What is an eSIM and Why Airalo?
Before we jump into the review, let's quickly cover the basics. An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that allows you to activate a cellular plan from a carrier without having to use a physical nano-SIM. For travelers, this means you can buy and install a data plan for your destination country right from your phone, often before you even land.
Airalo has established itself as a global leader in the eSIM marketplace, offering plans for over 200 countries. They simplify connectivity by providing three types of plans:
Local eSIMs: For use in a single country.
Regional eSIMs: Covering multiple countries on a continent, like the North America plan.
Global eSIMs: For worldwide coverage.
The North America eSIM falls into the regional category, making it an ideal choice for nomads planning to explore the USA, Canada, and Mexico without interruption.
Purchase, Installation, and Activation: An Effortless Process
Getting started with Airalo is remarkably straightforward. The entire process, from purchase to activation, is designed to be user-friendly.
Purchasing: You can buy your plan directly through the Airalo app or on their website. Plans are clearly organized by data amount and validity period, and the secure checkout process is transparent with no hidden fees.
Installation: Once your purchase is confirmed, the app guides you through the installation. With just a few taps, the eSIM profile is added to your phone. For those who prefer it, QR code and manual setup options are also available.
Activation: Activation is just as simple. Once you arrive in one of the covered countries (USA, Canada, or Mexico), you just need to navigate to your phone's cellular settings and switch on the Airalo eSIM line. It immediately connects to a local network, granting you instant internet access.
Pro Tip: Ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection (like at the airport or your accommodation) when you first install and activate the eSIM to ensure the process goes smoothly.
Real-World Performance and Speeds
A plan is only as good as its performance. We put the Airalo North America eSIM to the test to see how it holds up in real-world conditions. Airalo partners with top-tier local providers to deliver its service, including T-Mobile & Verizon (USA), Bell, Telus & Rogers (Canada), and Movistar & Telcel (Mexico).
United States
Across major cities and towns in the US, the performance was consistently strong. Speed tests revealed impressive results:
Download: 54.97 Mbps
Upload: 19.61 Mbps
These speeds are more than sufficient for video calls, streaming, and running an online business without a hitch.
Mexico
In urban areas of Mexico, the connection remained stable and reliable. However, performance varied in more remote regions, particularly in southern areas like Oaxaca, which is a common issue for all mobile providers in the region.
Download: 20.44 Mbps
Upload: 16.19 Mbps
While not as fast as in the US, these speeds are perfectly adequate for day-to-day work and communication.
Canada
While we did not personally test the eSIM in Canada, extensive online feedback and reviews from other digital nomads are overwhelmingly positive. Users report exceptional, high-speed connectivity across the country, making it a highly recommended option for travels up north.
Pricing and Plans (Data-Only)
Airalo offers competitive, data-only plans that are perfect for nomads who primarily use apps like WhatsApp or Telegram for communication. A key feature is the ability to easily top up your data directly from the app if you run low.
Here are the typical plans available for North America:
1 GB for 7 days: ~$6.50
2 GB for 15 days: ~$12.00
3 GB for 30 days: ~$17.00
5 GB for 30 days: ~$25.50
10 GB for 30 days: ~$46.00
Note: Prices are subject to change. Always check the official Airalo app or website for the most current pricing.
The Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros: What We Liked
Seamless Regional Coverage: One plan for the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
User-Friendly Experience: Easy purchase, installation, and activation via the app.
Competitive & Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees or contracts.
Reliable Performance: Strong speeds in most urban and populated areas.
Easy Top-Ups: Add more data anytime through the app.
24/7 Customer Support: Help is available around the clock via email and their contact form.
Loyalty Program: Earn Airmoney credits with each purchase for discounts on future plans.
Cons: What Could Be Better
Data-Only Plans: Does not include a local phone number for calls or SMS.
No Unlimited Data: High-usage users may need to top up frequently.
Coverage Limitations: Performance in very remote areas depends entirely on local infrastructure.
No Instant Live Chat: While support is 24/7, it's primarily through a helpdesk/email system, not instant chat.
It's important to note that most of these drawbacks, like the lack of a phone number or unlimited data, are standard for most travel eSIM providers. The convenience and reliability offered by Airalo far outweigh these minor limitations for the typical digital nomad.
