Airalo eSIM Review: Seamless Connectivity While Traveling the Balkans

Switching to an eSIM-only iPhone made me nervous, especially as a full-time traveler reliant on connectivity. However, eSIMs have simplified my travels. I've even shared insights on the benefits and drawbacks of eSIMs.

After experimenting with different brands, I consistently choose a Canadian provider because they are the

world's oldest eSIM store, established in 2019. Following Apple's announcement of its eSIM-only phone in 2018, the CEO seized the chance to cater to a growing demand from his maritime experience.

Recently, I spent two months (Aug. 8 to Oct. 7, 2025) roaming through Europe, moving between EU and non-EU countries using eSIM cards from this provider. I always apply the promo code

on every order, and

their cashback loyalty program

One of my freelance roles involves working with a travel company for a few months annually. Previously, this required acquiring new SIM cards at each location or opting for an EU SIM card, which left me without service in non-EU countries for days. This was my first experience working in this region solely with eSIMs, so I thought it was the perfect opportunity to share my thoughts on using eSIMs while country-hopping.

Countries Visited: Greece, Albania, Montenegro, and Croatia

Usage: WhatsApp for messaging and calls, navigation apps, uploading content on social media, and using the hotspot feature to connect to my laptop.

Promo Codes: NEWTOAIRALO15 for

15% off

your initial purchase.

Returning users can

Airalo in Greece

Locations Explored: Athens, Olympia, Corfu, Cyclades (Santorini, Naxos, Milos, Amorgos, Tinos, Sifnos, Delos)Network Provider: WIND HELLAS (Nova) 5GIs 5G available? YeseSIM Option: Eurolink 10 GB for 30 Days ($37) &

10 GB for 30 days $20

I began my journey in Athens in early August, spending a few nights there before sailing around the Peloponnese to Olympia, followed by Vathy and Corfu, then heading north to Albania. After returning to Athens in early September, I stayed in Greece until early October. I revisited Athens, then sailed around the Cyclades for two weeks before taking a ferry to Amorgos, my favorite island, for a two-week relaxation period. Afterward, I drove from Athens to Corinth to see the ruins and Acrocornith on the eastern side of the Peloponnese.

I was pleasantly surprised by 5G connectivity in most areas, even on Amorgos, which is typically more remote. My primary activities included social media (Instagram, Facebook), emails, navigation via maps, and communicating through WhatsApp. During long bus rides, I browsed the internet and managed my email. I also utilized the hotspot feature for my laptop, often finding it faster than the local Wi-Fi at many accommodations.

However, I encountered service issues in the tourist hotspot of Oia on Santorini. Similar issues arose with physical SIM cards in previous years. The narrow streets and crowds may contribute to the inconsistent LTE service. (Honestly, Oia is overrated and overly crowded.) The archeological site of Akrotiri, a village buried by volcanic ash 1,500 years before Pompeii, offers a more serene experience. Limited service is expected within the site due to metal roofs and concrete structures.

While on a seven-hour ferry from Amorgos to Athens, we made several stops, allowing me to conduct speed tests using Google's speed test. (It often shows slower speeds than dedicated apps.) I had no trouble browsing the web while in port.

Milos: 163 Mbps download, 7.76 Mbps uploadSerifos: 74 Mbps download, 25.5 Mbps uploadFolegandros: 91.7 Mbps download, 8.63 Mbps uploadAthens' airport lounge: 147.8 Mbps download, 9.34 Mbps upload

The 10 GB Europe packagelasted the entire month. I had purchased a 10 GB top-up for safety, which I ultimately didn't need. After a 20-minute support chat, I received a refund for the unused package.

Airalo in Albania and Montenegro

Airalo eSIM Europe regional eSIMsworked flawlessly as I traveled from Greece to Sarandë, Albania (above).

Locations Explored: Albania (Durrës, Sarandë, Butrint, Kruja); Montenegro (Kotor, Persat)Network Provider: Albania: Vodafone LTE; Montenegro: MTEL (LTE)Is 5G available? No.eSIMs Used: Eurolink 10 GB for 30 Days ($37)

One of the best features of the Airalo Europe regional eSIM is that it

works in non-EU countries! (Kosovo is the only exception in the Balkans.) Previously, my physical EU SIMs didn't function in Albania or Montenegro. This time, it was a

seamless experience; I had immediate service upon arrival. I was able to navigate social media and the internet on bus rides without any interruptions. WhatsApp functioned smoothly, except in remote areas.

The only place with coverage issues was at the UNESCO archeological site of Butrint, a former Greek and Roman city. Certain areas within the site have limited service. It's definitely worth visiting—the site is spectacular!

Airalo in Croatia

Locations Explored: Hvar, Korčula, Vis, Dubrovnik, Zadar, Pula, RovinjNetwork Provider: Telemach/TM 5G & A1 Hrvatska LTEIs 5G available? YeseSIMs Used: Eurolink 10 GB for 30 Days ($37)

Upon my arrival in Croatia, I still had a substantial amount of data remaining on my Europe regional eSIM, the Eurolink 10GB for 30 days, covering 42 countries and networks. I initially planned to purchase a

Croatia-specific eSIM upon arrival, but I found I had enough data. Airalo makes it simple to

check your data balance through the app. You can also receive notifications for low data. Topping up is straightforward in the app.

In parts of the old city of Dubrovnik, I've experienced service issues over the years, likely due to the thick walls. While service remains functional, it can be spotty depending on where you are. Often, moving to a different location or higher ground resolves the issue. Otherwise, I had 5G in most areas.

Airalo in the United Kingdom (England)

Locations Explored: Heathrow Airport (Five-hour layover)Network Provider: EE 4GIs 5G available? NoeSIM Used: Uki Mobile with 1 GB for three days

During layovers in other countries, I buy a 1 GB eSIM to ensure I have coverage for potential travel delays or emergencies. (Airalo does provide regional Europe eSIMs that cover the UK as well, but purchasing a local plan was more affordable for this short visit.) Before leaving Greece in early October, I was using a

Greece-specific eSIM

for three days, the minimum duration available.

I only had LTE at the airport. Running Google's speed test indicated UK 3 LTE at 64.4 Mbps download and 3.42 Mbps upload. After switching to EE, my preferred network, I achieved faster speeds of 70.6 Mbps download and 3.79 Mbps upload. (Speeds were likely higher since I conducted tests in the lounge.) Connectivity remained stable, even allowing me to message friends and browse the internet after boarding until we had to switch to airplane mode. I've always chosen EE SIMs in the UK due to their extensive coverage across England and Scotland.

Is a local eSIM better than a regional eSIM?

Local eSIMs are almost

always more affordable than a

regional eSIM. I always compare costs based on my stay duration. If you plan to visit multiple countries, a regional eSIM is more convenient. It's essential to confirm that all countries you're visiting are included before purchasing the eSIM—I've made the mistake of assuming coverage in the past.

Does Airalo offer Unlimited Data?

Yes, Airalo does provide unlimited data in Europe. Their Europe regional eSIM card includes a 10-day unlimited option. A range of duration options is available for country-specific eSIMs, allowing you to

tailor your eSIM card based on your travel plans. You can

easily use the hotspot feature with unlimited plans. After

3 GB of data usage per day, speeds drop to 1 Mbps, which is standard for all eSIM services. (This 3 GB limit applies to all data on the device, including hotspot use.)

Does Airalo offer plans that include data, calls, and texts?

Yes, Airalo provides plans that include calls and texts, but this isn't available in all locations. Among the eSIMs I utilized, only the UK eSIM offers this feature. It was not available in the

Europe regional eSIM

Greece-specific eSIM.

Airalo Review Summary

The view from Acrocornith on the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece. 

Ultimately, eSIM cards rely on the cellular networks they partner with. My connection was seamless while traveling through Europe and the Balkans this summer. I managed to check emails, post on social media, navigate with Google Maps, and even hotspot to my laptop without major issues.

For travel in remote areas, research the best cellular networks and select an eSIM plan that uses that network effectively. After this experience, I highly recommend using Airalo throughout Europe, including both EU and non-EU nations. To save on purchases, I consistently apply the promo code

any purchase. To receive

15% off your first order, use code

NEWTOAIRALO15.