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Top eSIM for North America: Holafly vs Airalo (plus Alternatives)

Last updated on May 3rd, 2023 at 08:48 pm

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Top eSIM for North America – In this guide, we examine the top eSIM brands for seamless connectivity and data access during your trip across North America. Holafly provides unlimited data options, while Airalo offers affordable and comprehensive coverage.

As digital advancements reshape our world, seamless connectivity has become an indispensable aspect of travel. eSIMs with regional plans for North America have emerged as a critical resource for travelers seeking hassle-free data connections.

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Top North America eSIMs Regional Plans and International Plans for North America:

  1. Holafly
  2. Airalo
  3. Nomad eSIM
  4. Ubigi
  5. Truphone
  6. KnowRoaming
  7. GigSky

Holafly and Airalo are the leading eSIM providers in North America, offering competitive plans and extensive coverage. With a focus on customer experience, both brands have become the go-to options for travelers. Holafly is the best choice for unlimited data, while Airalo is ideal for affordable data and intermittent connectivity.

What Really is an eSIM?

What really is an eSIM? An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital alternative to traditional physical SIM cards. It is built into your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to switch between mobile carriers and data plans without physically swapping SIM cards.

Holafly – Top eSIM for North America with Unlimited Data

Holafly North America eSIM Plan – For US, Canada, and Mexico

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Holafly has two plans that can work in North America. The first one below is Holafly’s International Travel eSIM which works for the whole of North America and includes the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For 6GB data for 15 days, you get data that covers all of North America for $54 USD.

Holafly United States – For Unlimited Data while in the US

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The other plan is exclusive to the United States, Holafly’s local USA eSIM which gives you various options of unlimited data while in the United States. You have plans for the following prices:

  • Unlimited Data for 5 Days for $19 USD
  • Unlimited Data for 7 Days for $27 USD
  • Unlimited Data for 10 Days for $34 USD
  • Unlimited Data for 15 Days for $47 USD
  • Unlimited Data for 20 Days for $54 USD
  • Unlimited Data for 30 Days for $64 USD
  • Unlimited Data for 60 Days for $84

Airalo – Top eSIM for North America with Affordable Data

Airalo’s eSIM for North America can be seen below. Airalo has country-specific eSIMs like the United States and Canada and Airalo’s Global eSIM covers 85 countries.

Airalo’s Global eSIM

Countries included in the coverage are as follows (includes North America: US and Canada and the country of Mexico):

Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Kosovo, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam, Virgin Islands (U.S.)

Top eSIM for North America: Holafly vs Airalo (plus Alternatives)

Airalo’s Global eSIM Plans:

  • 1GB for 7 Days for $9
  • 3GB for 15 Days for $24
  • 5GB for 30 Days for $35
  • 10GB for 60 Days for $59

Airalo United States eSIM

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For Airalo United States eSIM, you can get an eSIM from, $4.50 USD for 1GB for 7 Days. This is the most affordable United States eSIM plan. See other plans below:

  • 1GB for 7 Days for $4.50 USD
  • 2GB for 15 Days for $8 USD
  • 3GB for 30 Days for $11 USD
  • 5GB for 30 Days for $16 USD
  • 10GB for 30 Days for $26 USD
  • 20GB for 30 Days for $42 USD

Airalo Canada eSIM

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For Airalo Canada eSIM, plans start at $6 for 1GB Data for 7 Days. See all Canada plans:

  • 1GB for 7 Days for $6 USD
  • 2GB for 15 Days for $11 USD
  • 3GB for 30 Days for $15 USD
  • 5GB for 30 Days for $18 USD
  • 10GB for 30 Days for $35

Ubigi

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An alternative for top North America eSIM is Ubigi with plans starting at Ubigi USA + Canada Plan for $2.9 for 500MB.

Nomad eSIM

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top esim for north america, best esim for north america, international esim for USA, international esim for Canada, international eSIM for United States, international esim

Nomad eSIM is another North America Alternative eSIM. Nomad eSIM has a 30-country plan and 35-country plan that starts with 5GB for 30 days for $14 USD.

Alternative eSIM Brands

Truphone

Plan: Truphone North America Data Plan Coverage: USA, Canada, and Mexico Data allowance: 3GB or 5GB options Duration: 30 days Prices: Starting from $20 for 3GB/30 days

KnowRoaming

Plan: KnowRoaming North America SIM Card Coverage: USA, Canada, and Mexico Data allowance: 1GB or 5GB options

Duration: 30 days Prices: Starting from $12 for 1GB/30 days

GigSky

Plan: GigSky Regional Data Plan Coverage: USA, Canada, and Mexico Data allowance: 1GB, 3GB, or 5GB options Duration: 15 days or 30 days Prices: Starting from $15 for 1GB/15 days

A Note for US Residents:

The eSIM providers mentioned are primarily beneficial for tourists visiting North America from other countries. These eSIM plans help international travelers stay connected without incurring high roaming fees or purchasing local SIM cards. They offer flexibility in terms of coverage, data allowance, plan duration, and pricing to cater to different traveler needs.

However, if you are a resident of the US, Canada, or Mexico, you might find better options with local carriers, as they usually provide more comprehensive plans tailored to the needs of residents, including voice, text, and data services.

The top eSIM providers mentioned are ideal for international travelers visiting North America but might not be the best option for residents who require more extensive and long-term plans.

How to use an eSIM

  1. Check eSIM Compatibility First: Before purchasing an eSIM, ensure your device is compatible. Most modern smartphones, such as iPhones (starting from iPhone XR and XS) and Android devices (including Google Pixel 3 and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 series and later, among others), support eSIM technology. Check your device’s specifications or consult the manufacturer’s website to verify eSIM compatibility.
  2. Purchase an eSIM Plan: Select an eSIM plan from a provider that best suits your travel needs. This includes considering factors such as coverage, data allowance, and plan duration. Once you have chosen a plan, complete the purchase process on the provider’s website or app.
  3. How to Activate eSIMs: Upon purchasing an eSIM plan, you will receive an activation method, typically in the form of a QR code or an activation code. The activation process may vary depending on your device and eSIM provider. Follow these general steps:a. QR Code Activation:
    • On your device, go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile) > Add Cellular (or Mobile) Plan.
    • Scan the QR code provided by your eSIM provider.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation.
    b. Activation Code:
    • On your device, go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile) > Add Cellular (or Mobile) Plan.
    • Select “Enter Details Manually” at the bottom of the screen.
    • Input the activation code provided by your eSIM provider.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation.
  4. Topping up your eSIM Plan: To top up your eSIM plan, follow these steps:a. Visit the provider’s website or open their app. b. Log in to your account or use your eSIM credentials (provided during purchase). c. Navigate to the “Top Up” or “Add Data/Voice/Text” section. d. Choose the desired top-up package and complete the purchase process.

Remember to monitor your usage and top up your eSIM plan as needed to ensure uninterrupted service while traveling.

FAQs on International eSIM

Q: Will I still be able to receive messages from my home country and phone calls?

A: Yes, eSIMs allow you to maintain your home number while using a local or international plan for data, voice, and text services.

Q: Are there roaming fees associated with eSIMs?

A: eSIMs often eliminate or significantly reduce roaming fees by allowing you to access local or regional plans.

Q: How do I know which eSIM plan is right for me?

A: Consider factors such as the duration of your trip, the countries you’ll be visiting, and your data usage when selecting an eSIM plan.

Verdict – Top eSIM for North America

Holafly and Airalo both provide excellent eSIM options for North America, catering to different traveler needs.

Airalo is the top choice for those seeking affordable data and broad coverage, with plans starting at $4.50 USD for 1GB for 7 Days. On the other hand, Holafly is perfect for travelers who prioritize unlimited data, offering plans from 5 Days Unlimited Data for $19 USD.

👉🏽 Get Airalo Plan Here

👉🏽 Get Holafly Plan Here

Hope we were able to share with you some insights on how to choose the best eSIM for North America for your trip. Let us know if you have any questions.