Which is better, SimLocal, Airalo or Holafly?

Adam Clarkson

Adam Clarkson

— 9 min read
Which is better, SimLocal, Airalo or Holafly?
Photo by Opal Pierce / Unsplash

After nearly three years of full-time travel across 20+ countries with our three daughters, we've tested every major eSIM provider on the market. The question "which is better, SimLocal, Airalo or Holafly?" is one we get constantly from fellow worldschooling families and digital nomads.

The honest answer? All three are excellent travel eSIM providers, but the best choice depends on two key factors: coverage in your destination and cost. Let me break down exactly how these international eSIM providers compare based on our real-world experience using them across Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Europe, and beyond.

What is an eSIM and How Does it Work?

Before comparing eSIM providers for travel, let's cover the basics. An embedded SIM (eSIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into your smartphone. Instead of swapping physical SIM cards when you travel internationally, you download and install an eSIM profile digitally through your phone's settings.

For international travelers, eSIMs offer incredible advantages over traditional roaming or buying local SIM cards:

  • No more hunting for SIM card shops at crowded airports
  • Instant activation when you land in your destination
  • Keep your home phone number active while using local data
  • Switch between multiple eSIM plans easily through your phone
  • No tiny plastic cards to lose or damage
  • Avoid expensive international roaming charges from your home carrier

We discovered travel eSIMs during our European travels when we were constantly buying local SIM cards in every country. Now we handle all our international connectivity digitally, and it's completely transformed how we stay connected while worldschooling our three daughters on the road. You can read more about our eSIM journey and experiences in our detailed eSIM guide.

Best eSIM for Travel: Holafly Review

Holafly eSIM has become our go-to eSIM provider for unlimited data needs. When you're homeschooling three kids, uploading travel vlogs to our YouTube channel, and navigating new cities simultaneously, unlimited data isn't luxury—it's necessity.

Holafly
5% off all plans & top-ups
Valid at Holafly

How is Holafly eSIM for International Travel?

Holafly eSIM delivers exactly what it promises: unlimited data in 200+ destinations with reliable local network connections. We've used Holafly extensively across Japan, Thailand, Europe, and Southeast Asia with consistently excellent results that match or exceed local network speeds.

Key benefits we've experienced with Holafly travel eSIM:

  • Unlimited data plans in most international destinations
  • 24/7 customer support with real people (not bots)
  • eSIM delivery within minutes via email and WhatsApp
  • Easy installation with QR codes or one-tap setup on compatible devices
  • No hidden costs or surprise charges on your bill
  • Money-back guarantee up to 6 months for unused eSIMs
  • Data works immediately upon arrival at your destination
  • No need to find WiFi or local SIM card vendors

The Holafly app includes useful tools like a data calculator to estimate your usage needs, though with unlimited plans, data tracking becomes less critical. Installation is genuinely foolproof—scan a QR code, follow the prompts, and you're connected to local networks instantly.

Save 5% on Holafly eSIMs with our exclusive code ADAMANDLINDS at checkout. This discount helps support our family's travels while getting you connected for less on your next international trip. For more details about Holafly pricing and current promotions, check out our complete Holafly promo code guide.

Is there a downside to Holafly eSIM?

Holafly's main limitation is fair use policies on their "unlimited" international data plans. Most plans throttle speeds after 10-20GB daily usage, though this rarely affects typical travelers. We've only hit these limits when backing up massive photo libraries from multiple cameras or streaming YouTube videos for hours while the kids were sick in our Chiang Mai accommodation.

Cost is Holafly's other consideration for budget travelers. Their unlimited data plans typically cost more upfront than data-capped alternatives from competitors, but often provide better overall value for heavy data users who would otherwise need multiple top-ups.

SimLocal eSIM: Best International eSIM for Local Networks

SimLocal eSIM operates as an international eSIM marketplace, partnering with leading local networks in 150+ countries. This marketplace model means you're accessing the same cellular networks locals use, often at competitive prices that beat traditional roaming charges.

SimLocal
10% off all eSIM plans
Valid at SimLocal

SimLocal International eSIM Advantages

What sets SimLocal apart from other travel eSIM providers:

  • Local network partnerships for authentic local speeds and coverage
  • Plans include voice calls and SMS (not just data like many competitors)
  • 300+ airport locations worldwide for in-person support
  • Flexible plan options with various data allowances and validity periods
  • Regional and global coverage options for multi-country trips
  • Top-up capabilities mid-trip through their mobile app
  • Compatible with most eSIM-enabled smartphones and devices

SimLocal's plans often include voice calling and SMS functionality, which proved invaluable when contacting local tour operators, restaurants, or accommodation providers during our six-month stay in Da Nang, Vietnam. Being able to call our tuk-tuk driver in Cambodia or make dinner reservations in Italy without relying solely on WhatsApp made travel logistics much smoother.

Get 10% off SimLocal eSIMs with code ADAMANDLINDS at SimLocal's website. This discount applies to both individual country plans and their regional coverage options.

SimLocal eSIM Considerations for Travelers

SimLocal's complexity can overwhelm some users who prefer simpler options. Instead of straightforward regional plans like "Europe eSIM," you'll find country-specific options with varying features, data allowances, and pricing structures, requiring more research to find optimal plans for your specific travel itinerary.

Customer service, while helpful for troubleshooting connectivity issues, isn't quite as polished as Holafly's 24/7 support model. Response times can be longer, especially during peak travel seasons.

Airalo eSIM: Budget Travel eSIM Provider

Airalo eSIM essentially created the consumer travel eSIM market and remains a solid choice for budget-conscious international travelers. Their experience shows in their streamlined mobile app and straightforward plan selection process that makes buying international data simple.

Airalo International eSIM Benefits

Airalo strengths for international travel include:

  • Competitive pricing especially for light data users and short trips
  • Regional eSIM plans covering multiple countries in one package
  • 200+ destination coverage including popular travel destinations
  • Intuitive mobile app interface that's easy to navigate
  • Established reputation as the original eSIM pioneer
  • Good customer support for technical issues
  • Frequent promotions and discounts for first-time users

Airalo's regional plans work particularly well for multi-country trips. During our Southeast Asia travels, their Asia Pacific eSIM plan seamlessly worked across Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore without connectivity gaps or additional charges when crossing borders.

Airalo eSIM Limitations for Travel

Airalo's plans are typically data-only, meaning no voice calls or SMS capability. This isn't usually problematic since most international communication happens through WhatsApp, Telegram, or other messaging apps, but can complicate situations requiring local phone numbers for bookings or emergencies.

Data allowances tend to be more restrictive than unlimited competitors, potentially requiring top-ups for heavy users or extended stays. During our month-long stay in Bangkok, we needed multiple top-ups to handle our family's data needs for homeschooling and content creation.

International eSIM Coverage Comparison: Which Works Where?

All three travel eSIM providers offer excellent global coverage for international travelers:

  • Holafly: 200+ destinations with unlimited data focus including Japan, Europe, Thailand, and most popular travel destinations
  • Airalo: 200+ destinations with varied data allowances covering virtually every country tourists visit
  • SimLocal: 150+ destinations with comprehensive feature sets including voice and SMS

The practical difference is minimal for most international travel destinations. We've found reliable coverage from all three across Europe, Asia, North America, and most countries digital nomads frequent.

For specific destination coverage, check each provider's website before your trip. Some countries may have limited carrier partnerships or restrictions that affect performance.

eSIM Pricing: Which Offers Better Value for International Travel?

Pricing varies significantly by destination, data needs, and trip duration. Rather than providing outdated pricing that changes frequently, here's our value assessment approach:

For unlimited data needs: Holafly often provides better value despite higher upfront costs, especially for families or content creators who use significant data

For light data usage: Airalo typically offers the most competitive pricing for travelers who primarily use WiFi and need data for maps and messaging

For comprehensive features: SimLocal provides the most complete packages when you need voice calls, SMS, and data in one plan

For current pricing on specific destinations, visit each provider's website or contact me for personalized recommendations based on your travel itinerary.

Network Quality and Speed: eSIM Performance Comparison

All three eSIM providers partner with tier-1 local networks in their coverage areas, meaning network quality differences are minimal for most destinations. We've consistently achieved excellent speeds across providers in the same countries.

The difference comes down to specific carrier partnerships in each country rather than inherent provider limitations. In Japan, for example, all three providers delivered speeds comparable to what locals experience on the same networks.

During our travels through 20+ countries, we've rarely experienced significant speed differences between providers in the same location.

Is there a downside to using an eSIM for travel?

The main eSIM limitation is device compatibility. Travel eSIMs require:

  • iPhone XS or newer models
  • Google Pixel 3 or newer devices
  • Most flagship Android devices from 2019 onward
  • Samsung Galaxy S20 series and newer

Check eSIM compatibility before purchasing any international eSIM plan.

Other minor considerations for international travelers:

  • Plan management can become cluttered with multiple inactive eSIMs stored on your device
  • Some countries still have limited eSIM carrier support compared to physical SIM options
  • Customer service happens digitally rather than in-person (except SimLocal's airport locations)
  • You'll need internet access to initially download and install the eSIM profile

Your home phone number stays active while using travel eSIMs, so there's no communication disruption with family or work contacts.

Is there an eSIM that works at sea?

None of these international eSIM providers offer reliable maritime coverage for cruise ships or ocean crossings. Sea travel requires satellite connectivity, which operates on completely different technology than cellular eSIMs.

For maritime travel, consider these alternatives:

  • Ship WiFi packages (expensive but functional for staying connected)
  • Satellite communicators like Garmin inReach for emergency situations
  • Embracing digital detox opportunities during ocean crossings

We learned this lesson during our Queen Mary 2 transatlantic crossing, where even the ship's WiFi was expensive and unreliable for our family's needs.

Which eSIM Provider Should You Choose for International Travel?

Our recommendation process for choosing the best travel eSIM:

  1. Check coverage for your specific destinations across all three providers
  2. Estimate your data needs based on travel style (unlimited vs. capped plans)
  3. Consider required features (data-only vs. voice calls and SMS)
  4. Compare pricing for your travel duration and destinations
  5. Factor in support preferences (24/7 chat vs. airport locations)

Based on our extensive testing across different types of international travel:

For Japan: Holafly unlimited plans excel given Japan's typically high data costs and excellent network infrastructure

For Europe: SimLocal regional plans often include valuable voice calls and SMS features for booking accommodations and activities

For Southeast Asia: Airalo regional plans provide excellent multi-country coverage at budget-friendly prices

For content creation: Holafly unlimited eliminates data anxiety when uploading videos, backing up photos, or livestreaming your adventures

For more travel connectivity comparisons, read our detailed eSIM vs Pocket WiFi guide that covers all your mobile internet options while traveling.

The Bottom Line: Which is Better for International Travel?

There's no universally "best" eSIM provider because international travel needs vary dramatically. A backpacker island-hopping through Indonesia has different connectivity requirements than a business traveler attending conferences in Germany or a worldschooling family like ours managing education and content creation simultaneously.

All three providers—Holafly, SimLocal, and Airalo—offer excellent service for international travelers. The decision ultimately comes down to:

  • Coverage availability in your specific destinations
  • Cost structure that matches your budget and data needs
  • Feature requirements (unlimited data vs. voice calls and SMS)
  • Support preferences and technical comfort level

Start by checking coverage and pricing for your destinations across all three providers. You honestly can't go wrong with any of these options for most international travel scenarios.

Save money on your next international eSIM:

Holafly
5% off all plans & top-ups
Valid at Holafly
SimLocal
10% off all eSIM plans
Valid at SimLocal

Planning your international travel connectivity strategy? Contact Lindsay at lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel for personalized travel planning services, including eSIM recommendations tailored to your specific itinerary and travel style.

Looking for more travel connectivity advice? Check out these related resources from our worldschooling journey:

Follow our worldschooling adventures and international travel tips on YouTube and Instagram. Subscribe to our channel for detailed destination guides, travel technology reviews, and worldschooling advice based on our ongoing journey across 20+ countries.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we genuinely use and trust for our own travels. All opinions are based on our authentic experience.

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