One of the first things we do when arriving in a new country is to buy a local SIM card to stay connected for data. But before that can happen, we have to locate a retailer.
Because if you’ve ever faced the dreaded roaming bill after travelling abroad, you’re not alone. Nobody likes returning from a fabulous trip to find they have an expensive roaming bill. Our alternative was to find a local SIM at the airport, as we did in Morocco. Or a local provider in France.
So, to avoid the hassle, we decided to try an eSim for our recent trip to Bali.
Get started today with Airalo. If you buy before 1 January 2025, use the Promo Code NEWTOAIRALO15 for a 15% discount.
Airalo: The Ultimate Solution for Affordable Global Connectivity
Airalo was the first eSIM store founded in 2019.
It covers over 200 countries with digital eSIM packages. It offers affordable prices for the best Data or Data/Calls/Text packages.
Instead of using a physical SIM, Airalo offers an eSIM, which is embedded directly into your mobile. It’s a virtual SIM. Once activated, the eSIM connects to a local network.
Get started today with Airalo.
In this post, we’ll explain why Airalo is an excellent choice for travellers and how you can set it up seamlessly to enjoy worry-free connectivity.
We like the reasonably priced plans and the number of countries where the eSIM is available.
Why Choose Airalo?
WiFi is essential when travelling to connect for AirBnBs, WISE money purchases, flight details, and city maps. This is why we chose Airalo eSIM to stay connected in the countries we visit.
1. Cost-Effective Solution
Traditional roaming charges can be exorbitant, especially if you’re visiting multiple countries. Airalo’s eSIMs are budget-friendly, offering local rates that help keep costs low. Instead of paying a single roaming rate across all countries, you can select individual plans for each destination or choose a regional or global plan that covers multiple countries.
Note: For Bali, we chose a destination plan choosing from over 200 countries available.
2. Convenience
Unlike physical SIM cards that must be picked up, installed, or swapped out at every destination, Airalo’s eSIMs are entirely digital. Once you purchase a plan, you can install it on your device with just a few taps, saving you the hassle of hunting for local SIM cards or dealing with complex roaming setups.
Note: Set up can be organised before you leave home.
3. Instant Activation
Airalo’s eSIMs allow you to connect the moment you arrive. Simply activate your eSIM when you reach your destination, eliminating the need to find a local store. This is especially helpful in countries where language barriers or time zones might make accessing connectivity services challenging.
Note: This lets you connect to the family immediately or order an Uber when you arrive.
- Global Reach
With coverage in over 200 countries, including popular travel destinations like Croatia, Thailand, London, and Italy, Airalo has you covered almost anywhere you want. Whether hopping across Europe, exploring Asia, or touring the United States, Australia or New Zealand, Airalo’s eSIMs can keep you connected.
Get started today with Airalo.
5. Flexible Plans for All Types of Travellers
Airalo offers a wide range of data plans to suit different needs. Whether you need a small plan for basic messaging or a high-data package for streaming and video calls, you can find one that fits your budget and usage requirements. They even offer regional and global plans for those travelling across multiple countries.
6. Retain your Physical SIM for Notifications
We retain our physical SIM to receive notifications for accessing the Apps we use for Banking, Kindle and Amazon. We use our Airalo eSIM for our data plan while travelling.
How to Set Up and Use Airalo
Getting started with Airalo is a straightforward process, especially for first-time users.
We found the best approach was to set up our account before we left home for stable Wi-Fi. It was also easier to use a laptop.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to set up your eSIM and start enjoying affordable, seamless connectivity:
Step 1: Check Your Device Compatibility
Before you get started, you must ensure your device supports eSIM technology. Most newer smartphones, like the iPhone 11 and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, and some Samsung Galaxy models, are eSIM-compatible.
To confirm compatibility, you can check the Airalo website or your device’s settings.
Step 2: Sign up with Airalo
Use our link below to sign up for Airalo. The link takes you directly to the Airalo store, where you can choose a country, region, or global option.
Get started today with Airalo.
Step 3: Choose a Plan
Travelling to multiple countries can find plans based on country, region, or even global coverage. Each plan has detailed information about its data allowance, duration, and price, allowing you to pick the one that best suits your travel needs.
Note: Airalo accepts payment in United States dollar (USD), Australian dollar (AUD), Canadian dollar (CAD), Euro (EUR), and Pound sterling (GBP).
We use WISE to pay for our plans.
You can purchase different amounts of data for different periods.
Our trip to Bali was USD7 for 7 days of 1GB data rather than AUD5 per day with Telstra.
Once you choose your plan:
- Click Buy for the eSIM option you want
- Sign up as a new customer
- Enter the Airalo 4-digit code sent to your email address
- Enter your payment method
- (If buying before 1 January 2025, get a 15% discount using Promo Code NEWTOAIRALO15)
- Tick the box to confirm your phone is eSIM compatible.
- Complete the Order.
Step 4: Install the eSIM
Once you’ve selected your plan, simply proceed with the purchase, and you’ll receive installation instructions. Airalo makes this process user-friendly; you only need to follow the instructions to activate the eSIM profile on your device.
Install the eSIM:
- Your account setup shows the plan selected and what it offers.
- Select the manual instructions for your mobile – Android device or iOS device.
- Allow – notifications for data usage.
- Download the eSIM via a QR code or manually
- Follow the manual instructions to set up your mobile
Note: The Installation Guide also has a Chat Box if you need help with a question.
Step 5: Activate Your eSIM Upon Arrival
Most travellers choose to activate their eSIM upon arrival at their destination. You can turn it on directly from your phone’s settings. Ensure that you’re connected to Wi-Fi initially to facilitate the activation; after that, you’ll be online and ready to go!
Step 6: Download the Airalo App
The Airalo app is available for iOS and Android. Downloading it gives you easy access to the company’s global catalogue of eSIMs and allows you to manage your eSIM profiles and top-ups in one place.
Step 7: Monitor Your Data Usage
Through the Airalo app, you can easily track your data usage and top up your plan if needed. This transparency helps you avoid any surprise costs and ensures you stay connected throughout your trip.
Get started today with Airalo.
Tips for Using Airalo Effectively
- Make sure your device has a stable internet connection before installing your eSIM.
- Most eSIMs can only be installed once, so you cannot install them again if removed.
- Turn off Data Roaming on your Physical SIM.
- Download your Self-Guided City Walks to help save on data.
- Manage Background Data Usage: Turn off background data usage for apps that don’t need to be updated constantly to ensure they aren’t using data unnecessarily.
- Top-Up or Extend Plans as Needed: If you’re running out of data, you can easily top up or extend your plan through the Airalo app.
- Use Wi-Fi Where Possible: While Airalo offers affordable data, using local Wi-Fi in cafes or hotels for data-heavy tasks can help stretch your eSIM allowance even further.
Is Airalo Right for You?
Whether you’re setting off on a short trip to explore a new city or embarking on a multi-country tour, Airalo makes it easy to stay in touch with loved ones, navigate unfamiliar streets, and share your experiences—all without worrying about surprise roaming fees.
Airalo’s eSIM service is a game-changer for frequent travellers, remote workers, and anyone looking for a convenient, affordable way to stay connected.
It’s particularly valuable for travellers who want to avoid the hassle of finding a SIM card in each country or managing complex roaming fees. With flexible plans, extensive global reach, and easy-to-use technology, Airalo allows you to travel with confidence and connectivity.
If you’re ready to change how you connect while travelling, try Airalo and experience the freedom of affordable, reliable global connectivity wherever your journey takes you.