Holafly is a travel eSIM provider with apps for iOS and Android, and it focuses on unlimited data packages. In this Holafly eSIM review, we look at its plans, setup, network, and support, and at what to know before using it in Turkey and China.
Holafly eSIM review TL;DR
Here is a quick overview.
- Best for: travelers who want unlimited data.
Pros: no need to count gigabytes, thanks to unlimited plans. On iOS, the app can set up the eSIM with one tap. Support is available via in-app chat.
Cons: unlimited plans are subject to a fair usage policy, so speeds may be reduced during heavy use. The hotspot has a daily data limit, which may not be enough if you use a laptop and work on your trip.
How Holafly works
Holafly has a mobile app on the App Store and Google Play, and you can also buy plans on its website. Its destination eSIMs are data only (no local phone number or SMS), so calls and messages go through messaging apps.
Plans
Holafly’s destination eSIMs mostly offer unlimited data for a set period, from 1 to 90 days, instead of a fixed amount of data. The price per day decreases when you add more days. If you used standard international plans with fixed traffic, the daily-based model can feel unusual at first.
The provider offers 4 plan types that vary by location logic.
- Country plans cover one destination.
- Regional plans work in multiple countries, e.g., Europe, Asia, Latin America, North America, and Africa.
- Global plans are sold as a monthly subscription.
- City plans cover specific areas: islands (Goa, Canary Islands), provinces (Alberta, British Columbia), US states (Colorado, Florida), and cities (Dubai, Glasgow). Their pages show the same plans as the country where those areas are located.
eSIM setup
On iOS, the app can set up the eSIM with one tap. On Android, for example on a Samsung phone, open Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM and scan the QR code. If scanning doesn’t work, use a manual activation code.
The plan activates only after the phone is connected to a network in the destination country. To extend the plan, add a top-up before it expires. Hotspot is allowed, but with a daily limit on shared data.
Network and performance
The provider shows the local carrier network name on most country plan pages. For example, AT&T and T-Mobile in the USA.
Holafly’s unlimited plans are subject to a fair usage policy, so speeds may be reduced during unusually heavy use. For navigation, messaging, and browsing, this is unlikely to matter, but streaming or work can use much more data.
Customer support review
Holafly offers support via in-app chat, which it says is available 24/7.
Holafly in Turkey and China
You can check local operator coverage in advance via OpenSignal.
Speeds vary by local network, location (city vs rural), and congestion.
Turkey
Setting up a plan for Turkey requires preparation. In July 2025, the Turkish regulator BTK (The Information and Communication Technologies Authority) blocked websites and apps of several international eSIM providers, including Holafly. According to Holafly, its plans still work in Turkey if they are bought and installed before arrival. Because the website and app are blocked there, you may not be able to extend the validity while in Turkey, so it’s best to get a few extra days.
China
Most Western apps are unavailable in China due to the Great Firewall, so install the eSIM before arrival.
Holafly Alternatives
Other travel eSIM providers include Ohayu eSIM, Saily, and Nomad.
Ohayu eSIM
Ohayu is a Holafly alternative. It sells country plans, including Unlimited plans in selected countries with a daily high-speed allowance and slower speed after it, and Global plans, which use one eSIM across many countries, renew monthly and can be cancelled any time. Country plans start their validity on activation, and the eSIM can be reinstalled on the same device. Hotspot works on all plans.
Final Verdict
The main benefit of Holafly is its unlimited plans. You choose how many days you need and don’t have to count gigabytes.
But there are downsides. Hotspot sharing has a daily limit, which is okay for short sharing but not for regular laptop work, and speeds may be reduced under the fair usage policy. Holafly suits those who want to land, connect, and not think about data. If you work on trips, compare it with digital nomad plans from other providers, such as Ohayu, where hotspot works on all plans.
