Holafly eSIM Review
Holafly's unlimited data offering is no doubt an attractive prospect for globetrotters, but you need to weigh whether it's worth the extra cost. Learn our verdict in this comprehensive Holafly eSIM review.
— Last Updated: 2025-04-11T18:54:35+00:00 Facts checked by Simona Ivanovski
Key Takeaways: What Is Holafly eSIM & Is It Good to Use?
- Holafly is an unlimited mobile data eSIM provider covering more than 200 destinations.
- Holafly’s plans give you unlimited data in over 160 destinations for a set period (one day, five days, etc.), but speeds can vary depending on fair-usage policies.
- We had a positive experience with Holafly, but not everyone needs unlimited data. If this describes you, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives on the market.
Top Use Cases for Holafly eSIM
- Convenience: Holafly’s unlimited data plan options resonate with those who don’t want to worry about running out of data for the selected period, if you’re traveling to any of the 160 destinations where this is available.
- Cut data roaming fees: You can set a prepaid Holafly plan as your cellular data provider while traveling, which means you won’t pay for data roaming with your primary mobile carrier. You can still use your primary SIM for calls and texts if need be.
- Regional flexibility: If you want a plan that covers multiple destinations at once, you can opt for one of Holafly’s regional plans.
Holafly is a highly regarded eSIM carrier with mostly stellar reviews on Trustpilot, and it has a lot going for it. However, our philosophy is that the proof is in the pudding. We tested the Holafly eSIM features, installation process, ease of use, customer support and more in this Holafly eSIM review.
If you’re shopping for a travel data plan, Holafly is worth considering. It is one of the eSIM world’s trailblazers and specializes in providing unlimited data package options for holidaymakers, jetsetters, business travelers and digital nomads. That’s why it’s on our list of the best eSIMs for international travel.
Holafly is a popular eSIM provider with a unique feature set and an array of pros and cons to consider. Let’s explore all of this further in this review.
What Is Holafly eSIM & Who Is It For?
Holafly is an eSIM service for international travelers, headquartered in Spain. When you buy a plan from Holafly, you get unlimited mobile data in over 160 destinations for however many days you select, meaning you don’t have to use your usual carrier for data roaming abroad — which can be very pricey.
- Release date: 2017
- Founded by: Pedro Máiquez, Lydia Hu
- Devices: Various mobile devices, including modern iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Huawei, Oppo and more (check device compatibility on Holafly’s website)
- Operating systems: Android, iOS
- Notable features: Unlimited data plans in over 160 destinations
- Pricing: Varies, many countries start at $6.90 per day
The Cloudwards Expert Opinion
The Cloudwards Expert Opinion
Holafly’s ease of use and customer support are top-notch, and I had a smooth experience browsing and streaming with it. Nevertheless, unlimited data is overkill for some travelers; those with lower data needs can find the same service for cheaper elsewhere. In addition, having an unlimited data plan doesn’t mean you won’t experience slow speeds at times.
Holafly eSIM Pros & Cons
How Does Holafly Work?
Most recently manufactured smartphones come with built-in eSIM circuitry. This allows you to install a certain number of mobile network plans and switch between them remotely, without having to use a physical SIM card. Holafly is an example of one of these plans, and it’s geared toward people traveling abroad. Learn more in our “What Is an eSIM?” guide.
Holafly provides unlimited mobile network data packages for eSIM-compatible devices for a wide range of countries and regions. You purchase and manage these packages via the internet.
| Features |  |
|---|---|
| Payment methods | Credit card, Debit card, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay |
| OS | iOS, Android |
| Device support | Modern iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Huawei, Xiaomi |
| Global | 113 |
| Regional | 40 |
| Country | 200 |
| Ad-blocker | |
| Virtual location | |
| Web protection |
User-Friendliness & Hands-On Testing
It’s easy to find your way around the Holafly app even if you’re a complete beginner.
Installation is a simple process, and there’s a “guides” tab that includes step-by-step visuals and a downloadable PDF guide in case you’re in a situation where you can’t get an internet connection.
If you need to talk to customer support at any point, you can go to the top-right corner in the app and click the little icon. There’s a live chat support feature, and you can go back to any previous messages you’ve sent.
One quirk we’d like to see changed is the lack of short-term plans available in the app. If you want a plan that lasts fewer than five days, you have to go to the website. It would be nice to have the option of picking a one-, two-, three- or four-day plan in the app.
How to Install & Activate Holafly eSIM
It isn’t tricky to install an Holafly eSIM but, as with all eSIM plans, ensuring you have the correct cellular network settings on your device is an essential part of the process. If your settings aren’t correct, it could impact or prevent activation. We’ll walk you through the setup process and how to make sure your plan activates when you touch down.
There are a few ways to install Holafly. We went for automatic installation, which is available on iOS 17.4 and above — it may not be available on other devices. Other options include scanning the QR code Holafly sends you or doing manual installation. Full instructions for the QR code are on Holafly’s website and in the app in the “my eSIMs” tab.
Settings on iPhone and Android devices look different, and some Android models have different setting aesthetics than others. For example, how the settings are worded and displayed on a Samsung Galaxy may not be the same as on a Google Pixel phone. We used an iPhone 13 Mini for installation.
- Launch Installation
Once you’ve purchased an Holafly plan, go to “my eSIMs” in the Holafly app. Tap “install and activate,” select automatic installation (if available), then “install and activate.” Alternatively, check the QR code/installation code instructions. Holafly recommends installing the plan before traveling and activating it en route or upon arrival.
- Allow Installation
When prompted, allow your device to add/download/activate Holafly. Wording may vary by device. Click “continue” (or a similar prompt, like “add,” depending on the device) when prompted. Once you’ve completed all the prompts and have set your cellular settings correctly (see the steps below), your plan will activate when you arrive at your destination.
- Label Your Plans
Some devices, like iPhones, will ask you to label your plans for clarity. This option may be available only in the settings on some devices.
- Set Your Lines
If you’re ready to use your Holafly data, set it as your cellular data source when prompted or go to your phone’s cellular (iOS) or network and internet/connection settings (Android). If you’re not at your destination yet, you can do this later in the settings. Turn off data switching and set your FaceTime/iMessage line to “primary” if prompted.
- Turn On Data Roaming
In “cellular” (iOS) or “connections”/”network and internet” (Android), check that your Holafly eSIM is turned on. Switch on “data roaming” (you may also need to enable “mobile data” on some Android devices) for Holafly. If you’re at your destination, your plan should activate. Reach out to customer support if you experience any problems.
Holafly eSIM on Mobile Compatibility
Let’s dive into one of the key considerations for using eSIM plans: compatibility. Unfortunately, not all devices support eSIMs — older models, in particular — and you’ll also need an unlocked device. You’ll want to check first if your phone is eSIM compatible before you go ahead and purchase a data plan.
Many Android phones — including various Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models — can use eSIM plans. Meanwhile, iPhone 11 and higher, as well as XS and XR models, generally support eSIMs, though some models purchased in certain locations — like the U.S., China, Hong Kong and Macau — are not compatible.
Holafly Coverage: Country & Region Options
Holafly’s coverage is pretty comprehensive. It provides coverage to over 200 countries and territories. This list shows some of the countries the Holafly eSIM card covers, but it’s far from exhaustive; see the full coverage list here. We’ve tried to include a range of popular destinations around the world.
- 🇺🇸 U.S.
- 🇬🇧 U.K.
- 🇨🇦 Canada
- 🇨🇳 China
- 🇯🇵 Japan
- 🇫🇷 France
- 🇪🇸 Spain
- 🇮🇹 Italy
- 🇹🇷 Turkey
- 🇲🇦 Morocco
- 🇬🇷 Greece
- 🇲🇽 Mexico
- 🇵🇹 Portugal
- 🇳🇴 Norway
- 🇨🇾 Cyprus
- 🇲🇨 Monaco
- 🇩🇪 Germany
- 🇨🇭 Switzerland
- 🇿🇦 South Africa
- 🇳🇱 Netherlands
- 🇵🇪 Peru
- 🇧🇷 Brazil
- 🇸🇪 Sweden
- 🇦🇺 Australia
- 🇦🇷 Argentina
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand
- 🇨🇿 Czech Republic
There is also regional coverage, including Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Middle East, plus some popular country groupings. It also has global coverage.
Unfortunately Holafly makes it a little difficult to see which countries are covered. Regions are lumped together with individual countries in the coverage list. You can use the search bar to see if the region or country is covered.
regions from countries for better navigation.
Seeing the country inclusion list takes two clicks: click the region, then click “technical specs,” then look under “coverage.”
Holafly Speed: How Fast Is Holafly?
We had a 4G connection with Holafly when testing it with a French eSIM. The service was a little slow until we were able to get a stable connection after activation, which took a few minutes. However, once we connected, we were streaming and browsing with no buffering or lags.
Network availability and using data at peak times can sometimes impact speed. We talk more about speed issues and throttling in the “Is Holafly Really Unlimited?” section.
Holafly eSIM Pricing: How Much Does It Cost?
Holafly is a bit more costly than many competitors. However, the convenience balances this out for some users. In addition, as is often the case with eSIM providers, the more days you add to your plan, the lower the day-to-day price becomes.
For example, if you opt for a one-day Holafly Europe plan, it’ll set you back $6.90, but if you select 10 days, it breaks down to $3.69 per day. Nevertheless, a plan from a cheaper provider with limited data plans will be more than enough for some travelers, so you’ll want to weigh up how much Holafly’s plans may benefit you based on your needs.
Holafly Data Plans: USA, Japan, Italy & More
Holafly has country, regional and global plans. Pricing varies by location, but many countries have the same pricing, as you can see in the table below. However, some countries are exceptions. For example, pricing for Egypt starts at $7.90 per day, and some countries, like South Africa, have even higher prices (starting at $9.90).
Country Plans
This table shows the pricing for several locations. As we mentioned, pricing isn’t the same for every country, so check plans carefully. In the app, you have to pick a plan with a minimum of five days, but if you go to the Holafly website, you can customize the number of days.
| Countries: | 1 Day | 5 Days | 7 Days | 10 Days | 15 Days | 20 Days | 30 Days | 60 Days | 90 Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S | $6.90 | $20.90 | $29.90 | $36.90 | $50.9 | $61.90 | $74.90 | $106.90 | $139.90 |
| Italy | $6.90 | $20.90 | $29.90 | $36.90 | $50.9 | $61.90 | $74.90 | $106.90 | $139.90 |
| U.K. | $6.90 | $20.90 | $29.90 | $36.90 | $50.9 | $61.90 | $74.90 | $106.90 | $139.90 |
| Japan | $6.90 | $20.90 | $29.90 | $36.90 | $50.9 | $61.90 | $74.90 | $106.90 | $139.90 |
| Spain | $6.90 | $20.90 | $29.90 | $36.90 | $50.9 | $61.90 | $74.90 | $106.90 | $139.90 |
| France | $6.90 | $20.90 | $29.90 | $36.90 | $50.9 | $61.90 | $74.90 | $106.90 | $139.90 |
| China | $6.90 | $20.90 | $29.90 | $36.90 | $50.9 | $61.90 | $74.90 | $106.90 | $139.90 |
| Australia | $6.90 | $20.90 | $29.90 | $36.90 | $50.9 | $61.90 | $74.90 | $106.90 | $139.90 |
Regional Plans
Please note that we found the one-day plans shown here on the Holafly website — they are not available in the app.
| Region: | 1 Day | 5 Days | 7 Days | 10 Days | 15 Days | 20 Days | 30 Days | 60 Days | 90 Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global | $9.90 | $37.90 | $45.90 | $64.90 | $97.90 | $108.90 | $162.90 | $260.90 | $353.90 |
| Europe | $6.90 | $20.90 | $29.90 | $36.90 | $50.90 | $61.90 | $74.90 | $106.90 | $139.90 |
| Asia | $6.90 | $29.90 | $36.90 | $39.90 | $50.90 | $61.90 | $89.90 | $154.90 | $219.90 |
| Latin America | $9.90 | $31.90 | $39.90 | $50.90 | $61.90 | $74.90 | $98.90 | $172.90 | $269.90 |
| Middle East | $9.90 | $36.90 | $42.90 | $52.90 | $79.90 | $106.90 | $161.90 | $256.90 | $322.90 |
| Africa | $9.90 | $36.90 | $42.90 | $52.90 | $79.90 | $106.90 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| North America | $6.90 | $31.90 | $39.90 | $50.90 | $61.90 | $74.90 | $98.90 | $158.90 | $234.90 |
| Caribbean* | $15.90 | $34.90 | $45.90 | $59.90 | $89.90 | $108.90 | $161.90 | N/A | N/A |
Payment Methods
Available payment methods tend to vary by eSIM service, and Holafly is no exception. The methods you can use also depend on whether you’re using the app or the website:
- (app & website)
- (app & website)
- (app only)
- (website only)
Holafly eSIM Customer Support
Of all the eSIMs we’ve tested, Holafly was among the best in terms of customer support: friendly, thorough and leaving the impression that our experience was of the utmost importance. For these reasons, Holafly gets high marks in this area. You can contact Holafly through WhatsApp or a live chat box in the app.
Live Chat Support Speed & Quality
When you open the live chat box, a bot asks you some questions, then connects you to a support agent if need be. This process was very quick, and the agent we spoke to took the time to address our queries thoroughly and was very helpful with aspects we weren’t sure about. They checked several times that everything was OK on our end.
Holafly’s customer support stands out to us, as some of the other eSIM providers we’ve tried out were much slower and less personalized.
Holafly eSIM vs Other Provider Services
There’s no denying Holafly has some tough competition. Let’s take a look at two of its top competitors and how they differ from Holafly.
Community Feedback: Holafly Reviews on Reddit, Trustpilot and TripAdvisor
The digital Holafly SIM card plan has garnered mostly rave reviews on Trustpilot. However, some users on Reddit and Trustpilot have complained about poor connections and slow speeds, so there’s a mix of opinions on the provider. On Reddit, in particular, we noticed several remarks about throttling, while other customers say they had a smooth experience.
The Verdict: Is Holafly Legit?
Based on our experience, Holafly gets kudos for its customer service, ease of use in the app and broad coverage, but it is pricier than many of its competitors, and unlimited data doesn’t mean a solid 5G connection at all times. As for other customers’ experience, some sing Holafly’s praises, while others wouldn’t use it again.
Have you decided to go for an Holafly plan? Have you used it before? We’d be curious to know what the experience was like for you, so feel free to drop us a comment below. Thanks for reading.
FAQ: Holafly Review
Holafly is more expensive than some competitors. In addition, not all devices are eSIM-compatible.
Yes, we think Holafly is good, but it’s not our favorite provider and it’s not for everyone. Some would save money by going with a different provider.
No, Holafly’s plans are data-only. However, you can use apps like WhatsApp to make calls with your Holafly data.
Which one is best for you depends on your needs. For us, Airalo has an edge over Holafly because it’s more affordable, but we found Holafly’s customer support to be better.
