Is Airalo a good eSIM for your next trip?

Is Airalo cheap? Reading the price index

Airalo has a price index of 1.08. A value of 1.00 marks the market median, and lower means cheaper. So Airalo sits slightly above the median for standard data plans.

The index uses a price basket. It finds the cheapest way to get at least 5 GB for 30 days.

Unlimited plans follow a similar pattern. Their price index is 1.1, also a little above the median.

Price is not where Airalo stands out in our table. If cost matters most, check the cheapest eSIM ranking. Our methodology explains how each index is built.

What Airalo charges in popular destinations

Each price below is the cheapest Airalo option for 5 GB over 30 days.

• Japan: $11.75
• USA: $13.99
• Europe: $20.15
• Thailand: $8.39
• Turkey: $10.63
• Dubai and UAE: $12.87
• China: $16.23
• Italy: $12.87
• Mexico: $13
• Spain: $9.51

Thailand and Spain are the lowest in this list. The Europe plan is the highest. Not sure how much data you need? Our data guide can help you size a plan.

Unlimited data and the daily fair use cap

Unlimited plans are part of the Airalo lineup. Their status in our data: Yes.

Every unlimited plan has a fair use rule. The rule is 3 GB per day at 20 Mbps, then reduced speed.

For streaming or long video calls, that daily cap matters. Light users may never reach it. Heavy users may hit it and see reduced speed.

The unlimited price index is 1.1. That places these plans slightly above the market median. Compare options on our unlimited eSIM page before you commit to one.

5G, hotspot, phone numbers and top-ups

Features are one of Airalo's stronger areas. Here is what the provider pages show:

• 5G support: Yes
• Hotspot: Yes
• Phone number: On some plans
• Top-up: Some plans
• Plan starts: First connection

A plan that starts at first connection can be installed before you leave. The validity period begins only when you connect.

Top-ups depend on the plan, so check before buying. Calls and texts come only on some plans. Filter for them if you need a number.

Refunds, free trials and app reputation

Some details buyers often look for are not confirmed on Airalo's pages. That includes a refund policy and a refund window.

A free trial is not confirmed on the provider pages either. Pay as you go is also not confirmed.

If any of these matter to you, read the terms at checkout. Do this before you pay.

On reputation, the App Store rating is 4.58 from 102,693 ratings. That is a large base of reviews. Trustpilot data is not part of our dataset, so it is not reported here.

Airalo vs Holafly and other options to consider

Many readers weigh Airalo against Holafly. Our Airalo vs Holafly comparison sets the two side by side.

Airalo ranks eighth of nine in our table. Its main strength is coverage across 200 destinations.

Yesim is our Editor's Choice for travelers who want the same plan length everywhere. We earn a commission from Yesim.

Other matchups include Airalo vs Nomad and Airalo vs Ubigi. For a full list, see our Airalo alternatives page.

Our verdict

Airalo suits travelers who want broad coverage and a well-rated app. Prices run slightly above the market median, and refund terms are not confirmed on its pages. Compare alternatives before you buy.