By Lisa Salter
Montreal travel advisor · Updated June 26, 2026
Airalo is the biggest name in travel eSIMs — but is it the best choice for a Canadian heading abroad? Here's an honest review: what it does well, where it frustrates people, and who should look at a simpler option.
Prefer help over a DIY app? Get an eSIM set up for your trip.
See eSIM plansWhat is Airalo, and how does it work?
Airalo is an eSIM marketplace: you pick your destination, choose a data plan (priced in USD), and install the eSIM before you fly — by direct app install, QR code or manual entry. It offers local plans (one country), regional plans (a group of countries) and global plans, plus "Discover+," a global plan with a +1 number for calls and texts. You keep your Canadian number for calls; the eSIM carries your data.
What Airalo does well
Low entry price
Light plans start around US$4, and you can compare multiple local carriers per country before buying.
200+ countries
One of the widest footprints of any eSIM, with local, regional and global options.
Simple setup
Direct in-app install (no QR needed on iPhone), plus real-time data tracking that genuinely works.
Plans to fit
From a 3-day top-up to a long multi-country plan — and you can top up if you run low.
Where Airalo frustrates people
Slow when it matters
The most common complaint: replies can take 24–48 hours, and chat needs internet — tough if you're stranded without data.
Speed caps
Unlimited regional plans throttle to roughly 1 Mbps after a daily fair-use threshold.
Rural gaps
Some users report inconsistent signal or drops in rural areas — usually fine in cities and resort zones.
Used data isn't refundable
Unused or uninstalled eSIMs can be refunded within 90 days, but once any data is used, only the unused portion qualifies.
Is Airalo worth it?
For a confident DIY traveller who wants the cheapest data and is comfortable troubleshooting through an app, Airalo is a solid, legitimate choice — it's earned its reputation. Where it falls short is the human side: if something goes wrong at the airport or your plan won't connect, you're waiting on slow support, in English, with no one local to call. That's the gap a travel advisor fills.
Frequently asked questions
Is Airalo legit and safe?
Yes. Airalo is a well-established eSIM provider used by millions across 200+ countries. The criticisms are about support speed and "unlimited" speed caps, not safety.
Is Airalo good for Canadian travellers?
It works fine for Canadians — you keep your number and use the eSIM for data. Just note plans are priced in USD (a small FX cost), and buy before you travel.
Does Airalo have unlimited data?
Some regional plans are "unlimited," but speed is throttled to about 1 Mbps after a daily fair-use limit. For steady full-speed data, a sized data plan is often better.
Can I get a refund from Airalo?
Uninstalled or unactivated eSIMs can be refunded within 90 days. Once data is used, only the unused portion is refundable — so don't over-buy.
What's the catch with Airalo?
Mainly support: it can be slow when you most need it. If that worries you, an advisor-set-up eSIM gives you a real person to call.
Want the Airalo upside without the DIY downside? Lisa Salter, a Montréal travel advisor, picks the right eSIM for your trip, sets it up with you before you fly, and is a real person to reach — in French or English. Ask Lisa →
