Source-backed analysis10
Review basis
Research-based review: the AppDuo Editorial Team compiled it from official pages, documentation, app stores, press and user feedback, without hands-on testing. Every claim links to a source with the date it was checked.
10 reference sourcesInformation updated Nov 10, 2026
How we review
Airalo Review
Travel eSIM marketplace covering 200+ destinations, bought in the app
By AppDuo Editorial Team · Updated
- iOS
- Android
- Web
On this page
Decide at a glance
Our verdict
Airalo suits short-trip travelers with an eSIM-capable phone who want data on landing without buying a SIM at the airport. Unlimited multi-day packages are not cheap, and customer support draws mixed feedback on Trustpilot.
Best for: Travelers visiting one or several countries who want a local, regional or global package
Skip it if: Phones without eSIM support or still locked to a carrier
Pros
- 200+ locations with local, regional and global packages
- Prices and validity are shown per destination page, and every package is a one-off purchase with no subscription
- App in 53 languages with multiple currencies; 24/7 support via chat, email and WhatsApp
Cons
- Long unlimited packages are pricey, for example $69 for 30 days in Vietnam
- Trustpilot's 4.2/5 trails the App Store's 4.58/5, and feedback on support is mixed
All pros and cons · Who is it for?
Pros
- The refund policy spells out conditions, including a 14-day withdrawal right if the eSIM is not yet activated
Cons
- eKYC checks with biometric data may be required in some countries, and refunds apply only in specific cases
Best for
- Owners of eSIM-compatible, network-unlocked iPhones or Android phones
Skip it if
- Heavy daily users (over 3 GB/day): unlimited packages slow to 1 Mbps past the default threshold
Problems it solves
Experience & key features
What is Airalo?
Airalo is a travel eSIM store run by AirGSM Pte Ltd, a company registered in Singapore. Instead of buying a physical SIM at the airport, you buy a data package in the app or on the web, install the eSIM on your phone and use it abroad. The App Store listing dates to October 2019. According to its homepage, Airalo covers 200+ locations and says over 30 million people choose it; a July 2025 press article cited more than 20 million travelers, so figures differ by source.
How it works
Each destination page lists packages by days and data, with the primary network (for example VNPT in Vietnam, Softbank in Japan). Validity starts when the eSIM first connects at the destination, and a package ends when time or data runs out. The device must support eSIM and Android phones must be network unlocked. Unlimited packages have a 3 GB/day high-speed threshold then slow to 1 Mbps, which still handles messaging, maps and simple browsing. Per the Google Play description, Global eSIMs cover 160+ countries and include data, calls and texts.
Pricing and refunds
Airalo sells packages, not subscriptions. For Vietnam (USD): 3 days unlimited $11.50, 7 days $27, 15 days $48, 30 days $69. Asia regional eSIMs start at $4 and Global at $8.50. On refunds: you can withdraw within 14 days if the eSIM is not activated; an activated eSIM unusable due to an Airalo error is replaced or refunded if you ask within 30 days. Other situations are not refundable.
More analysis
Who it's for, and alternatives
Airalo fits travelers who want many destinations in one app. Holafly and Saily also sell travel eSIMs with different package structures, so compare prices trip by trip. If you use a lot of data every day, read the fair use policy before buying an unlimited package.
Screenshots
Plans & pricing
Prices last verified Nov 10, 2026
Vietnam eSIM, 3 ngày / 3 days (unlimited)
PersonalContact sales
$11.50 for unlimited data over 3 days (per the Vietnam eSIM page with USD selected). Packages are one-off purchases, not monthly or yearly subscriptions.
Vietnam eSIM, 7 ngày / 7 days (unlimited)
PersonalContact sales
$27 for 7 days of unlimited data. Other tiers on the same page: 5 days $18.50, 10 days $34.50, 15 days $48, 30 days $69.
Regional & global eSIM
PersonalContact sales
Asia regional eSIMs start at $4 and Global eSIMs at $8.50 ("from" prices on the Vietnam page). The Japan page lists local eSIMs from $4. Actual prices depend on destination, data amount and days.
- Free plan limits
- No free tier. Unlimited packages have a default high-speed threshold of 3 GB per day; past it, speed drops to 1 Mbps for the rest of that day. Hotspot use has no device limit, but reselling or commercial sharing is prohibited.
- Free trial
- No free trial
Cancellation & refunds
The Refund Policy in the Terms of Use gives consumers a 14-day right of withdrawal, ending earlier if the eSIM is activated; an eSIM already in use cannot be withdrawn. If an activated eSIM is unusable due to an Airalo error, Airalo provides a replacement or a full refund at your option, provided you ask within 30 days and Airalo cannot restore access within 10 days. Partly used packages get only the unused portion back. Refunds go to Airmoney or the original payment method (up to 30 business days). Purchases through a third party must be refunded by that party.
Privacy
The privacy policy (updated March 2026) is issued by AirGSM Pte Ltd, a company registered in Singapore. Airalo collects account details (name, email, address, phone), usage data, IP address, device and location information, and the content of communications with support. Where law requires eKYC checks, it may process sensitive data such as biometrics and ID documents. Data is shared with network, hosting and payment providers, distribution partners, Trustpilot and authorities where required. You can delete your data or ask Airalo to, but some data must still be kept for eKYC legal obligations.
Airalo alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Which phones work with Airalo?
You need an eSIM-compatible phone; Android devices must be network unlocked. Airalo has a device compatibility page on its website.
When does an Airalo package start counting days?
According to the official page, validity starts when the eSIM first connects to a network at your destination. The package expires when the validity period ends or the data runs out, whichever comes first.
Is unlimited really unlimited?
The default high-speed threshold is 3 GB per day. Past it, speed drops to 1 Mbps for the rest of that day. Packages with a different threshold state it in the package details before purchase.
Can I get a refund?
In specific cases: withdrawal within 14 days if the eSIM is not activated, or a replacement or refund if an activated eSIM is unusable due to an Airalo error and you ask within 30 days. For third-party purchases, contact that seller.
Review evidence & sources10
Scores
- Ease of use
- 8.3
- Features
- 7.8
- Value for money
- 7.0
- Performance
- 7.5
- Support
- 6.3
- Privacy & security
- 6.0
Why this score
Pick a destination, pick a package, install the eSIM in the app; the official page says you can connect "in minutes". 4.58/5 across 102,731 App Store ratings and 4.6/5 from about 195,000 Google Play reviews. Validity starts only when the eSIM first connects at the destination.
Why this score
Local, regional, global and unlimited packages (unlimited in 120+ destinations); a loyalty program and referrals; Airalo Partners for businesses. Local and regional packages are mainly data-only; per the Google Play description, only Global eSIMs add calls and texts.
Why this score
Entry prices are low (from $4 on the Japan and Asia pages), but Vietnam unlimited is $27 for 7 days and $69 for 30. Compare with rivals such as Holafly and Saily for your specific trip.
Why this score
Trustpilot's summary notes reliable connections across several countries but also uneven experiences. Airalo guarantees neither speed nor availability, and unlimited packages slow down after 3 GB/day. Real quality depends on the partner network in each country.
Why this score
24/7 multilingual support via chat, WhatsApp and a help center. However, Trustpilot's summary (4.2/5, 50,000+ reviews) describes customer service feedback as mixed, and refunds depend on Airalo confirming a fault on its side.
Why this score
A detailed policy that allows deletion, but biometric data may be processed where eKYC is mandatory and some data must be retained even after a deletion request. Data is shared with distribution partners and several providers.
What users say
- Apple App Store (US)4.6/5 · 102,731
- Google Play (US)4.6/5 · 195,000
- Trustpilot4.2/5 · 50,481
Sources
- Vendor-providedOfficial homepageNov 10, 2026
- Vendor-providedOfficial Vietnam eSIM page (USD)Nov 10, 2026
- Vendor-providedOfficial Japan eSIM page (USD)Nov 10, 2026
- Vendor-providedOfficial privacy policyNov 10, 2026
- Vendor-providedOfficial Terms of Use and Refund PolicyNov 10, 2026
- Vendor-providedOfficial unlimited plans fair use policyNov 10, 2026
- storeApp Store listingNov 10, 2026
- storeGoogle Play listingNov 10, 2026
- review-siteTrustpilot: AiraloNov 10, 2026
- pressTravolution (2025-07-11)Nov 10, 2026
Specs & compatibility
- Developer
- AirGSM Pte Ltd
- Headquarters
- Singapore
- Launched
- 2019
- Category
- Travel
Capabilities
- Mobile app
- Public API
Platforms
- iOS
- Android
- Web
Interface languages
- English
- Vietnamese
- Japanese
- Chinese
- Spanish
- French
- Korean
- German
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Thai
- Indonesian
Integrations
- Airalo Partners (reseller and API)
- Sign in with Apple, Google, Facebook
Support
- Live chat
- Help center
Change history
- Update.Privacy policy updated (date shown on the page is March 2026).
- Company.Airalo raised $220 million led by CVC at a valuation above $1 billion, described by press as the first eSIM unicorn.
- Launch.The Airalo app first appears on the US App Store (release date shown in the listing).
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