Airalo is one of our favorite providers of mobile internet. That’s why we write about them here.
Landing in a new country used to mean one thing: finding a SIM card kiosk, dealing with local carriers, and hoping your phone would actually connect.
Not anymore.
eSIMs have quietly changed how we travel — letting you land, switch on your data, and get moving without thinking twice. Among them, Airalo has become one of the most talked-about options, especially for frequent travelers and digital nomads.
But with more new eSIM providers entering the market in 2026, the question is simple: is Airalo still one of the best — or just the most well-known?
We tested how it works, what it costs, and where it actually delivers.
Airalo offers e-SIM packages that let you access data on your travels without purchasing a local SIM. You can buy country-specific, regional, and global plans, depending on your itinerary.
Discover how Airalo works, how much its bundles cost, and whether it’s a suitable e-SIM for your budget, plans, and preferences.
Airalo Discount Code & Promotions (2026): Official Deals Explained
Airalo has replaced its rotating monthly deals with two official codes that run through December 31, 2026. New customers enter NEWTOAIRALO15 at checkout for 15% off any eSIM — country, regional, global or unlimited — up to a maximum of $100 off. If you have bought from Airalo before, AIRALOESIM10 takes 10% off any eSIM priced $10 or more, so a $39.50 30-day plan for Thailand comes down to $33.58 on the new-user code or $35.55 on the returning-user one.
Both codes go in under “Apply code / Use Airmoney” on the checkout page or in the app, and both carry the same conditions from Airalo’s campaign terms: one redemption per customer, no stacking with other promotions or with Airmoney credit, and payment by debit or credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay only. The campaign ends early if Airalo’s redemption cap is reached, but at the time of writing both codes work worldwide, including for US and European accounts.
The “Give $3, Get $3” referral program still runs alongside them: share your link and you and your friend each receive $3 in Airmoney after the friend’s first purchase. Because it can’t be combined with a code, use the referral only on small orders — on anything above $20 the 15% code saves you more. For how these compare with what Holafly, Saily and Nomad offer, see our eSIM promo codes guide.
Airalo promo code: 15% off your first eSIM with NEWTOAIRALO15
eSIMs for 200+ countries from $4.50/GB, active the moment you land. New users take 15% off with the code NEWTOAIRALO15; returning customers get 10% off any eSIM of $10+ with AIRALOESIM10, and the referral program pays you and a friend $3 in Airmoney each.
Airalo: The eSIM we recommend first — widest coverage, fair per-GB pricing and the biggest new-user discount of the four.
Official Airalo codes valid to 31 December 2026 — one use per customer, max $100 off, card/PayPal/Apple Pay/Google Pay only, not combinable. Enter under “Apply code” at checkout.
What is Airalo eSim
Airalo is the world’s best-known digital e-SIM provider. Ahmet Bahadir Ozdemir, Abraham Burak, and Duran Akcaylier founded the company in 2019, and it has been backed over the years by venture capital and telecom investors. More than 20 million people currently use Airalo on the road.
The company’s base is in Delaware, USA, but Airalo also has some of its operations in Singapore. If you choose Airalo for your e-SIM, you’ll get data coverage in over 200 countries, one of the largest data offerings of all the global e-SIM providers.
How Does Airalo eSim Work?
An e-SIM replaces the need for a physical, plastic SIM card. When you travel with an e-SIM like Airalo, you don’t need to hunt for a local SIM to replace your data or minutes bundle at home.
You can pre-load your e-SIM before leaving home, and when you touchdown, you’re good to go as soon as you step off the flight. Provided you have a smartphone that supports e-SIMs and isn’t network-locked, Airalo can work for you.
You can load your Airalo e-SIM with data and minutes in over 200 countries. You can select a specific country, an entire region (such as Europe or Asia), or the entire globe, depending on your travel plans. Then, select a package, make the payment, and install your e-SIM. When you arrive in-country, you can connect instantly.
Airalo Pricing & Plans Review: Local, Regional, and Global Options
There are three types of e-SIM plans offered by Airalo: Local, Region, and Global. Local e-SIMs give you coverage in a specific country, from Albania to Zimbabwe. The starting price varies significantly from place to place, typically starting at $4.00 for 1GB of data, valid for three days. This is the best option if you’re only traveling to one country on your trip.
If you’re a digital nomad or planning several trips in a short period, a regional e-SIM could work for you. Airalo currently offers the following regional bundles:
| Bundle | Countries Covered | Price for 7 days |
| Africa | 38 countries & networks | 3GB for $47.00 |
| Africa Safari | Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda | 3GB for $13.00 |
| Asia | 18 countries & networks | 3GB for $9.50 |
| Caribbean Islands | 26 countries & networks | 3GB for $21.00 |
| Europe | 42 countries & networks | 3GB for $13.00 |
| Latin America | 17 countries & networks | 3GB for $21.00 |
| Middle East & North Africa | 12 countries & networks | 3GB for $14.00 |
| North America | Canada, Mexico, the USA | 3GB for $17.00 |
| Oceania | 8 countries & networks | 3GB for $10.50 |
Airalo Coverage: Where Can You Use It? (200+ Countries)
If you’re a globetrotting digital nomad and you regularly change country and even continent, Airalo’s global e-SIM could work for you. It’s currently offered in 167 countries, so be sure to check that your preferred destinations are covered before signing up.
You can sign up for a Global plan for as little as seven days, giving you 1GB for $8.50. But the most popular option among the digital nomad community is the 30-day plan, giving you 3GB for $24.00. This should be enough to stay online between bars, cafes, and hotels when you don’t have access to Wi-Fi.
You can also add calls and texts to your bundles. Here’s an overview of the different tiers you can choose when you sign up for the Airalo Global plan:
| Number of Days | Data, Minutes, and Texts | Cost |
| 7 days | 1GB, 10 mins, 10 SMS | $15.00 |
| 15 days | 2GB, 20 mins, 20 SMS | $27.00 |
| 30 days | 3GB, 30 mins, 30 SMS | $36.00 |
| 60 days | 5GB, 50 mins, 50 SMS | $50.00 |
| 180 days | 10GB, 100 mins, 100 SMS | $79.00 |
| 365 days | 20GB, 200 mins, 200 SMS | $89.00 |
Reviews & Ratings: Is Airalo eSim Worth the Hype?
Trust is a big factor when choosing the best e-SIM. You want to make sure you’re getting value for money and that the connection you get on the road is consistent and stable. Here’s an overview of Airalo’s ratings on various review platforms to give you an idea of what you can expect:
- Trustpilot 4.0/5.0 (35,800+ reviews)
- Apple Store 4.6/5.0 (93,000+ ratings)
- Google Play 4.5/5.0 (173,000+ ratings)
Reading between the lines, many verified reviewers agree that Airalo works well across borders. Users seem to have had problems when traveling before setting up Airalo, so it’s super important to buy your bundle and activate the e-SIM before boarding your flight, as you’ll need a Wi-Fi connection to do so.
Trustpilot review: “I have used an Airalo e-SIM card on my last few trips to Europe. It is amazing. Everything goes flawlessly, the customer service is outstanding, and ‘topping up’ if you need more while on your trip is easy peasy. I highly recommend them and will always use them when traveling internationally.” Linda May, IT
Highly Rated iOS & Android Apps to Manage Your Data on the Go
The Airalo app is highly rated by verified iOS and Android users. The app is intuitive and extremely easy to use. Download it for free from the App Store or Google Play before your trip, and you can buy your preferred package directly, using your digital wallet.
It’s extremely easy to top up through the app, and you can even switch plans if you’re traveling to a new place. We also like that you can receive 24/7 live chat support through the app, which is a handy tool if you experience connectivity issues while on the road.
Also, when you buy bundles on the Airalo app, you’re eligible for cashback on each purchase. Here’s how the cashback tiers work:
| Level | Minimum Spend Required | Benefit |
| Traveler | One Airalo bundle | 5% cashback in Airmoney |
| Silver Traveler | $20.00 | 6% cashback in Airmoney |
| Gold Traveler | $70.00 | 7% cashback in Airmoney |
| Platinum Traveler | $200.00 | 10% cashback in Airmoney |
You can use the Airmoney to purchase e-SIMs, top up your current balance, refer your friends, or access promotional offers.
Alternatives to Airalo? Consider Holafly Unlimited
Holafly is the best alternative to Airalo. Both companies offer country-specific, regional, and global plans that give you data on the go.
If you use a lot of data, you might be more comfortable with Holafly, thanks to its unlimited plan. While more expensive than Airalo’s 30-day Global plan, Holafly Unlimited costs $64.90 monthly and gives you unlimited data on the road. You can even use your hotspot to connect other devices.
So, Airalo is a solid, affordable option that gives you global data, minutes, and texts, but Holafly is a suitable alternative for unlimited data in 150+ countries, though at a higher price point.
Our Verdict: Is Airalo Still the Best?
Airalo is still one of the best global e-SIM options, with affordable data plans starting at around $4.00 for three days. Here’s why we think an Airalo e-SIM can work for you:
Pros and Cons: Should You Choose Airalo eSim?
✅You want the flexibility of a regional or global plan as a digital nomad
✅Your plan should include minutes and texts, as well as data.
✅You value a highly-rated app with cashback, offering 10% savings on future purchases
Airalo might not be the best option for you for the following reasons:
❌Airalo doesn’t offer unlimited data – Holafly is the best e-SIM for unlimited data packages
❌Most Airalo packages don’t give you a local phone number, which might be an issue if you need to set up 2FA or call someone in the country you’re visiting
Check out these wi-fi hotspots tools and vpn services you may need while traveling.
Also, remember that you have some good messaging apps that work without internet.
