Review: Holafly eSIM
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When travelling abroad, it pretty much goes without saying that you’ll want to have access to your cell phone and the internet to access booking details or look up directions to local destinations.
Unfortunately, using your SIM card from home can incur insanely expensive roaming charges, and even the travel plans offered by cell phone providers often cost $15+ per day!
Thankfully, a Holafly eSIM can give you all the connectivity you want, while saving you money.
What Are Holafly eSIMs?
Thanks to technological advancements with cellphones and other connected devices, it’s now possible to easily access data around the world without having to switch out your physical SIM card.
Holafly eSIMs are digital SIM “cards” that use preinstalled software on your eSIM compatible device to let you connect to data networks in over 200 destinations around the world.
These digital SIMs are easy to install before you leave on your trip and can then be activated when you arrive at your destination.
Why Choose a Holafly eSIM?
There are lots of reasons to choose a Holafly eSIM for your next trip abroad. These include:
- Unlimited data
- Available in 200+ destinations
- No roaming charges
- Ability to save money compared to most cell phone providers’ travel plans
- Flexible personalizable data plans from 1 to 30 days
- 24/7 multi-language customer support
- Ability to hotspot to other devices
- Easy to install, activate, and access
- No tiny physical SIM card to misplace
- Available on most eSIM compatible smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches
Holafly eSIM options
Holafly lets you choose between four different eSIM options, with each offering a larger physical area of data coverage:
- city-specific eSIMs
- country-specific eSIMs
- region-specific eSIMs
- a global eSIM
Holafly – Country-specific eSIMs
Holafly gives you the option to choose from over 100 country-specific eSIMs, with data plans ranging from a single day all the way up to 30 days. To give you an idea of what it could cost to enjoy unlimited data on your next trip, let’s look at a few examples:
Mexico
- 3 days – $17.75 CAD (approx. $6/day)
- 5 days – $29.11 CAD (approx. $6/day)
- 7 days – $39.04 CAD (approx. $6/day)
- 10 days – $51.82 CAD (approx. $5/day)
- 15 days – $71.70 CAD (approx. $5/day)
- 30 days – $104.92 CAD (approx. $3/day)
Italy
- 3 days – $16.90 CAD (approx. $6/day)
- 5 days – $29.11 CAD (approx. $6/day)
- 7 days – $39.04 CAD (approx. $6/day)
- 10 days – $51.82 CAD (approx. $5/day)
- 15 days – $71.70 CAD (approx. $5/day)
- 30 days – $104.92 CAD (approx. $3/day)
Japan
- 3 days – $16.90 CAD (approx. $6/day)
- 5 days – $29.11 CAD (approx. $6/day)
- 7 days – $39.04 CAD (approx. $6/day)
- 10 days – $51.82 CAD (approx. $5/day)
- 15 days – $71.70 CAD (approx. $5/day)
- 30 days – $104.92 CAD (approx. $3/day)
Holafly – Region-specific eSIMs
If you’re visiting more than one country on your trip, you may want to select one of Holafly’s regional eSIMs. They have over 15 options for you to choose from.
Here are some examples of the available regional plans:
Europe
- 3 days – $16.90 CAD (approx. $6/day)
- 5 days – $29.11 CAD (approx. $6/day)
- 7 days – $39.04 CAD (approx. $6/day)
- 10 days – $51.82 CAD (approx. $5/day)
- 15 days – $71.70 CAD (approx. $5/day)
- 30 days – $104.92 CAD (approx. $3/day)
This eSIM works in 30+ European countries.
Balkans
- 3 days – $32.26 CAD (approx. $11/day)
- 5 days – $46.84 CAD (approx. $9/day)
- 7 days – $59.16 CAD (approx. $8/day)
- 10 days – $69.54 CAD (approx. $7/day)
- 15 days – $102.93 CAD (approx. $7/day)
- 30 days – $211.53 CAD (approx. $7/day)
It will keep you connected in Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia & Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Montenegro.
Asia
- 3 days – $16.90 CAD (approx. $6/day)
- 5 days – $29.11 CAD (approx. $6/day)
- 7 days – $39.04 CAD (approx. $6/day)
- 10 days – $51.82 CAD (approx. $5/day)
- 15 days – $71.70 CAD (approx. $5/day)
- 30 days – $104.92 CAD (approx. $3/day)
Holafly’s regional eSIM for Asia gives you unlimited data in the following countries: Japan, China, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Philippines, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Taiwan, Pakistan, Cambodia, Macau and Laos.
Holafly – Global eSIM
For travellers doing some major globe-trotting, Holafly‘s Global eSIM works in over 142 destinations across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
The costs of Holafly’s Global eSIM data plans are:
- 3 days – $35.35 CAD (approx. $12/day)
- 5 days – $52.39 CAD (approx. $10/day)
- 7 days – $66.61 CAD (approx. $10/day)
- 10 days – $94.42 CAD (approx. $9/day)
- 15 days – $137.54 CAD (approx. $9/day)
- 30 days – $229.30 CAD (approx. $8/day)
Unlimited data
One of Holafly’s standout features is they offer real unlimited data in over 200 destinations.
This makes choosing a plan easy since you don’t have to figure out how much data you might need for the length of your trip, and you won’t have to top-up your plan at any point.
Monthly plans
Holafly also offers two monthly global data plans for frequent travellers. Both the Unlimited Plan and the Light Plan give you an eSIM that works in 160+ destinations around the world, and the plans renew automatically until you cancel (which you can do at any time).
The Light Plan comes with 25 GB of data each month for $74.48 CAD, while the Unlimited Plan comes with unlimited data, a hotspot, and a phone number for $97.17 CAD per month, though these are special launch prices so they may increase over time. Additionally, if you sign up for a full year, you can save 15% off these costs.
Holafly Travel Club
Another perk when purchasing a Holafly eSIM from Holafly is that you’re automatically enrolled in the Holafly Travel Club, through which you earn HolaCoins with every purchase.
100 HolaCoins are worth 1 Euro, and can be used to offset the cost of your next eSIM. Plus, for each HolaCoin you collect, you also get a Level Point which helps you earn more HolaCoins on all your purchases.
Referral program
Holafly also gives you the chance to earn HolaCoins through their referral program.
Through your Holafly app account, you can generate unique discount codes to share with your friends, and once your friend makes a purchase, you’ll receive a referral bonus of 500 HolaCoins or more!
Best credit card for a Holafly eSIM
Although Holafly quotes prices in Canadian dollars, your purchase will likely be processed in US dollars and is thus likely to incur a 2.5% foreign transaction fee depending on the credit card you use for the purchase.
To avoid this fee, you’ll want to use a use a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction (FX) fees like the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card. This card will also serve you well by continuing to save you money on foreign currency transactions on your trip, and in fact, it’s one of the best no-FX cards in Canada.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $599 | |||
| $120 |
How to Use a Holafly eSIM
Once you’ve paid for your Holafly eSIM, it only takes a couple quick steps to get it set up and ready to go. The process is a bit different depending on type of device you have, but to give you an idea of just how easy the process is, here’s the instructions for an iPhone:
- Go to « Settings » on your iPhone and select « Cellular. »
- Add/install your eSIM. (Specific instructions for each type of device can be found on Holafly’s website and within their app and this process requires stable wi-fi connection.)
- When you’re boarding your flight to your destination, set your main SIM card to « Off » and your new Holafly eSIM to « On. »
- Make sure that you also turn on data roaming for your new eSIM.
- Once you arrive at your destination, disable airplane mode and your Holafly eSIM should connect automatically to the local network.
It’s important to keep your home number turned off so you don’t accidentally incur any roaming charges.
If there’s any problems with downloading, installing, or using your eSIM, Holafly’s website has an extensive FAQs section that can help you sort out most issues, and they also offer a 24/7 online chat option if you need further assistance.
Holafly Drawbacks
Holafly works well for many travellers, but it is not the right fit for everyone. Before you buy, weigh these limits against your needs and budget.
- Higher prices than other providers: In our eSIM comparison, Holafly is consistently the most expensive option. A 7-day Mexico plan runs about $39 CAD with Holafly, while comparable plans with limited data start near $7 to $9 CAD with other providers we tested.
- Unlimited data only: Holafly sells unlimited-data plans exclusively. If you only need a few gigabytes for a short trip, you pay for far more data than you will use.
- No texting or calling plans: Holafly plans cover data only, so you cannot get a local number for calls or texts the way some other eSIMs allow in select countries.
- Billed in US dollars: Prices are shown in Canadian dollars, but charges usually process in US dollars, so a 2.5% foreign transaction fee can apply unless you pay with a no-FX-fee card.
If you use little data, compare available eSIM plans before choosing an unlimited option.
For a side-by-side look at how Holafly stacks up on price and coverage, see our comparison of the best eSIM providers.
Bottom Line
Holafly eSIMs, offering unlimited data in over 200 destinations around the world, are a simple and convenient way to access the internet while you travel.
Whether you’re visiting a single country for a week or multiple countries over many months, Holafly can keep you connected, as long as you are comfortable paying a premium for unlimited data. If you want a cheaper plan or only need a little data, compare it against the other providers first. To pay for your plan without a foreign transaction fee, reach for one of the best credit cards in Canada with no FX fees.
Before you head out on your next adventure, you may also want to consider signing up for a VPN service to give your data an extra level of security and to make it easier to enjoy your favourite online entertainment no matter where you are.
Holafly eSIM – Frequently Asked Questions
How do Holafly eSIMs work?
Holafly eSIMs are digital SIM cards that let you access data around the world while you travel by using your compatible device’s preinstalled software.
Once you’ve purchased a Holafly eSIM, you will need to install it onto your compatible device, following the instructions provided. You can then activate it when you arrive at your destinations in order to access the local data network.
What devices are compatible with Holafly eSIMs?
Holafly eSIMs will work with most eSIM-enabled smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. You can find the entire list of compatible devices (which is updated regularly) on Holafly’s website.
Are Holafly eSIMs safe?
Yes, Holafly is a reputable eSIM vendor, and their eSIMs are very safe.
How much does a Holafly eSIM cost?
Prices depend on the destination and the length of your plan. A 7-day country or regional plan starts around $39 CAD (up to $59 CAD for the Balkans), while the global eSIM costs more. All plans include unlimited data. Check the current prices on Holafly’s website before you buy, since rates change over time.
Does Holafly offer plans with limited data instead of unlimited?
No. Holafly sells unlimited-data plans only. If you want a smaller, cheaper plan with a set amount of gigabytes, you will need to compare other eSIM providers instead.
Can I make calls and send texts with a Holafly eSIM?
Holafly plans cover data only, so they do not include a local phone number for regular calls or texts. The monthly Unlimited Plan is the exception, as it comes with a phone number. For calls and messages, you can still use data-based apps like WhatsApp.
How do I avoid foreign transaction fees on a Holafly purchase?
Holafly usually charges in US dollars, so most Canadian cards add a 2.5% foreign transaction fee. To skip it, pay with a card that charges no foreign transaction fees, such as one of the best credit cards in Canada for travel.
