HelloRoam vs Holafly: which eSIM suits a Singapore traveller in 2026?
Publisher disclosure: this comparison is published by HelloRoam. We present verified data and honest analysis, including areas where Holafly outperforms our service.
HelloRoam sells fixed and unlimited plans. Fixed plans start at S$1.32. Unlimited plans start at S$2.22/day. A 3-day Holafly plan costs US$10.90 in Mexico. Every HelloRoam plan allows hotspot on phones that support it, while Holafly travel plans share 1GB of data a day by hotspot. The HelloRoam website is in 63 languages, and Holafly's is in 19.
Destination tip: Flying to Japan for 7 days? HelloRoam's fixed plan starts at S$4.48/1GB. Holafly charges US$27.50 for the same week. If 1GB covers your week, you keep the difference. Put it toward a JR Rail pass instead.
HelloRoam Editorial Team
HelloRoam
4.7/5 App Store
185+ countries
Holafly
4.7/5 (112,000+ reviews)
200+ destinations
Quick verdict: Holafly or HelloRoam for your next trip?
HelloRoam gives you something Holafly doesn't: choice. Fixed plans from S$1.32 mean a quick weekend trip doesn't cost you US$10.90. For a 7-day Japan trip, HelloRoam's 1GB plan costs S$4.48 against Holafly's US$27.50. That's real money back in your pocket. Both providers offer unlimited plans, but HelloRoam's unlimited starts at S$2.22/day and includes free hotspot on every plan.
HelloRoam backs every plan with a 180-day full refund on unactivated eSIMs. No screenshots required. Just contact support. Holafly's refund window looks similar on paper (6 months), and it refunds an unactivated eSIM in full. Other Holafly refunds can carry a US$3.50 admin fee, and a connection refund needs a support contact during your trip.
Holafly has earned its reputation: it has sold 25M+ eSIMs worldwide. If you want a known brand with a proven track record, Holafly is a legitimate choice.
That simplicity comes with trade-offs: no fixed plans and hotspot capped at 1GB per day on travel plans. For light browsing on a short trip, Holafly works well. For laptop tethering or a trip that fits a fixed data plan, HelloRoam delivers more value at lower cost.
Holafly | HelloRoam | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.7/5 (Trustpilot, 112,000+ reviews) | 4.7/5 (iOS App Store) |
| Countries | 200+ destinations (includes regions) | 185+ countries, 212+ networks |
| Starting Price | US$10.90 (3-day unlimited, Mexico) | S$1.32 (fixed) / S$2.22/day (unlimited) |
| iOS App Rating | 4.8/5 (38K+ ratings) | 4.7/5 |
| Best For | Unlimited-only simplicity | Flexible plans, budget control, hotspot users |
Holafly vs HelloRoam full feature comparison tableHolafly vs HelloRoam full feature comparison table
| Category | Holafly | HelloRoam | Who Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Countries Covered | 200+ destinations (includes regions/states) | 185+ countries, 212+ networks | Holafly |
| Pricing model | Unlimited daily only (travel plans) | Fixed + unlimited daily | HelloRoam |
| Starting Price | US$10.90 (3-day unlimited, Mexico) | S$1.32 (fixed) / S$2.22/day (unlimited) | HelloRoam |
| Data Speeds | 4G/LTE + 5G | 4G/LTE + 5G (varies by country) | Tie |
| Unlimited Data | Yes (all travel plans, fair use applies) | Yes (daily plans) | Tie |
| Fixed Data Plans | No | Yes (sizes vary by country) | HelloRoam |
| Hotspot/Tethering | Capped at 1GB/day on travel plans | Free on all plans, on phones that allow it | HelloRoam |
| iOS App Rating | 4.8/5 (38K+ ratings) | 4.7/5 | Tie |
| Android App Rating | 4.8/5 (85K+ reviews) | No public rating yet | Holafly |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.7/5 (112,000+ reviews) | Growing (launched August 2025) | Holafly |
| Support | 24/7 chat + WhatsApp + email | 24/7 live chat + in-app + WhatsApp + email (human agents) | Tie |
| Refund Policy | 6-month window (conditions apply, US$3.50 fee on some refunds) | 180-day refund (unactivated eSIMs) | HelloRoam |
| Languages | 19 website languages | 63 website languages | HelloRoam |
| Currencies | 25 currencies | 31+ with auto-detection | HelloRoam |
| Data Alerts | Usage shown in the Holafly app | Low-data email on fixed plans + preflight reminder | HelloRoam |
| Recommended Plan per Destination | No equivalent | Goldilocks pick highlights one recommended plan | HelloRoam |
HelloRoam wins on 9 out of 16 features. Holafly wins on 3 (brand trust, destination count and Android app rating). The remaining 4 are ties.
Holafly pricing by country: 7-Day plans compared
Holafly prices a 7-day travel plan between US$23.90 and US$27.50 depending on your destination. HelloRoam's 1GB, 7-day fixed plans in these six countries start at S$3.65. For the same week of travel, HelloRoam costs 85% to 90% less.
Unlimited against unlimited: HelloRoam's 7-day unlimited plans in the same six countries cost S$23.74 to S$29.35, against Holafly's US$23.90 to US$27.50.
Holafly's pricing is simple: one price per destination, no tracking required. That simplicity has value. But you pay a premium for it regardless of how much data you actually use.
| Destination | Holafly (7-day plan) | HelloRoam | Saving with HelloRoam | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
France | US$27.50 | From S$5.13/1GB | Up to US$23.51 (85%) | HelloRoam |
Japan | US$27.50 | From S$4.48/1GB | Up to US$24.01 (87%) | HelloRoam |
UK | US$27.50 | From S$3.65/1GB | Up to US$24.66 (90%) | HelloRoam |
Mexico | US$23.90 | From S$4.48/1GB | Up to US$20.41 (85%) | HelloRoam |
Thailand | US$27.50 | From S$4.48/1GB | Up to US$24.01 (87%) | HelloRoam |
Germany | US$27.50 | From S$3.65/1GB | Up to US$24.66 (90%) | HelloRoam |
Plans start from S$1.32 globally. On popular routes such as Japan, the UK, and France, a 1GB plan costs between S$3.65 and S$5.13. Holafly's price buys unlimited data with a fair use policy that slows speeds after 2 to 3GB of daily use. HelloRoam's lowest price buys a fixed data package.
If a week of maps, messaging and light browsing fits in 1GB, HelloRoam's fixed plans save 85%+ on the same trip. Heavy data users may prefer an unlimited plan. HelloRoam offers unlimited day plans too, from S$2.22/day.
For Holafly eSIM Japan, the US$27.50 unlimited plan connects through KDDI and SoftBank. HelloRoam's Japan plans also run on local Japanese networks, and its 7-day plans cost less, fixed or unlimited.
Holafly prices are in USD and come from holafly.com (September 2026). HelloRoam prices come from helloroam.com and show the 1GB fixed plan entry point. Higher data tiers are available.
Find Your Plan
Browse affordable eSIM data plans from S$1.32 for your next trip from Singapore
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Mexico.
From
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Morocco.
From
Data eSIM Plan
Stay connected across United States.
From
S$3.69
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Japan.
From
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Turkey.
From
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across China.
From
Asia
19 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Asia.
From
S$8.32
Africa
29 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Africa.
From
S$20.54
Europe
33 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Europe.
From
S$5.13
Middle East
11 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Middle East.
From
S$16.19
West Asia
6 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across West Asia.
From
S$9.24
South America
20 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across South America.
From
S$13.18
Global
127 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Global.
From
S$17.57
Why HelloRoam Works Better for Singapore Travellers
A much lower entry price.
HelloRoam fixed plans start at S$1.32. A 3-day Holafly plan costs US$10.90 in Mexico. For a quick weekend trip or a test run, HelloRoam costs a fraction of what Holafly charges.
Free hotspot on every plan
Connect your laptop, tablet, or travel partner's phone through your eSIM data. Hotspot works on phones that allow it and uses your plan's data. Holafly caps hotspot at 1GB per day on travel plans.
Both fixed AND unlimited plans
Light users save money with a 3GB or 5GB fixed plan. Heavy users grab unlimited. Holafly locks you into unlimited-only travel plans. You pay the same whether you use 500MB or 5GB in a day.
63 website languages vs 19.
HelloRoam's website comes in 63 languages. Holafly's website offers 19. HelloRoam support also answers in your own language, day or night, even if you need help at 2 AM in Tokyo.
31+ currencies with auto-detection
HelloRoam auto-detects your locale and shows prices in your local currency from 31+ options. Holafly's currency picker offers 25.
180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs.
HelloRoam offers a 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs. Holafly offers a 6-month window with conditions. Refunds other than an unactivated eSIM can carry a US$3.50 admin fee, and some cases need screenshots or a support contact during your trip. HelloRoam keeps it simple.
Low-data emails + preflight reminders
On a fixed plan, HelloRoam emails you as your data runs low. You can then top up in time on plans that offer top-ups, or buy a new plan. A preflight reminder prompts you to activate your eSIM before boarding.
Branded carrier name display.
Your phone's status bar shows "HelloRoam" instead of a random local carrier name. You always know which line is your travel data.
Unlimited day slider + auto-configured APN
On unlimited plans, HelloRoam's day slider lets you choose how many days you buy before checkout. The APN configures automatically on activation. No manual network settings needed.
US$5.00 referral credits
Both the referrer and the friend receive US$5.00 in credits. Credits stack and apply at checkout. Enough credits mean zero-dollar checkout on shorter plans. Holafly uses a HolaCoins loyalty program that requires tiered earning before redemption.
Speed Test Comparison
Speed claims need real numbers. Here is what independent reviewers measured with Holafly across countries in 2025 and 2026. Both providers connect to local carrier networks. Speed depends more on your location and network congestion than on the eSIM brand.
Independent Holafly speed test results (2025-2026):
Destination
USA (AT&T)
China (CMCC)
France (Orange)
Turkey
UK (mixed carriers)
Europe (multi-country)
Holafly Download Speed
65 Mbps (weseektravel.com)
85 Mbps (esimdb.com)
52 Mbps (weseektravel.com)
54 Mbps (esimdb.com)
7.45-287 Mbps (TravelEsimExpert)
20-50 Mbps (WeSeekTravel)
Source
HelloRoam connects to local carrier networks in each country. Many destinations include 5G, and the network type varies by plan. A fixed plan runs until you use up its data or its validity ends. Independent speed benchmarks for HelloRoam are pending as the service launched in August 2025.
Both providers use eSIM technology on local carrier networks. Your speed depends on the carrier, your location, and network load. Whether you use an eSIM or a physical SIM card, the SIM type itself does not set your speed.
Pros and Cons
Holafly and HelloRoam
Choose HelloRoam if you:
- Want to pick the exact data amount for your trip and control spending
- Need free hotspot sharing on every plan for your laptop, tablet, or travel partner
- Want a website in 63 languages (Holafly's is in 19) and support that answers in your own language
- Want a 180-day refund window on unactivated eSIMs
- Need both fixed and unlimited options for the same destination
- Value low-data emails on fixed plans and a recommended plan on each destination page
- Want US$5.00 referral credits and express checkout with Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal
Choose Holafly if you:
- Want unlimited data without tracking your usage at all
- Travel mainly in Europe or Latin America where Holafly has strong carrier partnerships
- Prefer a large brand that has sold 25M+ eSIMs worldwide
- Want the "Always On" 1GB free backup data feature across 70+ countries
Inside the App
HelloRoam App (iOS 4.7/5):
Browse fixed and unlimited plans side by side, with unlimited plans in most destinations
Data usage dashboard with circular progress and a Top up button on eligible plans
Interactive data calculator that estimates GB needed based on trip activities
Goldilocks pick highlights one recommended plan on each destination page
A day slider sets the length of unlimited plans before checkout
US$5.00 referral credits for both referrer and friend (zero-dollar checkout when credits cover the plan)
Buy for someone else: send a QR code directly to another person's email
Auto-configured APN on activation (no manual network settings)
Website in 63 languages, with 31+ auto-detected currencies
Preflight notification reminds you to activate before boarding
Low-data email on fixed plans, so you can top up or buy a new plan in time
Built-in device compatibility checker on every country page
Express checkout: Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal. Cards: Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, UnionPay
Holafly App (iOS 4.8/5, Android 4.8/5):
Clean interface for browsing unlimited plans by destination
HolaCoins loyalty program with tiered rewards (Silver, Gold, Platinum)
"Always On" 1GB free backup data in 70+ countries
Fast QR code delivery
Top-up feature to extend existing plans
App insight: Holafly's app does one thing well: buy unlimited, scan QR, go. HelloRoam's app handles more (two plan types, a recommended plan on each destination page, a data calculator and a trip slider) while keeping setup simple.
Coverage and Network Comparison
Global coverage
185+ countries with 212+ verified carrier networks. Coverage built around the destinations travellers actually visit, not just contractual partner counts.
Carrier branding
Your phone shows "HelloRoam" in the status bar. You know exactly which service is active.
Instant connectivity
No manual network settings needed. Your eSIM connects to a local carrier the moment you land.
Free hotspot
Share your connection with a laptop or travel companion at no extra cost. Hotspot works on every plan, on phones that allow it, and uses your plan data.
City pages
Dedicated pages for popular travel cities, not just countries, each showing the plans that work there.
24/7 support
Reach us 24/7 by live chat, WhatsApp, in-app messaging, or email at help@helloroam.com.
Wide global reach
Holafly eSIMs cover 200+ destinations, with single-plan access to 142 countries on the Global eSIM. You cross borders without switching plans.
Unlimited data plans
Every Holafly destination plan comes with unlimited data, so heavy users do not count gigabytes on a single-country trip. Fair use applies.
Always On backup
Each Holafly eSIM adds 1GB of free backup data every 30 days, valid in 70+ countries. You stay online if your main plan runs out.
Strong Europe and Latin America coverage
Holafly has built carrier partnerships across Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
25M+ eSIMs sold
Holafly has sold 25M+ eSIMs worldwide, a large real-world track record across popular travel destinations.
24/7 support
Holafly runs round-the-clock chat and email support.
Is Holafly Legit?
"Is Holafly legit" and "is Holafly worth it" turn up often in searches from Singapore travellers comparing eSIM options. Here's the honest answer.
Holafly is a legitimate company
Holafly has sold 25M+ eSIMs worldwide. It is a real, working eSIM business. Holafly is not a scam.
According to Trustpilot (September 2026), Holafly holds a 4.7/5 rating from 112,000+ reviews.
The volume shows real scale. A separate profile for shop.holafly.com scores 2.8/5, but from only 4 reviews.
App Store Ratings:
iOS: 4.8/5 from 38K+ ratings. Android: 4.8/5 from 85K+ reviews.
Security note:
The 5% of 1-star Trustpilot reviews report three problems. eSIMs fail in some regions, such as the Bahamas and some remote areas. US traffic routing from Asia adds high latency. Refund terms for used plans are strict.
HelloRoam trust signals
180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs. PCI DSS Level 1 payment security via Stripe. $0 activation fees. No hidden charges.
Publisher disclosure:
HelloRoam publishes this comparison. We present verified pricing, real Trustpilot data, and cited independent speed tests. Where Holafly wins (brand trust, review volume, "Always On" feature), we say so.
Phone Compatibility
HelloRoam and Holafly both run on the same set of eSIM-compatible handphones. Your device must be carrier-unlocked. An eSIM works just like a physical SIM for data, except it's built into your phone, so there's nothing to swap.
iPhone: XS, XS Max, XR and newer (2018+). iPhone 13 and later support two active eSIMs. In mainland China, only the iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, 17e and Air support eSIM. Some models sold in Hong Kong and Macao use two nano-SIM cards instead.
Samsung: most Galaxy S20 and newer models (not the S20 FE or S21 FE). Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series. Galaxy A54 and A55.
Google Pixel: Pixel 4 and newer, plus some Pixel 3 and 3a models.
Other Android: OnePlus 11, 12, 13. Motorola Razr series. Xiaomi 13 and newer.
HelloRoam advantage: a built-in device compatibility checker sits on every country page, so you search by brand and model before you buy, no separate page needed. Holafly's checker lives on a separate page.
Other eSIM Comparisons Worth Reading
See how HelloRoam compares with other top eSIM and carrier options for international travel.
HelloRoam vs Airalo
Airalo is the largest eSIM marketplace with 200+ destinations. Compare pricing, plan variety, and app experience.
HelloRoam vs Google Fi
Google Fi bundles US phone service with international data. Compare an all-in-one carrier against a dedicated travel eSIM.
HelloRoam vs Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is a budget US carrier with limited international options. See why a dedicated travel eSIM often wins abroad.
Four steps to get connected
Getting Your eSIM Set Up
- 1
Pick your destination
- 2
Scan your QR code
- 3
Set up your eSIM
- 4
Get connected
Common Questions
HelloRoam suits most travellers who want plan choice. It sells fixed data plans across 185+ countries, plus unlimited plans in most destinations, with 24/7 WhatsApp support in your own language. Holafly covers more than 200 destinations, but it focuses on unlimited plans and caps hotspot at 1GB a day on its travel plans. HelloRoam fixed plans start from S$1.32, so light users on short trips pay only for the data they need.
HelloRoam stands out by offering both fixed data plans across 185+ countries and unlimited plans in most destinations, so you match the plan to your trip. Every plan includes 24/7 WhatsApp support, and our team answers in your own language. Hotspot comes with every plan, with no separate hotspot cap. For travellers crossing time zones, that mix of plan choice and round-the-clock help is easy to rely on.
Holafly's unlimited data runs under a fair usage policy, so speeds can drop after heavy use. Check Holafly's terms for your destination before you buy. HelloRoam lets you choose between a fixed data plan, with one allowance for the whole trip, and an unlimited plan, which also has a fair use policy. Hotspot is included on both.
Both providers offer round-the-clock help. HelloRoam provides 24/7 live chat, in-app messaging and WhatsApp, plus email at help@helloroam.com, and our team answers in your own language. Holafly also offers chat, WhatsApp and email support around the clock. On support the two are level, so compare plan types and hotspot rules to choose.
Yes, but with a limit. Holafly caps hotspot sharing at 1GB per day on its travel plans. If you need to tether a laptop on a long weekend in Tokyo or share data with your travel group, that cap can run out fast. HelloRoam includes hotspot sharing on all plans, fixed and unlimited, at no extra fee and with no separate hotspot cap.
Holafly's main disadvantages are no fixed data plan option and a 1GB daily hotspot cap on its travel plans. Holafly mainly sells unlimited plans priced by trip length, so light users pay for data they never use. On a short trip to Japan, Korea or Bali, you can pick a HelloRoam fixed plan that matches your usage instead.
Holafly suits travellers who want unlimited data with one simple plan. Airalo covers more than 200 countries and mostly sells fixed data plans, with unlimited options in select markets. HelloRoam gives you fixed data plans across 185+ countries, plus unlimited plans in most destinations. If you are heading to Japan, Korea, Australia or Europe, HelloRoam is the more flexible choice.
HelloRoam is a strong international eSIM for trips from Singapore, covering 185+ countries with fixed plans, plus unlimited plans in most destinations. Holafly covers more than 200 destinations, mainly with unlimited plans. Airalo covers more than 200 countries, mostly with fixed plans and unlimited options in select markets. For plan choice and hotspot on every plan, HelloRoam gives you flexible options for any trip.
Many recent Samsung Galaxy S models support eSIM, along with the Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold series. Support depends on the model and the region where it was sold, and most budget A-series phones do not support it. Check your phone under Settings, then Connections, then SIM Manager to confirm. HelloRoam and Holafly both work on any unlocked, eSIM-compatible Samsung device. HelloRoam fixed plans cover 185+ countries, and unlimited plans are sold in most of them.
eSIMs work very well for international travel from Singapore. You install your plan before your flight from Changi, connect when you land, and pay one prepaid price with no surprise Singtel, StarHub or M1 roaming charges. HelloRoam eSIM covers 185+ countries. Daily carrier roaming rates stack up fast on a longer trip, while a fixed or unlimited eSIM plan is one upfront price for the whole holiday.
Yes, if your plan supports top-ups. Top up in the HelloRoam app before your plan expires: the top-up adds data to the eSIM you already have, with no new QR code. If your plan cannot take a top-up, buy a new plan for the same country. Holafly's unlimited plans do not need top-ups. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
Tracking works the same way whether you use an eSIM or a physical SIM. Both connect to cell towers using the same cellular protocols. HelloRoam eSIM profiles follow the GSMA SGP.22 security standard and stay on your phone's built-in chip, so no one can pull them out like a physical card. The tracking risk is the same as a physical SIM on every network across 185+ countries.
Most providers, including HelloRoam and Holafly, sell eSIM plans as a bundle with data included. You pick a destination and a data size at checkout. There is no separate eSIM to buy, since the eSIM chip is built into your phone and the profile comes with your plan. You buy the plan before your flight from Changi, and it connects on arrival. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
Singtel, StarHub and M1 all offer eSIM for their Singapore lines. Contact your carrier or use its app to start the switch. For travel, add a HelloRoam eSIM alongside your carrier eSIM to get affordable data across 185+ countries without disrupting your local number.
Switching between eSIM profiles takes a few taps on any modern phone. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Mobile Service, and choose which line handles Mobile Data. On Android, open Settings, then Network, and select your active SIM. You can keep your Singtel, StarHub or M1 line active for local calls while switching data to the HelloRoam eSIM at your destination. 24/7 support is available if you need help.
HelloRoam eSIM plans are fully prepaid with no contracts, no monthly bills, and no cancellation fees. You buy a plan when you need it and use it for your trip. Holafly and Airalo also operate without contracts. This pay-as-you-go approach works well if you want data on demand for each trip, without any ongoing financial commitment. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
Holafly offers refunds under its own refund policy, which sets conditions on when a plan qualifies. Read Holafly's refund policy before you buy. An eSIM is not transferable between devices once installed, so confirm your plan fits your trip before scanning the QR code. HelloRoam refunds eSIMs that have not been activated, within 180 days of purchase.
Most modern phones can store more than one eSIM. iPhone XS and newer can hold several eSIMs, and iPhone 13 and newer can run two eSIMs at the same time. Many recent Samsung Galaxy phones also support more than one eSIM. You can keep Singtel on one line while running HelloRoam on another for fuss-free local and international data on a single device.
Holafly is a legitimate eSIM provider, not a scam. Its Trustpilot profile holds more than 112,000 reviews, and it sells eSIM plans for more than 200 destinations. Compared with HelloRoam, Holafly differs on plan types, coverage and hotspot rules: it mainly sells unlimited plans and caps hotspot at 1GB a day on its travel plans.
HelloRoam eSIM plans are bought directly through the app or at helloroam.com. Select your destination from 185+ countries, choose a fixed plan or, where offered, an unlimited plan, and receive your QR code by email within minutes. Holafly and Airalo also sell directly online. The whole process, from purchase to installation, takes minutes from anywhere, including right at Changi Airport.
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