When you travel, staying connected is crucial. Whether you’re figuring out the best route to your hotel, finding places to eat, or translating train schedules or menus, having reliable data can make traveling easier. I still remember carrying a physical guidebook with me during my early travels and wandering the streets looking for places to stay.
Or when smartphones became commonplace, I needed to find a SIM card kiosk to buy a physical SIM card, try to communicate poorly with staff in a language I didn’t understand, and spend 20 minutes replacing a tiny plastic chip.
Fortunately, thanks to eSIM, everything changes and life becomes incredibly easy. You don’t need to use a physical SIM card, just download an app that gives you tons of high-speed data. In today’s world where we need to stay connected for many reasons (e.g. in China everything is paid via app so you need data) eSIM is very useful.
Holafly is one of the major players in this space. They offer unlimited data, quick setup, and global coverage without the hassle of finding a physical SIM card.
In the seemingly never-ending world of eSIM companies, they are one of the best. In this blog post, I’ll tell you why!
Who is Hora Flay?
Holafly is a Spanish company founded in 2017 and currently headquartered in Dublin. They offer an eSIM that you can install on your phone via a QR code. Once activated, they allow you to connect to the internet abroad using your local carrier network. What sets Holafly apart from many other providers is that their 200+ plans all offer unlimited data and are priced by the day rather than the gigabyte. You can personalize your stay from 1 to 90 days in over 200 destinations. Holafly’s coverage is also quite extensive. They offer services in more than 200 destinations, including most of Europe, Asia, North America and Latin America.
How to set up Holafly
The setup process for Holafly is very simple. Here’s how to do it:
First check your phone – Make sure your device is unlocked and supports eSIM (the latest iPhones and many newer Android devices do). Have your Wi-Fi connection ready for setup.
Save emails and QR codes – Keep QR codes and order information in a safe place.
Install eSIM card – When using Wi-Fi, open the confirmation email and scan the QR code from your phone’s camera or click the activation link. There are three options:
- Scan the QR code
- Manual installation
- One-click installation for iOS 17.4 or higher
Upon arrival, enable eSIM data roaming – Go to cellular/mobile data settings, select the Holafly line and turn on data roaming and mobile data for that line. (Turn off mobile data on your home SIM card to avoid unexpected roaming charges.)
Holafly works with local carriers, so your connection depends on the strongest network in the area. Please note that Holafly’s eSIM is for data use only. You can keep your home SIM card in your phone for text messages or calls, and Holafly will handle all your data. Apps like WhatsApp, iMessage and Telegram still work with your regular number, so you can message friends and family just like you would at home.
The promise of “unlimited data” appeals to most people, and for good reason. Most eSIM companies sell data in small batches, which can add up quickly, especially if you use maps, social media, or video calls. With Holafly, you only pay for the number of days you want and get unlimited data during that time.
Plans start at around $4 per day, but are cheaper if you get more days or choose the new subscription option Holafly plan.
Additionally, Holafly offers 24/7 multi-lingual customer support, hotspot functionality, 15+ regional plans, global plans, no hidden fees, and an incredible 6-month flexible refund policy.
I think this is one of the best eSIM options for travelers who want reliability and ease of use. It’s especially useful for people who visit multiple countries or anyone who relies heavily on mobile data (bloggers, remote workers, or digital nomads). The connection is always stable, the speeds are great, and I can set everything up before I leave home, which saves a lot of time
Ultimately, the real appeal of Holafly is this: simplicity. You don’t need to worry about data, SIM card or network compatibility. All you have to do is scan, activate. For a traveler like me, this convenience is priceless.
Use code MATTK to get 5% off any eSIM on your next adventure!
terms and Conditions:
- For website or app
- 5% off eSIM for the first 12 months and 10% off Holafly plans
- No minimum purchase required
- all customers
- No usage restrictions
- Cannot be combined with other discounts (except Holafly plan annual subscription 22% off)
- Valid from now on, no end date
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Booking your trip: Logistical tips and tricks
Book a flight
Find cheap flights with Skyscanner. This is my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines all over the world, so you always know no stone will be left unturned.
Book accommodation
You can book hostels through Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hotel, use Booking.com as it always offers the cheapest hotel and hotel prices.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. It provides complete protection in case any issues arise. I never travel without it as I have used it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to travel for free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation without any additional spending. Check out my guide to choosing the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest and best deals.
Need to rent a car?
Discover Cars is an affordable international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they can find the best and cheapest rentals for your trip!
Need help finding activities for your trip?
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool hikes, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guided tours, and more.
Ready to book your trip?
Check out my resources page for the best companies to use when traveling. I made a list of all the tools I use when I travel. They are the best of their kind and you can’t go wrong using them on the go.
