There are many eSIM companies around the world. They all work the same way: you download their app, choose your plan, install the eSIM on your smartphone and off you go. There are many that I like.
But the one I like the most is Holafly and I’ve been using their eSIMs for years. I find their app easy to use and their prices really competitive.
So when Holafly launched Holafly Plans, a unique eSIM that works as an ongoing subscription across 160+ destinations, I was excited. This is a great option for those looking for more data and flexibility than a traditional eSIM. (An eSIM is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone’s hardware, so there’s no physical card to insert or swap. Instead of visiting a store for a plastic SIM card, you activate a plan by scanning a QR code or installing it through an app, and you’re connected in minutes. Because it’s software-based, a single phone can hold multiple eSIMs, allowing you to switch between a personal number and a local or global travel plan without touching your device. I have about 10 installed lol.
In this article, I’ll explain what the product is, how it’s different from a traditional eSIM, and who I think this option is for!
What are Holafly plans?
Holafly Plans is a unique global eSIM that covers over 160 destinations with just one ongoing subscription. You buy it once, install it once, and it keeps working when you move from country to country. You don’t reswap SIM cards, you don’t redownload anything, there’s no repurchasing or searching for a new QR code every time you land in a new location.
It automatically reconnects you when you land in a new location. Think of it as a traditional cell phone carrier, but much cheaper.
You can purchase it monthly or annually and comes in two tiers: Light and Unlimited. There is no annual contract and you can cancel at any time.
The Unlimited plan includes no data caps and unlimited hotspot so you can connect your laptop on the go. If you’re a digital nomad who downloads videos, makes video calls, or just someone who never wants to think about data again, this is a great addition. This tier also includes a local US, UK or Canada phone number, which allows you to receive SMS messages.
The Light plan gives you 25GB of data per month, still includes a hotspot, and still covers the same coverage of 160+ destinations. For someone who primarily uses maps, messaging apps, and occasional Instagram scrolling, this package is probably the best option.
Additionally, with both Holafly plans, once your plan is active, you benefit from their “Always On” feature which is 1GB of backup data every month, automatically for life, even if you eventually cancel your subscription completely.
Prices vary a little by region and currency and depending on the length of your purchase, so check their current prices on the Holafly packages page. However, as an example, their unlimited plan only costs $55 per month for 1 year, which is much cheaper than any US-based carrier’s rates for their basic option which includes unlimited 5G data abroad. You can get monthly, quarterly or annual plans. Quarterly plans save around 10% while annual plans save 15%.
Use promo code NOMADICMATT at checkout to get 10% off Holafly plans and 5% off all standard Holafly eSIMs.
Classic eSIMs vs. plans
Classic Holafly eSIMs are designed for a single trip. You choose a country or region (there are over 200 available), choose how many days of data you need and it covers just that trip. If you are traveling to Portugal for two weeks, a classic eSIM remains the simplest and cheapest option. This is a one-time purchase. If you only take a few trips a year, this is still the best option.
On the other hand, if you are a digital nomad, who has left your home country most of the year and is constantly moving between different countries, then Holafly fly plans are the much better option. This is a permanent global subscription for people who are more or less always somewhere. Instead of buying a new eSIM every time you change your itinerary, you have a number, a connection, a bill, which follows you indefinitely across borders. Additionally, you can get a phone number, unlimited data, and a hotspot. In the US, if you were to sign up for the T-Mobiles plan, which caps data and is the closest thing to “affordable” international plans, you’ll be spending over $100 USD per month (I know because I used that plan!). Holafly plans cost less and give you more.
Here’s how it compares:
Feature/Cost Holafly plans (unlimited) Roaming pass for major US carriers Buy local SIM cards / unique eSIM Monthly cost ~$55–$65/month
according to monthly, quarterly or annual payment plan $100 to $300/month ($10/day additional) $60 to $120/month (varies by region) Data allocation Unlimited Capped at high speed, then throttled Varies (typically 5GB to 10GB plans) Hassle factor Zero. Set it up once, works in over 160 destinations. Weak, but extremely expensive. High. Redemption, exchange of QR codes, cutting of lines at borders. Hot spot Included (multiple devices) Often restricted or strangled Varies by carrier How it works and how to subscribe Setup takes minutes, not hours:
1. Check Compatibility – Most modern smartphones support eSIM, but it’s worth confirming yours before purchasing. 2. Choose your plan – Head towards the Holafly packages pagechoose Unlimited or Light, choose monthly, quarterly or annual billing and finalize your purchase. Please note: Your billing cycle starts when you pay, not when you land somewhere, so if you’re buying before a trip, schedule it closer to departure. 3. Install the eSIM – You’ll receive a QR code and guide via email, or you can install it directly through the Holafly app, which will walk you through the process in about two minutes. 4. Enable data roaming – when you land, activate the eSIM and you are connected. No local SIM store, no border rush. If something goes wrong during setup, real people are on the other end of the support line 24/7.
Who is it really for?
Holafly Plans is not for everyone. If you’re going on a two-week vacation alone, a classic destination eSIM will cost you less. However, if you’re a frequent traveler who flies in and out of multiple countries in a given month or a digital nomad who needs reliable, seamless connectivity for work, not just casual browsing, then opt for Holafly plans. It’s easier and will save you money in the long run.
Advantages and disadvantages Benefits :
An eSIM covers more than 160 destinations, without exchange at borders Truly unlimited data and next-level hotspot, no throttling Always On gives you free backup data for life, even after you cancel Cancel anytime, no lock-in contract Monthly, quarterly or annual billing, with real savings if you opt for annual billing No hidden fees, 6-month refund policy, and real humans responding to support Installation takes about two minutes Disadvantages:
This is not the cheapest option if you are staying in one country for a long time. Local phone number is unlimited only, not included on Light Data plan costs vary by currency/region, so you will need to check prices on the Holafly website before purchasing. **** Holafly plans make your life easier if you are a long-term traveler. You don’t need to swap a SIM card, you get unlimited data and you get a phone number. It’s the closest thing to a traditional phone plan, but without the huge costs or data caps.
And, as someone who travels the world a lot and uses a lot of data, including streaming video and using my phone as a hotspot, these plans save me a ton of money!
If you are traveling the world and plan to leave your home country for a while, this is the product for you!
Use promo code NOMADICMATT at checkout to get 10% off Holafly plans and 5% off all standard Holafly eSIMs.
FAQs Are Holafly plans different from a classic Holafly eSIM? Yes. Classic Holafly eSIMs are one-time purchases for a single trip or destination (over 200 available). Holafly Plans is an ongoing global subscription for people who are more or less always traveling.
Does Always On cost extra? No, it’s automatically included with every Holafly Plans subscription and continues to give you 1GB of backup data per month on over 150 destinations, even after you cancel.
Can I switch between Light and Unlimited? You will need to cancel your current plan and purchase the other tier – there is no upgrade in place yet.
What if I don’t like it? Holafly backs the plans with a 6-month refund policy, which is more generous than what most eSIM companies offer.
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Find a cheap flight using Skyscanner. This is my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the world so you always know that nothing is not left to chance.
Book your accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Reservation.com because it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t forget travel insurance
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Need help finding activities for your trip?
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Ready to book your trip?
Check out my resources page for the best companies to use when traveling. I list all the ones I use when I travel. These are best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
