Staying connected while traveling can sound like a luxury until you’re trying to find your way to a hostel using a map, or suddenly realizing you need data for the thing you swore you’d remember. I still picture my early trips—paper guidebook in hand, the smell of street dust in the air, and that quiet panic when the page doesn’t match what I’m seeing.
Back then, when smartphones really started spreading, “getting connected” meant hunting down a SIM card kiosk. You’d point at your phone, hope the staff understood you, and then spend about 20 minutes swapping tiny plastic chips that always felt like they could slip out at any second. It wasn’t just awkward—it was slow.
Luckily, things have moved on. eSIMs cut out the physical SIM card hunt entirely. Instead of installing hardware, you download an app-style setup and get high-speed data so you can translate menus, check train schedules, and pay for things on the go—especially in places where everything seems to be run through an app. Misryoum newsroom reporting notes that travelers who rely on mobile data tend to find eSIMs a lot less stressful, because you don’t have to worry about compatibility in quite the same way.
One of the more visible players in this space is Holafly, a Spanish-founded company that started back in 2017 and is now based in Dublin. The pitch is simple: install the eSIM on your phone via QR code, activate it, and then connect abroad using local carrier networks. Misryoum editorial team stated that what stands out is that over 200 of their options come with unlimited data, and pricing is by days rather than gigabytes—plus you can personalize the days from 1 up to 90 days in over 200 destinations. Coverage is also described as extensive, with service in over 200 destinations including most of Europe, Asia, North America, and Latin America.
Setting it up is marketed as straightforward. You’re asked to check that your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM (most recent iPhones and many newer Androids), and to have a Wi‑Fi connection ready for setup. Then you save the email and QR code, install while on Wi‑Fi by scanning or tapping the activation link, and follow device-specific steps—like heading to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data) on iPhone, or Settings → Network & internet (or Connections) on Android. After you land, you enable data roaming for the eSIM line, while turning off mobile data for your home SIM to avoid accidental roaming charges. Holafly’s eSIMs are data-only, so your home SIM stays in for texts or calls, while apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, and Telegram should still work with your regular number.
The “unlimited data” angle is clearly part of the appeal. Many eSIM providers sell data in bundles that can add up fast if you’re using maps, posting photos, or video calling—so paying for the number of days you need rather than gigabytes feels cleaner. Misryoum analysis indicates the plan pricing starts at around $4 USD per day, though it can be cheaper with longer durations or subscription options. The service also highlights 24/7 customer support multilingual, hotspot capabilities, 15+ regional eSIMs, a global eSIM, no hidden costs, and a 6 month flexible refund policy.
If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to avoid the whole “SIM card logistics” chapter—especially across multiple countries—Misryoum newsroom reporting suggests Holafly’s promise is largely about reducing decisions. You scan, activate, and go. And yes, you can use code MATTK to get a 5% discount on any eSIM for your next adventure. Terms and conditions list 5% on eSIMs and 10% off on Holafly Plans for the first 12 months, no minimum purchase requirement, no usage limits, and that discounts can’t be combined (except Holafly Plans annual subscription 22%). Active from now, no end date. If that sounds too easy, well… it probably is, but in this case, at least the setup is the part that’s meant to be simple.
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