating it before you take off, so you’re connected as soon as you land. You will receive an email with instructions to activate the eSIM.
Using the QR Code to Activate the eSIM
I used the QR code, which was easy since I was using my computer at home. To set up an eSIM on my iPhone 15 Pro Max, I went to my phone’s settings, then to cellular, scrolled down to SIMs, added an eSIM, selected other options, used the QR code, scanned it, and followed the on-screen prompts.
Activating Manually
You can also do it manually by following the same steps. With my iPhone, even if you choose to activate manually, you still tap “use QR code,” then you can select “enter details manually” or scan your QR code. Depending on your phone’s model and version, these instructions might vary slightly. But remember, if you encounter any issues, customer support is available 24/7. I contacted customer service because the Holafly instructions slightly differed from what I described above. This is a key reason to activate before departing.
Your New eSIM is Now On Your Phone
Whether you choose to activate manually or use the QR code, you’ll now be set up with phone service for your destination. This is one less thing to worry about when you arrive. If you experience connection issues upon arrival, you may need to enable data roaming. I had this happen the first time I used an eSIM, and it took a few minutes to figure out.
After reading this review, you should be well-informed about the benefits of an international eSIM compared to other available options. You should now know how they work and be comfortable making a purchase and activating an eSIM. I chose Holafly for the unlimited data, international coverage, superior customer service, and the simplicity of purchasing and activating. As a bonus, I’m giving you a discount on your eSim from Holafly purchase if you use my GLOBEDIGGER discount code. Happy travels, and remember, staying connected while traveling doesn’t have to be complicated.
See Affiliate link below. If you purchase through this link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I trust and use myself.
When I travel, I often stay in hostels. Want to know why, even though I can afford expensive hotels? Read my blog, Hostels For Solo Travel at 49
Want to know what goes in my backpack for long-term travel? Read my blog, My Carry-On Packing List for Solo Travel: How to Pack Light
How do I plan for long-term solo travel? Check out my blog, My Long-Term Solo Travel Planning Methodology
You can follow my travel blog here.
Watch my travel shorts on TikTok.
Check out my solo travel podcast on Spotify
Follow me on Instagram
Follow me on YouTube
Leave a Reply