Holafly eSIM Review 2026: Is it the Best International eSIM?

Last Updated on January 3, 2026

Ever wondered about those tiny chips that magically keep you connected while traveling? I’m talking about eSIMs! But hold up, what exactly are they, and how do they work? Join me on a journey through the world of eSIMs, where I’ll review the Holafly eSIM and tell you about the advantages, disadvantages, installation process and available packages. Get ready to dive into the fun side of staying connected.

What is an eSIM and how does it work?

An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, functions similarly to a traditional physical SIM card but without the physical component. Instead of a physical card that you insert into your device, an eSIM is directly integrated into the device’s hardware, typically soldered onto the device’s motherboard or integrated into the device’s processor.

Why is important to get Mobile internet during your travels?

I am a big fan of using mobile internet while traveling, and I always arrange it either before my trip via an eSIM or on my first day of arrival with a physical SIM card.Having mobile internet during my travels is important to me for several reasons:

1. Digital safety: An eSIM provides me with a secure and cost-effective solution, offering reliable internet access without the hassle of searching for WiFi hotspots. While public WiFi may seem convenient, it’s not always secure to use. Even though I have a VPN, I try to use public WiFi hotspots as little as possible. With an eSIM, I can enjoy peace of mind knowing I have a reliable and secure connection wherever I go.
2. Navigation: Mobile internet allows me to access GPS services and mapping applications like Google Maps or Waze, helping me navigate. Sometimes, I also use an offline navigation app called Maps.Me.
3. Communication: With mobile internet, I can stay connected with friends and family via messaging apps, email, Polarsteps, or social media platforms regardless of my location. This is especially important in case of emergencies.
4. Information Access and booking: Mobile internet provides instant access to information about local attractions, restaurants, events, and transportation options. I usually check online reviews before entering or booking an attraction, restaurant, or accommodation. This helps me make informed decisions on the go.
5. Translation: Translation apps powered by mobile internet can help bridge language barriers, enabling me to communicate with locals more effectively and navigate in non-English speaking regions. It also helps me translate menus in restaurants. I use Google Lens for this.
6. Entertainment: Whether it’s streaming music, watching videos, or staying updated with news and entertainment, mobile internet helps keep me entertained during downtime or long journeys.

What is Holafly?

Holafly is a company that specializes in providing international connectivity solutions for travelers. They offer products such as SIM cards and eSIMs that allow you to stay connected to mobile networks while traveling. Holafly’s SIM cards and eSIMs provide access to reliable network coverage in over 200 destinations worldwide (LTE/3G/4G/5G connections).

What are advantages of using an eSIM?

I think that eSIMs offer greater convenience, flexibility, and security compared to traditional SIM cards. Here are some advantages of using an eSIM:

1. The ease of setup: This is just one advantage of using a Holafly eSIM. The eSIM can be activated remotely, eliminating the need to visit a physical store to purchase a SIM card.
2. The data works: The most important advantage is that the data actually works, and you can easily have an internet connection. Traveling so far, I’ve used the eSIM in Iceland and Thailand, and it worked pretty well everywhere I went, even in some remote places. This is probably because the eSIM switches automatically between carriers based on which carrier has the best signal strength wherever you are. This flexibility is particularly useful if you frequently visit multiple countries or region.
3. Option to share data (hotspot): Many Holafly eSIMs allow you to share data with other devices via a Wi-Fi connection. Tethering data to our laptop worked perfectly in most places, which comes in very handy for digital nomads. I suggest you read the Technical Specs of the eSIM you are considering buying to check if the plan includes the option to share data. If it does, you only need to activate the hotspot to use it.
4. Multiple Profiles: Some devices support the use of multiple eSIM profiles, allowing you to maintain separate profiles for work and personal use.
5. Security: eSIM technology enhances security compared to traditional SIM cards by protecting sensitive data and reducing the risk of SIM card cloning or fraud.
6. Keep your phone number: Another significant advantage of using an eSIM is that it allows you to retain your physical SIM from your home country in your phone, preserving your phone number. This makes it easy to stay connected to your family and friends without worrying about roaming charges or surprise bills. You can keep your WhatsApp number and communicate with all your contacts on WhatsApp as if you were in the same country.
7. Support for the environment: Additionally, eSIMs are an eco-friendly alternative because they eliminate the need to purchase plastic local SIM cards. This makes eSIMs a sustainable choice.

What are disadvantages of using an eSIM?

Overall, I think that eSIM technology offers convenience and flexibility, but you should consider these drawbacks:

1. Costs: Just because it worked well for me does not mean the eSIM is suitable for everyone. I would not recommend this for backpackers traveling on a shoestring budget. It’s almost always cheaper to buy a local physical sim card once you arrive in a country. For all other travelers, it’s super handy. The cost is well worth the time and hassle that it saves.
2. Limited Compatibility: Not all devices support eSIM technology, restricting its usability to certain smartphones or tablets.
3. Device Lock-In: Unlike physical SIM cards, which can be easily swapped between devices, eSIMs are typically tied to a specific device. This can limit flexibility if you frequently switch between devices.
4. No phone number included: eSIM primarily provide mobile data services like unlimited data and do not include traditional voice calling or SMS capabilities.
5. Activation Challenges: Activating an eSIM requires internet access, which may be unavailable or unreliable in some regions.

Holafly International eSIM plans: how much do I need to pay?

The cost of an eSIM depends on the number of days and the destination. You can buy an eSIM starting at €6.00 / $6 USD for 1 day, up to €129 / $139 USD for 90 days for a specific country. You can also purchase an eSIM for a region like Europe, Asia, or North America. These packages include unlimited data for multiple countries and cost a bit more, starting at €29.00 / $27 USD for 1 day, up to €217 / $214 USD for 90 days. There are more than 200 destinations available, with over 140 offering unlimited data. Here are the most popular ones:

• eSIM for Europe (32 countries)
• eSIM for USA
• eSIM for Japan
• eSIM for Turkey
• eSIM for Asia (13 countries)
• eSIM for North America (Canada, the United States, and Mexico)

Conclusion

In conclusion, eSIMs are more than just tiny chips. They keep us connected to the world no matter where our adventures take us. Through this exploration of eSIM technology and the Holafly eSIM in particular, I’ve explained some advantages and disadvantages of using eSIMs. From digital safety to navigation, communication, and environmental sustainability, eSIMs offer a multitude of benefits that enhance our travel experiences. While they may come with a few drawbacks, such as cost and compatibility issues, I believe that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. So, I can highly recommend to make your travel prep a breeze with an eSIM! If you decide to use Holafly, don’t forget to use my discount code: GIRLSWANDERLUST.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me in the comment section below.

Author: Daphne

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