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Holafly eSIM Review: The A-Z Breakdown You Need

Mrunmayai Bobade
Verified Writer
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calendarUpdated on 23 Jan 2026, 08:59 AM
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Holafly eSIM Review: The A-Z Breakdown You Need - SimCorner®

Travelling the world is an unscripted getaway—losing signals mid-trip? Not something you'd sign up for. So, if you’re heading off on your next whirlwind escapade and browsing for the best international eSIM provider, checking reviews can be a good starting point. Can Holafly eSIM reviews alone, however, be the sole reason that convinced your mind to make a purchase?

With its strong reputation in the eSIM space, there’s more to unpack about this provider than meets the eye. In this no-fluff, A–Z breakdown, we will dive deep into eSIM Holafly features, coverage, pricing, setup process, user obligations, and customer support. Next, we will methodically evaluate whether it would be better for you to trust a Holafly alternative like SimCorner eSIM.

📌 Holafly eSIM Reviews: Key Takeaways

  • Despite its global offerings, this provider is banned in key markets such as India and Turkey—driving demand for eSIM Holafly alternatives like SimCorner eSIM.

  • Even within national carriers, unlimited data without hidden limits is rare. On a global level? Almost impossible. It is always better for travellers to choose a transparent service provider like SimCorner.

  • With the Holafly eSIM data-only service, you can only place internet-based calls or messages. On the contrary, SimCorner eSIM offers unlimited voice call minutes, SMS Messaging, and data services (plan-specific).

  • Holafly’s pricing starts steep—AUD 9/day (~USD 6.90)—and only becomes marginally more affordable with a 30-day plan, making it a bit expensive choice for short-term or budget-conscious travellers.

  • Holafly may be a well-known telecom player, but its services are limited strictly to eSIM-compatible, unlocked phones, with no fallback option for physical SIM cards.

eSIM Holafly: Let’s Zoom In

Launched in 2017, Holafly is an international eSIM provider that differentiates itself with its exclusive unlimited plans. The company offers flexible regional, country-wise, and global data plans, ranging from 1 to 90 days, for over 388 destinations. Simply put, “unlimited” may seem appealing, but most travellers don’t need heavy data usage during a trip.

Holafly’s commitment to unlimited-only plans, however, makes it more expensive than many competitors on the market. Even its most basic plans are priced at a premium—only becoming affordable if you commit to at least a 30-day package.

Is Holafly eSIM Actually Unlimited?

No, eSIM Holafly is not really unlimited data. Holafly’s unlimited eSIM plans do not impose a strict data ceiling, but they may be subject to a network service provider's fair data usage policy. After significant daily use, your internet speeds may be throttled, as can be referenced from Holafly's official Terms & Conditions listed under "Service Availability":
Holafly's Fair Data Usage Policy

Data presented in this image is referenced from Holafly's official website and is current as of December 11, 2025.

For the record, Holafly’s plans weren’t initially marketed as “unlimited.” Sometime in June 2022, Holafly revised its offerings and began advertising unlimited data. This shift is evident in earlier travel blogs—like a Travel with Bender article—still showcasing Holafly’s former capped plans.

Wish to know more about getting unlimited data abroad? Check what they don’t tell you about the 'Unlimited' data travel eSIMs here. Although Holafly offers unlimited data abroad, it's fair to see what Reddit users have reported:

Holafly customer Reddit complain 1

Holafly Reddit customer complain 2

Image source: Reddit

Holafly’s eSIMs come without traditional call or SMS support overseas. While they enable internet-based calling, you can’t merely rely on WhatsApp or similar applications to contact emergency services abroad, and app compatibility varies by country and network.

In contrast, SimCorner eSIM fills this critical gap by offering international cellular calling and SMS, sometimes even with unlimited minutes and texts in select regions. With SimCorner’s call/text functionality service, you can immediately reach the police, your hotel, airline, or book a taxi overseas, and still enjoy features like OTP verification, call forwarding, voicemail, and caller ID with ease. Opt for a SimCorner eSIM or SIM card with real data plans—100GB, 200GB, or even 450GB—so you stay connected on your terms.

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eSIM Holafly: Pros and Cons

Let's be clear: our goal is not to launch a smear campaign here. Holafly is not a complete catastrophe by any means, nor are we advocating that it be an inappropriate choice for some tourists. Tabulated below is a side-by-side view of what Holafly eSIM gets right—and where it falls short.

Advantages

Holafly Disadvantages

✅ Unlimited data

❌ Throttles after your usage is deemed excessive (unspecified)

✅ Regional plans availability

❌ Doesn’t include all countries in the region

✅ Hotspot/ tethering functionality

❌ 500 MB or 1GB (plan-specific)

✅ 5G compatibility

❌ May be limited to 4G/LTE internet speeds

✅ Works with eSIM-only models

❌ Inaccessible to all mobile devices

✅ Calls/texts allowed via the internet only

❌ No regular calls/SMS messaging facility available

Holafly eSIM: The Inside Scoop

If you look closely, global connectivity isn’t always about the most established provider on the market; rather, it's more about the type of mobile device you use. If your phone isn’t an unlocked, eSIM-compatible device, you cannot use Holafly services. Let’s cut through the hype and look at what eSIM Holafly has to offer.

Plan Flexibility & Pricing

Holafly offers eSIM data plans over 388 destinations, including regional (Asia/Europe/Africa), city-specific (Chicago/London/Melbourne), and country-wise (Denmark/Hungary/Spain) packages. Simply choose your destination, select the number of days, and specify the number of travellers or eSIMs needed.

In terms of pricing, Holafly is one of the expensive international eSIM providers. Though longer plans offer lower per-day pricing, not every traveller is planning a month-long getaway.

For example, SimCorner’s Europe eSIM costs AUD 98 for 30 days of unlimited data. Holafly’s version? AUD 117 for the same (rates accurate as of December 2025). That’s a straight AUD 19 saved—with SimCorner, no compromise on network quality, just pure savings!

Important: SimCorner leads the way in payment flexibility, offering support for over 68 currencies available currently.

Network Speed & Coverage

Holafly relies on the same roaming networks as its peers. So, irrespective of the type of provider, your network quality performance would be nearly the same at your preferred travel destination.

While Holafly’s regional coverage is all-encompassing, not all countries within a region may be included. Double-check the specific region before selecting your plan. Moreover, some city-specific plans come with fixed timeframes (e.g., 5-day bundles), which limit flexibility compared to broader plans that span 1 to 90 days.

(This coverage information for Holafly eSIM was last reviewed on the official website on July 28, 2025. All details are subject to change without prior notice from the provider.)

The daily data cap for tethering/hotspot on Holafly eSIM is either 500MB or 1GB—varies by plan, as can be validated from the following information officially disclosed by the provider:
Holafly hotspot restrictions


Data presented in this image is referenced from Holafly's official website and is current as of December 11, 2025.

Customer Support

Holafly ensures 24/7 customer service accessibility in multiple languages across email, live web chat, and WhatsApp platforms. However, eSIM Holafly customer support, as reviewed on various popular platforms, including Trustpilot, points out that their chatbot (named Emma) may not always resolve technical issues or help them connect with a human representative.

Below, we have attached several one-star Trustpilot Holafly eSIM reviews from the repetitive customer complaints pattern observed. Reviewing them can help you understand common issues upfront and decide whether their service aligns with your needs.

Holafly customer support complain

Holafly customer support Trustpilot

Holafly customer support Trustpilot 2

Holafly customer support Trustpilot 3

Image Source: Trustpilot

Phone Compatibility

Did you know region-specific mobile devices—particularly those sold in Asia or Latin America—may have the eSIM feature disabled? We recommend checking your device’s exact model and regional configuration to ensure it's an eSIM-compatible phone.

By default, 5G ≠ eSIM. And unless you’re a nomad, it's unlikely that you will buy an out-of-budget 5G phone just to access eSIM functionality, especially for a mini getaway.

Still deciding? Read our detailed SimCorner vs Holafly eSIM comparison next.

Meet SimCorner eSIM: The Best Holafly Alternative in 2025

Searching for a reliable international eSIM provider that offers 100% refunds, no hidden fees, transparent throttle policies, supports all devices at 4G/5G speeds, and gives you real human support—not just bots? Look no further than SimCorner—a trusted eSIM brand since 2012, backed by the credibility of three back-to-back Canstar Blue wins.

Provider of the Year

Provider of the Year

Canstar Blue Awards - 2019

Innovation Excellence

Innovation Excellence

Canstar Blue Awards - 2023

Provider of the Year

Provider of the Year

Canstar Blue Awards - 2024

Canstar Award 2019, 2023 & 2024

Canstar Award

SimCorner doesn’t need to lean on hype or hearsay—its streak of Canstar Blue awards delivers the kind of trust no fabricated review across other platforms ever could. Needless to say, SimCorner maintains a stellar 4.6/5 Trustpilot rating, rightfully earning its “Excellent” badge from verified users worldwide (accurate as of December 2025).

Why pay more with any other eSIM provider? SimCorner offers a Price Beat Guarantee—spot a cheaper deal from any competitor (even on sale), and we’ll not only match it but slash an extra 5% off.

No better price out there? You’ll still enjoy the best available rate, and if it drops within 30 days, we’ll refund the difference. At SimCorner, you save, no matter what!

Holafly eSIM Reviews: The Bottom Line

Let’s be clear: Holafly isn’t a travel nightmare, nor are we suggesting the same by any means of the information discussed. Those 1-star Holafly eSIM reviews barely capture the full picture—but let’s just say your travel deserves better than crossed fingers.

In the end, it is no secret that switching to SimCorner eSIM or an international SIM card is a savvy traveller’s choice because the provider isn’t a barrier to the type of mobile device you use for travelling. With SimCorner, you get global travel connectivity with zero roaming charges, curated deals, and unmatched discounts across 200+ destinations. Safe travels!

SimCorner App – Unlimited Travel Connection! 📲

Track data usage from anywhere. Connect globally, enjoy unlimited data, and travel smoothly.

SimCorner App – Unlimited Travel Connection! 📲

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Holafly a reliable eSIM?

Holafly is a reliable eSIM provider that partners with major local networks like AT&T and Movistar to offer stable coverage. While dependable, their "unlimited" plans often restrict mobile hotspots. For travelers needing guaranteed reliability and the ability to share data across multiple devices, SimCorner offers high-speed travel eSIMs. Our plans use premium local networks without the strict tethering limitations often found with Holafly’s unlimited packages.

Is Holafly legit?

Yes, Holafly is a legitimate, Spanish-based company with a strong reputation and thousands of positive Trustpilot reviews. It is a safe choice for international data. However, for better value, many savvy travelers choose SimCorner. As an established global provider, SimCorner offers transparent pricing and specialized travel plans that frequently include local phone numbers and SMS capabilities, which are often missing from Holafly’s data-only eSIM offerings.

What are the disadvantages of Holafly eSIM?

The main disadvantages of Holafly eSIMs include strict hotspot limits—often just 500MB or 1GB daily—and a lack of local phone numbers for calls or SMS. Additionally, their "unlimited" data is subject to Fair Usage Policies that can throttle speeds significantly. SimCorner provides a superior alternative by offering high-data plans that fully support mobile tethering and often include local calling features, ensuring more flexibility and transparency for your international trip.

Can you text with Holafly eSIM?

Most Holafly eSIMs are data-only and do not support traditional cellular texting (SMS). You must use internet-based apps like WhatsApp or iMessage to communicate. If you need to receive important SMS codes or send traditional texts, SimCorner offers better options. Many of our travel SIM and eSIM plans include a local phone number with SMS capabilities, allowing you to stay connected with local services and businesses effectively.

Does Holafly eSIM give you a phone number?

Holafly eSIMs generally do not provide a local phone number, as they are primarily data-only services. While some specific plans offer virtual numbers via their app, they do not function like traditional SIMs. For a more complete communication solution, SimCorner offers eSIM and physical SIM options that include a dedicated local phone number. This allows you to make standard calls and receive SMS, which is essential for booking local services.

Which is better Airalo or Holafly?

Airalo is best for light data users, while Holafly suits those wanting unlimited data on one device. However, SimCorner is often the superior choice for both. We provide both unlimited and larger fixed-data bundles that are more cost-effective than Holafly and more robust than Airalo. Unlike Holafly, SimCorner plans typically support full hotspot usage, making us the ideal choice for families and travelers carrying multiple devices like tablets or laptops.

Is Holafly eSIM actually unlimited?

While marketed as "unlimited," Holafly eSIMs are subject to a Fair Usage Policy. If you consume high amounts of data, the local network provider may throttle your speeds significantly to 2G or 3G levels. SimCorner offers a more transparent approach by providing specific high-speed data allowances. By choosing SimCorner, you avoid the uncertainty of "unlimited" throttling and know exactly how much high-speed 4G/5G data you have for your journey.

Can I use WhatsApp or Google Maps with Holafly eSIM?

Yes, you can use WhatsApp, Google Maps, and other data-reliant apps with a Holafly eSIM. However, because Holafly often limits hotspots, you cannot easily share that connection with a laptop or another phone. SimCorner eSIMs also support all these apps but provide the added benefit of full tethering. This allows you to navigate on one device while sharing your high-speed connection with your travel companions or secondary devices.

Is Holafly a good eSIM provider?

Holafly is a good provider for single-device users who need high data volumes and do not mind paying a premium. However, SimCorner is widely considered a more versatile and value-driven choice. We offer competitive pricing on high-speed data plans that include essential features like mobile hotspots and, in many cases, local calling. For most travelers, SimCorner’s transparency and feature-rich plans provide a more reliable and functional travel experience.

Why is my Holafly eSIM not compatible with iPhone?

Holafly eSIMs may not be compatible with your iPhone if the device is carrier-locked or is an older model (pre-iPhone XS). Your iPhone must be "unlocked" to use any third-party eSIM. SimCorner recommends checking your settings under "Carrier Lock" to ensure it says "No SIM restrictions." Our support team can help you verify compatibility and choose the right SimCorner eSIM to ensure a seamless, high-speed connection for your trip.

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