Holafly Plans vs Single Trip eSIM: Which Should You Actually Buy?
Holafly Plans vs Single Trip eSIM: Which Should You Actually Buy?
Use code STEPHANDPETE for 10% off for the first 12 months on any Holafly Plans subscription.
Shop Holafly Plans →I lead group trips to Southeast Asia and I'm on the road constantly as a FORA travel advisor. One of the questions I get asked most — from clients, from followers, from literally everyone — is: should I get a Holafly subscription plan, or just buy a single-trip eSIM?
The honest answer: it depends on how often you travel. But most people are buying the wrong option for their situation, and I want to fix that. Here's the clearest breakdown I can give you, based on real experience using Holafly across Vietnam, Thailand, China, and beyond.
What's the Actual Difference?
Holafly now offers two fundamentally different products:
- Single-trip eSIM: Data for one specific destination for a fixed number of days. Activates on arrival, expires when time runs out.
- Holafly Plans: A monthly subscription — one flat price, one eSIM installation, coverage across 160+ destinations. Cancel anytime, no long-term commitment.
Holafly positions itself as the world's first international mobile operator, and Plans is central to that: install an eSIM once and it travels everywhere with you, indefinitely.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Holafly Plans | Single-Trip eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | 160+ destinations, one eSIM | One destination per purchase |
| Pricing | Flat monthly fee | Pay per trip |
| Data | 25GB/month (Light) or Unlimited | Varies by plan |
| Installation | Install once, use everywhere | New QR scan per trip |
| Commitment | Cancel anytime | None — one-time purchase |
| Multi-country trips | ✅ Seamless, no swapping | ⚠️ May need separate eSIMs |
| Always On backup | ✅ 1GB/month in 70+ destinations | ❌ Not included |
| Best for | Frequent travelers, nomads, travel pros | Occasional travelers, single destination |
| Discount code | STEPHANDPETE — 10% off for 12 months | |
Who Should Get Holafly Plans?
A Plans subscription makes sense if you check at least one of these:
- You travel internationally 3 or more times per year
- You regularly visit multiple countries on one trip (Vietnam + Thailand, a Europe multi-stop)
- You work remotely and need reliable data across borders
- You hate the admin of buying and activating a new eSIM before every departure
- You want permanent backup data — Always On keeps 1GB active in 70+ destinations even between trips
Who Should Stick With a Single-Trip eSIM?
Single-trip eSIMs are still the right call for some travelers:
- You take one or two international trips per year to a single destination
- You want to pay only for what you use with no monthly charge
- You're visiting somewhere with destination-specific nuances — like China (see our China eSIM guide)
- You prefer the simplicity of a fixed data amount tied to a fixed trip
For a first-time visitor heading to Japan for two weeks, a single Japan eSIM is probably all they need. See our Japan cherry blossom eSIM guide if that's your next trip.
Holafly Plans: What Are the Options?
Two tiers are available:
- Light Plan: 25GB/month — solid for maps, messaging, and work basics without constant streaming.
- Unlimited Plan: Unlimited data — ideal for digital nomads and remote workers who need to hotspot and stream without watching a counter.
Both plans include Always On: 1GB/month automatically across 70+ destinations when your main plan isn't active. A free lifetime benefit for subscribers who joined from November 4, 2025 onwards — not a paid add-on.
💡 My Honest Recommendation
If you travel internationally more than twice a year, Holafly Plans will save you money and time. The single-install, multi-destination model is genuinely useful — especially on multi-country trips where you'd otherwise buy and reinstall two or three separate eSIMs.
Use code STEPHANDPETE for 10% off for the first 12 months. Get Holafly Plans →
How to Get Started With Holafly Plans
- Go to holafly.com and choose your plan (Light or Unlimited)
- Enter code STEPHANDPETE at checkout for 10% off your first 12 months
- You'll receive a QR code by email — scan it to install the eSIM on your phone
- Your eSIM activates automatically when you connect to a local network abroad
- Manage everything via the Holafly app on iOS or Android
The whole setup takes under five minutes. Once installed, your eSIM stays on your phone — no reinstalling before future trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Holafly Plans and a single-trip eSIM?
A single-trip eSIM covers one destination for a fixed number of days. Holafly Plans is a monthly subscription covering 160+ destinations — one flat price, one install, cancel anytime.
Is Holafly Plans worth it?
Yes, for frequent travelers. If you travel internationally more than 2–3 times per year or take multi-country trips, a Plans subscription is more cost-effective and less admin than buying individual eSIMs per trip.
What is the Holafly discount code?
Use code STEPHANDPETE for 10% off your Holafly Plans subscription for the first 12 months.
What is Holafly Always On?
Always On is a free lifetime benefit for Plans subscribers who joined on or after November 4, 2025. When your main plan isn't active, it automatically provides 1GB of data per month across 70+ destinations.
Can I use Holafly Plans in Vietnam and Thailand?
Yes. Both countries are covered. Your single eSIM works across Vietnam, Thailand, and 160+ other destinations — no swapping or extra purchases needed.
Can I cancel Holafly Plans at any time?
Yes. No long-term contracts. Cancel anytime through the Holafly app.
What other Holafly discount codes exist?
Other affiliate codes include ADAMANDLINDS, KAMIL, CUPONREEMS, and VIAJEROSLOWCOSTEROS. Code STEPHANDPETE gives you 10% off for the first 12 months on Holafly Plans.
Use code STEPHANDPETE for 10% off Holafly Plans for your first 12 months. Coverage in 160+ destinations, cancel anytime, Always On backup included.
Shop Holafly Plans →