When to use Airalo instead of Trip.com eSIMs

Trip.com's eSIMs are cheaper than Airalo for 77 of the most tourist frequented countries in the world, which is why you don't need to price-compare eSIM providers.

Shop for a Trip.com eSIM by looking under Attractions & Tours --> eSIM.

So when would you want to use Airalo? Let's look through the destination list and see if your travel destination is in the list.

Countries Covered by Airalo ONLY (Not covered by Trip.com)

Use Airalo if the destination you are traveling to is in the table above. If the destination is not in the table below, the Trip.com eSIM will work. Look under Attractions & Tours --> eSIM

Which 77 Countries are covered by BOTH Airalo and Trip.com?

Which countries - sorted by region - are covered by Airalo but NOT by Trip.com

Africa

Americas & Caribbean

Asia

Europe

Middle East

Oceania

My thoughts

Trip.com's eSIM provides/provided about 87% coverage for me. 53 out of the 61 countries/regions I have traveled to are covered by Trip.com's list of 77 countries.

There are only 2 places in recent years where I needed Airalo:

• Kosovo
• North Macedonia

An eSIM at these 9 places would've been handy, but Airalo - founded in 2019 - didn't exist back then, nor did I have an eSIM capable phone.

• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Jordan
• Kosovo
• Lebanon
• Maldives
• North Macedonia
• Vatican City

My takeaway:

Airalo does offer value, but it doesn't have to be anyone's first eSIM choice based on choice. I would primarily choose Airalo for coverage only.

Airalo is slightly more convenient to purchase and install the eSIM than Trip.com's method of purchase via web/app and then 1-click install by clicking on a link in an attachment in an email, some or all of which may require an existing WiFi internet connection (after you land). The solution for Trip.com is to buy a longer duration eSIM (by a day), so you can install and activate the eSIM before departure at the airport. No need to hunt for WiFi at the destination airport to open up that email with the eSIM install QR code.

In terms of speed/reliability, there are too many variables, so whatever you read in a review may or may not apply to you in your travel itinerary.

Shop for a Trip.com eSIM by looking under Attractions & Tours --> eSIM.

Use Airalo if the Trip.com eSIM does not provide the coverage you need.