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Roami was founded to serve as a trusted resource for travelers in need of reliable internet solutions abroad. Our team, comprising avid travelers, provides comprehensive reviews and guidance on data SIM cards, eSIMs, pocket WiFi devices, and free WiFi apps, drawing from firsthand usage during our travels.

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Holafly vs UPeSIM: What is the best option?

Author: Carolina Silva

Published: July 21, 2023

Advertising Disclosure

Advertising Disclosure

Roami was founded to serve as a trusted resource for travelers in need of reliable internet solutions abroad. Our team, comprising avid travelers, provides comprehensive reviews and guidance on data SIM cards, eSIMs, pocket WiFi devices, and free WiFi apps, drawing from firsthand usage during our travels.

We are committed to offering unbiased and thorough recommendations. To support our website, we earn affiliate commissions from links to products on our site. While our reviews are independent and based on our own experiences and detailed product testing, these commissions allow us to cover costs and continue bringing valuable advice to travelers worldwide.

Our reviews and articles are updated regularly to ensure relevance and accuracy. Please note that we may not review every product in the market, but we strive to cover as many as possible to maintain a wide-ranging resource for our readers. Join us at Roami to stay connected wherever your travels may take you.

As eSIM card providers, Holafly vs. UPeSIM has been on the market for several years. Both companies strive to provide their customers with all the necessary services to remain connected to the cellular internet during their trip. Therefore, it’s not surprising that you have doubts about which company provides a better service to its customers.

We will explain the differences between these two companies, so you can decide which one to choose, even more so if you’re thinking of buying a SIM or eSIM card for international travel without having to pay more to your local operator.

Certainly, Holafly is a cellular internet provider that offers great deals on data. On the other hand, UPeSIM is a platform that allows users to connect to any network without paying more for international roaming fees. So, here you will see a comparison of Holafly vs. UPeSIM, how they work, their coverage, plans, and rates worldwide, among other details that will interest you.

What is an eSIM or virtual data chip? Find out here at Holafly vs UPeSIM

An eSIM is a SIM card that is embedded inside the cellphone and not in the card slot. eSIMs are usually integrated only in newer smartphones, although they’re also available in other devices like tablets and other compatible devices, such as smartwatches.

How do Holafly and its virtual chip work?

Holafly is a provider of international virtual chips or virtual cards. Not only is the entire purchase process carried out through its online website store, but also the Holafly cards are easy to set up, and you can use them in different countries worldwide. In the case of the eSIM, you only have to scan the QR code that the company sends you so that you can connect to the internet from your virtual chip.

The best part starts when we talk about their data plans, which for many destinations, have unlimited data. This feature makes them attractive to tourists from all over the world because you don’t have to worry about running out of data.

Whether the eSIM is unlimited data or not, Holafly still allows you to buy top-ups to renew your service if necessary. You don’t need to install a new eSIM because it will be activated immediately the first time you buy it.

How is Holafly’s coverage?

Indeed, with Holafly, you’ll have cellular coverage almost anywhere. This is because it connects to the networks with the best coverage in each country, using the platforms of the most important local cellular operators. You’ll have a 4G connection throughout your entire trip to more than 160 destinations! One of the best advantages!

Virtual SIM cards for destinations such as Europe, Spain, Italy, France, and Germany add an Austrian number (+43) at no additional cost. With this, you can call Europe except Iceland, Norway, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Ukraine, and Turkey. You have a total of 120 minutes to receive and make calls.

Holafly virtual data card prices

  • eSIM for Europe with unlimited data and phone number starting at $19.00 USD
  • Virtual SIM card for Asia as low as $44.00
  • Data eSIM for North America from $57.00
  • Digital SIM card for Latin America from $44.00
  • Unlimited data SIM card for China with VPN starting at $19.00
  • Data eSIM for trips to Switzerland from $19.00

Advantages of Holafly

  • Unlimited data plans available for many destinations
  • Coverage and service in more than 160 destinations
  • 24/7 customer service in more than five languages and a website available in more than twelve languages
  • If you have a dual SIM cellphone, you can continue using your phone number
  • You’ll have internet and data as soon as you land at your destination.
  • You can buy, activate and use your eSIM in an easy and convenient way
  • There are eSIM card options with coverage in multiple countries.

Disadvantages of Holafly

  • Holafly cards only include data plans, so you can’t send SMS.
  • You cannot share data with eSIMs that include unlimited data.
  • You cannot transfer the eSIM from one phone to another, but there are no limits on the amount of eSIM you can buy

How do UPeSIM and its data chip for travelers work?

To point out, UPeSIM and its data chip for travelers can be a great ally for you. They offer data eSIM, so you can connect to the internet during your trip without worrying about the roaming bill. Moreover, with this virtual chip, you can check your email, use online maps and stay in touch with your loved ones!

To buy, you must use the UPeSIM official app (available for Android and iOS), then you have to choose your trip’s destination, select the eSIM data plan and complete the payment. The eSIM is valid once you activate it.

How is UPeSIM’s coverage?

As for the coverage of UPeSIM, it’s available in more than 27 countries in Europe, excluding Poland, as well as other countries in the world, with more than 77 data plans. You can connect to 3G or 4G / LTE networks as long as you are in a stable cellular coverage area.

But in the limited cellular signal areas, you may not have a stable internet connection. So, if you have a 5G phone and you’re going to use a UPeSIM card, you must disable the 5G network in the cellular settings and select 4G connection quality.

UPeSIM virtual card prices

  • China eSIM for $12.99
  • Hong Kong eSIM for $12.99
  • USA eSIM for $14.99
  • Spain eSIM for $11.99
  • Russia eSIM for $12.99
  • Europa eSIM for $14.99
  • United Arab Emirates eSIM for $39.99
  • Netherlands eSIM for $11.99
  • South Africa eSIM for $29.99

Advantages of UPeSIM

  • eSIM card available in the app for iPhone and Android
  • You can buy another eSIM if you need more data
  • It’s possible to extend the validity of the internet connection
  • You keep your phone number for WhatsApp
  • China eSIM comes with built-in VPN connectivity
  • It’s possible to share your internet connection

Disadvantages of UPeSIM

  • After you have purchased the eSIM, you can no longer return it
  • You need to check the APN settings
  • You cannot make local or international calls

Comparative table of Holafly vs. UPeSIM

Below there’s a comparative table of Holafly vs. UPeSIM. There you can see added details, such as the compatibility of each of these services with different cellular devices.

ProviderTechnical support Online shoppingApp Compatibility 
HolaflyYesYesYes, available with AppleAll cell phones, as long as it’s unlocked devices.
UPeSIMYesYesYesiPhone XR, XS, 11, 12, 13, Google Pixel series 3 – 6 and Pro, Samsung Fold, Z Flip, S20, and Motorola RAZR.
Comparative table of Holafly vs UPeSIM

Holafly vs. UPeSIM: what we recommend

Indeed, eSIM cards are a great way to keep your cell phone and get data plans, no matter where you travel. And although you can also use it for international roaming, this is one of the most expensive options that exist. So, if you go on vacation or travel abroad, make sure you stop by Holafly’s online store first and have your data card ready for when you arrive at your destination.

FAQ about Holafly vs UPeSIM

Can I share the data of my eSIM plan?

This depends on the eSIM card you choose. In the case of eSIMs with closed data plans, you can share the internet connection, but for eSIMs with unlimited data, this option is not available.

When activating roaming on my phone, will I pay an additional fee to my operator?

No, this is only so the eSIM can better capture the signal in the destination country. You just have to ensure your eSIM is active to use cellular data.

Can I use the Holafly eSIM on any mobile device?

The cellphones compatible with the Holafly eSIM are the ones mentioned below:
iPhone XS, XR onwards, iPhone SE 2 (2020)
Samsung Galaxy S20 onwards, Galaxy Fold onwards, Galaxy Note 20 onwards, and Galaxy Z Flip onwards
Huawei P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro, and newer models
Google Pixel 3, 3rd, Pixel 4, 4 XL, 4a, 5, and newer models
Oppo Find X3 Pro and Oppo Reno 5A
Motorola Razr (2019) and Razr 5G (dual SIM).
You can confirm other compatible devices in Holafly’s updated list.

3.6/5 - (8 votes)

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