Airalo is a globally popular eSIM app that supports over 200 countries, making it a convenient service for international travel and business trips. For users based in Japan or traveling from Japan, Airalo Japan offers an easy way to stay connected abroad without the hassle of physical SIM cards. However, have you come across concerns like "not connecting" or "slow support responses"?
In this article, we will introduce both the positive reviews and negative reviews from actual Airalo users, and provide a detailed guide on how to troubleshoot when your eSIM doesn't connect.
Additionally, we will cover Airalo's features as of August 2025, along with tips for using it effectively, and the pros and cons of the service.
By reading this article to the end, you should be able to determine whether Airalo is the best service for you!
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 Airalo Japan: A Convenient eSIM Service Available in Over 200 Countries
- 2 Positive Reviews and Feedback from Airalo Users
- 3 Negative Reviews and Feedback from Airalo Users
- 4 3 Key Benefits of Airalo Based on User Reviews
- 5 3 Drawbacks of Airalo Based on User Reviews
- 6 Who Should Use Airalo in Japan?
- 7 How to Purchase Airalo and Use the 10% OFF Coupon
- 8 FAQ About Airalo Reviews
- 8.1 What devices are compatible with Airalo?
- 8.2 What should I do if I realize my phone is not eSIM compatible after purchasing data?
- 8.3 What to do if Airalo doesn't connect in Japan?
- 8.4 Can Airalo be used for voice calls and SMS?
- 8.5 Can I set up the eSIM app (service) at airports in Japan?
- 8.6 Does Airalo offer discounts or promotions for repeat purchases?
- 9 Conclusion
Airalo Japan: A Convenient eSIM Service Available in Over 200 Countries
Airalo is an eSIM service available in over 200 countries and regions worldwide.
It is especially ideal for short-term trips and occasional data use because it allows you to purchase small amounts of data at an affordable price. Let's first take a look at the basic information about Airalo.
Basic Information
(Image source: Airalo Official) |
|
| Supported Devices | Unlocked eSIM-compatible devices |
| Supported Countries | Over 200 countries |
| Contact Methods | Email and chat support（English） |
| Support Hours | 24/7 support |
| Operating Company/Country | AIRGSM PTE. LTD / Singapore |
Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store, launched in Singapore in 2019. According to the official website, as of March 2024, it was announced that the number of global users has exceeded 10 million.
Thanks to its affordable prices and easy access to reliable internet services, it has become a popular choice among travelers worldwide.
\ For affordable travel in Asia, choose Airalo /
✓【Exclusive Offer】10% discount coupon for first-time users "ESIMPORTAL10"
Comparison and Types of Airalo Plans
An overview of the different Airalo plans and their pricing compared to other providers.
Types of Airalo Plans
Airalo offers three types of data plans, each with different country coverage.
| Plan Name | Plan Details | Features |
| Local Plan | Single-country plan for one destination • Usage period 7–30 days • Data capacity 1GB–20GB | If traveling to only one country, the local plan is the most cost-effective. Recommended for trips to a single country. |
| Regional Plan | Multi-country roaming plan • Usage period 7–180 days • Data capacity 1GB–100GB | Use one eSIM across multiple countries. For travelers visiting multiple countries, this plan is often more economical than individual local plans. |
| Global Plan | Plan available in 137 countries worldwide • Usage period 7–365 days • Data capacity 1GB–20GB | Choose plans with data, SMS, and voice call options. Recommended for long-term world travelers. |
When visiting multiple countries, using a regional plan can be more cost-effective than purchasing individual local plans.
If you're traveling to destinations other than Japan, the regional plan may be more cost-effective, so be sure to compare the pricing.
For long-term world travel or frequent business trips, the Global Plan is recommended. With one eSIM, you can use it in 137 countries worldwide, and you can also choose plans with SMS and voice call options.
Airalo Japan Pricing Plans
The pricing plans for Airalo are as follows. Click the "+" button to view more details!
↓ First, check required plan duration + data capacity for overseas travel ↓
✔"How many days? How much data?" solved
This is the pricing table for Airalo in Japan.
Scroll to view →
| Short-term (1–8 days) | Medium-term (2 weeks–30 days) | Long-term (30+ days) | |
| Japan | 1GB/7 days/＄4.50 | 2GB/15 days/＄6.50 | 5GB/30 days/＄11.50 |
The 1GB/7-day plan from Airalo can be purchased for around $4.50, and additional charges are also reasonably priced.
In particular, data plans under 5GB are offered at lower prices than other providers, making it highly recommended for those who prioritize cost.
\ For affordable travel in Asia, choose Airalo /
✓【Exclusive Offer】10% discount coupon for first-time users "ESIMPORTAL10"
Positive Reviews and Feedback from Airalo Users
In this section, we will share six positive reviews and feedback from Airalo users.
Positive Review #1: Convenient and Affordable
【eSIM】I used Airalo for the first time on a day trip to Qatar! It was super convenient and affordable 🥹 When I return to Japan, I used to buy a SIM card from vending machines and top it up at convenience stores... It cost nearly 6,000 yen for a one-month stay, but next time I'll use Airalo 🥹 It's so cheap. I'll buy it now because there's a sale! Also, it has coverage in many countries, which is amazing.
Source: X
It seems like the internet works without issues even in Qatar!
Positive Review #2: Quick and Easy Connection
I’ve safely arrived in Cebu Island 🇵🇭! I was nervous about what they would ask me at immigration, but after showing my passport, they said "okay" and I was able to enter safely 😂✨ The eSIM was connected instantly after switching—so convenient!! Airalo is great 😊
Source: X
The ability to connect instantly with just a switch is one of the key reasons for its popularity.
Positive Review #3: Great App Usability
I had a great experience with Airalo’s eSIM during my trip to Azerbaijan. Highly recommended for international travel 💡
◼︎ Instant purchase with just a few clicks
◼︎ Installation completed in minutes
◼︎ Data top-up available after purchase
By buying it in advance, I had signal as soon as I got off the plane, which was reassuring ◎ It covers 200 countries and managing countries via the app was a breeze ✨
Source: X
Managing eSIMs by country through the app makes it easy for travelers visiting multiple countries!
Positive Review #4: Good Connection Speed
Airalo’s eSIM worked fairly well in Hong Kong. It provided better speed and less latency compared to roaming with Rakuten Mobile.
In some countries, it might be better to buy a local SIM, but for most cases, this one eSIM is enough.
Source: X
In Hong Kong, it seems that the connection speed was faster than roaming with Rakuten Mobile!
Positive Review #5: Connectivity Even in Rural Areas
Airalo’s eSIM connected perfectly even in a rural area with nothing but fields. There was signal throughout, and the speed was fine too. I spent a few days without Wi-Fi and used about 3GB. Even though I could’ve gotten the 5GB plan, it was so convenient to use without worrying about data capacity 👍
Source: X
In some countries, you can use networks from providers with high area coverage!
Positive Review #6: Connectivity Even in Rural Areas
Hello! I traveled through the Balkan Peninsula around the same time as Simple-san ✨ I used Airalo’s Global (with voice) plan! Though I didn’t need to make any calls, it worked perfectly fine for regular calls in Japan 😊
I had internet in Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Albania, and Greece! Wishing you a wonderful trip♪
Source: X
With the Global plan (including voice), users were able to make calls without any issues.
Negative Reviews and Feedback from Airalo Users
Next, let’s take a look at some negative reviews and feedback from Airalo users.
Negative Review #1: Slow Customer Support Compared to Other Providers
Based on my experience with several other companies, Airalo has the slowest customer support…
In today’s world, not having internet can be a life-or-death issue for some people, so quick responses are essential.
However, Airalo covers a wide range of countries, so I think I will continue using Airalo in the future.
Source: X
If you're new to using eSIMs, it's good to compare the support services with other providers.
Negative Review #2: Slower than ahamo’s International Roaming
However, Airalo’s eSIM didn’t work well in Dubai or Istanbul. It was connecting to 4G, but the speed was so slow it felt like 3G.
ahamo’s international roaming worked much better. It's disappointing considering the wider coverage. The eSIM from "Ubigi" worked fine, though.
Source: X
In some countries, users report slower speeds. It's advisable to check the coverage and network providers in advance.
\ For affordable travel in Asia, choose Airalo /
✓【Exclusive Offer】10% discount coupon for first-time users "ESIMPORTAL10"
3 Key Benefits of Airalo Based on User Reviews
Based on user feedback, here are 3 main advantages of using Airalo.
Benefits of Airalo
- Available in 200+ countries! Affordable data plans available in many countries
- Available for purchase 24/7
- Highly convenient app! Check data balance and manage eSIM settings
Let's break down each benefit in detail.
Available in 200+ Countries! Affordable Data Plans in Many Countries
We compared the pricing of Airalo with three other eSIM services for Japan plans.
Scroll to view →
| Service Name | Countries Supported | Japan |
Airalo |
200+ countries | 1GB/7 days/＄4.50 |
JapanConnect eSIM |
Around 133 countries | 1GB/3 days/＄6 |
Holafly |
Around 200 countries | Unlimited/1 day/＄1.99 |
World eSIM |
Around 200 countries | 3GB/7 days/＄6.90 |
* Pricing as of August 1, 2025.
Airalo supports 200+ countries, and its country coverage is arguably the best in the industry. It covers major travel destinations as well as some lesser-known countries with fewer travelers.
In the unlikely case that another prepaid eSIM doesn't support your destination country, Airalo is likely to have it covered.
Additionally, comparing the 1GB plan to other providers shows that Airalo offers affordable rates for longer durations. In most countries, you can get 1GB for just $4.5 for 7 days!
Airalo provides some of the most affordable small data plans in the industry, helping to reduce communication costs.
● North America
United States, Canada, Guam, Mexico
●Asia
China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Brunei, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Laos, Macau, Maldives, East Timor
●Oceania
Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Fiji
●Europe
Iceland, Ireland, Azerbaijan, Azores Islands, Albania, Armenia, Andorra, United Kingdom, British Virgin Islands, Italy, Ukraine, Estonia, Austria, Netherlands, Canary Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Curacao, Greece, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin (French side), Gibraltar, Jersey Island, Georgia, Switzerland, Sweden, Scotland, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, Seychelles, Serbia, St. Martin (Dutch side), St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Turks and Caicos Islands, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Norway, Bahamas, Vatican City, Hungary, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Bulgaria, Belgium, Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Portugal, Madagascar, Malta, Madeira Islands, Reunion, Russia, North Macedonia, Romania, Luxembourg, Greenland, Grenada, Turkey, Faroe Islands, Montenegro, Bermuda Islands, Belarus, Isle of Man, Moldova, Montserrat, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein
● Africa
Algeria, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Kosovo, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Chad, Tunisia, Tonga, Nigeria, Rwanda, Lesotho, South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Egypt, Eswatini, Nauru, Namibia, Niger, Benin, Burkina Faso, Botswana, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Mozambique, Morocco, Liberia, Sierra Leone
● Latin America
Argentina, Aruba, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Antilles, Uruguay, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Cayman Islands, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Colombia, Jamaica, Suriname, Paraguay, Panama, Chile, Trinidad and Tobago, Nicaragua, Haiti, Barbados, French Guiana, Venezuela, Belize, Peru, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Bolivia, Honduras, Marie-Galante Island, Martinique, Saint Lucia
● Middle East
Afghanistan, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Iraq, Iran (Islamic Republic), Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Kuwait, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Bahrain, Pakistan, Palestine (Occupied Territories)
Purchase Anytime, 24/7
A common benefit of prepaid eSIMs, including Airalo, is that eSIMs eliminate the hassle of SIM card delivery and exchange, allowing the entire process to be completed online.
As long as you have access to Wi-Fi, you can purchase data plans from Airalo’s official website or app 24/7.
After purchasing the data plan, you can start using it by simply installing the eSIM on your smartphone. Within as little as 5 to 10 minutes, you can be connected to the internet in Japan.
This is a major advantage for urgent business trips or during transit, as you can set up your internet connection immediately without worrying about time.
Highly Convenient Dedicated App! Check Data Balance and Manage eSIM Settings
(Image source: Airalo Official)
Airalo offers a dedicated app, and with it, you can purchase data and activate your eSIM all in one place.
You can easily check your data balance and even top-up your plan directly within the app.
The app’s interface is simple and easy to navigate!
On the other hand, some eSIM services without an app require you to access the official website to complete the process. However, with Airalo’s dedicated app, you can manage your data plan immediately, making it incredibly convenient.
3 Drawbacks of Airalo Based on User Reviews
Next, let's discuss the drawbacks of Airalo based on user feedback.
Drawbacks of Airalo
- Many countries only offer data-only plans, resulting in lower flexibility in plan options
- Support can be slow.
- Connection stability may vary depending on the country you are using
Now, let’s take a closer look at each point.
Many Countries Only Offer Data-Only Plans, Limiting Flexibility
Airalo’s global eSIM plans offer options with SMS and voice calls, but local plans (single-country) and regional plans (multi-country) generally do not include these features.
If you need a phone number that works in Japan, you will need to consider a separate SMS or voice-enabled SIM card.
However, calling features like Skype can be used with a data-only eSIM. If you require phone functionality rather than a phone number, using an app-based service is a great alternative.
Support Can Be Slow
Airalo offers support via email and chat.
Since Airalo’s app only provides email support, if you need chat support, you will have to contact them through the official website.
If you request a language other than English for support, the wait time is likely to increase. In fact, when I selected Japanese and contacted support, it took about 1 hour to receive a response.
For eSIM beginners who feel anxious about not being able to get real-time support in case of an emergency, it is recommended to consider Holafly, which offers 24/7 support.
Connection Stability May Vary Depending on the Country
Airalo’s eSIM primarily uses data roaming through the major telecom operators in the destination country, but connection stability may vary depending on the country or region.
In particular, in some countries, the network infrastructure may cause unstable data connections, which could result in disconnections during travel or business trips.
While Airalo is highly rated by many users, there have been reports of connection instability in specific regions.
To avoid this drawback, it is recommended to check the connectivity status of your destination country before using Airalo. If you're planning to visit a region with unstable connections, comparing with telecom providers Airalo partners with may ensure reliable internet access while abroad.
Who Should Use Airalo in Japan?
In conclusion, Airalo is an eSIM service recommended for the following types of people:
Recommended for These Users
- Want to use the internet in Japan instantly
- Looking for an affordable eSIM with a small data plan
- Want to check data balance and top up immediately via the app
- Don’t mind support in English (can use translation tools if needed)
- Planning to travel to less common countries not covered by other providers
Airalo is a convenient prepaid eSIM app for traveling around the world.
As Airalo is based in Singapore, it offers strong coverage in the Asia region, and the pricing is very affordable. It is particularly advantageous for users with small data needs, as it offers better value than other providers. It is highly recommended for those who don't use much data.
If you've been renting pocket Wi-Fi at high rates every time you visit Japan, try switching to Airalo for a more convenient and affordable connectivity service!
\ For affordable travel in Asia, choose Airalo /
✓【Exclusive Offer】10% discount coupon for first-time users "ESIMPORTAL10"
How to Purchase Airalo and Use the 10% OFF Coupon
You can purchase data for Airalo either from the website or via the app!
I will explain how to purchase on the official website and how to use the coupon.
You need to register an account before purchasing data. You can also link it with social media accounts like Facebook, so make sure to set it up first!
How to Purchase Airalo and Use the Referral Coupon
First, let's purchase a data plan on Airalo. Here, we'll explain how to make the purchase on the official website.
←Slide to view→
(Image source: Airalo Official)
\ The official website is here！ /
✓【Exclusive Offer】10% discount coupon for first-time users "ESIMPORTAL10"
How to Set Up and Use Airalo eSIM
In this section, we’ll explain how to activate your eSIM after purchasing data from Airalo.
The setup process differs slightly between iOS and Android. Please select your device below.
iPhone｜How to Install eSIM
←Slide to view→
(Image source: Airalo Official)
At this point, the eSIM is not yet activated.
iPhone｜How to Activate eSIM
This step should be done only when you are ready to use the eSIM in Japan. Activating the eSIM will start the countdown for your data plan’s days!
←Slide to view→
(Image source: Airalo Official)
Android｜How to Install eSIM
←Slide to view→
(Image source: Airalo Official)
At this point, the eSIM is not yet activated.
Android｜How to Activate eSIM
This step should be done only when you are ready to use the eSIM in Japan. Activating the eSIM will start the countdown for your data plan’s days!
←Slide to view→
(Image source: Airalo Official)
※ The network will automatically switch to LTE, and you’ll be connected to the internet. If it doesn’t connect, try switching to manual network selection.
FAQ About Airalo Reviews
Here are six frequently asked questions about Airalo reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What devices are compatible with Airalo?
- What should I do if I realize my phone is not eSIM compatible after purchasing data?
- What to do if Airalo doesn't connect in Japan?
- Can Airalo be used for voice calls and SMS?
- Can I set up the eSIM app (service) at airports in Japan?
- Does Airalo offer discounts or promotions for repeat purchases?
What devices are compatible with Airalo?
To use Airalo, your smartphone must be eSIM compatible.
Make sure to check before purchasing the eSIM.
What should I do if I realize my phone is not eSIM compatible after purchasing data?
It is the user's responsibility to ensure their phone is eSIM and SIM-free compatible. Most companies do not offer returns or refunds in such cases.
What to do if Airalo doesn't connect in Japan?
If your Airalo eSIM is not working, please check the following:
- Ensure your phone is an eSIM compatible device
- Check if the plan you purchased on the Airalo app is activated
If the eSIM is not activated, install the profile using one of the following methods: Direct, QR Code, or Manual setup.
If you’re still unable to activate it, contact support via the app.
Can Airalo be used for voice calls and SMS?
Airalo’s global eSIM plan supports voice calls and SMS.
The Japanese plan does not support voice calls.
Can I set up the eSIM app (service) at airports in Japan?
At airports in Japan, you can set up the eSIM app as long as you have a stable internet connection.
However, it is more convenient to complete the setup before your trip.
Does Airalo offer discounts or promotions for repeat purchases?
Airalo occasionally runs campaigns and offers promotions.
While repeat purchases don’t typically come with discounts, you can use the exclusive coupon code below for your first purchase:
| "Airalo" 10% Discount Coupon | ESIMPORTAL10 |
Conclusion
This concludes the explanation of Airalo's reviews and reputation.
Airalo is an eSIM service available in over 200 countries worldwide. With its dedicated app, you can easily manage your data plans and recharge, making it incredibly convenient.
Some users have expressed concerns about support language, response time, and connection stability. However, more users have highlighted how easy it was to use and how they were able to connect to the internet without any issues while traveling, and overall, Airalo has received positive feedback.
As an option, Airalo offers an excellent cost-performance ratio, making it a convenient communication solution for international travel or business trips. Whether you're traveling from Japan or looking for an eSIM to use while in Japan, Airalo is worth considering. Why not try Airalo for your next trip?
\ For affordable travel in Asia, choose Airalo /
✓【Exclusive Offer】10% discount coupon for first-time users "ESIMPORTAL10"