Holafly is an eSIM provider founded in 2017 that offers prepaid data plans for travelers in over 190 countries worldwide. It was one of the first companies to launch eSIM technology, quickly expanding to offer multiple plans across popular travel destinations globally.
With a 4.6 out of 5 star rating on Trustpilot across over 36,000 reviews, Holafly has established a strong reputation as a trusted eSIM provider. Its unlimited data plans, expanding country coverage, and focus on environmental sustainability have garnered it many followers.
Users praise the easy setup process, reliable high-speed data connections, responsive customer support, and good value for price compared to other providers. However, it’s worth noting that not all plans support tethering functionality, so it’s a good idea to check before you buy. If you aren’t looking for unlimited data, you may also find the plans more expensive than other eSIMs.
Holafly: Plans and pricing
While Holafly's prices may be slightly higher compared to some local SIM options, the unlimited data plans justify the cost for many travelers.
Most popular destinations offer unlimited data plans at similar price points. If you have to change your travel plans, Holafly also offers you to option to refund your purchase within the first 6 months.
Holafly: Features
Beyond the standard benefits of eSIMs, Holafly goes the extra mile with a few features we liked:
European Number
A standout feature is the inclusion of a European phone number (+43) with many of Holafly's eSIM plans. This allows users to make and receive calls within Europe for up to 60 minutes each, providing added convenience and cost savings.
Data Monitoring
Holafly's user-friendly app allows customers to easily track their data usage and receive notifications when running low. This feature helps travelers stay on top of their data consumption and avoid unexpected charges or disruptions in service.
Unlimited Data
While most eSIM providers put caps on data usage, Holafly allows you to use your phone abroad without constantly monitoring your usage. This is a huge benefit, although some users complain about throttling issues when you exceed a certain amount of data.
Holafly: Installation
Holafly makes purchasing and activating an eSIM a breeze. The onboarding process is straightforward and user-friendly, ensuring that even those new to eSIMs can get connected quickly.
After selecting your destination and plan on their website, you complete the purchase and receive a QR code via email within minutes. Installing the eSIM is as simple as scanning this code with your phone's camera, which automatically downloads the necessary settings.
For phones without QR scanning capabilities, you can manually input the provided SM-DP+ address and activation code.
Once installed, you simply enable data roaming in your phone settings upon arriving at your destination to activate the eSIM. Holafly also provides step-by-step guides for various devices, making the process intuitive for first-time users.
Holafly: Coverage and speed
Holafly partners with top carriers across the globe to offer consistent coverage in most locations. However, some users have reported occasional connectivity issues or dead zones, especially in more remote areas. A few countries with good coverage include:
- USA
- Canada
- Turkey
- Spain
- France
- Mexico
Holafly offers fast 4G/LTE or even 5G speeds across most locations. That said, some users complain about issues with throttling and slowdowns. After using a certain amount of data (around 3-5GB per day according to some reports), speeds may be drastically reduced until the following day. This a shame, especially since the company makes a point to promote its plans as having unlimited data.
Compared to competitors, Holafly's coverage is on par with or slightly better than many eSIM providers. The main differentiator is their unlimited data plans, but the throttling issue makes the choice more complicated for those interested in streaming or gaming.
Holafly: Support
Holafly offers multiple customer support channels to ensure users can access assistance whenever needed. The primary support options include 24/7 live chat through their website, WhatsApp, email support, and an FAQ addressing common queries.
Users typically praise the quick response times, particularly through live chat, plus the support team's ability to effectively resolve issues. But, a rare few reviews mention occasional delays or inconsistencies in support quality.
Holafly's comprehensive FAQ section can also help users troubleshoot common problems independently, reducing the need for contacting customer support for basic troubleshooting.
Holafly: Final verdict
With its extensive coverage, user-friendly onboarding process, and excellent customer support, Holafly is among the better eSIM providers we have reviewed. While complaints of throttling and inconsistent support impact our impressions, we are pleased with our overall experience with this platform.
If you aren’t looking for unlimited data, however, Holafly can prove costlier than most eSIM providers in the market right now. What’s more, users with resource-intensive needs like high-quality streaming may not care for the slow speeds once you cross the soft limit.
Holafly: FAQs
Is Holafly actually unlimited data?
While Holafly claims to offer unlimited data, some reviews suggest that speeds may be throttled after using a certain amount of data per day (around 3-5GB according to some reports). This is because Holafly's unlimited plans are subject to a Fair Usage Policy in each country.
Which is better, Airalo or Holafly?
While it’s hard to come up with a single answer, Airalo can be a better option for travelers visiting remote places due to the stronger coverage it offers. Holafly might be a better choice for those looking for unlimited data at lower price points.
Which network does Holafly use?
Holafly partners with local mobile network operators in each country to provide eSIM service to travelers. Examples include AT&T, T-Mobile, Telcel (Claro), and Verizon.
