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Uncompromised Travel

Airalo vs Holafly for Japan: which is better?

By Richard Jasinski·Updated 3 November 2026

Airalo and Holafly, set out the same way from each company's own website and review listings, read on 20 October 2026. No score and no winner.

Airalo vs Holafly for Japan: which is better?

On their own published facts, Airalo is best for any traveller, with business plans for teams; Holafly is best for unlimited data on every trip, monthly plans for long stays. For Japan: each card opens with the company's own Japan plan, as its website showed it on the day it was read. No score and no winner: choose by what your trip needs.

Airalo

Best for
Any traveller, with business plans for teams

Holafly

Best for
Unlimited data on every trip, monthly plans for long stays

Airalo and Holafly: side by side

The same facts for each company, from its own website, in the same order. Where a company publishes nothing on a row, the card says so. Left out, because it is not readable for both: refunds.

Airalo

Japan plan
Unlimited packages: 3 days US$11.50, 5 days US$17.00, 7 days US$26.50, 10 days US$34.50, 15 days US$48.00, 30 days US$69.00 (as read on 20 October 2026).
What it is
A marketplace reselling several providers: the terms say 'We operate as an aggregator and marketplace of connectivity services', sold under the Airalo name ('the world's first eSIM store'). Mostly data, but some packages add calls and texts ('We offer flexible data packages, some have calls and texts').
Based in
Singapore (registered address).
Unlimited data
Yes, in 130+ countries and regions.
Hotspot and tethering
Unlimited eSIMs: 'Yes, Airalo Unlimited eSIMs support tethering and hotspot use' and 'All tethered usage is included in your daily high-speed data allowance'.
Phone number, calls and texts
Some packages include calls and texts.
Data validity
The validity period starts when the eSIM activates, which for most eSIMs is when it connects to a supported network at the destination.
Top-ups
Yes: 'you can top up your eSIM, you don't need to buy a new eSIM'.
Customer support
24/7, multi-language support: live chat, WhatsApp and the app, plus a Help Center and Contact us page ('we're available 24/7').
Guest reviews, per platform
Trustpilot 4.1 out of 5 from 47,927 reviews (newest review 20 October 2026); the App Store 4.6 out of 5 from 101,988 reviews (newest review 19 October 2026); Google Play 4.6 out of 5 from 191,305 reviews (read 20 October 2026).

Holafly

Japan plan
Japan: unlimited data by the day, 'from' €3.79 a day; the page says 'More days, lower the price'. USD price table: 3 days US$11.90, 5 days US$20.50, 7 days US$27.50, 10 days US$36.50, 15 days US$50.50, 30 days US$73.90 (as read on 20 October 2026).
What it is
A travel eSIM provider selling under its own name, working through local network partners. Trip plans are data only ('it is not possible to make calls, send SMS, or receive SMS').
Based in
Dublin, Ireland: registered office at 6th Floor, 2 Grand Canal Square, Dublin 2.
Unlimited data
Yes, all destination plans are unlimited, priced per day: from €3.79 a day in Thailand, Japan, USA, Italy and France, €3.90 in the UK and Europe, €8.90 Global (as read on 20 October 2026).
Hotspot and tethering
Yes. Destination plans: 'Share 1 GB of data per day... a 7-day plan includes 7 GB'.
Phone number, calls and texts
Trip plans: no calls or SMS ('not possible to make calls, send SMS, or receive SMS').
Data validity
Plans start 'once you arrive at your destination and turn on your eSIM'.
Top-ups
No top-ups on Trip plans ('No more top-ups'); a new plan is bought for the next trip.
Customer support
24/7 chat support 'in your own language', plus WhatsApp and email at [email protected].
Guest reviews, per platform
Trustpilot 4.7 out of 5 from 115,537 reviews (newest review 20 October 2026); the App Store 4.8 out of 5 from 40,865 reviews (newest review 12 October 2026); Google Play 4.8 out of 5 from 93,898 reviews (read 20 October 2026).

Where each line comes from

Every line links back to the page it was read from, read on 20 October 2026.

Airalo vs Holafly: the questions people ask

Do Airalo and Holafly offer unlimited data?

Airalo: Yes, in 130+ countries and regions. Holafly: Yes, all destination plans are unlimited, priced per day: from €3.79 a day in Thailand, Japan, USA, Italy and France, €3.90 in the UK and Europe, €8.90 Global (as read on 20 October 2026).

Can I use either as a hotspot?

Airalo: Unlimited eSIMs: 'Yes, Airalo Unlimited eSIMs support tethering and hotspot use' and 'All tethered usage is included in your daily high-speed data allowance'. Holafly: Yes. Destination plans: 'Share 1 GB of data per day... a 7-day plan includes 7 GB'.

Does either give me a phone number?

Airalo: Some packages include calls and texts. Holafly: Trip plans: no calls or SMS ('not possible to make calls, send SMS, or receive SMS').

How do I reach their support?

Airalo: 24/7, multi-language support: live chat, WhatsApp and the app, plus a Help Center and Contact us page ('we're available 24/7'). Holafly: 24/7 chat support 'in your own language', plus WhatsApp and email at [email protected].

Can I top up either?

Airalo: Yes: 'you can top up your eSIM, you don't need to buy a new eSIM'. Holafly: No top-ups on Trip plans ('No more top-ups'); a new plan is bought for the next trip.

How long does the data last?

Airalo: The validity period starts when the eSIM activates, which for most eSIMs is when it connects to a supported network at the destination. Holafly: Plans start 'once you arrive at your destination and turn on your eSIM'.

What do reviews say about each?

Airalo: Trustpilot 4.1 out of 5 from 47,927 reviews (newest review 20 October 2026); the App Store 4.6 out of 5 from 101,988 reviews (newest review 19 October 2026); Google Play 4.6 out of 5 from 191,305 reviews (read 20 October 2026). Holafly: Trustpilot 4.7 out of 5 from 115,537 reviews (newest review 20 October 2026); the App Store 4.8 out of 5 from 40,865 reviews (newest review 12 October 2026); Google Play 4.8 out of 5 from 93,898 reviews (read 20 October 2026). Each platform is shown on its own, never added together.

Where is each company based?

Airalo: Singapore (registered address). Holafly: Dublin, Ireland: registered office at 6th Floor, 2 Grand Canal Square, Dublin 2.

Can I buy either through Uncompromised Travel?

No. Uncompromised Travel is a publication and does not sell eSIMs. Buy from each company's own website or app.

How current is this comparison?

Both companies' websites, app listings and Trustpilot pages were read on 20 October 2026. Prices and terms change, so check them before you buy.

Built to answer SIM-1247 from the Uncompromised Travel eSIM table. What is shown: what each company's own website, app store listings and Trustpilot page say, read on 20 October 2026, set out the same way for each. No score and no winner. No company paid to be on this page. How this site earns · How we work.

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