Airalo eSIM Services
Complete guide to every plan type and service Airalo offers
1. Local eSIM Plans
Local eSIM plans are designed for travel to a single country. They connect to that country's domestic mobile networks, providing data at local rates. Airalo offers local plans for over 190 countries, with data allowances ranging from 500 MB to unlimited and validity periods from 7 to 30 days.
Local plans are typically the most affordable option on a per-GB basis for single-destination travel. They are straightforward to purchase and activate, making them the recommended starting point for first-time Airalo users.
Key considerations: Local plans do not work outside the designated country. If you cross a border — even briefly — you will lose connectivity on that plan. For multi-country trips, consider regional plans instead.
2. Regional eSIM Plans
Regional plans cover a defined group of countries under a single shared data allowance. Airalo's regional offerings include Europe (40+ countries), Asia (20+ countries), the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. A single regional plan eliminates the need to purchase and install separate local eSIMs for each destination on a multi-country trip.
Important caveat: Not every country within a geographic region is necessarily included in a regional plan. Always verify the specific country list on the plan's details page before purchasing. A plan labelled "Europe" may not include all European countries.
3. Global eSIM Plans
Global plans provide a single data pool usable across 80–130+ countries depending on the specific plan. These are Airalo's most flexible offering, designed for frequent international travellers, digital nomads, or those with unpredictable itineraries. Global plans typically have higher per-GB costs than local or regional alternatives but offer unmatched convenience.
4. Airmoney Credits
Airmoney is Airalo's in-app credit system. Purchasing Airmoney in advance provides a discount of approximately 5–10% compared to paying by card at checkout. Credits do not expire and can be used for any plan. This is particularly valuable for frequent travellers who use Airalo multiple times per year.
5. Compatibility Verification
Airalo provides a device compatibility checker within their app. This cross-references your device model against their database of eSIM-capable hardware. Note that compatibility also requires your device to be carrier-unlocked — a locked device will not accept an eSIM from a different carrier regardless of hardware support.
Service Comparison Matrix
| Factor | Local | Regional | Global |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per GB | Lowest | Medium | Highest |
| Countries covered | 1 | 10–40 | 80–130+ |
| Flexibility | Low | Medium | High |
| Top-up support | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Speed consistency | High | Medium | Variable |
| Hotspot support | Usually | Usually | Usually |
| SMS | Some plans | Rare | Rare |
| Voice calls | No | No | No |
| Validity range | 7–30 days | 7–30 days | 7–365 days |
| Best for | Single destination | Multi-country tour | Unpredictable travel |
| Setup complexity | Simple | Simple | Simple |
Exclusions & Limitations
- All Airalo plans are data-only — no voice calls or local phone number.
- Plans are non-refundable once the QR code has been scanned and installed.
- Validity period start conditions vary by plan — some start at purchase, others at first use.
- Hotspot/tethering is not universally permitted — verify before purchasing if required.
- Fair Use Policy applies to unlimited plans — speeds may be throttled after a threshold.
- Regional plans do not cover every country in a geographic region.
- eSIM profiles cannot be transferred between devices.
- Deleted eSIM profiles cannot be reinstalled using the same QR code.
- Coverage in remote areas may be limited regardless of plan type.
- Airalo's network partnerships can change, affecting coverage without notice.