Holafly eSIM review (2024)

Looking for cheap and convenient ways to keep access to your phone while you’re abroad? Why not get an eSIM?

This Holafly¹ eSIM 2024 review covers the packages available, how to get one and how to use it for seamless connectivity wherever you are.

While you’re planning your trip, take a moment to look at the Wise international debit card which could cut your travel spending costs with global spending with the mid-market exchange rate, low conversion fees from 0.33% and no foreign transaction fee to worry about².

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What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital only SIM which you can install remotely onto your phone and activate to get access to roaming data when you’re abroad. You might use an eSIM when you travel if you have a compatible device, to avoid racking up roaming charges on your normal UK SIM card.

This guide looks at Holafly including package options and fees, and how to get started.

How does Holafly eSIM work?

Holafly has eSIMs which work in 160+ destinations around the world. You’ll be able to browse your options online to pick the package you want, install it to your phone and activate it. Installation can be manual or using a QR code - and once your eSIM is activated you’ll get access to data in your destination with low, prepaid fees.

We’ll look at some examples of how to install and activate a Holafly eSIM, next.

Holafly eSIM installation

You’ll get an email once you’ve bought your Holafly eSIM which covers all the installation and activation steps, plus there’s lots of information on their website³. As the activation step must be done once you arrive at your destination, Holafly recommends that you download the PDF version⁴ of the instructions just in case - so you’ll be able to access the information even before you get the internet up and running on your phone.

The exact installation and activation steps can vary depending on the type and model of phone you have - but you’ll receive all the information you need from Holafly.

To give an idea of the process, here’s how to install Holafly’s eSIM on an Apple phone:

1. On your device, go to Settings, then Cellular
2. Tap on Add eSIM, then select Use QR Code
3. Tap Enter Details, and paste in the codes which were in your Holafly confirmation email
4. Tap Connect, then Continue - and you’re done

Once the eSIM is installed, you’ll need to activate it. Holafly recommend you install your eSIM the day before you travel when you have a stable internet connection. You don’t need an internet connection to activate your eSIM so this can be done on arrival at your destination.

How to activate Holafly eSIM?

On arrival in your destination you need to activate your eSIM by turning it on on your device.

Here’s how to activate a Holafly eSIM:

1. On your phone go to Cellular, and select your new Holafly eSIM
2. Add a name for this SIM and then tap Continue
3. Select Primary as your Default line, and then tap Continue
4. Select Primary as your line for iMessage and FaceTime, then tap Continue
5. Select Holafly as your line for Cellular Data, tap Continue - and your eSIM is activated

Holafly eSIM plans and prices

Holafly eSIMs generally include unlimited data - although fair usage limits are likely to apply if you’re an extremely heavy user. You can model your preferred package online by picking your destination country or region and then the duration of the eSIM. In some countries and regions you can simply specify any number of days duration, in others there are pre-set package lengths to pick from.

To give a bit of a feel for the options we've highlighted a few different costs, durations and destination options:

Countries covered	Duration	Coverage	Price
European regional coverage	1 days	Unlimited data	5 GBP
European regional coverage	7 days	Unlimited data	7 GBP
USA	1 days	Unlimited data	5 GBP
USA	7 days	Unlimited data	7 GBP
Latin America	7 days	Unlimited data	29 GBP

Holafly eSIM: Pros and Cons

Here’s a quick look at some of the pros and cons of the Holafly eSIM:

Pros:

• Very flexible packages which you can pick based on duration of your trip
• No need to buy a physical SIM on arrival at your destination
• Install and activate with a QR or manually in just a few steps

Cons:

• You need a compatible device
• Suitable for data roaming only - not for calls or SMS
• Variable fees depending on the specific package

Holafly eSIM FAQs

1. Does Holafly eSIM give you a number?

Holafly’s eSIM does not give you a number - it’s for data only. However, if you have an Apple device you can choose to continue using your normal UK SIM alongside Holafly, for calls. Bear in mind charges will apply, which are paid to your UK network operator.

2. Can I WhatsApp on Holafly?

Yes, WhatsApp will continue to work just as normal with your eSIM once it’s been installed and activated.

3. Can you text with Holafly eSIM?

No. You can not use your Holafly eSIM to text or to make phone calls, it is for data only.

4. Can you make phone calls on Holafly?

No. You don’t get a local phone number with Holafly’s eSIM so you can’t make phone calls using it. However, you can in some cases leave your normal UK SIM active to make calls from that when you’re away.

5. Can you FaceTime with Holafly?

Yes. Just install your eSIM as normal, following the instructions, to FaceTime when you’re abroad.

Going abroad? Spend like a local with the Wise Card

Having uninterrupted access to data when you’re away from home is important - for keeping in touch, following maps, messaging your accommodation and more. An eSIM can help, and may be cheaper compared to using your UK roaming.

Another smart travel money saver is a Wise international debit card for easy, low-cost spending and withdrawals wherever you’re heading.

A Wise account can hold and exchange 40+ currencies, and you can get a Wise card for use in 150+ countries. Order your card for a one-time fee of £7, add some money in pounds and let the card convert your balance to the currency you need in your destination automatically, with the mid-market rate and low transparent fees*.

Wise debit cards also offer 2 ATM withdrawals to the value of 200 GBP each month for free with low fees* after that, so you can get cash as and when you need it.

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Sources used:

1. Holafly
2. Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing information.
3. Holafly installation and activation
4. Holafly PDF guide

Sources last checked on date: 24-July-2024