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An option is now available for travellers who want data abroad: Airalo eSIM cards.
With the emergence of smartphones offering the possibility of having a virtual SIM card, known as an eSIM card, it’s now easier to get a local data plan. And avoid paying roaming charges to your Canadian, French or Belgian operator.
This complements the option of free Wi-Fi everywhere with credit cards and VPN for travelers, and allows you to take advantage of global connectivity.
One of the major advantages of Airalo eSIMs is the elimination of high roaming charges. By using an eSIM, you can access local data at competitive rates and avoid the high costs associated with international roaming. This allows you to stay connected without financial stress, whether you’re away on business or pleasure.
From July 1 to December 31, 2024, a promotion is available on the purchase of an Airalo eSIM card:
If you’re a new user, you can also get CAD 4.50 by using the Milesopedia link with the code mentioned below. It’s up to you to do the math and see if the 15% offer is better than the CAD 4.50 in Airmoney that will be used for a future purchase.
If you have a trip starting after January 1, you can still take advantage of this offer and buy your eSIM card in advance, since the period for which you buy it only starts when you activate the eSIM card.
Here are the main terms of the offer:
Airalo offers 3 types of eSIM cards:
The local Airalo eSIM card is the most common: it gives you a data package on the move in the country you’re travelling in.
Airalo offers packages in over 190 countries and regions.
Here, for example, are the rates for Airalo eSIM packages for Portugal, offered by virtual operator Fofo Mobil.
As you can see, you’ll need to be strategic in your choice of Airalo eSIM card, both in terms of the length of your trip and the amount of data you need on the move.
The Airalo regional eSIM card is designed for travelers to different countries. For example, if you’re planning to visit Portugal, Italy and the UK, it’s better to opt for a regional Airalo eSIM rather than a local Airalo eSIM.
For example, here are the rates for Airalo eSIM packages for Europe, offered by virtual operator Eurolink and covering 39 countries:
Airalo offers seven regional eSIMs:
The Airalo global eSIM card is designed for frequent travellers to different parts of the world, offering global connectivity!
For example, if you’re planning to visit Europe and then Asia, it may be more interesting to opt for a global Airalo eSIM rather than a local or regional Airalo eSIM. This Airalo eSIM covers 130 countries. The following packages are available:
Recently, it has also become possible to purchase a worldwide Airalo eSIM card, which enables you to make calls and receive text messages (SMS), as well as access Internet data.
The eSIM card is associated with an Austrian telephone number (starting with +43) for worldwide use. This number allows a limited number of calls and SMS depending on the package chosen.
The following packages are available:
As explained in the section above, a new range of global Airalo eSIMs allows you to make calls and send text messages. The limits are rather low, but still practical in an emergency.
For the moment, the only local eSIMs also offering calls and text messages are those for the Maldives and Thailand.
While we wait for Airalo to offer more local eSIM with calls and text messages, we can still make calls and send messages using applications based on VoIP (voice over IP protocol) technology.
The WhatsApp application, for example, is very popular for this purpose. Calls and text messages are transmitted over an Internet connection instead of a traditional analog network such as telephone lines.
With an Airalo data-only eSIM, you can make calls and send SMS using WhatsApp.
By opening an Airalo account via our referral code, you can obtain a credit of CAD 4.50 on your first eSIM card purchase:
Once you have an Airalo account, you can refer friends and family and earn a CAD 4.50 credit on your Airalo account.
To get an Airalo eSIM, you’ll need to download the Airalo application to your Android or iPhone smartphone.
Then you can choose your destination and your data plan. Airalo eSIM is installed directly from the application. You can choose between manual installation, where you scan a QR code provided by Airalo, or automatic installation via the app.
Activation is also quick, allowing you to start using your mobile data in just a few minutes.
Airalo has also introduced membership levels: Traveler, Silver Traveler, Gold Traveler and Platinum Traveler where you can earn rewards, in the form of cash back, at each level, and you can upgrade to the next level by purchasing more eSIM.
The levels are as follows:
To find out your level, simply log in to your account and look at your profile or under “Airmoney & Membership”.
New Airalo users will start as Travelers, while existing users will be placed according to their previous eSIM purchases.
All Airalo eSIM cards are sold in US, Canadian and Australian dollars. However, the best price will be in US dollars since the exchange rate imposed by Airalo is slightly to your disadvantage.
It will therefore be useful to have a credit card with no conversion fees to pay for your Airalo eSIM.
Airalo accepts payment by American Express, Mastercard and Visa credit cards, as well as PayPal.
Here are the three best no-conversion-fee credit cards in Canada:
Once you have purchased your Airalo eSIM, you must :
Having closed your main line in this way, there will be no impact (data roaming) on your package at home. You can safely leave your home SIM card in your phone.
Once at your destination, it may take some time for the first connection to be made; if it doesn’t activate on its own, return to the settings to close the Airalo eSIM network and reactivate it.
The Airalo eSIM card is aimed at travellers who need data on the move on their smartphones or other devices. Whether for local needs or global connectivity, it’s a solution that gets you up and running quickly at your destination without the hassle of buying a local SIM card at the airport in a language you don’t necessarily understand.
However, you won’t have access to a local telephone 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.
Would you like your first Airalo eSIM card? Get a CAD 4.50 credit on your first eSIM card purchase with our referral code:
Savings this way:
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