Stay Connected Anywhere: How to Use Airalo as an eSIM

Phone at beach

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There is an easy way to stay connected while traveling abroad. Airalo provides eSIMs that allow you to use cellular data from over 200 countries! Not only will you save money, but its convenience and ease of use will save you a ton of time!

In this guide, I will teach you how to use Airalo, its benefits, and tips for saving the most money.

Table of Contents

Airalo Logo
Airalo logo. The app has a white background.

What is Airalo?

Airalo is a company that allows you to purchase eSIMs through your phone for over 200 countries. It is the first company of its kind, and over 5 million people have used it.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM card) is a digital SIM card that allows you to activate cellular data without having to deal with a physical card. You can use an eSIM to connect to multiple cellular networks.

Benefits of Using an eSIM

Saving Money

  • No expensive international data plans
  • No expensive roaming charges

Convenience

  • No swapping physical SIM cards
  • No waiting in lines at the airport to buy SIM cards
  • No relying on free WiFi for data while abroad
  • Purchase eSIMs from any location
  • Keep your current phone number
  • Easily switch between different eSIMs

Safety

  • If your phone is stolen, the eSIM cannot be removed. Therefore, it can be tracked.
Airalo Screen
An eSIM package for Italy.

How To Use Airalo

1. Download the App

Go to your phone’s app store to download Airalo. You can also click here to be taken to the app.

2. Add Payment Method

Add your credit or debit card information so you can purchase your eSIMs.

3. Choose Your Destination

You can search for your destination in the search bar. You will have the option of buying a Local, Regional, or Global eSIM.

4. Purchase Your eSIM Package

After deciding which package is best for you, purchase it.

5. Follow the Instructions for Installing Your eSIM

You will be taken to a screen with instructions for installing your eSIM.

If you need additional guidance, check out how to install an eSIM using iOS or an Android.

I recommend installing your eSIM before arriving to your destination! You will need WiFi, so it is best to install it when you have a good connection.

6. Activate Your eSIM

Once you want to start using your eSIM, you can activate it. You do not need WiFi to activate it, so you can do it as soon as you arrive to your destination.

Make sure you switch Data Roaming to ON for your eSIM.

Airalo Screen
After you purchase the eSIM, there are step-by-step instructions for installation.

Airalo Loyalty Program

The Airalo Loyalty Program rewards users every time they purchase an eSIM. Each purchase provides between 5-10% cashback in the form of Airmoney.

Airmoney is automatically added to a user’s account and can be used to purchase additional eSIMs.

Levels of Membership

There are 4 levels of membership: Traveler, Silver Traveler, Gold Traveler, and Platinum Traveler.

Traveler

For purchases between $0 and $19.99 USD, you will be considered a Traveler. Under this tier, you will earn 5% cashback in the form of Airmoney.

Silver Traveler

After spending $20 USD, you will be a Silver Traveler. Under this tier, you will earn 6% cashback in the form of Airmoney.

Gold Traveler

After spending $70 USD, you will be a Gold Traveler. Under this tier, you will earn 7% cashback in the form of Airmoney.

Platinum Traveler

After spending $200 USD, you will be considered a Platinum Traveler. Under this tier, you will earn 10% cashback in the form of Airmoney. This is a considerable increase from the Gold Traveler tier.

Airalo Membership
This screen shows your level of membership.

Tips For Using Airalo

Get $3 Off Your First eSIM Purchase!

If you use the referral code ANDREW9734, you will get $3 off your first eSIM purchase!

This also helps me because I will get a $3 credit for my own Airalo account, which will help me to continue traveling and working on this website!

Check For Deals

It may be tempting to buy the cheapest eSIM that you would need. However, it is worth scrolling all the way through the available options. Occasionally, some of the more expensive eSIMs have discounts.

For example, you may want to buy a 30-day eSIM for Japan that offers 5 GB of data for $11.50 USD. But if you scroll further, you might see that the 10 GB eSIM is 50% off, for a total of $9 USD.

Regional eSIMs May Be Cheaper Than Local eSIMs

A 7-day eSIM for Brunei that offers 1 GB of data costs $9 USD. However, a 7-day eSIM for Asia (which covers Brunei) that offers 1 GB of data costs only $5 USD.

Make Sure Regional eSIMs Cover Your Travel Destination

Following up with the previous point, make sure that if you purchase a Regional eSIM, it covers the places you are going to travel.

For example, if you are going to Rwanda, it is not covered in the Africa Regional eSIM. Don’t spend money on the Regional eSIM if it won’t cover your location!

Need help planning your trip? Click HERE to find a variety of tools and information that can help make your travel planning more enjoyable.

Resources For Your Trip

Book A Cheap Flight
The first place to look for cheap flights is Skyscanner. This website gathers information from different companies and websites around the world to find the best deals for you. One of their best features is the ability to see the cheapest day to fly each month. Google Flights is another excellent resource.

Book A Place To Stay
Booking.com is my go-to website for booking accommodations. They consistently have some of the best prices for hotels and frequently have deals. For hostels, I use Hostelworld. If you specifically want to rent a home, check out AirBnB or Vrbo.

Looking For A Tour?
The best resource for looking up tours is GetYourGuide. This company will make planning your itinerary a breeze. For budget travelers, I recommend looking up available tours here and trying to organize them yourself to save some money.

Use Your Phone Abroad
Whenever I travel abroad, I use Airalo. This is a company that offers eSIM services via a phone app. It is very convenient and you won’t have to worry about swapping SIM cards out of your phone. You can pay a few dollars for plans that range from 1 week to 1 year. Use the Promo Code ANDREW9734 for $3 off your first purchase!

How To Travel On A Budget?
Traveling on a budget is my specialty. Check out my post on Traveling Internationally With Only A Personal Item. For other ideas on saving money while traveling, check out my ebook The World Is Yours: How to Afford International Travel on a Budget.

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Andy Alcala

Hey there! I'm a travel enthusiast always seeking new adventures. I've visited over 70 countries, mostly in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. I prefer to travel off the beaten path, where I've discovered hidden gems and authentic cultural experiences that are often overlooked by most travelers. I look forward to sharing my stories with you!

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