Airalo is good but they also have some weaknesses, like dead zones in some areas, network quality varying significantly by location, slow response times, limited support channels, poor handling of technical problems, and difficulty getting a refund when service does not work.
There are many eSIM providers offering eSIMs for international travel. However, choosing the right option needs some research. When looking for Airalo alternatives, the main issues you need to consider are reliability, customer support quality, coverage consistency, and value for money. I recommend Gigago, which provides eSIMs for more than 200 countries worldwide with competitive prices, simple activation, reliable coverage and attentive customer support.
In this article, you will have an insight into the best alternatives of Airalo and how they cover the needs of users.
In this article
There are many eSIM providers that offer better eSIM services than Airalo, which are: Gigago, Nomad, YeSIM, and Ubigi.
Gigago offers travel eSIM services to more than 200 countries and territories in the world. They offer local, regional, and global eSIM plans for popular destinations across the globe.
You can buy eSIM plans based on your needs, destination, and preferences. Their eSIM plans are diverse to meet different traveler’s requirements, offering fixed data plans, daily data plans, or unlimited data plans.
The provider receives consistently positive reviews regarding eSIM functionality and efficiency.
Gigago offers numerous essential services for international travelers:
Gigago allows data sharing via hotspot or tethering in most plans across their supported destinations. You can share cellular data with other devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches.
You can store multiple eSIM profiles (up to 20 depending on your phone model) and switch between them if connection issues arise.
You can easily switch between different network carriers to improve connectivity or change eSIM purposes (e.g. one for business, another for personal use).
When traveling abroad with Gigago eSIM, you can keep your primary home phone number for receiving calls and SMS.
Many Gigago eSIM plans include local phone numbers, convenient for local services such as hotel bookings, restaurant reservations, ride-hailing, and food delivery.
Using an eSIM from Gigago eliminates expensive roaming charges.
Gigago offers eSIM plans for various travel durations, either short or long trips, reducing the risk of paying for unused time.
Gigago provides fixed, daily, and unlimited data plans catering to different user needs, from light to heavy data consumption
eSIM setup takes just 3-5 minutes with simple steps. The eSIM activates automatically upon detecting supported network signals.
Gigago provides 24/7 customer support in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French, Spanish, and Vietnamese. In case of issues, you can contact customer service at any time.
Gigago eSIM plans are available through both their website and mobile application, allowing users to choose their preferred platform.
Before setting up an eSIM from Gigago, first verify that your device is eSIM compatible.
Then, either visit Gigago.com or download the Gigago eSIM app for your iOS or Android device. Select your desired destination and follow the setup instructions.
You can install a Gigago eSIM using 2 methods:
The QR code method is simpler, requiring only a quick scan. Both the QR code and activation details are sent to you via email. If you encounter issues with the QR code setup, you can opt for manual installation.
After installation, your eSIM will automatically activate upon arrival at your destination when it detects supported network signals. If activation doesn’t occur automatically, you may need to configure the APN settings.
Nomad is a popular eSIM provider for international travelers, offering reliable data speeds in most locations and featuring a user-friendly interface that makes buying and installing an eSIM straightforward.
However, Nomad’s customer support appears to be a painpoint, with mixed reviews regarding response times. Some travelers have encountered technical issues, such as activation delays, inconsistent network switching in specific locations (like Italy). Additionally, the refund process has also been noted as potentially complicated, which is an important consideration when choosing this service.
If considering Nomad, it is advisable to do location-specific research before purchasing, as experiences can vary significantly by destination.
Yesim provides various plan options including country-specific, regional and global coverage. Their platform, both web and app-based, is easy to use, featuring simple QR codes or automatic installation options.
The service performs well in developed countries, with speeds reaching up to 110.2 Mbps in the US and 56.9 Mbps in the UK. However, in developing countries, performance drops considerably – reaching only 26.8 Mbps in Mexico and 10.3 Mbps in the Dominican Republic.
Yesim also offers a distinctive feature with virtual phone number service, although it is not available in all countries. However, users often encounter difficulties with installation and activation processes. Additionally, the lack of 24/7 support can be problematic for travelers in different time zones or those coping with urgent connectivity issues.
Ubigi offers a wide range of data plans, from short trips to monthly and annual plans for extended travel, all at affordable prices. While they provide unlimited data plans in multiple regions, most plans do not include phone calls or text messages. There is a notable difference in user experience between iOS and Android users, reflected in their ratings (4.6/5 on the App Store versus 4.0/5 on Google Play Store).
eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular, offering significant benefits for both short and long-term travelers. However, choosing the right eSIM provider for your needs can be challenging. If you have tried Airalo and are looking for alternatives, this article provides several options that might better suit your needs.
Gigago outperforms Airalo in several aspects, including customer service, plan flexibility, and phone number availability. While Airalo was the first global eSIM provider, its size sometimes makes it challenging to meet specific traveler needs.
Gigago offers numerous plan options, including unlimited data plans, catering to different types of travelers. Their flexible plans help users avoid paying for unused data and time. In contrast, Airalo’s limited plan options may result in users purchasing more data than needed.
Unlike providers such as Gigago, Airalo doesn’t offer unlimited data plans. Instead, they restrict plans to fixed data limits of 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, or 30GB. Additionally, their cellular service quality may not be as good as a local eSIM.
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