Tired of hefty data roaming charges on your devices while traveling abroad? Whether you’re navigating unfamiliar streets, sharing experiences with loved ones, or keeping up with work on the go, reliable internet access is crucial. There’s a hassle-free solution: eSIMs!
In this guide, I’ll tell you all about the best eSim for travel from Holafly, one of the best eSim providers in the industry. Learn why eSIMs are a game-changer for travelers, how to choose the right plan, and why Holafly stands out from the competition. Get ready to stay connected without breaking the bank!
This site is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. See below for full disclosures.
What Is an eSIM?
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital version of the traditional physical SIM card. It connects through a microchip in your device and can be programmed remotely, allowing you to switch between mobile network operators without physically changing SIM cards. This technology is revolutionary for travelers and is predicted to be enabled on more than 2.5 billion devices this year (2024).
Before we discuss my favorite eSIM provider, Holafly, and why you’ll love them, I want to explain why eSIMs are so great for travel.
Want to earn free travel? Learn more about one of my favorite credit cards to get started!
Why You Need an eSIM for Travel
An eSIM gives you peace of mind that you can stay connected with friends, family, and work, no matter where you go. From the moment you land until the moment you return home, you’ll be able to communicate and access whatever you need online, uninterrupted. Use Google Maps to find your way around, order a rideshare, book a hotel, message loved ones back home, and share your adventures on social media.
It’s really useful for frequent travelers or anyone visiting multiple countries because you don’t need to purchase and swap local SIM cards in each destination. As you travel, the eSim will automatically jump from one network operator to another based on your location. No more relying on spotty and unsecured public Wi-Fi, expensive data roaming fees, or local SIM cards with language barriers!
The Benefits of Using an eSIM
There are many benefits of eSIM usage over physical cards or your phone carrier’s international data plan. Here are some of the advantages you can enjoy:
- Cost-effective data plans without hefty roaming charges
- Flexible options to suit different travel durations and data needs
- Convenient and easy activation, often instant upon arrival
- Secure and reliable connection through local providers
- No need to wait for a SIM card to be shipped, saving both time and money
- No need to swap physical SIM cards, reducing the risk of loss or damage
- Ability to seamlessly switch between local networks on multi-country trips
- Environmentally friendly, reducing plastic waste from traditional SIM cards
The Best eSIM for Travel
When it comes to choosing an eSIM provider for your travels, Holafly stands out as a leading option. They have a 4.7 rating on Trustpilot with over 33,000 user reviews. So far, they have provided eSIMs to help over 250,000 travelers stay connected in over 170 destinations worldwide! Here’s more information about why Holafly is one of the best eSIM providers on the market.
Why Should You Choose Holafly?
Here’s why Holafly has the best eSIM for travel, no matter where you go:
- Wide Coverage: Stay connected in over 200 destinations worldwide, including Europe, Asia, North America, and more, with eSIMs offered in 7 languages.
- Flexible Plans: Choose from a variety of data packages ranging from 5 to 90 days, many with unlimited data, saving you from the stress of data overage charges.
- Customizable Options: 79 destinations offer plans with adjustable durations, meaning you can choose coverage for as long or as little as you need it.
- Instant Connectivity: Get online immediately upon landing without the hassle of finding a physical SIM card.
- Easy Set Up: Fast and easy setup process by scanning a QR code.
- Hotspot Capability: Enjoy hotspot capabilities in 135 destination plans, 107 with unlimited data plans, perfect for sharing your connection with other devices or fellow travelers.
- Transparent Pricing: Avoid unexpected charges with Holafly’s prepaid plans.
- Wide Compatibility: Holafly eSIMs work seamlessly with a wide range of smartphones, tablets, and other connected devices.
- Stay Connected Longer: Easily top up your data plan for extended stays beyond the expiration of your original plan.
- Manage with Ease: The Holafly app simplifies the process of buying, installing, and managing your eSIM. Track data usage and plan your connectivity effortlessly.
- 24/7 Support: Enjoy 24/7 technical support by email, online chat, and WhatsApp in over 14 languages.
Save Even More with My Discount Code!
In addition to saving money on roaming charges and overage fees and managing your budget with prepaid plans, I have another way to save even more money on your eSIM!
Use my coupon code THEABUNDANTTRAVELER to get 5% off each purchase, whether it’s a new eSIM or a top-up of your existing plan. This discount, combined with Holafly’s already competitive pricing, can lead to significant savings compared to traditional roaming charges or local SIM purchases. Yet another reason why I think it’s the best eSIM for travel!
Use this link to automatically apply the discount at checkout.
How to Purchase & Set Up Your Holafly eSIM
The process of purchasing and setting up your Holafly eSIM is fairly simple. In just a few steps, you can be ready to go when you reach your destination.
Here’s how to complete your purchase:
- Visit Holafly’s website and confirm eSim compatibility with your device (your device must also be carrier-unlocked to use any eSim).
- Select your destination and preferred data plan. You can choose a specific country or a wider area, such as Europe, Asia, or North America.
- Complete your purchase and receive a QR code directly to the email you provide at checkout.
- Scan the QR code on your device to install the eSIM (complete setup instructions will be sent to your email).
How to install the eSIM on popular devices (iPhone/Android):
- For iPhone users: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan (or Add eSIM), then scan the QR code.
- For Android users: Navigate to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager, then add the eSIM by scanning the QR code.
For the eSIM installation to be successful, you need a good internet connection. It’s recommended that you install it at home before your trip or, if you are already at your destination, from a private, secure WiFi network. It’s very important that you only install the eSIM before you leave and wait to activate it until you reach your destination. Activating it before you leave will start your data plan before you’re ready to use it.
Your FREE Carry-On Bag Travel Guide
Pack smarter and more efficiently with this FREE carry-on bag travel guide. Learn how to pack essentials, keep electronics safe, and more on your next travel adventure!
How to Activate Your Holafly eSIM
As I mentioned, it’s very, very important that you wait to activate your eSIM until you arrive at your destination to avoid starting your data plan too early.
For iPhone users:
- Go to Settings and select “Mobile Data.”
- Select the Holafly eSIM option.
- Scroll down to “Data Roaming” and turn it on.
For Android users:
- Go to Settings and select “Connections” then “SIM Manager.”
- Under Preferred SIMs, click “Mobile Data” and select the Holafly eSIM.
- Go back to Connections and select “Mobile Networks.” Turn on Data Roaming to activate the eSIM.
It’s as simple as that! Now, you can start using your Holafly eSIM while you travel.
My Experience with the Holafly eSIM
There’s a good reason (in addition to everything listed above) why I think Holafly is the best eSIM for international travel—I tried it out! I recently took a trip to Italy and Dublin, so it was the perfect time to test Holafly for myself, and I was definitely impressed.
Because I was traveling to different European countries, I purchased a Europe eSim, which allowed me to stay connected seamlessly from one destination to the next without any extra steps on my part. I started in Italy and was connected to an Italian network. I put my phone on airplane mode for the flight to Ireland, and when I turned airplane mode off upon landing, I was automatically connected to a local network in Dublin. Just like that!
Now, one thing I noticed is that Holafly suggests you select your “Primary” line as the default for calls, iMessage, and Facetime while using the “Holafly” line for mobile/cellular data. I did this but upon landing in Italy and activating my eSIM, I received a text from my phone carrier that I had also activated their international data plan. So, I used my carrier’s plan for the first 24 hours and then turned off phone calls and iMessage with the Primary line and only used the eSIM.
I was able to do everything I normally can back home except make phone calls without WiFi. The Holafly eSIM enabled me to send iMessages (from iPhone to iPhone), update social media, browse the internet, use Google Maps, order Ubers and Lyfts, and more. Basically, everything except phone calls, which I used WhatsApp for whenever I had a WiFi connection.
Overall, I found the Holafly eSIM to be an excellent alternative to other options! I spent less than $1 per day when I would have had to spend at least $10 per day with my phone carrier’s plan, which would have been over $100 for my whole trip. I’ll definitely be using Holafly again next time I travel abroad!
Are you loving The Abundant Traveler® content? Please support it!
If you’re loving what you’re seeing and learning, please consider supporting with a donation so I can continue providing this free for travelers like you. It could be as little as a cup of coffee or an Aperol spritz. I appreciate your support!
Additional Tips for Using an eSIM
It’s worth saying this again: always check device compatibility before purchasing an eSIM. Not all devices are compatible, and even if they are, not all will be carrier-unlocked. Check with your data provider if you’re unsure whether your device is unlocked.
To maximize your eSIM usage while traveling:
- Download any necessary apps or content before leaving home and activating your travel eSIM.
- Turn off data for unnecessary apps to conserve data on non-unlimited plans.
- Monitor data usage via your Holafly app if you’re on a capped plan.
- Use Wi-Fi when available to further save on data.
- If you’re using the Holafly eSIM in combination with your carrier’s plan, adjust settings to prioritize your Holafly eSIM for data while keeping your regular SIM active for calls/SMS.
- Use WhatsApp or similar messaging apps to send messages with your Holafly eSIM data plan. WhatsApp works for messaging without WiFi, but calls will only work on WiFi.
- Keep your QR code safe in case you need to reactivate the eSIM.
- If you experience any connectivity issues, try turning airplane mode on and off.
FAQs about Holafly eSIMs
Q: Can I use Holafly’s eSIM on multiple devices?
A: No, each eSIM is linked to one device when activated.
Q: What happens when I run out of data?
A: You can easily top-up your plan through Holafly’s website or the app (don’t forget to use this link with my special code for 5% off your data refill).
Q: Can I still use my regular SIM card while using Holafly’s eSIM?
A: Yes, most modern devices support dual SIM functionality, allowing you to use both simultaneously. Be sure you have the correct settings selected to let your device know which SIM to use for which function.
Q: What if my phone isn’t compatible with eSIMs?
A: Holafly also offers traditional SIM cards for incompatible devices.
Q: Is customer support available if I have issues?
A: Yes, Holafly provides 24/7 customer support in multiple languages.
Q: Can I make calls with my Holafly eSIM?
A: No, not with the eSim data, but they do offer hotspot capabilities in many destinations. You can also make calls through WhatsApp or similar apps when you have a WiFi connection.
Q: Are Holafly’s eSIMs compatible with laptops and smartwatches, too?
A: Yes! They are compatible with certain laptops and smartwatches; you can view the list of compatible laptops here and compatible smartwatches here.
Enjoy Seamless Connectivity with the Best eSIM for Travel: Holafly
Traveling with a Holafly eSIM is the ultimate in convenience, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. By eliminating the hassle of physical SIM cards and expensive roaming fees, you can focus on what really matters – enjoying your travels and staying connected online! Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional vacationer, Holafly’s flexible plans and extensive coverage make it an excellent choice for staying connected abroad. Don’t forget to use the discount code THEABUNDANTTRAVELER to save 5% on your purchase.
Visit Holafly’s website today and take the first step towards stress-free travel connectivity!
Want to read this post or watch the video later? Save it on Pinterest!
Looking for more tips on how to travel more affordably and efficiently? Check out my favorite travel products and some of my other travel tips posts below!
User-Generated Content (UGC) Disclosure: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means that, at no extra cost to you, The Abundant Traveler may earn a small commission. Using these links is a huge way to support me, and these will help keep the blog running and free for everyone to enjoy.
All my reviews and opinions are based on my own experience, which may not be the same for everyone. If you choose to use them, then thank you for your support.
Advertiser Disclosure: The Abundant Traveler is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as DailyDrop.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
