There’s a lot of eSIM companies in the world. They all work a similar way: you download their app, pick your package, install the eSIM into your smartphone, and off you go. There’s many I like.
But one I like more the rest is Holafly and I’ve been using their eSIMs for years. I find their app to be easy to use and their rates really competitive.
So when Holafly launched Holafly Plans, a single eSIM that works as an ongoing subscription across 160+ destinations, I was excited. It’s a great option for those who are looking for more data and flexibility than a traditional eSIM. (An eSIM is a digital SIM built directly into your phone’s hardware, so there’s no physical card to insert or swap. Instead of visiting a shop for a plastic SIM, you activate a plan by scanning a QR code or installing it through an app, and you’re connected within minutes. Because it’s software-based, a single phone can hold multiple eSIMs, letting you switch between a home number and a local or global travel plan without touching your device. I have like 10 installed. lol)
In this post, I’m going to explain what the product is, how it’s different than a traditional eSIM, and who I think this option is for!
What are Holafly Plans?
Holafly Plans is a single global eSIM that covers more than 160 destinations on one ongoing subscription. You buy it once, install it once, and it just keeps working as you move from country to country. You don’t reswap SIMs, you don’t redownload anything, there’s no re-purchasing, or no hunting for a new QR code every time you land somewhere new.
It automatically reconnects you when you land in a new place. Think of it as like a traditional mobile carrier – but a lot cheaper.
You can buy it monthly or annually and comes in two tiers: Light and Unlimited. There’s no annual contract and you can cancel any time.
The Unlimited Plan includes no data caps and an unlimited hotspot so you can tether your laptop on the go. If you’re a digital nomad uploading video, doing video calls, or just someone who doesn’t want to think about data ever again, this is a great add on. This tier also comes with a local phone number from the US, UK, or Canada, which lets you receive SMS messages.
The Light Plan gives you 25GB of data a month, still includes a hotspot, and still covers the same 160+ destination coverage. For someone who mostly uses maps, messaging apps, and the occasional Instagram scroll, this package is probably the best option.
Additionally, with both Holafly Plans, once your plan is active, you get their “Always On” feature which is 1GB of backup data every month, automatically for life, even if you eventually cancel your subscription entirely.
Pricing varies a bit by region and currency and depending on how long you purchase, so check out their current rates on the Holafly Plans page. However, as an example, their unlimited plan is only $55 USD per month for 1 year, which is a lot cheaper than any US based carrier charges for their base option that includes unlimited 5G data overseas. You can get monthly, quarterly, or yearly plans. Quarterly plans save approximately 10% while yearly plans save 15%.
Use the 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 built for a single trip. You pick a country or region (there are 200+ available), choose how many days of data you need, and it covers just that trip. If you’re flying to Portugal for two weeks, a classic eSIM is still the simpler, cheaper option. It’s a one-and-done purchase. If you only take a couple trips per year then this is still the best option.
On the other hand, if you’re a digital nomad, who is gone from your home country most of the year and moving between different countries all the time, then the Holafly Plans fly is the much better option. It’s a standing global subscription designed for people who are more or less always somewhere. Instead of buying a new eSIM every time your itinerary changes, you have one number, one connection, one bill, that follows you across borders indefinitely. Plus, you can get a phone number, unlimited data, and a hotspot. In the US, if you were to get T-Mobiles plan, which caps data and is the closest thing we have to “affordable” international plans, you’re going to spend over $100 USD a month (I know because I used to use this plan!). Holafly Plans costs less and gives you more.
Here’s how it compares:
| Feature / Cost | Holafly Plans (Unlimited) | US Major Carrier Roaming Pass | Buying Local SIMs / Single eSIMs |
| Monthly Cost | ~$55–$65 / month depending on monthly, quarterly, or annual payment plan |
$100–$300 / month ($10/day add-ons) | $60–$120 / month (varies by region) |
| Data Allowance | Unlimited | Capped at high speeds, then throttled | Varies (usually 5GB–10GB packages) |
| Hassle Factor | Zero. Set it up once, works in 160+ destinations. | Low, but extremely expensive. | High. Re-buying, swapping QR codes, line drops at borders. |
| Hotspotting | Included (multiple devices) | Often restricted or throttled | Varies by carrier |
How It Works and How to Subscribe
Getting set up takes a couple of minutes, not a couple of hours:
- 1. Check compatibility – Most modern smartphones support eSIM, but it’s worth confirming yours does before you buy.
- 2. Choose your plan – Head to the Holafly Plans page, pick Unlimited or Light, choose monthly, quarterly, or yearly billing, and complete your purchase. Heads up: your billing cycle starts the moment you pay, not the moment you land somewhere, so if you’re buying ahead of a trip, time it close to departure.
- 3. Install the eSIM – You’ll get a QR code and an email guide, or you can install it directly through the Holafly app, which walks you through the whole thing in about two minutes.
- 4. Turn on data roaming – when you land, activate the eSIM, and you’re connected. No local SIM shop, no border-crossing scramble.
If anything goes sideways during setup, real people are on the other end of support 24/7.
Who It’s Actually For
Holafly Plans isn’t for everyone. If you’re taking a single two-week vacation, a classic destination eSIM will cost you less. However, if you’re a frequent traveler who are in and out of multiple countries within a given month or a digital nomad who need reliable, ongoing connectivity for work, not just casual browsing, then get Holafly Plans. It’s easier and will save you money in the long run.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- One eSIM covers 160+ destinations, no swapping at borders
- True unlimited data and hotspot on the top tier, no throttling
- Always On gives you free backup data for life, even after you cancel
- Cancel anytime, no lock-in contract
- Monthly, quarterly, or yearly billing, with real savings if you go yearly
- No hidden fees, a 6-month refund policy, and real humans answering support
- Setup takes about two minutes
Cons:
- Not the cheapest option if you’re staying in one country for a long stretch
- The local phone number is Unlimited-only, not included on Light
- Data plan costs vary by currency/region, so you’ll want to double-check pricing on Holafly’s site before buying
Holafly plans makes life easier if you’re a long-term traveler. You don’t have to swap sim cards, you get unlimited data, and you get a phone number. It’s the closest thing to a traditional phone plan that is out there but without any huge costs or data caps.
And, as someone who roams the world a lot and uses a lot of data, especially to stream video and use my phone as a hotspot, these plans save me a ton of money!
If you’re roaming the world and plan to be out of your home country for a while, this is the product to get!
Use the promo code NOMADICMATT at checkout to get 10% OFF Holafly Plans and 5% OFF all standard Holafly eSIMs.
FAQ
Is Holafly Plans different from a regular Holafly eSIM? Yes. Regular Holafly eSIMs are one-off purchases for a single trip or destination (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 included automatically with every Holafly Plans subscription and keeps giving you 1GB of backup data a month across 150+ destinations even after you cancel.
Can I switch between Light and Unlimited? You’d need to cancel your current plan and purchase the other tier — there’s no in-place upgrade yet.
What if I don’t like it? Holafly backs Plans with a 6-month refund policy, which is more generous than most eSIM companies offer.
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Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to Travel for Free?
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Need a Rental Car?
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Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
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Ready to Book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
