eSIM BFF vs Airalo: which travel eSIM should you buy?
The biggest eSIM marketplace, with local, regional and global eSIMs for 200+ destinations. Here is how it compares with eSIM BFF on the things that matter mid-trip: reinstalling, topping up, family orders and whether you need an app.
| Feature | eSIM BFF | Airalo |
|---|---|---|
| Easy to use | ||
| 24/7 human support | — | |
| One eSIM for all destinations | ◐ | |
| Reusable eSIM — top up for the next trip | ◐ | |
| Buy for family in one order | — | |
| Top up even at 0 GB | ||
| No app required | — | |
| Pricing | 5 GB Europe COP 24,485.00 · 5 GB Asia COP 32,785.00 · 5 GB USA COP 41,085.00 | Mid-range. Popular 5 GB European plans are typically priced a few dollars above ours. |
Where Airalo is genuinely good
- Huge destination list
- Mature app with usage tracking
- Frequent promo codes
Where travelers pick eSIM BFF instead
- Most plans are per-country eSIMs — a new install for each destination unless you buy a regional plan
- Refunds are case-by-case and generally require that the eSIM was never used
- You need the app (or a login) to manage top-ups
Who should choose which
Choose Airalo if huge destination list is the thing you care about most and you are happy to manage everything through their app.
Choose eSIM BFF if you travel more than once a year and want one eSIM you never reinstall, the ability to top up when you are already at zero, and no app. For families, ordering several eSIMs in one checkout and seeing them in one dashboard is the difference that gets mentioned most.
We keep this page factual and update it when Airalo changes their offering. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will fix it within a day.
eSIM BFF vs Airalo questions
Is eSIM BFF cheaper than Airalo?
Mid-range. Popular 5 GB European plans are typically priced a few dollars above ours. Our 5 GB Europe plan is COP 24,485.00 and 5 GB in most of Asia is COP 32,785.00, tax included. Check Airalo’s current price for the same destination — prices change often and we would rather you compare live numbers.
Can I switch from Airalo to eSIM BFF mid-trip?
Yes. Install eSIM BFF on Wi-Fi (two minutes), buy a package for the country you are in, and switch your mobile-data line to it. Your Airalo eSIM can stay on the phone or be deleted once its plan expires.
Does eSIM BFF have an app like Airalo?
No app is required. Installation is a one-tap link or QR code, and the dashboard is a website that works at 0 GB. If you prefer an app, Airalo has one; we prefer not making you download anything at the gate.
Do I reinstall an eSIM when I leave Airalo behind?
No. eSIM BFF is one profile. Buy a package for the next country in the dashboard and it attaches to the eSIM you already have.
Also compared
Try the one you install once.
Install once, pick a country, fly. Add data for the next trip on the same eSIM.
Choose your destinationIndicative prices · Personalized for your trip · Tax included · No app