If you've landed on this Holafly review, you're probably trying to figure out whether it's actually worth the price, or whether you should stick with Airalo or another alternative. I get it. I spent a long time asking the same question.
I've been travelling constantly for years, from the Philippines to Norway, New York to Oman, and I've burned through more roaming bills and airport SIM cards than I care to admit. I switched to eSIMs a while back, tested several providers, and Holafly is now my default for most trips. Here's the honest version of why, and when I'd tell you to look elsewhere.
TL;DR: Holafly in 30 Seconds
- Best for: heavy data users, remote workers, multi-device travellers, anyone who wants peace of mind without watching their GBs.
- Not ideal for: light users who only need WhatsApp and Maps. A capped plan will cost you less.
- Trustpilot score: 4.7/5, over 25 million eSIMs sold.
- Coverage: 160+ destinations worldwide.
- Standout feature: unlimited data with hotspot included on Unlimited plans.
- Promo code: use LEZBROZ at checkout for -5% off.
What Is Holafly?
A Spanish Company That Became the Go-To Travel eSIM Brand
Holafly is a Spanish travel tech company, and one of the earliest players to make travel eSIMs genuinely accessible to everyday travellers. They didn't build their reputation by targeting tech enthusiasts. They built it by making the whole thing simple enough for anyone to use, whether you're 22 and backpacking Southeast Asia or 55 and heading to Japan for the first time.
The model is straightforward. You buy an eSIM online before you leave, scan a QR code to install it on your phone, and you're connected the moment you land. No hunting for a SIM card shop at the airport, no dodgy kiosks, no queuing.
The Unlimited Data Angle
What really sets Holafly apart from most competitors is its core positioning around unlimited data. While Airalo, Saily, and others lead with capped plans (1 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB), Holafly's flagship offering is unlimited. No throttling warnings, no "you've used 80% of your data" notifications, no rationing your Netflix.
That single decision shaped the entire brand. It attracts travellers who want simplicity and comfort over hunting for the cheapest possible deal.
Why I Switched from Airalo
What Airalo Does Well
I want to be fair here. Airalo is a solid product. It has a huge destination catalogue, competitive pricing on capped plans, and a clean app. For a short trip where I knew I'd barely use data, I'd still consider it.
Where Airalo Fell Short for Me
The problem came on longer or more intensive trips. I work while I travel. That means video calls, uploading photos, using my laptop tethered to my phone. On a capped Airalo plan, I'd burn through 10 GB in three or four days and spend the rest of the trip either buying top-ups or throttling my usage.
Top-ups on Airalo are possible but they add friction. You're back in the app, buying more data, hoping it activates quickly. It works, but it's annoying when you're in the middle of a work call.
What Tipped Me Towards Holafly
Two things. First, the unlimited hotspot. On Holafly's Unlimited plans, I can tether my laptop without any separate allowance or extra charge. That's a genuine game-changer for working on the road.
Second, the 6-month money-back guarantee. I'd had a bad experience with a different eSIM provider where the connection was unusable in a specific region and getting a refund was a nightmare. Holafly's guarantee felt like a proper safety net. I've only had to use it once, and the process was painless.
My Experience Using Holafly
The Setup Process
Installing a Holafly eSIM is genuinely easy. Here's how it works:
- Choose your destination and duration on the Holafly website or app.
- Receive a QR code by email, along with a step-by-step installation guide.
- Scan the QR code in your phone's settings to install the eSIM, then activate it when you arrive.
The first time I did it, it took me about four minutes. That includes reading the email and fiddling with settings I'd never opened before. The guide is clear, with screenshots for both iPhone and Android.
One thing to check before you buy: your phone must be eSIM-compatible and unlocked. Most modern smartphones are fine (iPhone XS onwards, Samsung Galaxy S20 onwards, Pixel 3 onwards), but if you're on an older handset or a locked network contract phone, double-check on Holafly's site first. They have a compatibility checker.
Activation and the Always On Benefit
The eSIM activates automatically when you arrive in your destination country. You don't need to do anything. Land, turn your phone on, and you're online.
There's also a feature called Always On, which I think is underrated. Every Holafly eSIM includes 1 GB of data per month, renewed every 30 days, across 150+ countries. It's a background safety net that stays active even between trips. Handy if you're in a layover country or doing a quick business trip somewhere you didn't plan for.
Real-World Speeds and Coverage
Holafly connects to local partner networks in each country. Speeds vary depending on where you are and which network is available.
In Western Europe, the US, Japan, and most of Southeast Asia, I've had consistently strong 4G and 5G speeds. Streaming, video calls, uploading large files: all worked without issue.
In more remote areas (rural Philippines, parts of Oman, mountain regions in Norway), speeds were slower, sometimes significantly. That's not a Holafly-specific problem. It's just the reality of local infrastructure. Any eSIM would give you the same result.
The honest summary: Holafly is reliable in the places most travellers actually go. If you're heading somewhere genuinely off the beaten track, check coverage for that specific destination before buying.
Device Compatibility
Which Phones Work with Holafly
Holafly works with any eSIM-compatible, unlocked smartphone. The main compatible devices include:
- iPhone: XS, XS Max, XR, and all models released after.
- Samsung Galaxy: S20 series and later, plus selected A-series and Z-series models.
- Google Pixel: 3 and later.
- Other Android devices: Many recent Huawei, Motorola, and OnePlus models support eSIM, but check your specific model.
The "unlocked" part is important for UK travellers. If you bought your phone on a contract with EE, O2, Vodafone, or Three and it's still locked to that network, it may not accept a third-party eSIM. Check with your carrier or unlock your phone before you travel.
Dual SIM: Keep Your UK Number Active
Most eSIM-compatible phones support dual SIM, meaning you can run your UK SIM and the Holafly eSIM simultaneously. Your UK number stays active for calls and texts (including bank verification codes and 2FA messages). Holafly handles your data abroad.
This is how I run it on every trip. One phone, two profiles, no juggling.
Network Coverage
160+ Destinations, Including Regional Plans
Holafly covers more than 160 destinations. You can buy plans by country (Thailand, USA, Japan, Spain, etc.) or by region:
- Europe
- Southeast Asia
- Latin America
- Middle East
- Africa
The regional plans are particularly useful for multi-country trips. One purchase, one eSIM, multiple countries covered. I used the Europe plan across six countries last summer without a single issue.
A Note on Coverage Quality
Coverage quality isn't uniform across all 160+ destinations. Holafly partners with local networks in each country, and the quality of those networks varies. In most popular travel destinations, you'll get solid 4G or 5G. In less developed regions, expect more variability.
If you're travelling somewhere unusual, it's worth checking the specific destination page on Holafly's site. They list the partner networks by country, which gives you a rough idea of what to expect.
Data Plans and Pricing
Three Plan Types to Know
Holafly has moved beyond a single unlimited offering. There are now three main plan types:
- Unlimited plans: The flagship. Unlimited data, unlimited hotspot. Designed for heavy users, remote workers, and anyone who refuses to count GBs. Premium pricing.
- Light plan (25 GB): A middle-ground option for moderate users who want the Holafly reliability and support without paying for full unlimited. More affordable.
- Monthly and annual subscriptions: Ideal for frequent travellers or expats. Cancel any time. Better value per day than buying individual trip plans.
The Honest Pricing Conversation
I'll be straight with you: Holafly is one of the more expensive travel eSIM options on the market. That's not a rumour, it's just true. For a 7-day Europe plan, you'll typically pay more with Holafly than with Airalo or Saily for a capped equivalent.
Here's how I think about it:
- If you stream, tether, or work remotely: The unlimited plan pays for itself quickly. Buying multiple top-ups on a capped plan costs more in the end, plus the hassle.
- If you use Maps and WhatsApp and not much else: A 3 GB or 5 GB capped plan from Airalo will likely cost you half the price and cover your needs comfortably.
- If you travel several times a year: The HolaCoins loyalty scheme and referral programme (up to €100 in credits) start to make a real difference to the overall cost.
Holafly bills in euros. For UK travellers paying in GBP, the final price will depend on the exchange rate at the time of purchase. No hidden fees, no currency conversion surprises beyond the standard rate your bank applies.
How to Get 5% Off: Promo Code LEZBROZ
Your Holafly Discount Code
There's a working partner promo code you can use right now: LEZBROZ, which gives you -5% off your Holafly purchase.
To use it:
- Select your plan on holafly.com.
- Proceed to checkout.
- Enter LEZBROZ in the promo code field.
- The -5% discount applies immediately to your total.
No minimum spend, no complicated conditions. It works on any plan.
Does 5% Actually Matter?
On a £25 plan, that's £1.25 back. Not life-changing on its own. But stack it with HolaCoins from your purchase, refer a friend or two, and the savings add up over a year of regular travel. On longer plans or more expensive destinations (USA, Japan, Australia), the absolute saving is more meaningful.
The code is LEZBROZ for -5%. Worth using every time.
Customer Service and the 6-Month Guarantee
24/7 Live Chat Support
Holafly offers 24/7 customer support via live chat. In my experience, response times are fast, usually within a few minutes during peak hours and under an hour at quieter times. The support team is multilingual, so UK travellers won't have any language barrier issues.
This matters more than people realise. If your eSIM isn't connecting at midnight in Bangkok, you need someone to help you now, not tomorrow morning.
« Set up was incredibly easy and the connection worked perfectly from day one across three countries. Had one question about activation and the chat support replied within minutes. Would use again without hesitation. »
Verified Trustpilot reviewer, UK
The 6-Month Money-Back Guarantee
This is genuinely rare in the travel eSIM space. Holafly offers a money-back guarantee for up to 6 months after purchase. It covers:
- Incompatibility with your device.
- Trip cancellations.
- Persistent connection issues.
Six months is extraordinary. Most providers offer 24 to 48 hours, if anything at all. It signals real confidence in the product and removes a lot of the risk from trying it for the first time.
Holafly Review Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
The Right Fit
After testing a lot of travel eSIMs across a lot of destinations, here's my honest verdict on who Holafly is genuinely the best choice for:
- Heavy data users: Streamers, remote workers, anyone tethering a laptop. Unlimited with hotspot is the cleanest solution.
- Travellers who want zero stress: No monitoring usage, no top-up anxiety, no comparing plans mid-trip. Buy once, travel freely.
- Frequent travellers: The HolaCoins scheme, referral credits, and subscription plans make Holafly increasingly cost-effective the more you use it.
- Multi-device users: The unlimited hotspot on Unlimited plans means your laptop and tablet travel for free alongside your phone.
- First-time eSIM users: The setup process is simple, the support is excellent, and the guarantee removes the risk. A good first eSIM experience.
When to Look Elsewhere
I won't push Holafly on you if it's not the right fit. Here's when I'd point you somewhere else:
- Light users: If your travel data needs are Maps, WhatsApp, and occasional emails, a 3 GB or 5 GB capped plan from Airalo or Saily will cost significantly less.
- Long stays in one country: Local SIM cards or country-specific eSIM providers often offer better value for extended stays.
- Budget-first travellers: Holafly doesn't compete on price for low-data usage. It competes on reliability, support, and unlimited data. If price is your only criterion, look at ByteSIM or Airalo.
The bottom line: Holafly earns its premium price for the right traveller. Know your usage before you buy.
