The Best eSIM Plan for Long Term Travelers

There are many eSIM companies in the world. They all work the same way: you download their app, pick your package, install the eSIM in your smartphone, and away you go. There are many that I like.

But the one I like the most is Holafly and I’ve been using their eSIMs for years. I find their app easy to use and their rates are really competitive.

So when Holafly launched Holafly Plans, a single eSIM that works as an ongoing subscription in 160+ locations, I was excited. It’s a great option for those looking for more data and flexibility than a traditional eSIM. (The ESIM is a digital SIM built directly into your phone’s hardware, so there’s no physical card to insert or replace. Instead of going to a store for a plastic SIM, you activate a plan by scanning a QR code or installing it through an app, and you’re connected in minutes. Because it’s software-based, a single phone allows you to have one home or multiple EIM numbers. Without touching your device. World Trip Planner I have installed 10.

In this post, I’m going to explain what the product is, how it differs from a traditional eSIM, and who I think this option is for!

What are Holafly’s plans?

Holafly Plans is a single global eSIM that covers over 160 destinations on one ongoing subscription. You buy it once, install it once, and it keeps working as you move from country to country. You don’t switch Sims, you don’t re-download anything, there’s no re-purchasing, or suffering from a new QR code every time you land in a new place.

It automatically reconnects you when you land in a new location. Think of it like a traditional mobile carrier – but much cheaper.

You can buy it monthly or annually and it comes in two tiers: Lite and Unlimited. There is no annual contract and you can cancel at any time.

The Unlimited plan includes no data caps and unlimited hotspots so you can tether your laptop on the go. If you’re a digital nomad who uploads video, makes video calls, or is just someone who never wants to think about data again, this is a great addition. It also comes bundled with a local US, UK, or Canadian phone number, which lets you receive SMS messages.

The Lite plan gives you 25GB of data per month, still includes a hotspot, and still covers the same 160+ destination coverage. For someone who uses mostly maps, messaging apps and the occasional Instagram scroll, this package is probably the best option.

Additionally, with both Holafly plans, once your plan is activated, you get their “Always On” feature which is 1GB of backup data every month, automatically for life, even if you cancel your subscription completely.

Pricing varies slightly by region and currency and depending on how long you purchase, so check their current rates on the Holafly Plans page. However, for example, their unlimited plan is only $55 USD per month for 1 year, which is much cheaper than any US carrier charges for their base option which includes unlimited 5G data abroad. You can get monthly, quarterly or yearly plans. Quarterly plans save around 10% while annual plans save 15%.

Use 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 designed 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 a convenient, inexpensive option. This is a one-time purchase. If you only make a couple of trips a year, this is still the best option.

On the other hand, if you are a digital nomad, who leaves your home country most of the year and moves between different countries all the time, Holafly Plans Fly is a much better option. This is a permanent 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, which takes you across borders indefinitely. Plus, you can get a phone number, unlimited data, and hotspot. In the US, if you were to get T-Mobiles plan, which limits data and is the closest thing we have to “cheap” international plans, you’re going to spend over $100 USD a month (I know because I used that plan!). Holafly Plans cost less and give you more.

Here’s how it compares:

How it works and how to subscribe

Setup takes minutes, not hours:

• 1. Check compatibility – Most modern smartphones support eSIM, but it is important to verify this before purchasing.
• 2. Select your plan – Go to the Holafly Plans page, choose Unlimited or Light, choose monthly, quarterly, or annual billing, and complete your purchase. Be aware: Your billing cycle starts when you pay, not the moment you land, so if you’re shopping before your trip, time it closer to departure.
• 3. Install eSIM – You’ll get a QR code and an email guide, or you can install it directly through the Holafly app, which takes you through the whole thing in about two minutes.
• 4. Turn on Data Roaming – When you land, activate the eSIM, and you’ll be connected. No local sim shop, no border crossing hassles.

If anything goes awry during setup, real people are on the other end for 24/7 support.

Who is it actually for?
Holafly plans are not 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’s in and out of multiple countries within a month or a digital nomad who needs reliable, ongoing connectivity for work, not just casual browsing, get the Holafly plans. It’s easy and will save you money in the long run.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• An eSIM covers 160+ destinations, no change at borders.
• True unlimited data and hotspots on the top tier, no throttling.
• Always On gives you free lifetime backup data even after you cancel.
• Cancel anytime, no lock-in contract.
• Monthly, quarterly or annual billing with real savings if you go annual
• No hidden fees, 6-month refund policy, and real human answering support.
• Setup takes about two minutes.

Disadvantages:

• This is not the cheapest option if you are staying in a country for a long period of time.
• Local phone number is unlimited only, not included in Lite.
• Data plan prices vary by currency/region, so you may want to double-check prices on Holafly’s site before purchasing.

If you’re a long-term traveler, Holafly’s plans make life easy. You don’t have to switch SIM cards, you get unlimited data, and you get one phone number. It’s the closest thing to a traditional phone plan out there but without the huge costs or data caps.

And, as someone who travels the world a lot and uses a lot of data, especially for streaming video and using my phone as a hotspot, these plans save me tons of money!

If you are traveling the world and plan to be out of your country for a while, this is the product to get!

Use promo code NOMADICMATT at checkout to get 10% off Holafly plans and 5% off all standard Holafly eSIMs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Holafly plans different from regular Holafly eSIM? Yes, regular Holafly eSIMs are one-way purchases for a single trip or destination (200+ available). Holafly Plans is an ongoing global subscription for people who travel more or less all the time.

Is there always an additional cost? No, it is automatically included with every Holafly Plans subscription and continues to give you 1GB of backup data a month across 150+ locations even after you cancel.

Can I switch between Lite and Unlimited? You’ll need to cancel your current plan and purchase another tier — there’s no in-place upgrade yet.

What if I don’t like it? Holafly backs the plans with a 6-month refund policy, which is more generous than most eSIM companies offer.

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