Free Airalo eSIM
World's largest travel eSIM store — 200+ countries.
Updated May 2026 · Reviewed by Free SIM Cards UK · Why trust us
🎁 Free $3 credit with code on your first eSIM
What is the Airalo travel eSIM?
Airalo is the biggest name in travel eSIMs for a reason — it covers more than 200 countries and regions, runs on tier-one local networks, and its app is the most polished in the category. New customers can grab a $3 sign-up credit, which usually covers a free 1GB starter pack to test it before a longer trip.
Setup is famously slick: pick a destination, pay in GBP, and an eSIM QR lands in the app within seconds. Speeds match the host carrier (often EE-equivalent abroad), and you can top up mid-trip without re-installing anything. The main trade-off is fair-use throttling on bigger bundles after heavy use.
What we like about Airalo
- Largest country list of any travel eSIM (200+)
- $3 welcome credit covers a free 1GB starter
- Highly rated iOS and Android app
- Regional bundles (Eurolink, Asialink) work across borders
- Pay in GBP — no foreign-exchange surprises
Where Airalo falls short
- Per-GB price isn't the absolute cheapest
- Unlimited plans aren't truly unlimited (fair-use throttle)
- No voice calls on most plans — data-only
At a glance
Coverage
200+ countries
From
£3.50
Plan lengths
7 / 15 / 30 days
Hotspot
Allowed
Compatibility
iPhone XS+, Pixel 3+, Galaxy S20+
Support
24/7 in-app chat
Top-ups
Instant from app
Payment
GBP, Apple Pay, Google Pay, card
On this page⌄
How to install the Airalo eSIM
- 1
Open the provider's app or website and pick your destination country or region.
- 2
Pay (or claim the free trial) and you'll receive a QR code by email instantly.
- 3
On your phone, go to Settings → Mobile / Cellular → Add eSIM and scan the QR.
- 4
Label the new line "Travel" and turn on Data Roaming for it once you land.
Free $3 credit with code on your first eSIM
Best for
Travellers who want one trusted app for every trip, especially multi-country itineraries.
Not the best for
Heavy streamers who want truly unlimited data — Holafly suits that better.
Compare with other travel eSIMs
Not sure Airalo is right for you? Read another review:
- Holafly review →Unlimited data eSIMs — no fair-use throttling.
- Saily review →From the makers of NordVPN — secure travel data.
- Nomad review →Generous regional bundles for serial travellers.
Airalo eSIM — FAQs
Is the Airalo eSIM compatible with my phone?
Airalo works on any eSIM-capable handset, including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer. If your phone supports dual SIM with one physical and one eSIM, you can keep your UK number active alongside it.
How much data do I really need on a Airalo plan?
For typical holiday use — maps, messaging, social, the odd video — 1GB lasts most people 3–4 days. Heavy streaming or hotspotting your laptop can burn through that in an evening, so size up if you plan to work or stream on the go.
Can I keep WhatsApp on my UK number while using Airalo?
Yes. WhatsApp, iMessage and calls stay tied to your UK SIM. Only mobile data is routed through the Airalo eSIM, so friends and family reach you the same way as at home.
The verdict
Airalo is the default recommendation for most UK travellers. It won't always be the cheapest per GB, but the coverage, app polish, and $3 sign-up credit make it the lowest-risk way to escape EE, Vodafone, Three and O2 roaming fees on your next trip.
Install in 60 seconds · Keep your UK number · No contract