Airalo
Buy regional or global eSIMs to stay connected while traveling. No SIM swapping, instant activation.
What is Airalo?
Airalo is an eSIM marketplace that lets you buy prepaid mobile data plans for over 200 countries and regions. Instead of hunting down a SIM card at the airport or dealing with confusing local carrier stores, you simply purchase and activate an eSIM directly from your phone.
Founded in 2019, Airalo has quickly become one of the most popular connectivity solutions for digital nomads, remote workers, and frequent travelers who need reliable data without the hassle of physical SIM cards.
Why Digital Nomads Choose Airalo
No More SIM Card Hunting
Anyone who has traveled extensively knows the pain: land in a new country, find the carrier kiosk, wait in line, deal with language barriers, and hope you picked the right plan. With Airalo, you buy your eSIM before you even board your flight and activate it the moment you land.
Keep Your Home Number Active
Since eSIMs work alongside your physical SIM, you can keep your home number active for important calls, two-factor authentication codes, and emergencies. Your Airalo eSIM handles all your data needs while your primary SIM stays connected.
Flexibility Across Borders
Airalo offers three types of plans:
- Local eSIMs: For a single country
- Regional eSIMs: Cover multiple countries (like Europe or Southeast Asia)
- Global eSIMs: Work in 100+ countries with one plan
For nomads moving between countries frequently, regional or global plans eliminate the need to buy new data every border crossing.
Pricing Examples
| Destination | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | 3GB | 30 days | $8 |
| Europe (39 countries) | 5GB | 30 days | $16 |
| Japan | 3GB | 30 days | $11 |
| USA | 5GB | 30 days | $15 |
| Global (124 countries) | 5GB | 30 days | $27 |
Prices vary by destination and frequently change. Check the Airalo app for current rates.
How to Set Up Airalo
- Download the Airalo app (iOS or Android)
- Browse destinations and choose your plan
- Purchase the eSIM (instant delivery)
- Install the eSIM following in-app instructions
- Activate when you arrive at your destination
The entire process takes about 5 minutes, and you can set everything up before your trip.
Airalo vs. Local SIM Cards
| Factor | Airalo | Local SIM Card |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | 5 minutes | 30-60 minutes |
| Availability | Before you land | After arrival only |
| Language Barrier | None | Sometimes an issue |
| Keep Home Number | Yes | Usually need dual SIM |
| Price | Moderate | Varies widely |
| Convenience | Very high | Low to moderate |
Tips for Using Airalo
Buy before you fly. Install and test the eSIM connection before leaving home. This way you are not troubleshooting at the airport.
Check coverage maps. Airalo partners with different carriers in each country. Some have better coverage than others, especially in rural areas.
Consider regional plans. If you are visiting multiple countries in one region, a regional eSIM is almost always better value than buying individual country plans.
Monitor your usage. The Airalo app shows remaining data in real-time. Set yourself reminders to top up before running out.
Who Should Use Airalo?
Airalo is perfect for:
- Digital nomads moving between countries regularly
- Remote workers on international trips
- Frequent travelers tired of collecting SIM cards
- Anyone with an eSIM-compatible phone who wants hassle-free data abroad
The Bottom Line
Airalo removes one of the most annoying friction points of international travel: getting connected. While it may not always be the absolute cheapest option, the convenience of instant activation, multi-country coverage, and keeping your main number active makes it a no-brainer for most digital nomads.
If your phone supports eSIM, there is little reason not to have Airalo in your travel toolkit.
Pros
- Instant activation, no waiting for physical delivery
- Coverage in 200+ countries and regions
- Keep your main number active while using data abroad
- Often cheaper than airport SIM cards
- Easy to top up or switch plans mid-trip
Cons
- Data only, no calls or SMS (use WhatsApp/Telegram instead)
- Requires eSIM-compatible phone (most phones from 2019+)
- Some regional plans have inconsistent speeds
Category
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Airalo work with my phone?
Can I still receive calls and texts with Airalo?
How much data do I need as a digital nomad?
Is Airalo cheaper than buying a local SIM card?
Pricing
From $4.50 USD per eSIM
Key Features
- Global and regional eSIM coverage
- Instant delivery and activation via app
- No physical SIM card needed
- Prepaid data plans with no contracts
- Top-up option for existing eSIMs
- Works alongside your regular SIM
Available Regions
200+ countries and regions
