Physical SIM cards are a thing of the past for many travelers. Thanks to eSIMs, you can easily get cell service and a reliable connection in most places. If you’re a frequent traveler and haven’t tried out this technology yet, this may be the perfect time to do it.
There are many providers out there that will give you most of what you need, whether you have an Apple or Android phone.
Over the past few years, however, Apple has removed the physical SIM tray from its phones. In other words, you can’t install an actual SIM anymore. Although this creates an inconvenience for some, the “e-SIM” can easily solve the problem.
Which network provider is best for you, though? On this page, we’ll give you an honest review of Airalo for iPhones. It’s one of our favorites when it comes to traveling, and you’ll soon find out why.
What Is Airalo?
Airalo is an online marketplace. It offers eSIMs for those who want to travel.
Whether you’re someone who makes multiple trips in a year or is looking for a one-time solution, this eSIM store may have enough for what you want.
One of Airalo’s standout features is that its eSIM cards are country-specific. In other words, some of its options may be cheaper than a global or local SIM card.
One of the main downsides to Airalo is that it’s mostly limited to data. If you’re looking for something to make phone calls, you may have to look elsewhere.
Airalo eSIM Review | A Comprehensive Overview
Let’s go over everything you should know about Airalo. This review will help you determine whether an eSIM purchase from this company is worth it.
How Can You Use Airalo?
Setting up your Airalo eSIM is very easy. Also, its support team is knowledgeable and friendly. Whenever we contacted Airalo, we got all our issues sorted out right away.
Here’s what you have to do to start enjoying an internet connection with Airalo:
Pick a Plan and Destination
One of the greatest parts about Airalo is that it’s available in many countries. If you’re looking for a Europe eSIM or anything else, the chances are that you’ll find a product that suits your needs.
First, visit Airalo’s website to access the store. You can also download the app for more convenience.
Once you’re there, pick the country you’re going to, and Airalo will give you a list of data plans to choose from. Pick a plan according to how much data you need and how long you’ll stay abroad.
Check Your Device’s Compatibility
Before picking an eSIM for your next trip, check if your iPhone supports this technology. The good news is that most iPhones from the past five years are compatible.
Install and Activate the eSIM
When you get your eSIM, follow the instructions provided by the Airalo customer service department to install it. Here’s what the process looks like on iPhone:
- Open your settings.
- Tap on “Cellular” and navigate to “eSIMs.”
- Tap on “Add eSIM.”
- Tap on “Use QR Code.”
- Scan the QR code provided by Airalo.
That’s it! You don’t need to be tech-savvy to complete the process. Still, if you’re having any issues with the installation or data usage, contact Airalo support for more information. Also, check that you’re not in airplane mode, as this will prevent you from getting a connection.
Keep in mind that you should be connected to the internet when installing/activating your eSIM.
While you can rely on airport WiFi for this, we don’t recommend you arrive at your destination to set up everything. Not all airports have free WiFi, which can make the process more complicated for you.
If you’re installing multiple eSIMs, make sure to label them. iPhones allow you to pick a name for your SIM, such as “Asia” or “Europe.”
Which iPhones Are Compatible with the Airalo App?
Apple started implementing eSIM technology in 2017 with its Apple Watch Series 3. In 2018, it implemented this technology into the iPhones.
In other words, starting from the iPhone XS and XR, you can easily install eSIMs. The first iPhone released without a SIM tray was the iPhone 14, which was released back in 2022.
What’s the Experience Like with Airalo?
Airalo has affordable prices, and it works seamlessly. We’ve tried it in different iPhone models, and we had a great experience every time. Of course, the newer your iPhone is, the more likely that your connection speeds will be faster.
Since you’re only getting data plans with Airalo most of the time, you can use it to navigate social media apps, use Google Maps, or search the web.
We consider Airalo to be convenient enough for travelers. Some of the benefits we compiled include:
- Fast connectivity
- Great performance
- Variety of plans
- Easy top-up process
- Multiple SIM compatibility
About Airalo’s Loyalty Program
Airalo has a loyalty program that you may be interested in. Once you sign up, you’ll start at the “Traveler” membership level. As you purchase more eSIMs, you can get into new levels and earn cashback rewards.
Here’s the list of rewards:
- Traveler: 5% in cashback rewards. $0 required in eSIM purchases.
- Silver Traveler: 6% in cashback rewards. $20 required in eSIM purchases.
- Gold Traveler: 7% in cashback rewards. $70 required in eSIM purchases.
- Platinum Traveler: 10% in cashback rewards. $200 required in eSIM purchases.
The cashback rewards get stored in “Airmoney,” which is an Airalo credit system.
Keep in mind that you can also earn Airmoney by:
- Referring other people
- Getting promotional offers
- Topping up your eSIMs
Are There Any Disadvantages to Using Airalo?
There are a few negatives to point out from Airalo, although we don’t consider them severe enough:
- Setup Challenges: If you don’t follow the instructions carefully, your eSIM may not work correctly. However, the support department can help you if any problems come up.
- Connectivity Issues: Although it doesn’t happen all the time, you may experience a few connection drops, depending on where you are.
- Lack of 5G Coverage: Not all destinations have 5G connectivity, so if you’re looking for the fastest speeds possible, you may not have many options available.
Why Should You Use an eSIM While Traveling?
Simply put, eSIMs make your connectivity experience much more seamless. You don’t have to worry about going to a local carrier to purchase a physical SIM card. All you have to do is contact Airalo, follow the instructions, and you’re done.
Also, Airalo offers competitive prices. While a “real SIM” may sometimes be cheaper than a digital one, Airalo has a few plans that may be a better bang for your buck.
If you’re someone who travels a lot, an eSIM will be a game-changer.
Most recent iPhones allow you to store up to eight eSIMs, and you can even use two at a time. In other words, you can switch seamlessly between carriers and not worry about switching a physical card every time.
Since you’re managing the setup process from your phone, you can install the eSIM before you even arrive at your destination. This means that you can be instantly connected.
Finally, eSIMs are environmentally friendly options. There’s less plastic waste to worry about since you’re doing everything from your phone.
Bottom Line – Is Airalo Worth Your Time?
Many Airalo reviews online praise the easy setup process, fast connectivity, and variety of plans. If you’re looking for a reliable eSIM provider to use while you’re abroad, Airalo might be one of the greatest options out there.
Most iPhones are perfectly equipped to support eSIM cards, so all you have to do is pick the plan that best suits your needs, contact Airalo, and get started.