Buying an eSIM is one of those things that sounds complicated until you do it once, and then you wonder what you were worried about. The whole process takes under five minutes. But there are enough providers and enough conflicting advice out there that it's worth cutting through the noise and being direct about where to buy, what to look for, and what to avoid.
We've been buying travel eSIMs for three-plus years, across 33 countries, and we have a clear answer on where to get them.
The best place to buy a travel eSIM
We buy our eSIMs directly from Holafly. They're our exclusive eSIM partner, and they've earned that position through performance. More than 10 million eSIMs sold, a 4.6-star Trustpilot rating from over 53,000 reviews, 24/7 support, and coverage in 200+ destinations. The purchase process is fast, the QR code arrives by email immediately after payment, and the installation takes under two minutes.
Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off any Holafly plan. It works on every destination, every plan length, and every top-up.
How to buy a Holafly eSIM
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Go to Holafly
Visit holafly.com and search for your destination country or select a regional plan.
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Choose your plan duration
Pick 1 to 90 days depending on the destination. Add to cart and apply code ADAMANDLINDS at checkout for 5% off.
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Complete payment
Holafly accepts all major credit cards and PayPal. Your QR code arrives by email within minutes.
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Install the eSIM
Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data > Add eSIM and scan the QR code. Installation takes under two minutes.
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Activate on arrival
When you land, enable Data Roaming on the Holafly line. Connectivity starts immediately.
Popular destinations
| Destination | Coverage | Best Plan | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | 40 countries | 7-day $27.30 | Buy Europe eSIM |
| USA | All 50 states | 7-day $25.93 | Buy USA eSIM |
| Mexico | Nationwide | 7-day ~$25 | Buy Mexico eSIM |
| Japan | Nationwide | 7-day ~$28 | Buy Japan eSIM |
| Global (160+ countries) | Worldwide | Plans from $49.90/mo | Buy Global Plan |
What to look for when buying a travel eSIM
Not all travel eSIMs are equal. Before purchasing from any provider, check that the plan offers genuinely unlimited data (not a small cap that throttles immediately), that the coverage map includes your specific destination, that customer support is available if something goes wrong during installation, and that refunds are available for unused eSIMs in case plans change. Holafly satisfies all of these — including a 6-month refund window on unused plans.
FAQ
Buying a travel eSIM
Buy directly from Holafly. Choose destination, choose duration, apply code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off, receive QR code instantly by email. See also: travel data service reviews and travel SIM provider reviews.
Some airports sell physical SIM cards but eSIMs are purchased online. The advantage is you can buy and install your eSIM before you leave home — no airport lines, no language barriers, full connectivity from the moment you land.
You can buy an eSIM right up to minutes before departure. We usually buy ours a day or two before to make sure it's installed and tested. The QR code doesn't expire, so buying early is fine too.
Yes. Holafly is one of the largest travel eSIM providers in the world with over 10 million eSIMs sold and a 4.6 Trustpilot rating from 53,000+ reviews. All purchases are processed through standard secure payment systems. See also: travel SIM provider reviews and travel data service reviews.
Yes. Holafly allows you to buy an eSIM and forward the QR code to someone else. Just make sure their phone is eSIM-compatible and unlocked before purchasing.
Holafly offers a 6-month refund policy for unused eSIMs. If your trip gets cancelled, you can request a refund as long as the eSIM hasn't been activated.
They're essentially the same thing — both refer to digital SIM technology that doesn't require a physical card. An eSIM is the hardware standard; a virtual SIM card is a marketing term sometimes used for the same concept. Both work by downloading a carrier profile to your device.
This post contains affiliate links to Holafly. If you purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are our own.
