Travel's a breeze with Airalo Unlimited Data eSIMs

This article is sponsored by Airalo.

When you land after a long flight, you're exhausted, and your only thought is getting to your hotel. The last thing you want to do is find a local SIM card kiosk before you can get online and book a car.

Fortunately, the days of chasing down tiny pieces of plastic are behind us, and the industry has shifted toward digital alternatives. Leading this change is Airalo. Since its launch in 2019, the company has specialised in eSIM technology and now serves over 20 million users globally, making it the world's largest eSIM platform.

Airalo's coverage spans over 200 countries and regions, including remote locations like Bhutan. However, for those heading to more popular hotspots, the service offers competitive rates across the destinations most popular with Australian travellers.

Airalo plans are easy to decipher; you simply choose how much data you need for the length of time you plan to be in the country you're visiting, including unlimited data packs. There are slight variations depending on the destination, but generally you choose between 3 and 30 days, with data packs ranging from 1GB to Unlimited data.

If you're like me, you'll opt for an Unlimited data plan so you can focus on your trip without worrying about data usage every time you use your phone. I want to take and share loads of photos while I'm travelling, and stay in touch with things back home, so an Unlimited data package keeps me connected seamlessly.

Popular destinations and pricing

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Indonesia, New Zealand, Japan, and the USA remain top choices for international travel. Below are some of the Airalo data options available for these regions:

• New Airalo customers can use this link to save 15% off their eSIM purchase.
• Existing customers save 10% by following this link.

For travellers hoping to make the most of their trip and planning to visit several countries, Airalo also offers regional coverage and a global option. Here are a few examples:

Beyond simple connectivity, the platform includes features tailored for frequent travellers.

• The Airmoney rewards program allows users to earn credit on purchases or referrals that can be put towards future eSIM travel packs.
• The Airalo app provides real-time data tracking.
• Tech support is available in 57 languages, with 24/7 English language support from anywhere in the world.

So, should you go with Airalo?

There are benefits to choosing the largest eSIM platform for travel connectivity. You have enough on your plate when you're navigating foreign cities, choosing restaurants and booking tours. Airalo's network of mobile service providers in over 200 countries makes it a safe bet, and 24/7 customer support is a great safety net.

If you're new to using an eSIM on your smartphone, the Airalo app is a first-class introduction, making the setup process as straightforward as possible. The app is well-designed and easy to navigate, which can't be said for the apps offered by all of its competitors.

The two deal-makers for me are the unlimited data options, including for travelling across several locations within a region, and Airalo's unrestricted hotspotting (or tethering). Together, these two features mean I can use the internet abroad the same way I use it at home. There is a fair-use policy on unlimited data plans to keep in mind (3GB per day), but this is a decent chunk of data for a 24-hour period.

After comparing Airalo pricing to several of its competitors, I feel like its good value for money. Airalo isn't the cheapest travel eSIM provider across all countries and all data options, but features like Airmoney, 24/7 support and unrestricted tethering are worth a couple of extra bucks.

The benefits of switching to eSIM

An eSIM is essentially a software-based SIM card. Because there's no plastic card, you don't have to wait for a delivery in the mail or stand in a queue at an airport terminal. You simply download the required profile directly to your device via an app. Plus, you can leave your local SIM card in your phone so you don't lose it.

If you download the Airalo app and set up your profile before you leave home, your phone automatically connects to a local network once you land at your destination. Your eSIM profile can remain on your phone after you return home, especially if you plan to top up your account and use it again. It's also easy to delete an eSIM profile from your device as well.

Using your Airalo eSIM

To ensure a smooth setup, verify that your handset is eSIM compatible. Most recent models from Apple, Samsung, and Google support the technology, but it is also essential to ensure your device is "unlocked" and not restricted to your home carrier. Generally speaking, most phones sold in Australia are unlocked, even if you buy them from the provider. If you are unsure of your handset's status, a quick call to your provider can clarify this.

Before you depart

With your unlocked smartphone in hand, it is time to get connected to Airalo. Here are the steps:

1. Download the Airalo app and create an account.
2. Install your eSIM by going to My eSIMs in the app and following the prompts. Airalo has excellent guides on its site for doing this on iPhones, Android and Samsung Galaxy handsets.
3. Choose and purchase the package you for your trip.
4. Follow the prompts to install this package - it only takes a minute.

When you arrive

1. When your flight arrives, turn on your Airalo eSIM in your phone's settings.
2. Make sure to enable international roaming in the eSIM settings on your phone.
3. You will automatically connect to the local network.

For more detailed information about packs and pricing, visit the Airalo website. There you will find comprehensive pricing tables for each supported country and region. Otherwise, download the Airalo app from either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign up for an account.

Joseph Hanlon

Editorial Director | X | LinkedIn

Joe Hanlon has been immersed in mobile phones, plans and the internet for over a decade, having written for publications like CNET, Techradar, Gizmodo and Lifehacker. He steers the editorial ship and makes sure that we are always serving up the most useful guides and recommendations. If you ever bump into Joe on the street, don't be afraid to ask for a phone recommendation. It's embarrassing how much he enjoys talking about this stuff. He also loves listening to podcasts, so feel free to email Joe with recommendations.

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