What is a travel eSIM?
A travel eSIM is a digital SIM card you install on your phone before you travel abroad. Instead of swapping physical SIM cards or paying expensive roaming charges to your UK network, you activate a local data plan digitally. Your UK number stays active on your primary SIM for calls and texts, while the travel eSIM handles data at local rates.
Travel eSIMs have become the standard choice for frequent travellers since iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 7 all support dual SIM — meaning you can run your UK SIM and a travel eSIM simultaneously.
The key difference between Airalo and Holafly
Airalo sells data-limited plans. You buy a set amount of data — 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB — and use it until it runs out. Plans are priced per GB and are typically cheaper per gigabyte than Holafly, but you need to manage your usage and top up if you run out.
Holafly sells unlimited data plans with a time limit. You pay for a period — 5 days, 7 days, 15 days, 30 days — and get unlimited data for that window. No worrying about running out, but you pay a flat rate regardless of how much you actually use.
Price comparison — Europe, 7 days
For a 7-day Europe trip, here is what each provider currently charges:
Airalo Europe 1GB: approximately £4–5. Airalo Europe 3GB: approximately £8–9. Airalo Europe 5GB: approximately £11–12. Airalo Europe 10GB: approximately £17–18.
Holafly Europe 7-day unlimited: approximately £22–25.
For light users (checking maps, messaging, occasional browsing), Airalo at 3GB for £9 is significantly cheaper than Holafly at £22. For heavy users (streaming, video calls, working remotely), Holafly's unlimited removes the anxiety of running out and may represent better value.
The crossover point is roughly 7–8GB. If you will use more than that in 7 days, Holafly is competitive. Below that, Airalo wins on price.
Coverage comparison
Both Airalo and Holafly offer good coverage across Europe and most major travel destinations globally. The key difference is in how they select carriers.
Airalo gives you a choice of carrier per country. For France, you might choose between three different local operators at different price points. This flexibility means you can pick the strongest network in your destination. For popular destinations like France, Spain, Italy and Germany, Airalo's coverage is excellent.
Holafly uses a fixed carrier per region. You do not get to choose. Coverage is generally solid across Europe but you have less control over which network you connect to.
For unusual destinations or remote areas, Airalo's carrier flexibility can be an advantage. For mainstream European cities, both are equivalent.
Ease of use
Both Airalo and Holafly work the same way technically — you purchase a plan, receive a QR code by email, and scan it to install the eSIM on your phone. This can be done from home before you travel and takes about 5 minutes.
Airalo's app is more feature-rich — you can manage multiple eSIM profiles, see remaining data, and purchase top-ups directly in the app. The interface is clean and well-reviewed on both iOS and Android.
Holafly's process is simpler — you buy online, receive a QR code, scan it. There is less to configure. For occasional travellers who just want it to work, Holafly's simplicity is an advantage.
Customer support
Holafly has built a reputation for strong customer support — live chat is available and response times are generally fast. This matters when you are abroad and something is not working.
Airalo's support is primarily email-based through the app. Response times can be slower. For straightforward setups this is rarely an issue, but if you have a connectivity problem mid-trip, Holafly's live support is a meaningful advantage.
Which phones are compatible?
Both Airalo and Holafly require an eSIM-compatible phone. Compatible devices include:
Apple: iPhone XS and later (all models). Samsung: Galaxy S20 and later, Galaxy Z Fold, Galaxy Z Flip. Google: Pixel 3 and later. Most flagship Android phones from 2020 onwards.
Note: Some carrier-locked phones may not support eSIM for travel. Check your device settings before purchasing. On iPhone, go to Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM to confirm compatibility.
Data only vs calls and texts
Both Airalo and Holafly are data-only plans. You will not get a local phone number or be able to make traditional calls on the travel eSIM. For calls and texts, use your UK SIM (which remains active on dual SIM devices) via Wi-Fi calling or messaging apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime and iMessage over data.
If you need a local phone number for calls — for example, booking restaurants or taxis that require a local number — a physical local SIM from a convenience store or airport kiosk is the only option. Travel eSIMs do not provide this.
Which should you choose in 2026?
Choose Airalo if: you use less than 5GB per week, you want the best price per GB, you are happy to monitor your data usage, you are visiting multiple countries and want carrier flexibility, or you travel frequently and want a single app to manage all your eSIMs.
Choose Holafly if: you are a heavy data user (streaming, remote working, video calls), you want complete peace of mind with no data limits, you value strong customer support, or you are travelling for an extended period where managing a data budget would be stressful.
For most UK travellers on a typical European city break (4–7 days, moderate data use), Airalo at 3–5GB is the better value. For longer trips or heavy users, Holafly's unlimited model is worth the premium.
GadgetRank travel SIM comparison
GadgetRank lists BambooSIM and WorldSIM as travel eSIM partners with plans for Europe and global destinations. Both offer competitive rates for UK travellers.
Apple maintains a full list of eSIM compatible devices on their support site — check before purchasing a travel eSIM.
Compare travel SIM plans on GadgetRank →
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Airalo and Holafly on any phone?
You need an unlocked eSIM-compatible phone. Most flagship smartphones from 2019 onwards support eSIM. Carrier-locked phones may not work — check with your network before purchasing.
Do I need to be connected to Wi-Fi to install a travel eSIM?
Yes. You need a Wi-Fi connection to scan the QR code and install the eSIM profile. Always install your travel eSIM at home before you travel, not at the airport.
Can I top up Airalo if I run out of data?
Yes. Airalo allows you to purchase additional data directly through the app. Top-ups are instant. This is one of Airalo's key advantages over Holafly.
Does Holafly really mean unlimited?
Yes, within the validity period. Holafly does not cap data usage. Some networks may throttle speeds at very high usage levels (500GB+) but for typical travel use this is not a concern.
Can I keep my UK number active while using a travel eSIM?
Yes. On dual SIM devices, your UK SIM remains active for calls and texts while the travel eSIM handles data. You will receive calls and texts on your UK number as normal.