Holafly vs PuraSim: an honest comparison for travelers in 2026

What are Holafly and PuraSim?

Before diving into the comparison, it's worth understanding where each one comes from. If you're still not clear on what an eSIM is exactly and how it differs from a physical SIM card, we explain it in our guide on what a virtual eSIM is — you'll understand it in two minutes.

Holafly is a Spanish company and one of the pioneers in the eSIM market for travelers. Their main proposal is simple: unlimited data (with nuances) in a specific destination, with plans ranging from a few days to several months. They have grown significantly thanks to influencer marketing and word-of-mouth, and today they cover a very wide catalog of destinations.

PuraSim is a more recent alternative that focuses on transparent pricing and plans adapted to the modern traveler: people who don't want to overpay, who travel to several countries on the same trip, or who need reliable connectivity without surprises. The catalog exceeds 200 destinations, with plans for both days and specific data, and support is available 24/7 in all languages via email and WhatsApp, which is appreciated when a problem arises at three in the morning local time.

Both offer digital eSIMs: there's no physical card, they are installed directly from your mobile with a QR code and don't take up space in your luggage. The big difference lies in how they structure their plans, their prices, and the user experience.

If you want to understand why it's worth ditching your usual operator's roaming, we delve into it in detail in our eSIM vs roaming comparison: there you'll see why traditional roaming can be so expensive in certain destinations.

Main differences between Holafly and PuraSim

The comparison between these two platforms does not have an absolute winner: it depends on your travel style. These are the key factors that differentiate them:

Data model

Holafly relies on the marketing of "unlimited data," which attracts many people. The reality is that most of their plans do offer data without a GB limit, but speed may be reduced (throttling) after certain intensive use, depending on the destination and the local operator.

PuraSim offers plans with defined data (X GB for X days) and also high-capacity options depending on the destination. The advantage: you know exactly what you have and can buy top-ups if you need more. No fine print about speed.

Destination Flexibility

Holafly works very well for a single country or region. If you plan a trip to Europe with stops in several countries, you need to choose their "Europe" plan —which usually covers the Schengen area— instead of individual country plans.

PuraSim has well-structured regional coverage: you can choose the eSIM for Europe if your route crosses several Schengen countries, instead of buying a different plan for each border. If you're interested in understanding when a regional plan is more beneficial than a specific country plan, we explain it in detail in regional eSIM vs country eSIM. Especially useful for long-distance travel or routes crossing several continents.

Customer support

Holafly has a fairly active support team, with web chat and social media responses. During peak season, response times can be longer.

PuraSim prioritizes support in Spanish with personalized attention, which makes it especially convenient for Spanish-speaking travelers who prefer to resolve doubts without language barriers.

Purchase process

Both platforms have simple online purchasing processes. The notable difference is that PuraSim shows final prices without surprises from the start, while with Holafly it's advisable to carefully review the conditions of each plan before confirming.

Price and plan comparison

Price is, logically, one of the decisive factors. Here's an honest analysis, without inventing exact figures that can vary depending on the destination and purchase date:

Practical tip: before buying, estimate how many GB you will actually need. If you are a social media and maps user, 3-5 GB per week is usually more than enough. If you make frequent video calls or upload content, you need more. With that in mind, compare specific plans on both platforms for your actual destination.

When the trip crosses several regions, prices and coverage vary quite a bit between a regional and a global plan: if you are going to move through several continents on the same trip, it is convenient to understand the difference well before paying too much — we break it down in regional eSIM vs global eSIM.

Which is easier to activate?

One of the most frequent questions from those buying their first eSIM is: is this complicated? The answer is no. But there are differences in the experience.

Process in Holafly

1. Go to the website, choose destination and duration.
2. Pay with card or PayPal.
3. Receive the QR code by email within minutes.
4. Scan it from your mobile's settings.
5. The eSIM is installed; activate it when you arrive at your destination.

PuraSim Process

1. Select the plan that best suits your trip.
2. Complete the payment in a few steps.
3. Receive the QR and installation instructions personalized to your mobile model.
4. Install it, and you can schedule activation for when you land.
5. Once active, manage your usage from the app.

Both processes are fast and digital. The advantage of PuraSim is that the instructions are more personalized by device, which reduces confusion for those installing an eSIM for the first time. If you want to do it right from the start, check out the complete guide on how to install your eSIM.

Compatibility: both work with iPhone (from XS), Samsung Galaxy (from S20), Google Pixel (from 3a) and most modern Android phones with eSIM support. If you have doubts about your model, check it before buying.

Myths and common mistakes: what almost no one tells you before buying

There are a series of misunderstandings that constantly recur around travel eSIMs, both with Holafly and PuraSim or any other brand in the sector. None are scams, but they can lead to avoidable surprises during your trip if you're not aware of them beforehand.

Myth 1: "Unlimited" means unlimited speed

This is not the case, and it's not exclusive to Holafly: almost no travel eSIM operator offers truly unlimited data at maximum speed without any form of network management. The usual practice is a fair use policy that reduces speed after a certain daily or accumulated consumption. Before paying for an "unlimited" plan for a short trip, ask yourself if you're really going to consume that many GB: if you only use maps, messaging, and social media, a plan with defined GB and a top-up option is usually cheaper and you won't notice the difference.

Myth 2: You have to activate the eSIM as soon as you buy it

This is one of the most expensive and easiest mistakes to make. Many data plans start counting days from the moment of activation, not from the purchase. If you activate your eSIM at home "to test it works" three days before flying, it's very likely that you'll be burning through plan days without having even left Spain yet. The correct way: install the eSIM (scan the QR) calmly before traveling, but leave the data activation for when you land or, at most, when you are already at the departure airport with your flight confirmed.

Myth 3: If the mobile is eSIM compatible, it will definitely work

ESIM compatible does not always mean "free to use any eSIM." Some terminals purchased through a specific operator come with the eSIM slot locked to that company, even if the model in general is compatible. It is advisable to check that your mobile is unlocked (not just that it is a compatible model) before buying, especially if you acquired it with a contract or second-hand.

Myth 4: A country's "good" coverage is uniform

A country's mobile coverage is not a flat fact. In the London Underground, for example, the signal disappears in the tunnels except at stations with their own Wi-Fi. In rural areas of inland Italy or Portugal, off the main roads, 4G can be patchy. And in historic centers with very narrow streets and old buildings —think of the medina of a Moroccan city or the historic center of many European cities— the signal drops significantly between the stone walls. Download offline maps and save important addresses before losing coverage, not after you've already lost it.

When NOT to buy a travel eSIM

And here's what almost no store tells you: if your Spanish tariff includes roaming in the European Union (most major operators' tariffs have included it for years), for a three or four-day break in Lisbon, Paris, or Rome, you don't need to buy anything. You're already covered by your own contract. Save that purchase for the trip that does need it: outside the EU, for long stays, or when your operator charges extra for roaming beyond what's included. Buying an additional eSIM for a destination where you already have data included is throwing money away, and telling you openly is better business in the long run than selling you something you don't need.

Which option is for which type of traveler?

There's no universal answer. The best choice depends on how you travel. Here are some real profiles to help you identify with one:

Choose Holafly if...

• You are traveling to a single country for one or two weeks.
• You consume a lot of data (streaming, long video calls) and prefer not to worry about GB.
• You already know the brand and have previous positive experience.
• You seek the peace of mind of "unlimited data" even if the speed may vary.

Choose PuraSim if...

• You have an itinerary with several countries or continents.
• You want to know exactly how much data you have and top up if you need more.
• You are looking for clear prices without hidden clauses.
• You value close support in Spanish.
• You prefer to manage your connectivity from an app.

For frequent travelers who often visit Europe, an eSIM for Europe with broad coverage in the Schengen area is the smartest option. And if your next destination is the United States, where roaming from Spanish operators is usually particularly expensive, take a look at the eSIM for the United States before checking in.

Conclusion — Which one to choose?

Holafly and PuraSim are two good options for staying connected while traveling without paying abusive roaming fees. The choice depends on your priorities: if you are looking for the promise of unlimited data for a specific destination, Holafly is a known and proven alternative. If you prefer transparent pricing, multi-destination flexibility, and the ability to manage and top up your data from an app in Spanish, PuraSim fits better with the modern traveler.

The most important thing is to leave physical SIMs and expensive roaming plans from your operator behind. Either option will give you better value for your money. If you still have doubts, explore the available plans and find the eSIM that best suits your next trip.

Written by Marc González Sáez Founder of PuraSim and a specialist in eSIM and connectivity for travelers. He has been helping people travel connected worldwide for years without overpaying for roaming, and personally tests eSIMs in each destination before recommending them.