As someone who travels quite frequently and has found myself scrambling for a local SIM card at the airport or paying outrageous roaming fees more than once, I started looking for a better eSIM travel solution. That’s how I discovered Holafly – a Spanish service that promises simple eSIM activation and unlimited data in more than 160 destinations worldwide. Let’s take a closer look at what I think about Holafly.
TL;DR
- Holafly is a great solution for travellers who want the peace of mind of unlimited internet without worrying about roaming.
- Activation is genuinely simple, coverage is wide, but you’ll pay a premium for the convenience – prices are higher than the competition.
- You’ll appreciate Holafly the most when you need to be online all the time, for example on business trips.
- Get data from HolaFly at a better price with our coupon code Loudavymkrokem.
What is Holafly eSIM and how does it work
Holafly offers eSIM cards with data plans for travellers who want to be online the moment they land in a foreign country. The biggest advantage? Simplicity, quick activation, and the option to get unlimited data in dozens of countries.
How eSIM technology works
eSIM stands for “embedded SIM” – a digital alternative to the plastic SIM card you’re used to. Instead of inserting a physical card, you download an eSIM profile directly to your phone, provided it supports the technology. There’s no need to visit a shop or wait for delivery – everything is handled electronically in just a few minutes.
When you travel, you simply activate a new plan from Holafly and you have internet. You save time and the hassle of lost cards or hunting down local operators at the airport. Plus, you can have multiple plans on your phone at once – for example, your home SIM for calls and Holafly for data.
Holafly eSIM vs. traditional SIM cards
Compared to traditional travel SIM cards, Holafly is far more convenient. You don’t need to order anything in advance, wait for delivery, or worry about a card not arriving on time. The entire process happens online and within minutes you have internet access.
On top of that, Holafly covers over 160 countries, so you don’t need to buy a new card in every country. If you’re travelling across Europe or Asia, a single plan will do. This makes it one of the best eSIM for international travel options currently available.
Holafly eSIM review: Detailed breakdown of features
Let’s dive into the actual Holafly review.
Global vs. regional eSIM
Holafly offers both global eSIM plans and regional packages. The global eSIM gives you internet access in more than 185 countries without having to change anything – perfect for those who travel across continents.
Regional eSIMs, on the other hand, are better value if you’re staying in a specific area. You can choose a package for just Europe, Asia, or the Americas. Regional packages tend to be cheaper than the global option if you’re only visiting a few countries.
Data plans and tariffs
This is where Holafly truly shines. They offer packages with unlimited data in many countries, which you’ll appreciate if you don’t want to worry about how much data you’ve used. Plans are divided by validity period – 7, 15, or 30 days.
Some packages have a fixed validity period, which can be a downside if you’re only travelling for a short time. For example, a week of unlimited data for Turkey costs about $27 (around €25). It’s not the cheapest, but many people are happy to pay extra for unlimited internet access.
Approximate Holafly prices:
- Europe (7 days, unlimited data): €26.90
- Asia (15 days, unlimited data): €46.90
- Global (30 days, unlimited data): €149.90
Unlimited vs. limited data
Unlimited data plans are ideal for those who stream a lot, work online, or frequently make calls via apps while travelling. Holafly is well-known precisely for its unlimited plans – you don’t need to monitor your usage and the internet is always available.
Naturally, unlimited plans are more expensive and you often can’t choose the exact number of days. But for heavy users, the feeling of unlimited connectivity is a major plus.
Device compatibility
Holafly eSIM works on most newer smartphones. This includes Apple models (iPhone XS and later), Samsung Galaxy S20 and above, and some Google Pixel devices. It’s worth checking whether your specific phone supports eSIM – older or budget models often don’t.
Besides phones, you can also use a Holafly eSIM in some smartwatches, tablets, and other devices with eSIM capability. For example, Apple Watch Series 3 and newer LTE versions, or iPad Pro tablets.
Tethering and data sharing
Holafly supports tethering, so you can share your connection with a laptop or another phone. This is especially useful when travelling without Wi-Fi. Just be aware that in some destinations, tethering is limited or speeds may decrease with prolonged use.
My personal experience with Holafly eSIM
Let’s move on to my hands-on experience with the Holafly travel eSIM.
Ordering and activation process
Ordering an eSIM from Holafly is genuinely simple. You select your destination and plan on the website, pay by card, and within minutes you receive an email with a QR code and detailed instructions.
On your phone, you open settings, choose to add a new eSIM, scan the QR code, and within a few minutes everything is set up. Even a complete beginner can manage it without any issues. Holafly sends instructions with images, and if anything goes wrong, they have round-the-clock customer support.
The only thing that slightly bothers me is that you have to activate the eSIM on the day you want to start using data. You can’t set it up a week in advance and activate it only after landing.
Connection quality in real conditions
In major cities and tourist destinations, the connection works brilliantly. Holafly partners with local operators, so you get the same network quality as the locals. In more remote areas, the signal can be weaker or fluctuate – but that’s a problem with all roaming solutions.
Speeds generally match the local 4G network. For regular browsing, videos, or calls, it’s more than enough. With some plans, speeds may throttle after exceeding a certain data volume, but I didn’t notice this with unlimited packages.
App and data management
The Holafly app is available on both Android and iOS. After logging in, you can see your eSIM status and validity, manage your data, and find guides or support. The design is clean and straightforward – nobody will get lost in it.
Support is available via chat, which is faster than email.
Comparison with competitors
Holafly vs. Airalo
Airalo is often mentioned as Holafly’s main competitor. It offers over 210 destinations and a wide range of local and global plans.
If you’re looking for the cheapest eSIM for travel with flexible data amounts, Airalo might be a better fit. However, if unlimited data matters to you, Holafly is the clear winner.
Here’s a comparison for you:
| Provider | Destination coverage | Plans | Unlimited data | Price (Europe 7 days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holafly | 160+ | Mainly large packages | Yes (selected countries) | €27 |
| Airalo | 210+ | Flexible, various sizes | No, capped packages | €4.50 (1 GB) |
Airalo scores with wider coverage and often better prices. Holafly’s strength lies in its unlimited internet – a real advantage for business trips or for those who want to be online all the time.
What could be improved?
As with any service, I came across a few things with Holafly that could be done better:
- Activation flexibility: The biggest issue is that you must activate the eSIM on the day you want to start using data. You can’t set up a plan a week in advance and launch it only after arriving at your destination.
- Price: Holafly is definitely not the cheapest option. You pay a premium for the convenience of unlimited data. If you only use maps and the occasional email, you can find more affordable alternatives.
- Tethering limits: In some countries, data sharing is restricted or has a daily cap, which isn’t always clearly communicated.
- Plan flexibility: I miss smaller data packages for short trips.
Customer support
Holafly has customer service available online via web chat and email. Support typically responds within a few minutes, especially during business hours. This speed is great because they resolve common issues like eSIM setup or minor connectivity problems almost instantly.
Customers in reviews often praise the availability and speed of responses. The chat team is available on weekends too, which is handy when you’re travelling outside normal working hours.
The only downside is that support operates primarily in English and Spanish. For most UK-based travellers, though, this shouldn’t be an issue at all.
Conclusion and recommendation
Holafly is a solid service that delivers on its promises. If you’re looking for a straightforward eSIM for travel and don’t want to deal with roaming charges or hunt for local SIM cards from vendors at the airport, it’s a great choice.
Holafly is worth it if:
- You travel frequently and need reliable internet,
- you don’t want to worry about data limits and prefer unlimited data,
- you value simple activation and management,
- you don’t mind paying a bit more for convenience,
- you’re mainly travelling to major cities and tourist destinations.
Holafly isn’t worth it if:
- You’re looking for the cheapest option on the market,
- you only use the internet occasionally (maps, emails),
- you’re only travelling for a few days.
My personal rating: Holafly is an excellent solution for anyone who wants guaranteed connectivity without worries. Yes, you’ll pay more than with the competition, but in return you get peace of mind and don’t have to monitor data limits. For frequent travellers, digital nomads, or people on business trips, Holafly is a clear choice.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give Holafly 8 points. It scores for simplicity, reliability, and wide coverage. It loses points for higher pricing and less flexible plans.
Frequently asked questions
Does Holafly eSIM work in the UK?
Yes, Holafly eSIM works in the UK without any issues. You just need an unlocked phone that supports eSIM technology. Activation is straightforward – simply scan the QR code and follow the configuration steps in your phone settings.
How quickly does Holafly eSIM activate?
After paying for your order, you’ll receive the QR code via email within a few minutes. The actual activation on your phone takes 2-3 minutes. The eSIM is ready to use immediately after completing the setup.
Can I use Holafly eSIM alongside my regular SIM card?
Yes, modern phones allow you to have multiple SIM cards active at the same time. You can use your home SIM for calls and texts while using the Holafly eSIM for data. In settings, you simply choose which card to use for what.
Does Holafly offer any discount codes?
Holafly occasionally offers discount codes during special promotions or shares them through partner websites and travel blogs. It’s worth checking their official website or newsletter. Influencers also frequently share exclusive codes with their followers.
What is Holafly customer support like?
Holafly’s customer support is available 24/7 via web chat. They typically respond within a few minutes and can resolve most issues during the first contact. The main languages of communication are English and Spanish.
Can I use tethering with Holafly eSIM?
Yes, Holafly supports sharing your internet connection (tethering) with other devices. However, in some countries there may be a daily hotspot limit or speeds may decrease after a certain period. Conditions vary depending on the specific destination.
How much does Holafly eSIM cost for different countries?
Prices vary depending on the destination and length of stay. For example:
Europe (7 days, unlimited data): €19
Turkey (7 days, unlimited data): $27
Asia (15 days, unlimited data): €47
Global package (30 days): €99
How does Holafly differ from competitors like Airalo or Nomad?
The main difference is in the approach to data. Holafly offers unlimited data in many countries, while competitors typically have capped packages. Holafly is more expensive, but you don’t have to monitor your usage. Airalo, on the other hand, has wider destination coverage and often better prices.
Can I set up Holafly eSIM in advance before my trip?
No, this is one of the drawbacks. You must activate the eSIM on the day you want to start using data. You can’t set up a plan a week in advance and launch it only after arriving at your destination country.
What happens when my data plan expires during a trip?
When your plan expires, you can simply purchase a new package via the app or website. The process is the same as the initial order – you pay and receive a new QR code. Some packages can also be extended.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
