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Travel can be life-changing, the experience of new cultures, cuisines, and monumental landscapes. Despite this, we’ll admit that travel can be stressful, even for the seasoned traveller. Stepping outside your normal routine and comfort zone can be challenging, especially when paired with circumstances out of your control, not to mention the endless security airport queues after you’ve been stuck in heavy traffic.
Over the last 10 years, we’ve picked up numerous travel tips, contributing to our go-to travel essentials, and making travel a much more enjoyable experience! Once you arrive in a new country, the last thing you want to do is stand in another line after a day of travel to get a new SIM card.
A few years ago, we discovered one of the best eSIMs for Europe on a summer road trip along the west coast of France and Portugal. We used Holafly for 90 days, and it offers a convenient and sustainable way of getting internet when on the go without the hassle of replacing your phone's SIM card.
In the search for the best internet for travel, this review article will share our detailed and honest Holafly eSIM review, our experience using a Holafly eSIM, how it works, and whether Holafly is one of the best eSIMs for travel. Right, let’s get into it!
What is an e-SIM?
An eSIM stands for embedded SIM and is a digital SIM that you can use on your mobile phone without needing a physical SIM card. eSIM technology is a recent innovation, launched on the consumer market in 2016.
Apple released its first eSIM phone in 2018, which opened up more opportunities for the eSIM technology to be adopted. It’s important to check if your phone is e-SIM compatible, as most newer models are.
Getting an eSIM can save you money compared to buying a foreign SIM card. Additionally, eSIMs are a more eco-friendly choice since they eliminate the need for a physical SIM, which is typically discarded after use.
Since Brexit, using the internet while travelling outside the UK can be costly because the UK is no longer covered by free roaming under EU legislation, leading to hefty charges for data use abroad. This makes eSIMs an attractive option, offering plans with unlimited data and fixed prices without hidden costs, giving you peace of mind during your travels.
Who are Holafly?
Holafly is a digital startup based in Spain, created by Pedro and Lidia in 2017 after experiencing the frustration of having no internet connection while travelling. Holafly is one of the leading and biggest eSIM providers and offers eSIMs in over 200 destinations, with offices worldwide in Ireland, Colombia, Peru and Thailand.
How does an eSIM with Holafly work?
Holafly provides an assortment of customisable data plans tailored to the length of your trip and the number of eSIMs you require. It’s an easy process where you simply choose your destination and the duration of your stay to view the available options.
You can choose when your data plan starts, ensuring you have internet access as soon as you arrive at your destination. If your trip gets cancelled or rescheduled, Holafly allows you to cancel your order for a full refund. Additionally, you can purchase multiple eSIMs, with the recommendation of having one per person. While there is the option to tether to other devices, it is limited to 500 MB per day and is not available for all destinations.
Best eSIM for the Olympics 2024
We purchased our eSIM in France and were impressed by the unlimited data price plans and how easy it was to set it up on our phones without needing to visit a store. The main reason we chose this option was the ability to purchase full coverage for Europe, which was perfect since we were travelling to France, Spain and Portugal.
The price for the eSIM for Europe was the same as for selecting a single destination. Access to the internet was instant, with high-speed connections up to 4G and 5G speeds. Planning to visit France this summer for the Olympics? A Holafly eSIM could be a great option for staying connected!
What data plans does Holafly offer?
Many plans offer unlimited data eSIMs for most destinations, which is fantastic because it eliminates the worry of exceeding your data limit. However, be aware that speed reductions may occur if the carrier enforces a Fair Usage Policy. You can check this under the technical specifications of the plan, where you'll see which network carrier you'll be using and whether they have a Fair Usage Policy.
Please note that this won't affect the amount of data you can use, only the speed. If you opt for a limited data plan, you can monitor your usage through the Holafly app or by checking the data settings on your device for the eSIM.
For unlimited plans, the only thing that expires is the duration you choose, for example, 30 days, which determines how long you'll have data access. However, with limited plans that offer a specific amount of preloaded data, like 3GB over 30 days, using up all the data in a shorter period (e.g. 3 days) will cause the eSIM to expire. You can easily top up your eSIM using the app if you run out of data.
As previously mentioned, one of the main reasons we chose a Holafly eSIM is the ability to purchase one that covers multiple locations. These regions include Europe, Latin America, Asia, North America, and the Caribbean (refer to the Holafly website for the specific countries included for each group).
Most data plans offer unlimited data for popular destinations like the USA, UK, Mexico, France, Japan, China, Spain, and others. The table below provides examples of prices for various packages. The Europe package is priced the same as selecting a single European country, making it a convenient option and saving you the hassle of managing different SIMs for each country you visit.
Holafly offers more restricted options for certain destinations. For Jordan, Holafly offers unlimited packages but limits durations to a maximum of 20 days and does not support hot spotting capabilities.
On the other hand, Nepal does not have unlimited data packages; instead, data is capped at a specific limit without the option to choose the number of days or increase the data amount. However, you can select plans for up to 30 days with hot spotting capabilities for Nepal.
Holafly eSIM packages (2024)
For our 90-day trip to France, Spain, and Portugal in 2022, we paid £82.65 (with a discount code), which averaged to less than £1 per day! Prices have increased slightly since then, but it's still a great deal at around £1.30 per day for unlimited internet over 90 days.
For a week in France, the cost of using an eSIM is £3 per day, potentially saving you money compared to using your local network provider at home and avoiding expensive roaming charges.
What is the coverage like with Holafly?
Holafly partners with local mobile network providers in your destination country to ensure optimal coverage. It's important to check the coverage availability in your specific area before purchasing an eSIM, as major cities typically have good coverage, but more remote areas may not be as reliable.
For detailed coverage information, contact the Holafly customer service team via their online chat. If you plan to hike or visit remote regions far from main cities, understanding the reliability of coverage is particularly important.
Holafly offers eSIM data packages in over 190 destinations, including 32 European countries such as Greece, Norway, and Slovenia.
How do I set up my Holafly eSIM?
It’s best to download your eSIM before reaching your destination and activate it on arrival. Once you purchase your Holafly eSIM, you’ll receive a confirmation email, similar to the one below, with set-up instructions.
To set up your eSIM, you’ll need internet access via WiFi or mobile data. Holafly provides detailed videos tailored for iPhones, Samsung, and Google phones, guiding you through each setup step.
Prepare by installing the eSIM beforehand so it's ready to activate as soon as you arrive at your destination. For iPhone users, it's essential to have iOS 17.4 or newer installed to take advantage of the automated feature for installing and activating your eSIM.
Here's how to install Holafly eSIM on your iPhone:
Ensure you are connected to the internet (WiFi or mobile).
Go to Settings > Cellular.
Tap on 'Add eSIM’'.
Select 'Use QR Code'.
Scan the QR code using your iPhone from either another device or a printed copy.
If scanning isn't an option, choose 'Enter Details Manually'. Holafly will provide several codes that you need to enter.
Select the label for your new plan (e.g., Secondary).
Rename the SIM to 'Holafly + destination name'.
Set your primary line as Default for calls, iMessages, and FaceTime.
Choose Holafly as your Cellular Data option.
Disable 'Allow Mobile Data Switching' to avoid roaming charges.
To activate your Holafly eSIM once you've arrived at your destination:
Go to Settings > Cellular.
Select your Holafly eSIM.
Activate 'Turn on This Line' and 'Data Roaming'.
Go back to Cellular Settings and ensure Holafly is selected as your default.
What is it like to use a Holafly eSIM in Europe?
Our first experience with Holafly in 2022 demonstrated the simplicity of using an eSIM - it’s quick to install and offers affordable data packages for unlimited data. During our travels, we rely on the internet to stay connected on social media, using Google Maps for navigation and keeping up with work emails.
Throughout our three-month journey across Europe, Holafly consistently provided fast internet speeds. In more remote areas with limited phone signal, however, we experienced occasional limitations in internet connectivity, but this was to be expected.
Before purchasing our Holafly eSIM, we engaged with their customer service team using the online chat function to address a few questions about the functionality of the eSIM and ensure adequate coverage along our road trip. They were quick to respond and the online chat feature made it convenient to obtain all the necessary information before purchasing.
What are the Benefits and Disadvantages of using an eSIM?
When using an eSIM, it’s important to understand that it works differently from a traditional SIM card. Unlike your physical SIM, an eSIM does not provide a local phone number, which means you won’t be able to make calls or send text messages using conventional methods. However, you can use apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, FaceTime and Skype to text and call.
An eSIM and your physical SIM can be used at the same time. There is the option to still use your physical SIM for calls and receive texts while abroad, but you will need to check with your local provider for these charges.
Compatibility varies among phone models, so it's crucial to check if your device supports eSIM functionality before purchasing. Additionally, your phone must be unlocked to authorise the use of other cellular networks, upon which this service relies. This ensures smooth operation and connectivity when using an eSIM.
Is a Holafly eSIM really worth it?
For frequent travellers or those on short getaways, using a Holafly eSIM offers an affordable and reliable option for accessing the internet. If you’re planning to visit multiple countries in Europe, the convenience and value of staying connected without the hassle of changing SIM cards is well worth it, allowing you to have more time to relax and explore!
One drawback to consider is the limited data allowance of 500MB for tethering to other devices. For digital nomads or those who work remotely, having an option tailored for using laptops abroad without relying solely on WiFi would be amazing. The best use of a Holafly eSIM is primarily for staying connected via your phone, using navigation apps, and keeping in touch with friends and family.
If you need to work while travelling abroad, we recommend using the Holafly eSIM for emails and essential tasks on your phone. For heavier data use on laptops, relying on WiFi is advisable, as 500 MB will quickly get depleted from prolonged usage.
If you're considering purchasing a Holafly eSIM after reading this review, use our discount code 'FINDINGOURADVENTURE' at checkout for a 5% discount.
FAQ
Does Holafly actually work?
Yes, Holafly works in over 170 countries and is a great choice for having reliable internet around the world. The Holafly eSIM works by leveraging local mobile networks in each country to ensure good coverage and connectivity. We used Holafly eSIM in 2022 for 90 days in France, Spain and Portugal.
Is Holafly really unlimited data?
Holafly offers unlimited data plans for many popular destinations, which means you can use data without a specific cap on the amount used during your chosen plan duration. However, it's important to note that "unlimited" may come with fair usage policies (FUP) that could result in reduced speeds after a certain amount of data usage.
Before purchasing a Holafly eSIM, it's worth reviewing the specific terms and conditions of the unlimited data plan for your destination. This will explain any potential limitations or restrictions that may apply to your usage, ensuring you choose the plan that best fits your needs while travelling.
Can you call with Holafly?
Unfortunately, you cannot make a traditional voice call using a Holafly eSIM, as they are primarily designed for data usage. If you need to make calls while using your Holafly eSIM, you can use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) apps such as WhatsApp, Skype, Telegram and FaceTime.
Can you hotspot with Holafly?
With the Holafly eSIM, you'll enjoy unlimited data, but there's a daily limit of 500 MB for sharing with other devices on certain plans. This marks a significant improvement from our experience with Holafly two years ago, when data usage was restricted to your phone without the option for hot spotting. We hope in the future there will be more options to increase this limit, especially for digital nomads and those working abroad.
What devices work with eSIM?
eSIM technology is supported by a wide range of devices; most newer models of smartphones from different manufacturers support eSIM functionality. This includes iPhones (iPhone XR, XS, 11, 12 series, etc.), Google Pixel phones, Samsung Galaxy phones (S20, S21 series, etc.), and others.
Before purchasing an eSIM, check the compatibility of your device. Most newer phones will support eSIM technology. Check online for the list of compatible devices with the Holafly eSIM.
What are the disadvantages of an eSIM?
eSIMs have limitations such as device lock-in, which restricts service to a single device, varying roaming capabilities that affect availability in different regions, and limited compatibility with devices that support this technology. There is the option to transfer the Holafly eSIM once to another device, which offers some flexibility if you change your phone during your trip.
