Airalo vs Holafly: by-GB vs "unlimited" — and a third option

"Airalo vs Holafly" is really a question about two business models: buy a bucket of gigabytes, or buy time with an "unlimited" label attached. Both work. They just fail in different ways, and the difference shows up on day four of your trip when the maps app stops loading.

This page compares the models and published rules, not lab speeds. We do not quote competitor prices or ratings here — prices change weekly and you should read them in their own app. What we do explain is how each one handles data limits, hotspot and support, and where VoaSim fits.

How Airalo works: you buy gigabytes

Airalo (Singapore) built its catalogue around data packages: you pick a destination, pick a GB amount and a validity window, and the eSIM stops when the data runs out or the days expire. That is simple to understand and easy to budget if you know your usage.

Airalo also sells "unlimited" packages. According to its own fair use policy, those run on a daily high-speed allowance — 3 GB per day by default, which may vary by package — and after that the connection drops to roughly 1 Mbps for the rest of the 24-hour window. Tethering counts toward the same allowance.

When Airalo is the better pick: short trips, light use, or destinations where you only need maps and messaging. If 1 GB covers your whole weekend, paying for unlimited anything is a waste. Check current packages and the fair use text at airalo.com before you buy, because allowances differ by country.

How Holafly works: time-based, no published daily cap

Holafly (Spain) sells by days rather than gigabytes. Its unlimited plans do not publish a daily high-speed cap, which is the main reason heavy users like it. The catch is in the small print: Holafly states that operators may reduce speed under fair use for up to one day, and that hotspot is limited to 1 GB per day.

So the model is "buy a week, use the internet", with a discretionary brake rather than a fixed ceiling. For a traveler who streams, uploads video or works from the phone, that is usually closer to what people mean by unlimited than a 3 GB/day allowance.

When Holafly is the better pick: if you specifically need a phone number for SMS in certain destinations, or you want a brand with a large Spanish-language support operation. Read the current terms at esim.holafly.com — rules differ by destination and change over time.

The model comparison, side by side

This table compares published rules, not measured speeds. Always confirm in each provider's own terms before buying.

We keep a daily public comparison of unlimited eSIMs — VoaSim, Holafly, Airalo and Nomad — separating plans with and without a daily high-speed cap, with the method shown openly, in the eSIM Price Index.

Where VoaSim sits in this comparison

VoaSim is the third model: time-based like Holafly, but with no data cap, no speed throttling and no hidden fair use policy. Data only — no phone number and no traditional voice calls, though WhatsApp, app calls and maps all work over data.

Coverage is 160+ destinations across every continent, including Brazil, connecting automatically to local networks on 4G and, where available, 5G. The Europe plan covers 39 countries with one eSIM, including Switzerland, the UK, Turkey, Norway and Iceland. There is no coverage in the island Caribbean right now; Puerto Rico works on US networks.

One honest limitation: hotspot is not allowed. If you share the connection, the local carrier may block the line. Each traveler uses their own eSIM — and a second eSIM in the same order gets an extra 10% off. On cruises, it works on land at ports, not at sea.

VoaSim pricing: one table, every destination

No per-country pricing tiers and no early-booking tricks. The price depends on your destination and how many days you need. Today's promo price (15% off) is already included:

Trips of 1 to 4 days pay the 5-day package, and the maximum is 90 days per eSIM. Payment is by international credit or debit card in USD through Stripe, with no hidden fees and an invoice by email. Run your dates in the price simulator to see the exact figure.

A quick decision checklist

Answer these five questions and the choice usually makes itself:

1. Do you know your data usage? If yes and it is small, a by-GB plan from Airalo or a similar brand is the cheapest honest answer.
2. Will you stream, video call or upload a lot? Then a daily high-speed allowance will bite. Go for a plan with no cap.
3. Do you need to share the connection? Hotspot is restricted everywhere. If it is essential, read each provider's hotspot rule carefully — VoaSim does not allow it.
4. Do you need an SMS-capable number? VoaSim is data only. If bank SMS codes must arrive on the travel line, pick a provider that sells a number.
5. How many countries? One regional eSIM beats three national ones. See the comparison hub and our picks by trip type.

Buying, installing and what happens if it fails

With VoaSim, the QR code arrives by email within minutes (plus a WhatsApp heads-up if you left a number). Install it before you fly, following the step-by-step guide for iPhone and Android, then keep the eSIM line off until you land — on Android, do not switch on the eSIM's data before the trip. Your days start counting at the first connection to a network at the destination.

Your physical SIM and your number keep working, so WhatsApp stays on your usual number. Just turn off data roaming on your home carrier. Compatibility covers iPhone XR or newer, Galaxy S20 or newer, Pixel 3 or newer and most phones from 2020 on; dial *#06# and look for an EID. Carrier-locked phones must be unlocked, and we do not sell physical SIMs.

If something goes wrong, our free eSIM Rescue tool diagnoses an eSIM of any brand with no signal. If a VoaSim eSIM will not connect and human support cannot fix it, you get a 100% refund.

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