Holafly eSIM Review: How It Works and Our Experience

Whenever we travel abroad, one of the first things we organise is mobile data. Over the years, we’ve used Holafly in seven countries: the United States, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Morocco, Thailand, Japan and China.

And we keep choosing it for one simple reason: we want to have internet access as soon as we land.

After a long flight, the last thing we want to do is look for a phone shop, compare local SIM cards or work out how to get online. We want to find our hotel, check directions and let our family know we’ve arrived.

We’ve travelled with Holafly across Europe, Asia, Africa and North America, and our experience has been consistently positive. The connection has been fast and we’ve never had any significant problems.

There is, however, one limitation we’ve discovered while travelling with our two teenagers: unlimited mobile data doesn’t necessarily mean unlimited hotspot data.

In this Holafly eSIM review, we’ll explain how it works, what it costs, what we like about it and what you should know before buying. We’ll also look at whether a Holafly eSIM is a good option if you’re planning a trip to Italy.

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions and travel experiences are our own.

What is Holafly and how does it work?

Holafly is a travel eSIM provider that allows you to buy mobile data for international trips without changing the physical SIM card in your phone.

An eSIM is a digital SIM that you install directly on a compatible smartphone. You purchase your data plan online, follow the installation instructions and connect to a supported mobile network when you arrive at your destination.

Holafly offers plans for a wide range of countries, including Italy, with unlimited data available for many destinations.

The main advantage is convenience. You can arrange your mobile data before leaving home rather than looking for a local SIM card after you land.

Most Holafly travel eSIMs are primarily data plans, so don’t assume that regular phone calls or SMS messages are included.

Our Holafly review after using it in seven countries

We didn’t start using Holafly because we wanted to write a review. We started buying it because it made travelling easier, and we kept using it because it worked well for us.

We’ve tested it in the USA, Switzerland, the UK, Morocco, Thailand, Japan and China.

On all these trips, the connection was fast enough for everything we needed, and we didn’t experience any major issues.

We use mobile data constantly when travelling, particularly for:

• Google Maps and navigation: finding our way around cities, using public transport and driving rental cars.
• WhatsApp: staying in touch with family, especially the grandparents back home.
• Tickets and bookings: checking hotel reservations, train tickets and attraction bookings.
• Translations: understanding signs, menus and information in languages we don’t speak.
• Sharing data: connecting our teenagers’ tablets through a mobile hotspot when needed.

For us, the biggest benefit is being able to get on with the trip without worrying about finding Wi-Fi.

Using Holafly in China: WhatsApp and Google worked

China was probably the country where we appreciated Holafly the most.

During our trip, we were able to use WhatsApp and Google services without setting up an additional VPN.

This matters because several Western websites and apps are normally restricted in mainland China.

Holafly’s China eSIM includes an integrated VPN solution designed to provide access to services that may otherwise be unavailable.

For us, it meant being able to communicate with family and use familiar apps throughout the trip.

Of course, internet restrictions and technical conditions can change, so always check the current features of the China plan before travelling.

Holafly in Japan, Thailand and Morocco

We also used Holafly in Japan, Thailand and Morocco, with no significant connection problems.

Having mobile data ready when we arrived was particularly useful for checking directions, managing bookings and getting around unfamiliar places.

It’s a small detail, but after a long flight, being able to open Google Maps immediately instead of searching for a local SIM card makes a real difference.

Holafly in the USA, Switzerland and London

We’ve also used Holafly in the United States, Switzerland and on trips to London.

International roaming charges can vary considerably depending on your home mobile provider and destination.

Switzerland isn’t part of the EU roaming area, and UK roaming arrangements depend on your mobile contract.

We like knowing the cost of our mobile data before travelling, although it’s always worth checking whether your existing phone plan already includes affordable roaming.

Using a Holafly eSIM in Italy

If you’re planning a trip to Italy, an eSIM can be a convenient way to stay connected from the moment you arrive.

Imagine landing at Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa or Venice Marco Polo Airport. You may need to check train times, find your accommodation, book a transfer or simply open Google Maps.

Having mobile data already available means you don’t have to search for a phone shop at the airport or wait until you reach your hotel to connect to Wi-Fi.

And you’ll probably use your phone more than you expect during your trip.

What will you use mobile data for in Italy?

• Google Maps: navigating Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan and smaller towns.
• Train travel: checking Trenitalia and Italo timetables, platforms and digital tickets.
• Museum bookings: accessing tickets for attractions such as the Colosseum, Vatican Museums and Uffizi Gallery.
• Restaurants: finding places to eat, checking opening hours and making reservations.
• Public transport: planning journeys and using local transport apps.
• WhatsApp: keeping in touch with family, accommodation hosts and travel companions.
• Translations: understanding menus, signs and practical information.

If you’re travelling around Italy rather than staying in one city, having a reliable internet connection becomes even more useful.

Whether you’re taking the train from Rome to Florence, exploring Tuscany by car or travelling between Naples and the Amalfi Coast, mobile data can make the practical side of your trip much easier.

Do you actually need an eSIM for Italy?

Not necessarily.

If you’re travelling to Italy from another EU country, your existing mobile plan may already include roaming under the EU’s roam-like-at-home rules, subject to your provider’s fair-use conditions.

If you’re coming from the UK, check your contract carefully. Some providers include European roaming, while others charge extra.

Travellers from the United States, Canada, Australia and other countries outside Europe should compare their home provider’s international roaming charges with the cost of a travel eSIM.

We wouldn’t recommend buying an eSIM without checking what your current phone plan already offers.

But if your roaming charges are expensive, or you simply prefer to organise everything before departure, Holafly is worth considering.

How to install and activate a Holafly eSIM

Installing a Holafly eSIM is straightforward, but we recommend doing it before you leave home, while you have a reliable Wi-Fi connection.

First, check that your smartphone supports eSIM technology and isn’t locked to a particular mobile operator.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Visit Holafly and select your destination, such as Italy.
2. Choose the duration of your trip and the plan you need.
3. Complete your purchase.
4. Follow the instructions provided to install the eSIM, using a QR code or the guided installation process.
5. Give the new mobile line a recognisable name, such as “Holafly Italy”.
6. When you arrive, select Holafly for mobile data and enable data roaming on the Holafly line, following the instructions provided.

For standard destination-based travel plans, the validity period generally starts when the eSIM connects to a supported network at your destination. Other types of plans may have different activation conditions.

Make sure your phone is using Holafly for mobile data rather than your home SIM, so you don’t accidentally incur roaming charges.

You can also check the Holafly website for installation instructions.

Can you keep your usual phone number with Holafly?

Yes, and this is one of the features we appreciate most.

With Holafly, we can continue using WhatsApp with our usual phone number, even though our mobile data comes from the travel eSIM.

We use WhatsApp throughout our trips to send photos, messages and make video calls to family back home.

There’s an important distinction, though.

Keeping your WhatsApp number doesn’t mean regular phone calls and SMS messages are automatically free.

WhatsApp uses the internet connection provided by your eSIM. Traditional calls and text messages made through your home SIM are still subject to your mobile provider’s roaming charges.

Does Holafly really offer unlimited data?

Holafly offers unlimited data plans in many destinations, including Italy.

For us, this is particularly useful because we rely on mobile data for maps, bookings, messaging and everyday travel information.

However, unlimited data doesn’t necessarily mean unlimited use at maximum speed in every situation.

Local network operators may apply fair-use policies and temporarily reduce speeds following particularly heavy data use.

There’s also an important difference between the data you use on your phone and the data you can share with other devices.

Holafly hotspot: the limitation we discovered travelling with teenagers

This is the one limitation we’ve encountered with Holafly.

When we travel, we sometimes use our phone as a hotspot to connect our teenagers’ tablets.

It’s convenient during long journeys, especially when they want to watch videos or use their devices.

But we discovered that unlimited data on your phone doesn’t necessarily mean unlimited hotspot data.

Holafly’s hotspot allowances depend on the destination and the specific plan.

And when two teenagers start streaming videos, a limited hotspot allowance can disappear surprisingly quickly.

So we’ve changed our habits slightly.

We still use the hotspot when needed, but for streaming videos or downloading large files, we prefer to use our hotel’s Wi-Fi or another trusted network.

Another useful option is to download films, shows and other entertainment before leaving home, so children can watch them offline.

If you’re travelling with children or teenagers, check the hotspot allowance before purchasing your eSIM.

How much does Holafly cost?

The cost of a Holafly eSIM depends on your destination, the number of days you need and the type of plan.

A short city break in Italy will cost less than a longer trip covering several weeks, although the exact price depends on the current offers and plan conditions.

To see the price, select Italy or your chosen destination on the Holafly website and enter the length of your trip.

We like knowing how much our mobile data will cost before leaving home.

That doesn’t mean Holafly is always the cheapest option. A local SIM card or an international roaming package from your home provider may sometimes be less expensive.

For us, convenience is a major part of the decision.

Is Holafly worth it? Pros and cons

After using Holafly in seven countries, we have a clear idea of what we like and what we’d recommend checking before buying.

What we like about Holafly

• Mobile data as soon as you arrive: no need to search for a local SIM card.
• Easy preparation: you can install the eSIM before your trip.
• Keep your WhatsApp number: continue using your usual account.
• Unlimited data plans: available in many destinations, including Italy.
• Predictable cost: you know the price of your data plan before travelling.
• Our experience: we’ve used Holafly in seven countries and have consistently had a fast, reliable connection for our needs.

What you should know before buying

• Hotspot limits: shared data may be restricted even with an unlimited data plan.
• Phone compatibility: your smartphone must support eSIMs.
• Calls and SMS: most travel eSIM plans are primarily for mobile data.
• Price: local SIM cards or roaming packages may sometimes be cheaper.
• Network coverage: speeds and signal quality depend on local mobile networks.

Holafly vs a local SIM card: which is better for Italy?

If you’re visiting Italy, there are three main ways to get mobile data: use your existing phone plan, buy a local SIM card or purchase a travel eSIM.

International roaming may be the easiest solution if your home provider already includes Italy at a reasonable price.

A local Italian SIM card can be worth considering for longer stays or if you need an Italian phone number. However, you’ll need to arrange the purchase and activation, and identity documents are generally required.

A travel eSIM such as Holafly is convenient if you want to have mobile data ready before you arrive.

For a holiday involving several Italian cities, we particularly appreciate not having to spend time arranging a phone connection after landing.

We wouldn’t say Holafly is automatically the best option for everyone. But if convenience matters to you, it’s certainly worth comparing with the alternatives.

Holafly discount code: get 5% off with Viaggiapiccoli

If you’ve decided to try Holafly, you can use our VIAGGIAPICCOLI discount code to get 5% off eligible Holafly travel eSIMs.

The code can be used more than once, so you can also use it for future trips.

For more information, read our guide to the Holafly discount code and how to save 5%.

Frequently asked questions about Holafly

Does Holafly work in Italy?

Yes. Holafly offers travel eSIM plans for Italy. You’ll need a compatible smartphone, and your connection will depend on the supported local mobile networks and coverage.

Can I use Holafly as soon as I land in Italy?

If you’ve already installed your eSIM, you can follow the activation instructions when you arrive. Select Holafly for mobile data and connect to a supported local network.

Can I keep my regular SIM card?

Yes, on compatible phones you can keep your regular SIM and add Holafly as an eSIM. Check your settings carefully to avoid unexpected roaming charges on your home line.

Will WhatsApp work with my usual number?

Yes. You can continue using WhatsApp with your existing number while using Holafly for mobile data.

Can I share my Holafly data with my family?

Many plans allow hotspot sharing, but the amount of data available for sharing varies. Check the conditions of your chosen destination before buying.

Does Holafly work in China?

In our experience, yes. We used WhatsApp and Google services in China without configuring an additional VPN. Holafly’s China plan includes an integrated VPN solution, although local restrictions and service conditions can change.

Is Holafly cheaper than international roaming?

It depends on your mobile provider, destination and travel dates. Compare the total cost of a Holafly plan with your provider’s roaming charges before purchasing.

Is Holafly reliable?

We’ve used Holafly in the USA, Switzerland, the UK, Morocco, Thailand, Japan and China, and our experience has been consistently positive. However, mobile coverage and speeds can vary depending on the destination and local networks.

Our verdict: would we use Holafly again?

Yes. In fact, we already do.

After using Holafly across seven countries, it’s become one of the things we organise before travelling abroad.

We like being able to land, open Google Maps, check our bookings and message family without looking for a local SIM card.

The only limitation we’ve had to work around is hotspot data sharing, particularly when travelling with two teenagers who enjoy watching videos.

For everything else, Holafly has worked well for us.

If you’re planning a trip to Italy, we’d recommend checking your current roaming plan first. If you need a separate mobile data connection, a travel eSIM is a convenient option, and Holafly is one we’ve used repeatedly.

And if you decide to buy one, remember that you can use VIAGGIAPICCOLI for 5% off eligible Holafly travel eSIMs.

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