Traditionally, when you purchase and download an eSIM, it’s a new one every time. Now, Airalo has launched a single-install eSIM for frequent travelers that allows you to purchase a new package as needed and attach it to the same eSIM every time, no matter where you’re going. Set to roll out over the coming months, it’s powered by Airalo’s own proprietary core network, which includes both critical infrastructure and customer service.
Once you have an Airalo eSIM, you can purchase a new package from anywhere, even without Wi-Fi or another active SIM, and even if the current package has expired. You can set up and check the eSIM connection prior to departure, so you don’t need to cross your fingers and hope it works when you land (I have been there!)
Package options have also been streamlined, including flexible 1-30-day unlimited packages for most destinations, fixed 30-day packages, and fixed 365-day global packages for world travelers. Using Airalo’s own network helps improve quality and consistency of the experience, the company claims. For example, I’ll be testing the service during an upcoming trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. I received a 5GB, 30-day plan for $34.50, which would work out to $3.45/day for the 10 days I’ll be away, with about 500MB of data I can use daily. Using this for basic tasks outside of the resort’s own Wi-Fi network, it should be more than enough. But if it runs out, I can log into the app and top it up.
By comparison, if I were to use Bell’s Roam Better, it would be $16/day or $160 for the 10 days to use my phone as I do at home. Part of why it’s more expensive is that you can still receive phone calls and SMS, which you can’t get to your primary number with an eSIM. But as long as you advise important contacts that you won’e be reachable by phone number but fully reachable via iMessage, WhatsApp, FaceTime, and or other data-based service, you shouldn’t miss anything urgent. If all goes well, I can use this same eSIM to load time for my trip to Las Vegas for CES 2027 in January.
The rollout will occur in phases starting November 9, 2026 and is expected to be completed within 12 months. Until they are onboarded onto the new experience, users can continue using the Airalo platform as usual. Stay tuned for my review.