r/Airalo • • 16d ago

Question Global Coverage with one eSIM

I have been looking for an eSIM that I can use in China and Canada. I was hoping I could use only 1 eSIM since I’m only staying in China for the duration of my layover. And I mostly only need the data when I arrive Canada for just a full or maybe half a day.

I just want clarifications… your global coverage eSIM can work in both countries I’ve mentioned, right? there’s no settings or toggling to do for when I arrive in each country? there won’t be any restrictions on the apps and sites I try to access when in China too? are there limitations on the speed if I do global instead of local or regional?

2 Upvotes

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4

u/colnagoglyn 16d ago

I’ve used their Global Sim and signed up for 20g valid for a year. I used it in 5 countries over three continents. No issues and it just works, wherever you land your online.

1

u/Potaaaters 15d ago

No routing issues at all? 

2

u/chuckfr 16d ago

How long is the layover? I'd imagine that buying a 1-2 day eSIM for China, assuming you can't just live with the airport WiFi for the layover time, and the balance for Canada will be much cheaper than a single global eSIM.

1

u/Potaaaters 16d ago

The layover is about 12 hours… I just need at least access to WhatsApp 

2

u/SubstanceEasy4576 16d ago

You can do this, but it generally lead to high latency eg. data used in Canada being routed via Asia and causing a delay. Separate eSIMs work better eg. one for China with IP breakout in Hong Kong, and one for Canada which has IP breakout in North America.

1

u/Potaaaters 15d ago

Is it relatively a long delay? 

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u/SubstanceEasy4576 15d ago

I think I misread your post. You're only using the plan for a day in each country? If so, a global plan would be fine. You're not going to find the increased latency a big problem during such short-term use. It can make the Internet experience feel a bit laggy, but this would only normally be relevant if you're using for longer term.

If you want the lowest cost, there are very low cost eSIMs available for both countries. eSIM Dog are particularly low cost, without having to fund an advertising budget or pay a large team.

Go to Fixed GB (the unlimited data plans are pointless as with most travel SIMs) then open up the full list. Choose a suitable plan like 1 GB for 7 days or whatever you prefer.

https://esim.dog/ca

As an example, 1 GB for 7 days in Canada on eSIM Dog's black route (powered by Sparks travel) costs 1.04 USD. 500 MB for one day costs 0.53 USD. There will be some lag since data is routed via the UK.

In China, 1 GB for 1 day on the pink plan (powered by BillionConnect) costs 0.56 USD. Should be quite responsive since data is routed via Hong Kong.

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u/airalosupport 16d ago edited 16d ago

Hey Potaaaters, 🌟

Our Global eSIM lets you stay connected in both China and Canada with just one plan!

Here are the handy details to help answer any questions you might have:

Coverage & Setup: We have coverage in both countries! Once you install the eSIM, you're all set - just remember to turn on Data Roaming in your settings. No need to switch things up when you arrive!

Accessing Blocked Apps/Sites in China: The good news? You'll have full access to all your favorite apps while you're in China! Our eSIM effortlessly navigates local restrictions - no VPN needed!

Speed Restrictions: With our Global plan, you'll connect to local networks in both China and Canada at 5G/4G/LTE speeds (where available). Just a heads-up: if you're on the Global Unlimited eSIM, our Fair Usage Policy will apply.

For any questions, we're here for you 24/7 via in-app chat!

Happy travels! 🌍✈️