Airalo Review for Filipinos: Plans, Setup and Fixes

"Legit ba ang Airalo?" Kung first time mo mag-travel eSIM, malamang Airalo ang unang pangalan na nakita mo. In the Google Trends data our team pulled for the Philippines, Airalo was searched more than any other travel eSIM brand we compared. This page explains what you actually get, how it works, and what to do when it doesn't connect.

This isn't a speed test. We read Airalo's own listings and help pages on 29 October 2026 and set out the facts, the fine print and the fixes.

TravelESIM.ph is an independent guide run by Dominet BV. We're not a mobile network, telco or eSIM seller, and we don't sell or activate SIMs. Some links on this site may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you buy through them. eSIM brands and telcos we mention may not pay us anything. That never changes what we write. Read our affiliate disclosure. Airalo runs affiliate programmes. As of 29 October 2026, this page has no affiliate link to Airalo, and Airalo did not review or approve it.

What Airalo is

Airalo sells eSIM data plans through its app and website. On 29 October 2026, its site said:

• local, regional and global eSIMs for 200+ locations
• an app available in 53 languages and multiple currencies
• top-ups on many eSIMs, so you don't always need a new eSIM to stay connected
• optional renewals that renew your package when 10% of your data is left
• support by chat in the app or on WhatsApp

Airalo also claims more than 30 million people use it. That's Airalo's own figure, which we can't verify.

Before you buy: check your phone

Airalo only works on an eSIM-capable phone that isn't locked to your Philippine network. Dial *#06# and look for an EID. On iPhone, Apple says to check for "No SIM Restrictions" under Settings, General, About. Our sister site has a compatible phones guide for Android models.

How Airalo plans work

The country plans we checked, for Japan, China, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines, shared these traits:

• Data-only. No local phone number. Use apps for calls, and keep your Globe or Smart SIM for SMS.
• The network is named. For example, Japan on SoftBank and KDDI, China on China Unicom, Taiwan on Taiwan Mobile, Vietnam on VNPT.
• Fixed GB or unlimited. Fixed plans run from small 3-day packs to 30-day packs. Unlimited plans listed "lower speed rate of 1 Mbps after 3 GB usage per day".
• Data is for the whole period. Airalo's help page says the data in a package covers the entire validity period, not per day. So 1GB for 7 days means 1GB total.

When validity starts

Airalo's help page says that in most cases validity starts when the eSIM connects to a supported network in its coverage area. In some cases it starts as soon as you install the eSIM. Every package shows its validity policy in the package details, so read it before you install early.

Example plans as listed on 29 October 2026

A few anchors. Prices change, so check Airalo's page on the day you buy.

• Japan (Moshi Moshi): 1GB for 3 days, US$4. 5GB for 30 days, US$11. Unlimited for 7 days, US$26.50.
• Philippines (Alpas Mobile, on Smart): 1GB for 3 days, US$4. 5GB for 30 days, US$12. Airalo said it covers the main islands, including Cebu, Bohol, Palawan and Boracay. This one is for visitors to the Philippines. Filipinos at home would usually use a local SIM. See our sister site's tourist guide.

Prices were shown in US dollars on the pages we read. Your bank may add a conversion fee.

Airalo vs Globe roaming: one example

For a 7-day Japan trip, as listed on 29 October 2026, Airalo's Japan eSIM offered 10GB over 7 days for US$17, while Globe's Roam Surf 2199 gave 7GB over 7 days for PHP2,199. Airalo gave more data, before any card conversion fee. Roaming kept things simpler, with no install and no need for an unlocked phone. Run the same comparison for your own dates and destination.

Top-ups and renewals

Running low halfway through the trip? Airalo says many of its eSIMs can be topped up, and you'll see top-up packages before and after purchase when they're available. That means you add data to the same eSIM instead of installing a new one.

Renewals are different. If you turn them on, Airalo automatically renews your package when 10% of your data is left. That's handy on a long trip, but turn it off when you're heading home so you don't pay for a package you won't use.

Refunds and wrong purchases

From Airalo's refund help page:

• You request a refund in the app, under My eSIMs and Package History, or under Profile, Orders.
• Reasons include wrong purchase, plans changed, installation issues and eSIM not working.
• Refunds are paid as Airmoney, Airalo's in-app currency, and are processed instantly.
• Expired or fully used eSIMs aren't eligible.
• If you haven't installed the eSIM, Airalo says you can share its QR code with someone else instead. It's transferable to any compatible device as long as it hasn't been installed.

Airalo lists common mistakes such as picking a country with a similar name (Austria instead of Australia) or buying a plan for your home country instead of your destination. Double-check before you pay.

Airmoney is credit, not cash back to your card. Factor that in if you're not sure you'll travel.

"Airalo not working": fixes from Airalo's own help page

If you're in the coverage area and can't connect, Airalo suggests these steps:

1. Check the install. The eSIM should show under SIMs in your phone settings. Give it a clear label.
2. Turn it on and select it for data. For plans with calls and texts, select it for those too.
3. Turn off airplane mode, then wait a few seconds.
4. Check the APN. Many set it automatically. If not, copy it from the app's install instructions.
5. Turn on data roaming if the instructions say so. On iPhone, do this for the Airalo line only. On Android, roaming usually applies to all SIMs, so Airalo suggests turning off your primary SIM to avoid roaming charges.
6. Pick the network manually from the list in the instructions.
7. Turn off other eSIMs temporarily if they interfere.
8. Switch network mode, for example from 5G to 4G.
9. Restart the phone.
10. Check your signal. If coverage is weak where you are, move and try again.

Airalo also reminds you that an eSIM only works in its coverage area. A Japan eSIM installed in Manila won't connect until you land in Japan.

Using Airalo with your Globe or Smart number

The usual setup: keep your PH SIM on for calls, SMS and bank OTPs, set Airalo for data, and keep data roaming off on your PH line. Apple warns that if both lines stay on, you might still incur roaming fees from your home line. Our roaming vs eSIM guide walks through it.

What we couldn't confirm

• Peso prices and GCash or Maya. The pages we read showed US dollar prices, and we didn't find GCash or Maya listed as payment options. Check the checkout.
• Speed. We haven't tested Airalo's speed in any country.
• Coverage in specific towns. Coverage depends on the local network named on each plan. Check that network's coverage for remote places.

Who Airalo suits, and who it may not

May suit you if you want a named network, a choice of fixed or unlimited plans, top-ups, and an app that handles many countries.

May not suit you if you want cash refunds to your card, need a local phone number, or want unlimited full-speed data all day. Compare with other brands in our best travel eSIM guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is Airalo legit?

Airalo publishes its plans, help pages and terms of use, and names the network behind each country plan we checked. We haven't tested its speed. Read the network, fair use and refund rules for your plan before buying.

Bakit hindi gumagana ang Airalo ko?

Kadalasan settings lang. Check that the eSIM is on and set for data, airplane mode is off, and data roaming is on for the Airalo line if the instructions say so. Then try picking the network manually and restarting.

Does Airalo give refunds?

Yes, as Airmoney credit through the app, for eligible cases such as a wrong purchase or installation issues. Expired or fully used eSIMs aren't eligible.

Does Airalo come with a phone number?

The country plans we checked were data-only. Keep your Globe or Smart SIM for calls and SMS.

Can I install Airalo before I fly?

Yes. Airalo says you can install as early as you like, but check whether your plan starts on installation or when it first connects in your destination.