Airalo vs HelloRoam eSIM (2026): pricing, coverage & features for NZ travellers

Airalo is worth it if you want a fixed data package from a long country list. It covers 200-plus countries, and it also sells unlimited plans in select markets. Its packages for popular destinations start from US$4.00, with QR code setup. HelloRoam sells fixed plans and unlimited day plans in most of its destinations, and its 15-day unlimited plans work out from NZ$2.97 a day. Before a longer OE, compare both providers' prices for your destination and trip length.

Airalo charges by fixed data package, not a flat per-GB rate. Its packages for popular destinations start from US$4.00. Larger packages cost more per purchase but less per GB. HelloRoam also offers fixed data plans, plus unlimited day plans in most destinations for a longer OE.

Airalo offers unlimited data plans with fair-use throttling in select markets, on top of its wider range of fixed data packages. Outside those select markets, you're on fixed data and need to buy another package once you use your allocation. HelloRoam offers fixed data plans plus unlimited day plans in most destinations, which suits heavy data users on a longer OE.

Airalo eSIM plans include both single-country and regional packages that work across multiple countries. Regional plans cover areas like Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Americas. HelloRoam also sells regional plans that cover many countries on one plan, in regions such as Europe and Asia. For a multi-country OE through London, Paris, and Barcelona, a regional plan from either provider saves you from buying separate plans per stop.

Airalo uses local partner networks in each country it covers. HelloRoam uses 212+ networks across 185+ countries, connecting you to a local network in each one.

Airalo's eSIMs follow the GSMA eSIM standard, as every consumer eSIM does, and Airalo encrypts all profile data during installation. Your eSIM profile stays tied to your device's hardware, making it more secure than a removable physical SIM. HelloRoam applies the same GSMA encryption standard across all 185+ destinations. An eSIM is not transferable between devices once installed.

Activating an Airalo eSIM takes a few minutes. After you buy a plan, Airalo gives you a QR code. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Mobile Service, then Add eSIM, and scan the QR code. On Android, open your phone's SIM settings, choose to add an eSIM and scan the code. An eSIM can't be moved between devices once installed.

Airalo sets its own refund conditions, so check Airalo's refund page for its current terms. HelloRoam refunds unactivated eSIMs within 180 days. Check the full terms on each provider's website before buying, especially if your travel plans might change.

Airalo works on most modern eSIM-compatible smartphones, including iPhones from the XS (2018) onward and Android phones from brands like Samsung, Google, and OnePlus. Not all phones support eSIM. Locked carrier phones may be restricted from adding a second profile. HelloRoam works on the same range of eSIM-compatible devices. Check the device compatibility page before purchasing.

Airalo eSIM prices vary by country and data size. Its packages for popular destinations start from US$4.00, and multi-day or larger plans cost more. HelloRoam plans start at NZ$1.77 with no subscription, and unlimited day plans are there if you need more than a fixed package for a week-long trip or an OE.

Yes. Airalo has an app for iOS and Android where you can browse plans, buy eSIMs, scan QR codes and manage your eSIMs. HelloRoam also has a full iOS and Android app, available in English and many other languages. Both apps handle everything from purchase to setup without a browser.

That depends on Airalo's own refund conditions, so check Airalo's refund page for its current terms before you buy. HelloRoam offers a refund on unactivated eSIMs within 180 days. An eSIM can't be moved between devices once installed, so confirm your phone is compatible before buying from either provider.

HelloRoam covers 185+ countries and Airalo covers 200-plus. Airalo has a broader catalogue, particularly for very remote destinations. For NZ travellers visiting popular spots like Japan, the UK, Bali, or Australia, both providers deliver strong coverage. For niche off-the-beaten-track destinations, check Airalo's full country list to confirm availability before your trip.

For most trips, yes. An eSIM sets up by QR code in a few minutes and saves you carrier roaming fees with one prepaid price. You also keep your NZ number active for calls. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries with no monthly subscription. An eSIM can't be moved between devices once installed, so check your phone is eSIM-compatible before buying.

Airalo discount codes, coupon codes and promo codes do the rounds on travel blogs and deal sites. A code lowers the price of one package. HelloRoam plans start at NZ$1.77, with no code needed. Before you hunt for an Airalo discount code, compare both final prices for your trip, especially on an OE to Europe or Southeast Asia.

Airalo sells Europe plans for single countries and regional plans that cover several countries, so you don't need a new plan at every stop. Prices depend on the package size and how many countries it covers. HelloRoam's Europe regional plan starts at NZ$6.85 for 1GB, with unlimited day options for longer stays. If you're on an OE in London, Paris or Barcelona, compare Airalo's Europe price with HelloRoam's unlimited plan to see which fits your data use and trip length.

The main limits show up on a long trip. Airalo's plans are mostly fixed data packages bought per destination, and unlimited data is only in limited regions, so you may need to buy again each time you cross a border. For refunds, check Airalo's own refund page, because its terms are Airalo's to set.

It depends on how much data you use. Airalo suits light users who want small fixed data packages, and it lists 200-plus countries. Holafly suits heavy users who want unlimited day plans only, though hotspot is capped at 1GB a day on travel plans. HelloRoam offers fixed plans across 185+ countries and unlimited day plans in most of them, with 24/7 help on WhatsApp and live chat in your own language. Whether you're heading to Japan, Fiji, the UK or Southeast Asia, you can pick the plan type that suits each trip.

Airalo is an eSIM marketplace that sells data plans for 200-plus countries. You buy a fixed Airalo data package through the app or website, then scan a QR code to install it on your phone. Airalo is a real service, and it says more than 30 million people have chosen it. HelloRoam is an Airalo alternative with unlimited day plans in most destinations, 24/7 help on WhatsApp and live chat in your own language, and setup that takes about five minutes.