eSIM Secrets Revealed
Holafly eSIM Europe: Pros, Cons and a Better Alternative
Holafly are popular in Europe, and if you like unlimited being able to select the exact number of days is helpful. But being a much pricier option, supporting less countries and capping hotspotting makes it worth looking around for an alternative.
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Holafly eSIM Europe Overview
Holafly is a well-known global eSIM brand and a popular option for unlimited data in places like Europe. ZenSim, meanwhile, is an Australian-owned provider offering the same core functionality at a noticeably lower price, with clearer daily speed limits, unlimited hotspotting, flexible multi-country top-ups, and a higher 4.9/5 rating on ProductReview.com.au. Holafly covers 33 countries where as ZenSim covers 39. Both work well for everyday travel use - but if you can get the same (or better) experience and keep more money in your pocket, it’s an easy call.
Holafly vs ZenSim features
| Feature | ZenSim | Holafly |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | Australia | Ireland |
| Review score | ⭐ 4.9/5 | ⭐ 4.6/5 |
| Hotspotting | Unlimited | 500MB/day |
| Unlimited Daily Cap | 3GB/day | "Fair use policy" whatever that means |
Holafly vs ZenSim Pricing
| Plan | ZenSim | Holafly |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited 30 days | A$99 ($3.30/day) | A$117.50 ($3.91/day) |
| 20GB 30 days | A$45 | Doesn't exist |
| Countries included | 39 countries | 33 countries |
Europe eSIM Plans
Set up in a few minutes
Unlimited hotspotting
Add more data with top ups
Install before travel
40 countries included
How to use travel esims
How it works
If you haven't used a travel eSIM before, you're in for a treat. It only takes a few minutes to setup and it's a fraction of the cost of roaming! See WTF is eSIM.
1. Quick phone check
Let's make sure your phone's on board. Our eSIM compatibility checker has all of the answers.
2. Choose a plan, enter your details
Choose a plan for your destination, enter your details and your payment information.
4. Auto-activated on arrival
Update settings on arrival (we'll email these to you) and boom, you're connected. Check your usage in the ZenSim app.
Say whaaaaat
All pros, no cons
100% money back guarantee
Plans changed, device incompatible or locked, can't get it working, we've got you covered - see our .
Data-only eSIM - no phone number
Use internet based apps like WhatsApp and Messenger as normal. Note: you can't make traditional calls or SMS (yet).
Reliable 4G/5G connection
Powered by the best networks in Europe including .
Multiple data options
Including unlimited data for 5, 15 or 30 days and plans starting at only 1GB.
Unlimited hotspotting (tethering)
Hotspot to your laptop, tablet, to your friends, to whoever with our limitless hotspotting.
Auto-activates on arrival
Automatically activates when you arrive in Europe. Just update settings (we'll send instructions), and you're connected.
Install up to 90 days before travel
Install your Europe eSIM anytime within 90 days before you travel, the plan won't start until you arrive in Europe.
Keep your current number
You can have multiple eSIMs installed and switch them on and off as you like.
The nitty gritty
FAQs
Holafly offers unlimited plans, but usage is subject to a fair use policy that isn’t clearly defined, which can affect speeds during heavy use. Some Reddit users have taken a guess about what their usage is but it varies too much for me to say. ZenSim is more upfront about limits, clearly stating daily speed caps, so you know exactly what to expect with no surprises.
Holafly allows hotspotting, but it’s capped at 500MB per day, which can be restrictive if you’re working remotely or sharing data across devices. ZenSim includes unlimited hotspotting, making it a better option for laptops, tablets, or travel partners.
Holafly is a popular brand with good reviews, but it’s generally one of the more expensive eSIM options. ZenSim offers cheaper plans for similar or better performance, which means more money left over for actual travel instead of mobile data.
Holafly eSIMs are usually locked to the country or region you purchase. Both offer regional plans like Europe or Latin America though ZenSim also allows you to top up and add multiple countries to the same eSIM, which is far more convenient for multi-continent trips or stopovers.
Holafly mainly focuses on unlimited data plans, with pricing based on the number of days you need rather than how much data you use. ZenSim offers more choice, with flexible plans ranging from smaller data packs through to unlimited options, making it easier to pick a cheaper plan if you don’t need unlimited data.
This is just for Europe but ZenSim offer the ability to top up your Europe eSIM with various other countries to save you installing a new one!
