A new option is available for travellers who want to have data abroad: Airalo eSIM cards.
With the emergence of smartphones offering the possibility of having a virtual SIM card, called an eSIM card, it is now easier to get a local data plan. And avoid paying roaming fees to your Canadian or US operator.
This complements well the option of free Wi-Fi everywhere with credit cards and VPN for travellers.
Airalo eSIM: the options
Airalo offers 3 types of eSIM cards:
- Airalo local eSIM card
- Airalo Regional eSIM card
- Airalo Global eSIM Card
Airalo local eSIM card
The Airalo local eSIM card is the most common: it allows you to get a data plan in the country you are travelling to.
Airalo offers the possibility to have a data plan in more than 190 countries and regions.

For example, here are the prices of Airalo eSIM data plans for Portugal, offered by two virtual operators: MEO and Fofo Mobil.
Operator | Data | Validity | Fees |
MEO | 30 GB | 15 days | US$19 |
Fofo Mobil | 1 GB | 7 days | US$4.50 |
Fofo Mobil | 3 GB | 30 days | US$7 |
Fofo Mobil | 5 GB | 30 days | US$10 |
Fofo Mobil | 10 GB | 30 days | US$17 |

As you can see, it will be a matter of being strategic in your choice of Airalo eSIM card, both on the duration of your trip and the amount of data needed.
Airalo Regional eSIM card
The Airalo regional eSIM card is designed for travellers going to different countries. For example, if you are planning to visit Portugal, Italy and the UK, choosing an Airalo regional eSIM will be better than an Airalo local eSIM.

For example, here are the prices for Airalo eSIM data plans for Europe, offered by a virtual operator: Eurolink and covering 39 countries.
Operator | Data | Validity | Fees |
Eurolink | 1 GB | 7 days | US$ 5 |
Eurolink | 3 GB | 30 days | US$ 13 |
Eurolink | 5 GB | 30 days | US$ 20 |
Eurolink | 10 GB | 30 days | US$ 37 |
Eurolink | 50 GB | 90 days | US$ 100 |
Eurolink | 100 GB | 180 days | US$ 185 |

Airalo Global eSIM Card
The Airalo Global eSIM card is for frequent travellers going to different parts of the world!
For example, if you plan to visit Europe and Asia, it may be more interesting to opt for an Airalo Global eSIM rather than a local or regional Airalo eSIM. This Airalo eSIM covers 87 countries:
Operator | Data | Validity | Fees |
Discover Global | 1 GB | 7 days | US$ 9 |
Discover Global | 3 GB | 15 days | US$ 24 |
Discover Global | 5 GB | 30 days | US$ 35 |
Discover Global | 10 GB | 60 days | US$ 59 |
Discover Global | 20 GB | 180 days | US$ 89 |

Airalo eSIM referral
By opening an Airalo account via our referral code, you can get a 3 USD credit on your first eSim card purchase:
JEANMA8609
Once you have an Airalo account, you can refer your friends and family and get a 3 USD credit to your Airalo account as well.
Airalo eSIM application
To get an Airalo eSIM, you must download the Airalo application on your Android or iPhone smartphone.
Then you can choose your destination and your data plan. The installation of the Airalo eSIM is done directly from the application, and then you can activate it on your phone.

Paying for an Airalo eSIM
As you may have noticed, all Airalo eSIM cards are sold in US dollars. Therefore, it will be helpful to have a credit card with no conversion fees to pay for your Airalo eSIM.
Airalo accepts payments with American Express, Mastercard and Visa. As well as Paypal.
Here are the 4 best no-conversion-fee credit cards from these 3 networks:
Conclusion
The Airalo eSIM card is designed for travellers who need data on their smartphones and other devices. It is a solution that allows us to be quickly operational once we arrive at our destination without having to manage the purchase of a local SIM card at the airport in a language we do not necessarily master.
However, you will not have access to a local phone line. You’ll need to use third-party applications like Skype or Google Voice to make calls via your data plan once you reach your destination.
Want to get your first Airalo eSIM card? Get a 3 USD credit on your first eSim card purchase with our referral:
JEANMA8609
Frequently Asked Questions about Airalo
Can I use tethering (Personal Hotspot) with Airalo?
Yes, you can share the connection of your Airalo eSIM card with other devices.
Find out how on this page.
Which devices are Airalo eSIM compatible?
Airalo has indicated on this page a list of eSIM compatible devices.
Here are some common examples of eSIM-enabled devices:
Apple:
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (2020)
- iPhone SE (2022)
- iPad Air (3rd Generation)
- iPad Air (4th generation)
- iPad Pro 11inch (1st generation)
- iPad Pro 11inch (2nd generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9inch (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9inch (4th generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation)
- iPad (7th generation)
- iPad (8th generation)
- iPad (9th generation)
- iPad Mini (5th generation)
- iPad Mini (6th generation)
Samsung:
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S22 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S20
- Samsung Galaxy S20+
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2
- Samsung Galaxy Fold
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20+
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20
Google:
- Google Pixel 3 & 3 XL
- Google Pixel 3a & 3a XL
- Google Pixel 4, 4a & 4 XL
- Google Pixel 5
- Google Pixel 6
- Google Pixel 6 Pro