Airalo alternative: a better choice for European travellers? (2026)
Looking for an alternative to Airalo? You are not alone. Airalo is one of the best known eSIM providers in the world, but for travellers from Belgium and the Netherlands it is not always the easiest or cheapest choice. In this article we compare esimzu honestly with Airalo, so you can decide for yourself what fits you best.
Short answer: esimzu is a European alternative with prices in euros, payment via Bancontact, instant delivery by QR code with no app required, and support in Dutch and French. Airalo is bigger and globally known, but works mainly through an app and charges in dollars by default.
Why do people look for an Airalo alternative?
Airalo does a lot well, but there are a few reasons travellers look for an alternative:
- Prices in dollars. Airalo often shows its rates in US dollars. Because of the exchange rate and possible bank fees, you only know exactly what you paid afterwards.
- Everything through the app. Airalo leans heavily on its app. If you would rather just receive a QR code by email and install nothing, that feels clunky.
- Support in English. Help is mainly in English.
- No local payment methods. Paying with Bancontact is usually not possible.
None of these is a dealbreaker, but together they make it a little less smooth for a Belgian or Dutch traveller.
esimzu vs Airalo: the comparison
| esimzu | Airalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Prices | In euros, lowest-price guarantee | Often in dollars |
| Payment | Bancontact, card | Card, PayPal |
| Delivery | QR code by email, no app needed | Through the app |
| Support | Dutch and French | Mainly English |
| Destinations | Over 200 | Over 200 |
| Activation | In minutes before you leave | In minutes |
When should you choose esimzu?
esimzu is the logical choice if you want to pay in euros and know the exact cost up front, like to pay with Bancontact, do not want to install an app, and value support in Dutch or French.
For popular destinations such as Morocco eSIM, Turkey eSIM or Egypt eSIM, esimzu is a smooth, affordable choice.
When is Airalo enough?
Airalo is still a fine choice if you already use their app, do not mind paying in dollars, and English support is enough for you. It is an established name with a huge catalogue.
What about Holafly?
Holafly is another popular alternative, known mainly for its unlimited-data plans. Handy if you use a lot of data, but those unlimited plans are usually pricier, and "unlimited" often comes with a daily fair-use limit. If you use normal amounts of data, a right-sized plan at esimzu is usually cheaper.
How to switch
Switching is simple, because an eSIM does not replace your physical SIM, it is added alongside it:
- Pick your destination on the eSIM destinations page and the plan that fits your trip.
- Pay in euros, with Bancontact or card.
- You receive a QR code by email right away.
- Scan the code and activate your eSIM when you arrive.
You keep your Belgian or Dutch number on your physical SIM and use the eSIM for data while travelling.
Frequently asked questions
Is esimzu cheaper than Airalo? For most plans to popular destinations, esimzu is competitively priced, with rates in euros and a lowest-price guarantee. Feel free to compare per destination.
Does esimzu work without an app? Yes. You receive your eSIM as a QR code by email and install it directly in your phone settings. No app needed.
Can I pay with Bancontact? Yes, and that is one of the advantages of esimzu for Belgian travellers.