Airalo eSIM Review: the unlimited eSIM I use for my travels in 2026
This post is sponsored by Airalo. I may earn a commission if you purchase through my affiliate links at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are entirely my own, and I only share products I personally use and genuinely recommend.
Walking the cobblestone streets of Porto, Portugal was supposed to be magical. Instead, I was staring at my swollen ankle in our Airbnb, desperately needing to schedule a taxi to take my cousin and I to the train station, and pull up stretching exercises on YouTube. Did I have the data to do all of this?
My US carrier wanted to charge me $10 per day just for the privilege of using my phone abroad. Ultimatley, I chose an Airalo Local eSIM for Portugal for $10 with 5GB of data.
The real life-saver moment was with Airalo’s unlimited data eSIM nearly two years later. In January 2026, Verizon experienced a massive service outage that left customers, including me, without cellular service. While my friends and family were panicking about being disconnected, I calmly opened the Airalo app on my home WiFi and purchased an unlimited data eSIM for the United States.
This is the ultimate travel hack reversal: using what I learned abroad while at home.
This Airalo review is based on my experiences using both their fixed data plan in Portugal and their unlimited data package in the U.S. In both cases, I had the connectivity I needed to navigate all the ups and downs (figuratively and literally) that life throws at you.
TL;DR
I've used Airalo twice in completely different situations: a 5GB data plan during my 7-day Portugal trip ($10 vs. $70 with my carrier) and an unlimited data eSIM as emergency backup during the January 2026 Verizon outage. Both times, Airalo delivered reliable connectivity when I needed it most. The Portugal plan gave me just enough data for navigation, messaging, and social media while traveling abroad. The unlimited US plan became my lifeline when my primary carrier failed. If you want affordable international travel data or a smart backup plan for carrier outages, Airalo is absolutely worth it.
👉 Get Airalo's Unlimited eSIM and use code KROCKEY to get 15% off your first eSIM (up to $10 USD).
Check out the video!
Want more info on eSIMs? Watch my Pros and Cons Using an eSIM for International Travel video for a more detailed breakdown!
My Experience with Airalo’s eSIMs
Before my Portugal trip, I had already dipped my toes into the world of eSIMs during my Germany adventure in 2023. For that trip, I used Orange's Holiday eSIM.
It came with a local French phone number and calling capabilities. All of this was at a premium price and with limited data. I paid more for features I thought I needed on my trip but never actually used. Every restaurant/tour reservation as well as any communication happened through apps like WhatsApp, Get Your Guide, or Uber. So I didn’t even need the local phone number.
When planning my Portugal trip in May 2024 with my cousin Erin, I knew I wanted something different. I wanted more data, lower cost, and without paying extra for calling features I wouldn't use. That's when I discovered Airalo.
Cruising the Douro River in Portugal
Choosing an eSIM for Portugal
For my Portugal trip, I chose Airalo's 5GB data plan for 30 days at just $10. It was significantly cheaper than Orange had been for Germany, and I figured 5GB would be enough if I was careful about my usage and relied on WiFi at our Airbnbs.
I was a bit nervous going data-only without a local phone number. What if I needed to call someone? What if WhatsApp wasn't enough? But the price difference was too compelling to ignore: $10 versus $70 with my US carrier's international roaming.
Using Airalo’s eSIM in Portugal
My eSIM faced its first real test on day two in Porto. After an incredible wine tour through the Douro Valley (highly recommend, by the way), I rolled my ankle on Porto's infamous cobblestone streets while rushing to catch the sunset. Having reliable data was essential at that point.
From my Airbnb, I needed to:
Message my cousin Erin on WhatsApp to coordinate plans
Research ankle injury treatment and stretching exercises on YouTube
Schedule taxis since walking was temporarily challenging
Navigate to pharmacies using Google Maps
Keep my family updated back home via FaceTime
This was my heaviest usage day of the entire trip. According to my data tracker, I burned through about 1.8GB that day alone, and the eSIM handled it flawlessly. I still had over 3GB left for the remaining 5 days of my trip.
By being smart about when I used data versus WiFi, I finished my week long Portugal trip having used only 3.2GB of my 5GB allotment. The plan was perfect for my needs, and I loved that any unused data stayed active for the full 30 days in case I needed it later.
👉 Get Airalo's Unlimited eSIM and use code KROCKEY to get 15% off your first eSIM (up to $10 USD).
Choosing an eSIM in the U.S.
Nearly two years after my Portugal trip, I experienced Airalo from a completely different angle: an emergency backup during a domestic crisis.
In January 2026, Verizon experienced a massive service outage. My phone showed "SOS Only" where my signal bars should be. No calls, no texts, no data. I was essentially cut off from the world unless I was connected to WiFi.
Since my home internet was through a different provider, I was still connected to WiFi. However, my plans for the day did not involve staying home. So I opened the Airalo app, purchased an unlimited data eSIM for the United States (3 days for $11.50), installed and activated the eSIM without any issues.
Using Airalo’s unlimited data eSIM in the U.S.
I chose Airalo’s unlimited data eSIM because I had no idea how long the outage would last, and I didn’t want to run out of data while I was away from home. I could navigate, iMessage, make VoIP calls, and function normally. My phone worked perfectly through Airalo's network partners (AT&T and T-Mobile) instead of Verizon.
The unlimited plan came with a transparent fair usage policy: 3GB of high-speed data per day, then throttled to ~1 Mbps for the rest of that day. For emergency backup during a carrier outage, this was more than generous.
Luckily, the outage only lasted a day, but this experience completely changed how I think about eSIMs. They're not just for international travel. They're a smart backup plan for anyone who depends on their phone.
Heidelberg, Germany
Setup & Activation
After my somewhat stressful Orange eSIM activation experience in Germany (where I switched eSIMs while still on the plane and then couldn't receive calls about my missing luggage), I approached my Airalo setup much more strategically for Portugal.
My Recommended Setup Timeline
One Week Before Departure: I purchased the Airalo Local eSIM through their app and downloaded the profile to my iPhone. Unlike Orange, which required scanning a QR code, Airalo's in-app purchase and installation process was completely seamless. The eSIM profile sat dormant on my phone, ready to activate once I landed.
Day of Travel: I did use a single $10 international day pass from my US carrier. This gave me one day of connectivity with my regular phone number, which is crucial for any airline communications, family emergencies, or lost luggage situations (lessons learned from Germany).
After Arriving at My Airbnb: Once Erin and I were settled at our Porto Airbnb and connected to WiFi, I took a minute to switch from my US carrier to the Airalo eSIM. Switching while at the Airbnb versus at the airport helped eliminate the stress and chaos that comes with landing in a new destination, but also, eliminated the unreliability of airport WiFi.
This plan made my Portugal arrival infinitely smoother than my Germany experience. I had reliable connectivity throughout my travel day with my familiar US number, then switched to the cheaper Airalo data plan once I was safely at my accommodation.
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Download the Airalo App I downloaded the free Airalo app from the App Store about a week before my trip. The interface is clean and straightforward. You can browse plans on the app by country, region, or globally.
Step 2: Purchase Your Plan I selected "Portugal" from the country list, chose a data package, and completed the purchase. Airalo accepts credit cards, PayPal, and even Apple Pay. The whole transaction took less than 2 minutes.
Step 3: Install the eSIM Profile Immediately after purchase, the app prompted me to install the eSIM profile. I tapped "Install eSIM" and followed the on-screen instructions. My iPhone asked me to confirm adding a new cellular plan. I said yes. Within 30 seconds, the Airalo eSIM appeared in my phone's settings alongside my primary US carrier line.
Step 4: Label Your Lines (Important!) My phone now showed two cellular plans. I labeled my US carrier as "Primary" and the Airalo eSIM as "Portugal." This made it crystal clear which line I was using for what.
Step 5: Configure Cellular Data Settings This is the crucial step many people miss. Here are the settings I changed in my iPhone:
Set "Portugal" (Airalo) as my default line for Cellular Data
Set "Primary" (US carrier) for Voice & SMS
Turned OFF "Allow Cellular Data Switching" to prevent my phone from accidentally using my expensive US data
Step 6: Activate Upon Arrival Once I landed in Lisbon and later arrived at my Porto Airbnb, I simply turned on the Airalo eSIM in my settings. Within a minute, my phone connected to a local Portuguese network, and I had full data.
Side Note: I did turn my “Primary” (US carrier) line off completely to avoid any charges all together. This meant that I could not use SMS text message or voice calls. I simply used iMessage and WhatsApp for these purposes.
Compatibility Check
Before purchasing an eSIM, make sure your phone actually supports eSIM technology.
How to Check: On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About. If you see "Digital SIM" or can access Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan, your phone supports eSIM. On Android, check Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs.
You can also check Airalo’s website for eSIM compatibility.
Carrier Lock Warning: Even if your phone model supports eSIM, if it's carrier-locked, you might not be able to use Airalo. Make sure your phone is unlocked before purchasing.
My sister made the mistake of purchasing a new phone before our trip to Italy last year. Since our trip was within the 90 days of purchase (Verizon’s policy), her phone was locked and she was unable to download an eSIM. Don’t make that mistake!
Rome, Italy
Troubleshooting: What If Something Goes Wrong?
I didn't encounter any major issues, but here's what Airalo's support documentation suggests if you do:
eSIM won't activate: Make sure you have an internet connection (WiFi or your day pass data) when activating
No network connection: Try manually selecting a network in your phone's carrier settings
Slow speeds: Restart your phone. This solved a brief slowdown I experienced in Cascais, Portugal
Can't install eSIM: Check that your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible
Airalo's customer support is available 24/7 through their app chat feature.
Coverage
One of my biggest concerns before committing to Airalo was whether a budget eSIM could actually deliver reliable coverage across Portugal's diverse landscapes. Would it work in rural wine country? What about on trains between cities? Inside centuries-old buildings with thick walls?
Yes, it worked everywhere I needed it to.
Network Partners: Who Airalo Actually Uses
Airalo doesn't operate its own cellular network. Instead, they partner with local carriers in each country. In Portugal, my eSIM connected to three major networks:
MEO (primary network, most common)
Vodafone Portugal
NOS
My iPhone automatically selected whichever network had the strongest signal at any given moment. I never had to manually switch. It worked seamlessly in the background.
The only places where I actively chose WiFi over cellular were in our Airbnbs when uploading stories to Instagram or during long FaceTime calls just to conserve my data allowance.
Lisbon, Portugal
Understanding the Fair Usage Policy: What "Unlimited" Really Means
When I was researching eSIMs, Airalo stood out as one of the few companies that clearly identified on their website its daily high-speed cap (3GB) and throttled speed (1 Mbps). They provided this information before you even purchased the eSIM. After reading numerous reviews of people complaining about speed reduction with eSIMs from other companies, where they weren’t informed prior to buying, it was refreshing to have this information disclosed beforehand.
Airalo’s transparency for their unlimited data package was a big pro in my research of eSIM companies. I think knowing the product limitations or restrictions is important for travelers to make informed purchasing decisions. Airalo’s daily high-speed limit is more than adequate for 95% of travelers. I appreciated knowing exactly what to expect, and the 3GB daily allowance exceeded my actual need.
There are so many unexpected variables that can happen when traveling. Not being able to make a video call to your family shouldn’t be one of them. Knowing when your speed will drop and how fast it will be ensures that you can plan ahead for your high-bandwidth tasks.
Pricing Breakdown
The number one reason most of us consider eSIMs is to avoid those outrageous international roaming charges that can turn a budget-friendly trip into an expensive nightmare. But as I learned during the January 2026 Verizon outage, eSIMs also offer surprising value as domestic emergency backup.
Let me break down the actual costs and savings from both of my Airalo experiences.
Portugal 2024: What I Paid vs. Verizon's International Plan
Package: Portugal 5GB Data eSIM
Duration: 30 days (used for 7-day trip)
Cost: $10
Daily Cost: $1.43/day (based on 7-day trip)
Data: 5GB total (used 3.2GB)
Verizon International Day Pass
Package: International Day Pass
Duration: 7 days in Portugal:
Cost: $70
Daily Cost: $10/day (based on 7-day trip)
Savings with Airalo: $60
That's a 86% savings for essentially the same connectivity. I had everything I needed: Google Maps, WhatsApp, social media, email, occasional FaceTime calls. I never felt limited by the 5GB cap.
USA 2026: Emergency Backup During Verizon Outage
Airalo USA Unlimited Data eSIM
Package: USA Unlimited Data eSIM
Duration: 3 days
Cost: $11.50
High-Speed Data: 3GB per day (18GB total potential over 3 days)
Wait for Verizon to fix the outage
Cost: $0
Reality: No service, couldn't leave home with connectivity
Value of Airalo: Priceless for peace of mind and maintaining normal life
For my 7-day Portugal trip with moderate usage and WiFi at accommodations, the 5GB plan was the sweet spot. For the Verizon outage where I needed immediate, worry-free connectivity, the 3-day unlimited plan was perfect.
In both cases, Airalo delivered exactly what I needed at a price that made sense. Whether you're traveling internationally or just want a smart backup plan for carrier failures, the math speaks for itself.
👉 Get Airalo's Unlimited eSIM and use code KROCKEY to get 15% off your first eSIM (up to $10 USD).
Airalo’s Unlimited Data eSIM vs. Competitors
Before committing to Airalo for my Portugal trip, I researched several other eSIM providers. If I were to do the Portugal trip again as well as for future Europe trips, I would choose Airalo’s unlimited data package.
Here's how Airalo compares to the most popular alternatives based on features, pricing, and transparency, particularly around those critical fair usage policies using a 10-day trip to Portugal as an example.
The Winner: Airalo’s unlimited data eSIM
After testing Airalo in Portugal and the U.S. and comparing it against alternatives, it delivered the best combination of:
Price ($35 for 10 days)
Performance (3GB/day high-speed, reliable coverage)
Transparency (no hidden catches or vague policies)
Peace of mind (truly unlimited throttled data if needed)
Could another provider work for you? Absolutely. But for most travelers visiting Portugal or Europe who want reliable, affordable data without stress, Airalo is the clear choice.
Cascais, Portugal
FAQ
After using a couple different eSIM options and sharing my experience with friends and family, these are the questions I get asked most often.
Q: What exactly is an eSIM and how is it different from a regular SIM card?
A: An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical plastic card, you download a carrier profile digitally. This is what allows your phone to connect to a cellular network for data.
Q: Will my home phone number still work with an eSIM?
A: Yes, if you have a newer phone with dual SIM capability. You would keep your US number active for calls and texts while using Airalo for all data. Here's how to set it up:
Primary line (US carrier): Voice & SMS only, cellular data OFF
Airalo eSIM: Cellular data only
This way, you can still receive verification codes from my bank, get important calls from family, and maintain my regular number. Double check with your domestic carrier in case there are additional charges or fees for using these features internationally.
Q: Is Airalo's "unlimited data" actually unlimited?
A: Yes and no. Here's the honest answer:
High-speed data: 3GB per day at full 4G LTE speeds
After 3GB: Unlimited data but throttled to ~1 Mbps for the rest of that day
Daily reset: Your 3GB high-speed allowance resets at midnight local time
No hard cap: You can keep using data after throttling. It's slower but never completely blocked
Q: Can I use Airalo for calls and texts?
A: Airalo's unlimited plan is data-only. There are no traditional phone calls or SMS texts to regular phone numbers. However, you can absolutely make calls and texts using internet-based apps: WhatsApp, FaceTime, Instagram Messenger, Facebook Messenger, iMessage, and Email.
Honestly, I never felt limited by the data-only plan. Everything I needed to communicate with worked through apps.
Q: Does Airalo work on cruise ships or ferries?
A: I didn't test this in Portugal, but based on Airalo's network structure: it will only work when you're close enough to land-based cellular towers. Once you're far from shore, you'll lose connection just like any cellular service.
Final Verdict: Is Airalo's Unlimited eSIM Worth It?
After 7 days of real-world testing Airalo’s Portugal eSIM across Lisbon's seven-hills and the rural Douro Valley, including an unexpected ankle injury that required heavy phone use, I can confidently answer that my initial Airalo experience was definitely positive. But after using Airalo’s unlimited data eSIM domestically when my U.S. carrier failed, my answer is absolutely yes.
Airalo's unlimited data eSIM delivered exactly what it promised: reliable, affordable connectivity without the stress of roaming charges or hunting for WiFi. Looking at an abroad trip with their unlimited data eSIM for $35, I would save $65 compared to my US carrier while enjoying faster speeds, better coverage, and complete peace of mind. Airalo's combination of transparent policies, competitive pricing, and solid performance makes it the smart choice for international travel.
Ready to Stay Connected in Europe and beyond?
Don't make the same mistake I almost made by overpaying for international roaming. Get Airalo's unlimited data eSIM and save that money for experiences that actually matter.
👉 Get Airalo's Unlimited eSIM and use code KROCKEY to get 15% off your first eSIM (up to $10 USD).
One Last Thing...
If this review helped you make a decision, I'd love to hear about your experience! Drop a comment below after your trip and let me know.
Ciao for now!
This blog contains affiliate links. I may earn an affiliate commission if you purchase something through my affiliate link or promo code.
This Airalo review is based on my experiences using both their fixed data plan in Portugal and their unlimited data package in the U.S. In both cases, I had the connectivity I needed to navigate all the ups and downs (figuratively and literally) that life throws at you.