Airalo vs Holafly: Which eSIM Is Cheaper Abroad?
Airalo vs Holafly: Which eSIM Is Cheaper Abroad? The honest answer is that it depends on the country, the number of days and how much data you really use. Airalo sells packages with a set amount of data and a validity period, Holafly leans on unlimited data for a chosen number of days. We point you to Airalo, because a shop page exists with us and the refund route sits in your account. Prices change often, so put the same country and the same trip length into both checkouts. Status October 2026.
Where cashback exists
Airalo is on our list: Airalo at daily cashback. Before you order, its page lists the offers and any rate in force. Holafly is not one of our partners. An eSIM bought there costs the usual price, with no cashback from us on top.
Two ways of selling mobile data
At Airalo you pick a country or region and then a package. Each package has a data amount and a validity period. Unused data cannot be used after the period ends. Airalo also lists unlimited data packages for many destinations, so heavy users are covered as well. If your eSIM is rechargeable, you can add a new package with Top up in your account. Hotspot sharing works as long as your phone and the network allow it.
Holafly puts unlimited data front and centre. You enter a destination and the number of days, then it shows a plan. Besides single trips it sells monthly plans for frequent travellers: Light with a data allowance, Unlimited, and Ultra with extras such as travel assistance. Quarterly and yearly billing come with a discount of about 10% and 20%, according to Holafly. After the unlimited data ends, a monthly backup of 1 GB called Always On follows.
Refunds and changed plans
Airalo lets you request a refund in your account for eligible eSIMs. You choose a reason such as wrong purchase or plans changed. In those two cases the refund is paid in Airmoney, Airalo's in-app currency. For installation problems or an eSIM that does not work you can pick the original payment method, which takes 7 to 10 business days. Expired or fully used eSIMs are not eligible. If you have not installed it yet, you can pass the QR code on to someone else.
Holafly states that you can request a refund up to 6 months after buying. It covers withdrawal, an incompatible or locked device and connection problems, and you contact support by email. The money returns to the original account within 3 to 5 business days, according to the refund policy.
What a refund does to your cashback
After you order, your cashback is listed as pending, and it turns payable when the shop confirms the purchase. If you ask for a refund, the cashback for that order falls away. Reward points are a separate thing. The Airalo loyalty scheme pays Airmoney from 5% for new users up to 10% at the top level, and a purchase made with a discount coupon does not earn it. That scheme belongs to Airalo alone and is independent of our cashback, so read the terms on our shop page before you combine the two.
At a glance
| Question | Airalo | Holafly |
|---|---|---|
| Cashback via our site | yes, shop page with current offers | not listed with us |
| Plan type | packages by data amount and validity, unlimited packages for many destinations | unlimited data by number of days, monthly plans |
| Unused data after the period | cannot be used | not applicable with unlimited data |
| Adding more data | Top up for rechargeable eSIMs | choose a new plan or period |
| Refund route | request in your account for eligible eSIMs | email to support, up to 6 months |
| Refund paid as | Airmoney or original payment method | original account |
| Hotspot | possible if phone and network allow it | included in the monthly plans |
Who should pick what
Short trips with light use: maps, messages and some browsing do not need unlimited data. A small package for one country at Airalo keeps the bill down, and you collect cashback via the shop page.
Streaming and hotspot users: if you share your connection with a laptop or watch videos, look at the unlimited packages from both providers. Compare the price for exactly your number of days.
Frequent travellers: Holafly offers monthly global plans, Airalo regional and global eSIMs. Work out your cost per month from your last year of travel.
What we recommend
For your next trip, start with Airalo through its shop page. It is the provider we list, the refund route sits in your account, and you can see the offers before you buy. Then put the same destination and days into Holafly and compare the final amount. If your phone does not support eSIM, check the compatibility list of either provider first.
Quick takeaways
- Our cashback covers Airalo but not Holafly.
- Compare the same country and the same number of days.
- A refunded eSIM earns no cashback.
- Check that your phone supports eSIM before you buy.