Airalo eSIM App (2025): Features, Coverage, Pricing & Review

I. Why eSIM Apps Matter in 2025

Remember when landing in a new country meant hunting for a SIM card kiosk, juggling tiny plastic chips, or relying on expensive airport Wi-Fi just to book a ride? Thankfully, those days are fading fast.

In 2025, the rise of eSIM apps has completely changed how travelers stay connected. Whether you’re exploring Europe, backpacking across Southeast Asia, or attending business meetings in Tokyo, you can now activate a mobile plan instantly — no physical SIM card required.

But here’s the reality: not all eSIM apps work the same. Coverage quality, plan pricing, installation steps, and customer support can differ a lot between providers. Some apps offer seamless, reliable connectivity, while others struggle with slow speeds, unclear carrier details, or limited support.

In this guide, we take an in-depth look at the Airalo eSIM App — one of the most popular global eSIM platforms in 2025. You’ll learn:

• How the app works and what makes it unique
• Where it performs best (and where it doesn’t)
• What real travelers are saying

II. What Is the Airalo eSIM App?

If you’ve searched for an eSIM app recently, chances are you’ve come across the Airalo eSIM App. With its user-friendly design, strong advertising, and coverage in 200+ countries and regions, Airalo has become one of the most trusted tools for global travelers.

But what exactly is the Airalo app, and how does it work?

1. Airalo eSIM App Overview

Airalo is a digital eSIM marketplace that lets you buy, install, and manage eSIMs directly on your smartphone. No more physical SIM cards, no airport queues, and no scrambling for kiosks.

Types of eSIM plans offered:

• Local eSIMs → For single-country usage
• Regional eSIMs → Cover multiple countries within a region (e.g., Asialink for Asia)
• Global eSIMs → One plan that works across many countries worldwide

Flexible data options: starting from 1GB/7 days for short trips to multi-country plans lasting up to 30 days. Airalo also now offers unlimited data plans in select markets (subject to Fair Usage Policy).

Airalo App Overview

2. Airalo’s Global Coverage

Airalo provides eSIM coverage in 200+ countries and territories. Some popular destinations include:

• United States, Japan, France, Vietnam, Colombia
• Plus less common regions like Drei (3AT) in Austria and various local carriers across Africa

Carrier transparency:
For many plans, Airalo shows the partner network before purchase. Examples:

• Austria → Drei (3AT)
• Japan → SoftBank, KDDI, or Docomo depending on the plan
• Philippines → Globe or Smart

This makes it easier to know which network you’ll be using before you buy.

3. How to Install the Airalo App

1. Download the app (available on iOS & Android)
2. Create an account – just your email and a password
3. Browse available eSIMs by country or region
4. Purchase a data plan (prices vary per location)
5. Install & activate via QR code or direct configuration

Once installed, your eSIM is ready to go. Just open your settings and turn it on when you land.

III. In-Depth Airalo eSIM Review (2025 Edition)

Now that we know what Airalo is and how it works, let’s answer the real question: ”Does Airalo actually deliver on its promise of seamless global connectivity?” To find out, we looked at real-world performance across multiple regions, analyzed verified user reviews, and tested several Airalo plans on-site in North America, Europe, and Asia.

1. Airalo in the USA

Pros

• Works on major carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon
• Smooth activation using QR or direct install
• Good speeds in metropolitan areas
• Auto top-up & usage alerts make it easy to manage data

Cons

• Coverage can drop in rural areas and national parks
• Some plans don’t include unlimited data (only capped options)
• Hotspot support depends on the carrier → check before purchase
• Customer support responds, but time zones can cause slight delays

Verdict

Great for city travelers and short-term trips. If you’re planning to work remotely in rural areas, consider a local eSIM for better coverage.

2. Airalo in Europe

Pros

• Wide coverage in 40+ countries with regional plans
• Competitive pricing for 7–15 day trips
• Easy switching between countries → no need to reinstall the eSIM
• Shows carrier details upfront for many plans

Cons

• Speeds vary depending on the local partner network
• Some plans don’t support hotspot sharing
• Transparency on specific carriers is inconsistent for certain countries

Verdict

Convenient if you’re hopping between European countries. For heavy data users, check carrier info and hotspot availability before purchasing.

3. Airalo in Asia

Tested in: Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines

Pros

• Fast installation and activation
• Good speeds in major cities, airports, and tourist hubs
• Affordable compared to roaming fees
• Usage alerts help avoid sudden data loss

Cons

• Speeds can drop in smaller towns and rural regions (e.g., Lao Cai, Chiang Rai)
• Customer support is English-only, which may frustrate some local users
• Some Japanese users reported occasional mid-day disconnections on SoftBank

Verdict Airalo performs well for short stays in major Asian cities. For longer trips or remote work, you may want a provider that partners more directly with top-tier local carriers.

4. What Real Travelers Are Saying

“Airalo worked fine for me in Paris and Rome, but it randomly cut off in Croatia. Support took hours to reply.” — Nina D., travel blogger “I use it as a backup. For work calls, I prefer local eSIMs or other providers since Airalo’s support isn’t fast enough.” — Alex M., frequent business traveler

5. Key Takeaways from Our Testing

6. Where Airalo Works Best

• Short-term travelers visiting major cities
• People who don’t need unlimited data but want flexible options
• Digital nomads who use Airalo as a backup eSIM

7. Where It Falls Short

• Travelers going off-the-beaten path or rural areas
• Heavy data users who need true unlimited plans
• Users who prefer local-language customer support

IV. Airalo eSIM App Reviews Across Regions (2025)

Airalo claims to provide global eSIM coverage in 200+ countries, but real-world performance varies depending on location, carrier partnerships, and plan type. We analyzed traveler feedback, verified reviews, and speed test data to break down how Airalo performs in key regions.

1. Japan — Airalo eSIM Japan Review

Partner Networks

• SoftBank, KDDI, or Docomo (depends on the specific plan)

Performance

• Speed: Excellent in Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama (avg. 70–90 Mbps)
• Rural coverage: Drops significantly in remote towns like Hakone or rural Kyoto
• Hotspot support: Available for most plans, but always confirm before purchase
• Setup: Smooth activation; direct install or QR both work well

Traveler Feedback “Airalo worked well in Tokyo, but speeds dropped a lot when I went hiking in Nagano.” — John M., digital nomad Verdict

• Best for: Tourists visiting Tokyo, Osaka, or other major cities
• Not ideal for: Remote workers needing stable connectivity in countryside areas

2. Philippines — Airalo eSIM Philippines Review

Partner Networks

• Globe or Smart (randomly assigned based on availability)

Performance

• Speed: Good in Manila and Cebu (~40–60 Mbps), slower on smaller islands (~10–20 Mbps)
• Hotspot support: Enabled on most plans
• Reliability: Some users report occasional signal drops in island destinations
• Activation: Straightforward but may take a few minutes longer than in other regions

Traveler Feedback “Worked perfectly in Manila but failed completely in Palawan. Customer support was slow to respond.” — Sarah K., travel blogger Verdict

• Best for: Short-term trips in Manila, Cebu, or Boracay
• Not ideal for: Extended stays on remote islands or heavy video streaming

3. Colombia — Airalo eSIM Colombia Review

Partner Networks

• Movistar or Claro (assigned automatically)

Performance

• Speed: Solid in Bogotá and Medellín (~30–50 Mbps), inconsistent in mountainous regions (~5–15 Mbps)
• Hotspot support: Supported, but confirm plan details before purchase
• Device compatibility: Some Android users reported issues with manual installation on Android 12+
• Customer support: Response times slower in local time zones

Traveler Feedback “Good enough for browsing and Instagram, but video calls dropped several times in Medellín.” — Pablo R., business traveler Verdict

• Best for: City stays and lightweight usage
• Not ideal for: Rural exploration or business travelers who rely on uninterrupted Zoom calls

4. Europe — Airalo Regional Plans

Partner Networks

• Varies by country; includes major carriers like Vodafone, Orange, and Telefónica

Performance

• Speed: Consistently strong in major EU capitals (avg. 50–80 Mbps)
• Cross-border switching: Seamless on regional plans — no need to reinstall
• Transparency: Some plans show carrier upfront; others leave it unspecified

Traveler Feedback “I traveled from France to Spain to Italy without a hiccup — super convenient.” — Nina D., solo traveler Verdict

• Best for: Multi-country trips within the EU
• Not ideal for: Power users who need guaranteed high speeds in every country

5. Southeast Asia — Airalo Asialink Regional Plan

Partner Networks

• Typically AIS (Thailand), Globe/Smart (Philippines), VNPT/Viettel (Vietnam), SingTel (Singapore)

Performance

• Speed: Stable in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Singapore (~40–70 Mbps)
• Tourist areas: Reliable around popular hubs, but speeds drop in rural towns
• Hotspot support: Available, but double-check per country

Traveler Feedback “Great for short trips across Thailand and Vietnam, but I switched to a local eSIM for work calls.” — David L., digital nomad Verdict

• Best for: Travelers hopping between Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia
• Not ideal for: Long-term stays in rural Southeast Asia

Summary Table — Airalo Performance by Country

Key Takeaways

• Airalo delivers stable performance in major cities and tourist hubs
• Speeds drop in rural or remote locations
• Carrier transparency has improved but isn’t perfect
• Great for short-term trips and multi-country travel, less ideal for remote workers or data-heavy users

Best Data Plans for International Travel

V. Disadvantages Nobody Tells You About Airalo

Yes, Airalo has done a great job at building its brand, but don’t rely solely on the glowing marketing claims without verifying things for yourself. Here’s a tip: if you want to know whether Airalo truly deserves your trust, check real user reviews on discussion platforms and Q&A communities. We’ve done the research for you and summarized the key insights below.

1. Inaccurate Data Usage Tracking

One of the biggest complaints from Airalo users is that the app often shows incorrect remaining data. Many travelers report situations where the app claims they still have 90% of their data left, even though they’ve nearly used it all — or, conversely, it says they’re out of data when they still have plenty. This mismatch can lead to unexpected cut-offs, confusion about real usage, and even unnecessary extra purchases while traveling.

2. Remaining Data Does Not Roll Over

If you purchase a top-up package before your current plan expires, any unused data from the original package will be lost. Airalo doesn’t merge your remaining balance with the new package, meaning you might end up wasting gigabytes of data. For frequent travelers, this can be costly and frustrating.

3. Top-Ups Charged but Not Delivered

Some users report that they’ve been charged for top-ups but never actually receive them in the app. In certain cases, packages take hours — or even days — to appear, leaving travelers without data when they need it most. This can be particularly stressful when arriving in a new country and depending on connectivity immediately.

4. Limited and Slow Customer Support

Airalo does not offer real live chat support in its app or on its website. Even though the interface suggests you can talk to an agent, it usually just forwards your request to email. Many users complain about slow response times, generic troubleshooting replies, and a lack of real human assistance, which can be frustrating when you urgently need help.

5. Technical and Compatibility Issues

Some travelers experience difficulties when setting up Airalo eSIMs, especially on certain devices or when switching between countries. Problems include:

• APN settings not updating automatically
• eSIM activation delays
• Connectivity issues when crossing borders
• Multiple eSIM profiles causing conflicts

These technical hiccups can disrupt your travel plans if you’re not prepared to troubleshoot.

Bottom Line

Airalo is still a useful and affordable solution for international connectivity, but it’s not perfect. Be aware of its limitations — inaccurate data tracking, lost unused data, possible top-up delays, limited support, and occasional technical issues — so you can plan ahead and avoid unexpected headaches while traveling.

VI. Airalo App vs Gohub App: Which One’s Better for Real Travelers?

Both Airalo and Gohub are popular eSIM apps offering global connectivity, but they focus on different priorities:

• Airalo: Prioritizes global reach and variety with eSIM plans in 200+ countries.
• Gohub: Focuses on traveler experience, regional optimization (especially in Asia), and personalized support.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison based on features, performance, and usability in 2025:

1. Airalo vs Gohub eSIM: An Updated 2025 Comparison

Our Recommendation

If you mainly travel across Asia, Southeast Asia, or APAC, Gohub eSIM is the better choice because it offers:

• Higher user ratings and stronger real-world feedback
• One-tap activation with fewer technical issues
• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
• Faster multilingual support (including Vietnamese, Japanese, and Filipino)
• Better value for long stays and smaller data plans
• A 100% instant refund guarantee for failed activations

However, if your trips span multiple continents and you need global coverage with more flexible bundle options, Airalo can still be a good choice thanks to its wider reach and global plans.

VI. Common Airalo Questions & Quick Answers (2025)

Choosing the right eSIM app isn’t just about pricing — it’s also about reliability, usability, and support. Here are the most common questions travelers ask about Airalo, with updated, fact-checked answers.

1. Is Airalo legit?

Yes. Airalo is a registered company that partners with 200+ mobile carriers worldwide. Payments are secure, and the app is available on both iOS and Android. However, reviews show mixed feedback on customer support and refunds. While Airalo does offer refunds for failed activations, the process can take longer compared to some competitors.

2. Is Airalo safe to use?

Yes. Payments are encrypted, and you can pay via credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. However, Airalo doesn’t yet support two-factor authentication (2FA), which some users prefer for added account security.

3. Does Airalo work in all countries?

Technically yes — Airalo covers 200+ countries and regions. But real-world performance varies:

• Strong coverage in major cities and popular tourist areas
• Weaker speeds in rural or remote locations
• Some countries don’t display carrier info upfront, so check before purchase

4. Does Airalo offer unlimited data plans?

Yes, in select markets. Airalo now offers unlimited plans in certain countries, but most come with a Fair Usage Policy (FUP). After hitting the soft limit, speeds may be throttled. Pro tip: Always read the plan details carefully to avoid surprises.

5. Can I use my phone as a hotspot with Airalo?

In most cases, yes. Airalo supports hotspot/tethering for many plans, but availability depends on the local carrier and device compatibility. Check the “Additional Info” section of each plan before buying.

6. Does Airalo support auto top-up and usage alerts?

Yes.

• You can enable auto top-up to renew your plan automatically.
• Airalo sends usage alerts when your data is running low, helping you avoid unexpected cutoffs.

7. Can I get customer support in my language?

• App interface: Available in 50+ languages, including Vietnamese, Japanese, and Spanish
• Live chat support: Currently 24/7 in English only
• For non-English speakers, translation features in the app can help, but localized human support is still limited.

8. Is Airalo good for digital nomads and business travelers?

It depends on your needs:

• Good for: City-based professionals and short-term travelers who need flexible data plans
• Not ideal for: Remote workers who need guaranteed high speeds or localized tech support

If you rely on stable connections for video calls, streaming, or heavy uploads, consider checking local eSIM options in addition to Airalo. Quick Summary Table — Airalo at a Glance

Airalo is a reliable, flexible, and globally accessible eSIM app in 2025 — but it’s not perfect. It shines for short-term travelers and multi-country trips, while local eSIM providers may still perform better for remote work or heavy data needs.

VII. Final Thoughts: Is the Airalo eSIM App Worth It in 2025?

The Airalo eSIM App is still a solid choice for short trips and multi-country travel, offering wide coverage and easy activation.

However, in 2025, Gohub has become a better option for many travelers — especially across Asia-Pacific:

Bottom line:

• Choose Airalo → if you want a simple, global solution for short stays.
• Choose Gohub → if you want lower prices, faster support, and a risk-free refund policy.

For Asia-Pacific routes and data-heavy travelers, Gohub is now the smarter pick over the Airalo eSIM App.

👉 Download Gohub App Now – and get connected to a smoother, smarter adventure.

Want a full breakdown comparing GoHub vs Airalo beyond just the app?
We compared pricing, coverage, customer support, and more in this complete GoHub vs Airalo comparison.