Holafly is a prepaid eSIM for international travel covering 200+ countries worldwide. The key attraction is its unlimited data plans available in over 200 destinations.
With 24-hour chat support, it's a user-friendly eSIM service that's also convenient for travelers visiting Japan.
However, with numerous international travel eSIM options available and negative reviews claiming "Holafly doesn't connect or is slow", many people may find it difficult to make a decision.
In conclusion, Holafly is recommended for the following types of travelers:
Who Should Choose Holafly
- Your smartphone is SIM-free and supports eSIM technology
- You want unlimited data abroad for a stress-free mobile experience
- You need complete online setup from purchase to activation to connect your phone to the internet immediately
Holafly's unique appeal lies in its unlimited data plans that can be purchased on a daily basis*, unlike other eSIM services.
* Some countries may only offer standard plans starting from 5 days
This article introduces the features of Holafly, an international travel eSIM service, with a focused analysis on three key aspects: reviews, pricing, and usage instructions to clarify who should choose Holafly.
If you're planning to use significant data during international travel, learn about Holafly's advantages and disadvantages to make an informed decision about using this service.
Additionally, the best eSIM services for Japan travel as of July 2025 are covered in the article below. For travelers who want to select an eSIM based on their specific travel needs, please check it out!
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Best eSIMs for Japan Travel in 2025 – Honest Comparison & Top Picks
Best eSIMs for Japan Travel in 2025 – Honest Comparison & Top Picks Planning a trip to Ja ...
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Koki Abe
eSIM Portal Administrator
- Operates travel eSIM store for international travelers
- 8 years of sales experience in telecommunications (mobile, fiber optic)
- Backpacker who traveled to 16 countries worldwide
- Shares insights on eSIM benefits discovered during travels
Contents
- 1 Holafly eSIM Service | Basic Information
- 2 Holafly User Reviews and Testimonials - Positive Feedback
- 3 Investigating Holafly's Weaknesses Through Negative Reviews
- 4 Holafly's Advantages and Disadvantages Based on Reviews and Features
- 5 Is Holafly Slow or Unreliable? Speed Test Verification in Tokyo Japan
- 6 Holafly vs Other eSIM Services Comparison
- 7 Holafly's Japan Pricing Plans
- 8 Holafly Usage Guide - Pre-Travel Setup
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions
- 10 Conclusion
Holafly eSIM Service | Basic Information
 (Image source: Holafly Official) |
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| Compatible Devices | SIM-unlocked iOS, Android, Windows devices |
| Coverage Countries | 200+ countries |
| Customer Support | Live Chat Support |
| Support Hours | 24/7 |
| Operating Company (Country) | Holafly (Ireland) |
\ Unlimited Data! 200+ Countries eSIM /
Purchase Holafly Data from Official Website
✓Exclusive 5% OFF coupon code "APPHAX5" for this site
Holafly's eSIM popularity stems from its convenience of instant internet access upon arrival at Japanese airports - simply apply online, install using the dedicated QR code, and you're connected immediately.
Let's explore the features of Holafly, a prepaid eSIM service designed for international travel.
Holafly: Prepaid eSIM for International Travel Including Japan
Holafly is a prepaid eSIM service provided by the Irish company Holafly.
With no contract period, you can purchase prepaid data plans for exactly what you need. There are no cancellation fees or contract administration charges, making it perfect for short-term trips lasting 1 week to 1 month!
Most major countries popular with travelers offer unlimited data plans, which is Holafly's unique advantage that other eSIM companies don't provide.
What is an eSIM?
eSIM stands for Embedded SIM, which is installed inside your smartphone. Previously, smartphones required inserting a small IC chip called a SIM card for operation.
SIM cards enable internet and phone services, and eSIMs serve the same purpose. However, eSIMs are not physical objects - setup is completed by installing the eSIM data profile onto your smartphone.
Using an eSIM eliminates the hassle of swapping SIM cards or carrying Wi-Fi routers, enabling smart international travel.
Holafly Usage is Limited to eSIM-Compatible Devices
However, eSIM compatibility is limited to specific device models, so some devices may not be compatible.
From your default phone app, dial "*#06#" and if "EID (32-digit eSIM identifier)" appears, your device supports eSIM and can use Holafly.
Holafly is Provided by an Irish Company
Holafly originally started as a Spanish IT startup company with the vision of "providing mobile internet to travelers worldwide to enrich their lives," founded in 2018. The company later relocated its headquarters to Ireland.
While relatively unknown in Japan due to recent market entry, Holafly has served over 1 million users and has grown to become a leading company in prepaid eSIM services for international travel.
Holafly User Reviews and Testimonials - Positive Feedback
This section compiles Holafly reviews from our exclusive survey of international travelers and X (Twitter) testimonials.
Review real user experiences to determine if Holafly is the right eSIM for your needs.
We'll also cover concerning negative reviews afterward, so please continue reading for a complete picture.
Positive Holafly Reviews
Unlimited data usage is incredibly convenient
I'm using Holafly's eSIM this time, and it's amazing with unlimited data running super smoothly! Even in China, I can use Twitt○r without any issues - incredibly helpful!!!!!!
(Source: X)
Holafly's main attraction is unlimited data usage with no restrictions!
Free WiFi is unreliable, so eSIM is perfect for solo travel
When I went to Florida, I got Holafly's 1-week plan 😊 It was around $30! WiFi is available everywhere but sometimes unreliable, so having eSIM was really convenient!! Especially useful when traveling solo 🙆♀️
(Source: X)
While free WiFi is convenient, we don't recommend relying on it primarily due to stability and security risks!
Even as a first-time user, my smartphone worked flawlessly
I used Holafly during my Italy trip last month~
Initially worried about using it correctly, but my smartphone worked perfectly without any issues - such a lifesaver!
(Source: X)
Holafly offers 24-hour Japanese customer support, ensuring even first-time eSIM users can use the service with confidence.
Overall, Holafly's unlimited data plans that become more cost-effective with longer stays received exceptional reviews.
Highly recommended for travelers who want to stream videos abroad or listen to music while moving through areas without WiFi access.
Investigating Holafly's Weaknesses Through Negative Reviews
Next, we'll examine negative Holafly reviews. Check these carefully to avoid post-purchase regrets.
Negative Holafly Reviews
Expensive pricing in certain locations makes it a poor value
I was considering using Holafly's eSIM, but it seems you can lose money depending on the location. It might be worth it for the convenience though...
(Source: X)
In regions where Holafly only offers unlimited data plans, users who need minimal data usage may find it expensive.
If you don't plan to use much internet, consider other eSIM providers offering small data capacity plans instead of Holafly.
Be careful when visiting multiple countries
Holafly is good at 2400 yen for 5 days. However, be aware of:
- Can't be used outside specified countries/regions (careful with multi-country trips and transits)
- No tethering capability
- No clear indication whether it's roaming or local coverage
Please note these limitations...
(Source: X)
For multi-country travel, regional plans are recommended over single-country plans.
Also, tethering, which wasn't available in older plans, has been supported in current plans since April 2024.
Slow internet speeds
Used @Holafly_Japan during my Spain trip, but it was shockingly unreliable.
Even when connected, it was slow... ended up using my carrier's international data roaming instead.
(Source: X)
While Holafly offers unlimited data, their Fair Use Policy* states that extremely heavy usage (tens of gigabytes daily) may result in reduced speeds.
* A system that limits some users' data consumption to maintain service quality
However, if you experience extremely slow speeds despite light data usage within partner carrier coverage areas, it's advisable to contact customer support for assistance.
\ Unlimited Data! 200+ Countries eSIM /
Purchase Holafly Data from Official Website
✓Exclusive 5% OFF coupon code "APPHAX5" for this site
Holafly's Advantages and Disadvantages Based on Reviews and Features
Next, we'll examine Holafly's advantages and disadvantages. Let's determine if Holafly's eSIM service is right for you.
| Holafly Advantages | Holafly Disadvantages |
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Advantages
Holafly offers the following 4 key advantages. Let's examine each one in detail.
Holafly's Key Advantages
- ● Covers 200+ countries worldwide with regional plans available
- ● Specializes in unlimited data plans
- ● 24/7 online purchase available anywhere
- ● 24/7 chat support available 365 days a year
Global Coverage of 200+ Countries with Regional Plans
(Image source: Holafly Official)
Holafly's eSIM coverage spans 200+ countries, making it usable in an extensive range of countries and regions.
This places it among the top global eSIM providers, following airalo (200 countries) and Ubigi (195 countries) in terms of coverage.
Regional plans for Asia and Europe are well-developed, making them convenient for multi-country travel.
You can continue using mobile internet seamlessly when crossing borders without swapping SIMs or reconfiguring settings.
Unlimited Data Plans Available in ~200 Countries
Most prepaid eSIM providers have data capacity limits, requiring additional purchases or top-ups when exceeded.
However, Holafly offers unlimited data in 200+ countries, providing unrestricted usage throughout your entire trip duration.
Not having to worry about mobile data usage while traveling abroad is incredibly reassuring!
24/7 Online Purchase Available Anywhere
Holafly allows you to instantly order eSIM data plans from their multilingual official website.
The entire process from purchase to activation is completed online without face-to-face interaction, eliminating the need to find sales counters or spend time talking to staff.
With a WiFi connection, you can purchase anytime, anywhere - perfect for last-minute international travel. Unlike rental WiFi or SIM cards, there's no hassle of postal returns or SIM swapping, making it incredibly convenient to use!
24/7 Chat Support Available 365 Days a Year
One of Holafly's key attractions is their 24/7 chat support available 365 days a year.
Many eSIM companies targeting Japan only offer email support during Japanese business hours.
Currently, eSIM companies providing 365-day, 24-hour support include Holafly, along with Saily, airalo, and Nomad.
Even if you arrive in Japan at midnight, they'll be there to help!
Holafly's chat support is accessible from their official website via the inquiry button in the bottom right corner.
\ Unlimited Data! 200+ Countries eSIM /
Purchase Holafly Data from Official Website
✓Exclusive 5% OFF coupon code "APPHAX5" for this site
Disadvantages
Holafly has the following 2 disadvantages. Let's examine each one in detail.
Holafly's Disadvantages
- ● Most countries only offer unlimited data plans
- ● SMS functionality not available
Most Countries Only Offer Unlimited Data Plans
Holafly's pricing plans are mostly unlimited data, with minimum costs starting from ¥990/day.
While attractive for heavy internet users who want unlimited peace of mind, it may feel expensive for users who only need LINE messaging or Google Maps.
Since some eSIM companies offer low-cost small data plans, detailed information is provided in regional pricing tables.
For transit stops where you'll use minimal data, we recommend other eSIMs with low-capacity data plans.
SMS and International Calls Not Available
Since Holafly is dedicated to mobile data only, it doesn't include a phone number and cannot be used for SMS or international calls.
However, like other eSIMs, Holafly can be used while keeping your main SIM card inserted. You can set up dual-line usage with the eSIM for mobile data and your main SIM for SMS and voice calls.
For dual-line setup instructions, please refer to our FAQ section.
\ Unlimited Data! 200+ Countries eSIM /
Purchase Holafly Data from Official Website
✓Exclusive 5% OFF coupon code "APPHAX5" for this site
Is Holafly Slow or Unreliable? Speed Test Verification in Tokyo Japan
We conducted 4 separate speed tests using Holafly while in Japan (Tokyo). All measurements were taken on a weekday Friday.
| Holafly Speed Test |
Average Speed |
Test 1 (5:35 AM) |
Test 2 (10:45 AM) |
Test 3 (8:04 PM) |
Test 4 (11:08 PM) |
| Download*1 | 4.75Mbps | 2.93Mbps | 2.88Mbps | 6.88Mbps | 6.36Mbps |
| Upload*2 | 4.54Mbps | 6.38Mbps | 2.07Mbps | 7.41Mbps | 2.33Mbps |
*1 Download speed *2 Upload speed
Download speeds averaged approximately 4.75Mbps! For reference, YouTube requires 2.5Mbps for 720p (standard quality) and 5Mbps for 1080p (high quality).
While Holafly's speeds aren't blazing fast, they're sufficient for comfortable usage. In conclusion, everyday internet browsing and video streaming work without issues.
However, speeds may vary by region and time of day, so please consider these as reference values.
Holafly vs Other eSIM Services Comparison
Scroll for more →
| Holafly
|
JapanConnect eSIM
|
World eSIM
|
airalo
|
|
| Coverage Countries | ~200 countries | ~133 countries | ~200 countries | ~200 countries |
| Japan Network Carriers | KDDI・SOFTBANK | DOCOMO(IIJ)/ KDDI・SOFTBANK |
SOFTBANK | KDDI・SOFTBANK |
| Recommended Duration | 1-60 days | 3-30 days | 1-30 days | 1-30 days |
| Recommended Data | Unlimited | 3-50GB/ Unlimited |
500MB-3GB | 1-20GB |
| Support Type | Live Chat | Email/LINE | Live Chat | |
| Support Hours | 24/7 | 9:00-18:00 (Year-round) |
9:00-18:00 (Year-round) |
24/7 |
| Tethering | △ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Dedicated App | 〇 | × | 〇 | 〇 |
| Headquarters Location | Ireland | Japan | Japan | Singapore |
Compared to other eSIM services, Holafly's main attraction is that all destination packages feature completely unlimited data plans.
However, while Holafly offers unlimited data at affordable rates, other eSIM services providing small to medium data capacity options are often more cost-effective.
If you only need small data amounts while abroad, comparing with other eSIM services would be advisable. Also, please note that Holafly's tethering is limited to 500MB per day.
Holafly's Japan Pricing Plans
Let's examine Holafly's Japan-focused plan pricing by travel duration. Holafly's unlimited plans have variable pricing based on usage days, with longer durations offering better value.
However, including flight time when you won't use the eSIM in your day count results in wasted money, so we recommend calculating from Japan arrival to departure.
↓ First, check required plan duration + data capacity for overseas travel ↓
✔"How many days? How much data?" solved
Scroll for more →
| Japan below offer unlimited data plans*1 | |||||||
| 1 day | 5 days | 7 days | 10 days | 15 days | 20 days | 30 days | |
| Japan | 1.99＄ | 20.90＄ | 29.90＄ | 36.90＄ | 50.90＄ | 61.90＄ | 74.90＄ |
| Asia Regional*2 | 1.99＄ | 29.90＄ | 36.90＄ | 39.90＄ | 50.90＄ | 61.90＄ | 89.90＄ |
*1 As of July 2025. Please check Holafly's official website for latest pricing.
*2 Covered countries: Japan, China, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Philippines, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Taiwan, Pakistan, Cambodia, Macau, Laos (16 countries total)
Holafly's Japan packages support unlimited data. Minimum usage rates start from ¥990/day.
For users who only need small amounts of data, Holafly may be expensive, so consider other eSIM services with low-capacity plans.
Holafly Usage Guide - Pre-Travel Setup
Let's explore how to purchase and use Holafly eSIM with coupon discounts.
Purchase Process
First, access Holafly's official website.
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| Enter your destination country. |
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| If data plans appear, Holafly serves that country. Select your preferred plan.Select your desired travel duration and click "Get unlimited internet". |
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| Click the "Proceed to Checkout" button. |
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| When accessing through this page, the coupon code is automatically applied. Confirm you're receiving a 5% OFF discount. PayPal or Google Pay are convenient payment options. For credit card payments, enter required information in the lower section. |
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| Enter required information and click "Proceed to Payment". Enter your credit card information and click "Pay Now". The eSIM activation QR code will be sent to your email. |
eSIM Activation Setup Guide
Let's walk through how to install (activate) the eSIM on your smartphone.
Device-Specific Activation Methods
*Image source: https://esim.holafly.com/esim-installation-and-activation-instructions/
*For iPhones with iOS 16 or earlier and Android devices, you need to scan the QR code displayed on a separate device. If you only have one smartphone, print the QR code in advance.
iPhone Setup Method
Setting up Holafly on iPhone with iOS 16 or earlier. Open the iPhone Settings app under WiFi connection.
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| Select Add eSIM from Cellular. |
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| Tap Use QR Code and scan the QR code displayed on another device or from the pre-printed email. |
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| On the eSIM activation screen, tap "Continue" to complete setup. |
* From this point forward, configure these settings only after arriving at your destination! (Day counting automatically begins once signal connects)
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| From Cellular Data, select the eSIM you just downloaded (I renamed mine to Holafly for clarity). Turn ON Cellular Data (and roaming if required by your plan). Once LTE signal connects, you're ready to use the service. |
Android Setup Method
Let's review the Holafly setup process for Android devices. Open the Android Settings app under Wi-Fi connection.
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| Select SIMs from Network & Internet.Tap "Download a SIM instead?" and press Next. |
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| Scan the QR code sent via email. Downloaded SIM "Holafly" will be added to Network & Internet → SIMs. |
* From this point forward, configure these settings only after arriving at your destination! (Day counting automatically begins once signal connects)
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| Turn on the SIM switch and select Holafly. Turn ON Cellular Data (and roaming if required by your plan), and you're connected once signal appears. |
\ Unlimited Data! 200+ Countries eSIM /
Purchase Holafly Data from Official Website
✓Exclusive 5% OFF coupon code "APPHAX5" for this site
Frequently Asked Questions
Here's a comprehensive FAQ about Holafly. If you're considering purchasing Holafly, please use this as a reference.
Holafly Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send and receive SMS with Holafly?
Holafly is a mobile data-only service, so SMS sending and receiving is not available.
Is hotspot available?
Holafly supports tethering up to 500MB-1GB per day. Even if you reach the daily tethering limit, your original unlimited data plan continues to work normally.
Some packages don't support tethering, so please check the "Specifications" on the product purchase page.
What are the disadvantages of eSIM?
eSIM requires your smartphone to be eSIM-compatible. Additionally, when using Holafly, make sure your device is SIM-unlocked.
Conclusion
Article Summary
- Holafly is an eSIM service supporting 200+ countries worldwide
- Specializes in unlimited data plans
- Available for online purchase 24/7
- Peace of mind with 24/7 chat support available 365 days a year
- Does not support voice calls or SMS
This article covered Holafly, an eSIM service offering unlimited data usage.
With unlimited mobile data at your destination and Japanese-language chat support available, we recommend Holafly as a reliable eSIM service you can use with confidence.
If you have an eSIM-compatible smartphone, experience the freedom from carrying pocket WiFi and the hassle of local SIM procedures!