What are the disadvantages of Holafly?
And why we still choose Holafly.
While Holafly remains our top eSIM recommendation for family travel, no service is perfect. After using Holafly across 20+ countries with our three daughters, we've encountered several limitations worth considering before your purchase.
No Voice Calls or SMS
The biggest drawback is that most Holafly eSIMs are data-only. You can't make traditional phone calls or send SMS messages through your Holafly line. This means relying entirely on internet-based communication like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype.
For families, this creates complications when local businesses or services require phone verification or when you need to call accommodations that don't use messaging apps. We've worked around this by keeping our home carrier active for calls and texts, but that adds complexity.
Tethering Restrictions in Some Countries
While Holafly markets "unlimited" data, tethering (mobile hotspot) capabilities vary by destination. Some countries allow full hotspot functionality, while others restrict it entirely or limit it to 1GB per day.
This inconsistency makes it difficult to plan data usage when traveling with multiple devices. We've been caught off guard in destinations where tethering was more limited than expected.
Fair Use Policies
"Unlimited" doesn't always mean unlimited. Holafly implements fair use policies that can throttle speeds after heavy usage, though they're not always transparent about specific limits. During our six-month stay in Vietnam, we occasionally experienced slower speeds during high-usage days.
Higher Cost for Light Users
If you primarily use WiFi and only need occasional data for navigation or emergencies, Holafly's pricing may be excessive. Budget travelers who carefully monitor data usage might find the unlimited plans unnecessary for their travel style.
Regional Compatibility Issues
Some Holafly eSIMs purchased for specific regions don't work in neighboring countries. Their Europe plan covers most EU countries but has gaps that can surprise travelers crossing borders.
The Verdict
These disadvantages haven't stopped us from using Holafly as our primary eSIM provider. The convenience of unlimited data and easy setup outweighs these limitations for our family travel style. However, understanding these constraints helps set realistic expectations.
For a complete picture, read our full Holafly eSIM review to understand why we still choose them despite these drawbacks.
Adam Clarkson
For most travelers, Holafly remains an excellent choice despite these limitations. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off your Holafly eSIM purchase.
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