Is Holafly Worth It for Europe? France & Belgium eSIM Review VS Physical SIM

Eurostar train at Paris North Station before traveling from Paris to Brussels, Belgium

Traveling from Paris, France to Brussels, Belgium by Eurostar train.

If you’re planning a trip to Europe and wondering whether Holafly is too expensive, this guide breaks it down simply.

Holafly is an international eSIM service best known for its unlimited data plans. I used the Holafly Europe eSIM on a trip from Paris, France to Brussels and Bruges, Belgium, and my connection stayed stable throughout the trip. Google Maps, LINE, WhatsApp, Instagram, and general browsing all worked without any major issues.

The main question, though, is value: is Holafly actually worth the price?

In this article, I’ll cover:

  • what Holafly is

  • how it performed during my Europe trip

  • the main pros and cons

  • how its pricing compares with other eSIM brands

For details on how to use the TABIMAMA discount code, discount terms, and important notes, see this page:

Holafly eSIM discount code: TABIMAMA

To check Holafly’s official pricing, choose your destination and travel dates on the official site.

If you’re traveling soon, it’s a good idea to buy your eSIM in advance and set it up before departure.

Get Holafly eSIM ▶︎

Enter discount code TABIMAMA
・Destination plans (1–90 days): 5% OFF (can be used more than once)
・Holafly Plans (monthly / annual): 10% OFF (one-time use per customer)

* Monthly plan: 10% off for the first 12 months
* Annual plan: 10% off the total yearly price

What is Holafly?

Holafly is an international eSIM provider that lets you use mobile data abroad without swapping physical SIM cards or renting pocket Wi-Fi.

It’s a Spain-based service used in many destinations worldwide, and one reason it appeals to Japanese travelers is that it offers Japanese-language support via chat and LINE.

The biggest reason I chose Holafly was simple: unlimited data (availability depends on the country or region).

When you travel, you end up using your phone constantly for maps, translation, ride-hailing apps, train times, messaging, and social media. Not having to worry about your remaining data makes the whole trip less stressful.

Why travelers choose Holafly

Holafly is especially good for people who:

  • don’t want to worry about running out of data

  • want to buy only the number of days they need

  • want something simple to set up before departure

  • plan to visit multiple countries in one trip

Main features include:

  • flexible trip lengths from 1 to 90 days

  • some plans support tethering

  • 24/7 support

  • Global eSIM options

  • Multi-country eSIM options with monthly and annual plans

What you need to use a Holafly eSIM

Before buying, make sure your phone meets these requirements:

  • your phone must be SIM-unlocked

  • your device must support eSIM

Compatible devices usually include newer iPhones, Google Pixel models, and Samsung Galaxy phones, but always check your specific model before purchasing.

How fast is Holafly in Europe?

Holafly connects to local 4G, LTE, or 5G networks, depending on the country and network availability.

On my trip, I traveled from Paris to Brussels and Bruges, and I had no serious issues using:

  • Google Maps

  • translation apps

  • LINE

  • WhatsApp

  • Instagram

  • train schedule searches

Even while moving between cities, on transit, and while sightseeing, the connection stayed reliable enough for normal travel use.

Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium during a Europe trip using Holafly eSIM

Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium during my Europe trip.

What you can do with Holafly

1) Buy only the number of days you need

One thing I like about Holafly is that you can match the plan to your trip length.

You can buy a plan for anywhere from 1 day to 90 days, which makes it useful for:

  • short city breaks

  • 1- to 2-week vacations

  • longer trips across Europe

2) Use tethering on supported plans

Some Holafly plans allow tethering, which means you can share your phone’s connection with:

  • a laptop

  • a tablet

  • another phone

This can be useful if you want backup internet while working or traveling.

Tethering limits depend on the plan, so it’s worth checking the official site before you buy.

3) Use one eSIM across multiple countries

If you’re visiting several countries on one trip, Holafly’s global eSIM option can be convenient.

For example, if your route includes multiple stops, using one eSIM is much easier than buying a separate eSIM for each country.

For longer international travel, Holafly also offers subscription-style plans for travelers who move between countries more often.

Get Holafly eSIM ▶︎

Enter discount code TABIMAMA
・Destination plans (1–90 days): 5% OFF (can be used more than once)
・Holafly Plans (monthly / annual): 10% OFF (one-time use per customer)

* Monthly plan: 10% off for the first 12 months
* Annual plan: 10% off the total yearly price

My experience using Holafly in France and Belgium

One of the most stressful travel problems is this:

your phone stops working the moment you need it most.

That actually happened to me on an earlier trip to Paris. I had brought a SIM card from Japan, but I couldn’t get it set up properly. Once I left the airport’s free Wi-Fi area, I suddenly had no reliable way to contact anyone, check maps, or use translation tools.

I did not want to repeat that experience.

So on my next Europe trip, I used the Holafly Europe eSIM (15 days, unlimited data) instead.

Easy setup, even for non-technical travelers

Even if you’re not especially good with tech, the setup is straightforward. I just scanned the QR code, installed the eSIM, and then turned on mobile data after arriving.

There was:

  • no need to swap a SIM card

  • no need to visit a local phone shop

  • no complicated in-person setup

It worked smoothly across countries

I used Holafly while traveling from France to Belgium, and it stayed comfortable to use throughout the trip.

I was able to use:

  • LINE calls and messages

  • WhatsApp

  • Instagram

  • Google Maps

  • train timetable searches

without feeling anxious about connectivity.

Support is available 24/7

Another reassuring point is that Holafly offers 24/7 support.

If you’re nervous about setup or troubleshooting while abroad, that can make a big difference.

Canal boat tour in Bruges, Belgium during my Europe trip using Holafly eSIM

Canal boat tour in Bruges, Belgium.

Why setting it up before your trip helps

One of the biggest advantages of an eSIM is convenience.

If you install it before departure, you usually only need to activate mobile data after arrival. That means you can go online quickly without dealing with a SIM tray, airport counters, or local shops.

This is especially helpful if:

  • you arrive tired after a long flight

  • you need to message accommodation staff

  • you need maps immediately

  • you’re taking a multi-country trip through Europe

Is Holafly expensive?

A lot of people compare eSIMs based on price first, which makes sense.

If you’re looking only at the cheapest number on the page, Holafly may look more expensive than some alternatives. But price is only one part of the decision.

What you are often paying for with Holafly is:

  • unlimited data

  • easier multi-country use

  • flexible trip lengths

  • simpler setup

  • stronger peace of mind for travelers who rely heavily on maps and messaging

In other words, Holafly is not usually the cheapest option, but it can be one of the most convenient.

If your top priority is paying as little as possible, another provider may fit you better. If your priority is avoiding data anxiety on a Europe trip, Holafly becomes easier to justify.

Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre, Paris, France.

So, is Holafly worth it for Europe?

My answer is:

Yes, if you value convenience and unlimited data more than getting the absolute cheapest price.

There are many eSIM brands now, and choosing one can be confusing.

I had the same hesitation at first, but after actually using Holafly, I found that the peace of mind of unlimited data was one of its biggest strengths. Being able to use Google Maps, messaging apps, and translation tools freely made the trip much smoother.

If your phone is SIM-unlocked and eSIM-compatible, Holafly is definitely worth considering for Europe.

And if you decide to buy, you can use the coupon code TABIMAMA:

  • Destination/day-based plans: 5% off

  • Holafly Plans: up to 10% off, depending on the plan

The TABIMAMA 5% discount is automatically applied when using the button below.
For Holafly Plans, enter the code TABIMAMA manually at checkout.

Get Holafly eSIM ▶︎

Enter discount code TABIMAMA
・Destination plans (1–90 days): 5% OFF (can be used more than once)
・Holafly Plans (monthly / annual): 10% OFF (one-time use per customer)

* Monthly plan: 10% off for the first 12 months
* Annual plan: 10% off the total yearly price