Latest news with #Airalo
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
'I won Race Across The World - one country surprised me because it was so cheap'
Alfie Watts, who won the BBC show, has shared his top travel tips for those looking to jet off to a new destination - and the country that he believes is the cheapest in the world As holidaymakers gear up for a sun-drenched getaway, the quest for budget-friendly escapes is heating up. With costs only increasing around the world, Brits have recently been making an effort to book holidays without breaking the bank. To lend a helping hand, globe-trotter Alfie Watts – famed as the youngest victor on Race Across the World in 2024 – has divulged his top tips for thrifty travel, along with revealing the country that blew his mind with its value for money. Chatting with eSIM travel specialists Airalo, Alfie pinpointed Uzbekistan as the most wallet-friendly destination he's discovered, admitting: "I was absolutely shocked by the affordability of Uzbekistan when I went there in March." His list of economical destinations didn't stop there, adding: "I also found Brazil and, of course, South East Asia extremely cheap from a cost of living perspective." For those wanting to explore without straying too far, Alfie suggested that Prague is currently Europe's best bet for a bargain, although he warned that prices are on the upswing. The seasoned traveller noted: "Prague is renowned for being cheap, but Europe is catching on to the tourism hype, as travellers are coming across Europe's hidden gems," reports the Express. "It can be difficult to find cheap places in Europe, as prices are rising due to tourism, so in some cases, it can be cheaper to travel to places further afield." Alfie suggests a daily budget of at least £40 to ensure you can "survive in any country" and still enjoy good food and vibes. If you're considering a package holiday, he recommends waiting until the last minute to book for the best deals, particularly if you're flexible about your destination. His final words of wisdom are to "never eat in city centres in big chain restaurants, never eat at the airport and never say yes to the first taxi that grabs you outside the terminal, as they're likely to take advantage of you and charge a higher fee."
Syyaha
11-05-2025
- Business
- Syyaha
The Region's Tourism Boom Fuels Record Growth in eSIM Adoption
● Saudi Arabia saw a 15% increase in international flight bookings through 2024, and the UAE saw a 16% rise in international visitors during the same year ● The MENA eSIM market surged 20% in 2024, driven by rising travel demand, 5G expansion, and increased adoption among outbound GCC travelers The GCC is witnessing an unprecedented tourism surge, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading global travel expansion. According to recent market data, the Kingdom saw a 15% increase in international flight bookings last year compared to 2023, while the Emirates experienced a 16% rise in international visitors during the same period. Ahmed Elfiky, Director of Growth at Airalo, commented: 'Saudi Arabia's push into leisure and entertainment is evident with major events like Riyadh Season and the upcoming 2029 Asian Winter Games. Similarly, the UAE continues to attract and retain visitors with initiatives such as the evolving developments in Dubai's Expo City. These efforts are positioning both countries as premier global tourism hubs. With both countries increasingly drawing millions of visitors, this is fueling demand for seamless digital connectivity.' With multi-billion-dollar tourism investments, record-breaking visitor numbers, and world-class events, reliable mobile connectivity has become a necessity for modern travelers. In fact, in the four years leading up to June 2023, bandwidth consumption in the Middle East grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of just over 30%. A key driver behind this spike was the increasing demand of customers on the move, and all indications point to this trend continuing for the foreseeable future with digital advancements enabling the potential for mobility at an unprecedented rate. Building on this momentum, the Middle East's tourism and travel sector witnessed remarkable growth in 2024. Saudi Arabia welcomed over 100 million visitors, surpassing its Vision 2030 target six years ahead of schedule, while Dubai attracted over 17 million international travelers, reinforcing its status as a global travel hub. At the same time, the region's commitment to sustainable tourism is evident, with Saudi Arabia investing over $500 billion in developing world-class destinations. As the world's first and largest eSIM marketplace, Airalo has recorded a sharp increase in eSIM activations across the region, driven by the demand for instant, cost-effective, and hassle-free connectivity. This trend aligns with the 20% growth of the eSIM market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in 2024, reflecting the region's digital transformation and the surge in GCC travelers using eSIMs for seamless connectivity across top destinations in Europe, the US, and Asia. Airalo eSIMs offer instant activation, flexible data plans, and seamless global connectivity, eliminating the need for physical SIM swaps or costly roaming fees. As tourism in the GCC continues to soar, more travelers are embracing eSIM technology for instant, borderless, and hassle-free connectivity—ensuring they stay connected wherever their journey takes them.
West Australian
07-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Era of the eSIM is coming
The days of the physical (and fiddly) SIM card could be numbered. We have been writing about eSIMs over the last few weeks — the electronic SIM built into most current phones, which can be activated and are useful as an alternative number, in the same phone, subscribed to international providers like Airalo. (I use this in my back-up phone). One thing we haven't been mentioning is electronic tablets, but I now notice that Apple's new iPads are eSIM-only. They don't even take a usual SIM card. An insider at Australian international roaming provider and eSIM specialist Simify takes us on a trip down memory lane: 'Invented back in the 1990s, SIM cards revolutionised mobile phones by making it easy to move phone numbers between handsets. 'While they started out the size of credit cards, sliding into bulky 2G mobile phones, today's physical SIMs have shrunk to the size of a fingernail. 'While the shrinking size of SIM cards has made them more convenient, they remain a hassle in that phone and tablet owners still need to obtain a physical card to access mobile networks. 'The rise of digital eSIMs eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, offering people the freedom to instantly sign up for new mobile services and even switch between providers on the fly.' The iPhone 14 was Apple's first handset to eliminate the physical SIM card slot on some US models. This year's iPhone 17, which should be released in September, is expected to be eSIM-only in many more countries, possibly including Australia. And with the current, refreshed iPad Air and entry-level iPad not taking a physical SIM card, Apple no longer sells a tablet in Australia that can do so. Simify was born out of frustration. In 2018, young Australian entrepreneurs Aidan Butler and Mac Steer channelled their frustration at the expensive and restrictive roaming packages offered by major telcos into their start-up company, which was originally called SimsDirect. Simify offers mobile coverage in more than 150 countries, with unlimited data for up to 90 days, with no need to think about top-ups or extra roaming fees. It now has more than 300,000 customers. Aidan says: 'Simify has seen that eSIMs are a game-changer for travellers, but they're also a fantastic innovation for anyone who wants to get their mobile device online instantly, rather than waiting to get their hands on an old-fashioned SIM card.' He adds: 'The days of the physical SIM card are clearly numbered in Australia. When Apple decides it's time to ditch the SIM card slot on all iPhones and iPads, you can be sure that others will follow suit and relegate physical SIM cards to the history books.' Where Apple goes (from ditching physical keyboards on smartphones to removing headphone jacks) where others follow. For an eSIM package for UK and Europe with up to 100GB of data for up to 90 days, travellers can pay from $25. That data can be used in 43 countries. An unlimited UK and Europe package for 90 days is from $44. In South-East Asia, and unlimited 90 day package for 10 countries is from $44.
NDTV
29-04-2025
- NDTV
Why You Need An eSIM For Your Next Trip And How It Will Change The Way You Travel
Remember the days of fumbling with tiny SIM cards at the airport, praying you didn't lose that microscopic tool to pop open your phone tray? Good news: Those days are officially numbered. If you're planning your next trip, whether it's a quick European city break or a long-haul adventure, there's a smarter, much easier way to stay connected — and it's called an esim. So, what exactly is an eSIM? Short for "embedded SIM", an eSIM is a small chip built directly into your smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. It works just like a traditional SIM card — letting your device connect to a mobile network — but you don't have to insert anything physically. Instead, you can instantly download mobile plans, switch providers without swapping cards, and manage multiple numbers from your settings. It's a game changer, especially for travel. All You Need To Know About Using An eSIM For Your Next Trip: Why eSIMs Make Travelling So Much Better First off, no more queuing at tiny airport kiosks trying to buy a local SIM with patchy Wi-Fi and a dubious language barrier. With an eSIM, you can sort out your mobile data before you leave home. Services like Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad let you buy local, regional, or global plans online. You scan a QR code or download a profile directly to your device, and boom — you're connected the moment you land. Another massive win? No more worrying about losing your primary SIM card. Travellers used to juggle their original SIMs, tucking them into wallets (or worse, the bottoms of rucksacks) only to panic later when they couldn't find them. With an eSIM, your original number stays untouched, and you simply activate a temporary travel plan alongside it. Dual SIM functionality means you can keep using your regular WhatsApp, banking apps, and texts while enjoying local rates abroad. The Tech You Need To Know Before you get too excited, check if your device supports eSIMs. Most newer smartphones do: think iPhone XR and later, Google Pixel 3 and onwards, and Samsung Galaxy S20 and above. Many new tablets and wearables, like the latest iPads and Apple Watches, are also eSIM-ready. It's worth noting that not all mobile networks fully support eSIM technology yet, especially in more remote parts of the world. But coverage is growing fast. According to GSMA, the association representing mobile operators, eSIM adoption is set to triple over the next few years. Translation: If it's not available where you're heading today, it probably will be soon. How To Set Up An eSIM Setting up an eSIM is refreshingly simple. After purchasing a travel data plan, you'll usually receive a QR code via email. Go into your phone's settings, select "Add Mobile Plan", scan the code, and follow a few on-screen instructions. That's it. In some cases, you might download an app (like Airalo's) to manage your plan directly. Pro tip: Set it up before you fly. You'll avoid stress and any roaming charges that might kick in as you search for a cafe with Wi-Fi in a new country. Also Read: 5 Airline Stopover Programmes That Offer You (Almost) Free Mini-Vacations Why It's Totally Worth It Not only does using an eSIM save you money — no overpriced airport SIMs or outrageous roaming charges — but it also gives you serious peace of mind. Imagine landing in Tokyo, Paris, or Cape Town and instantly hailing an Uber, finding your Airbnb, or checking in with family without breaking a sweat. Plus, most eSIM providers offer transparent, pay-as-you-go rates, so you're not tied into sneaky contracts or hidden fees. You buy what you need, when you need it. For frequent travellers, digital nomads, and even casual holidaymakers, eSIMs are quickly becoming the no-brainer choice. They're flexible, secure, and ridiculously convenient — everything modern travel should be. Popular Network Providers For International Travel 1. Airalo: 200+ countries including USA, UK, France, Japan, Thailand, Australia, India, Mexico 2. Holafly: 160+ countries including USA, Canada, UK, Europe (regional), Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Brazil 3. Saily: 150+ countries including USA, UK, Germany, Australia, UAE, Turkey, Singapore 4. Ubigi: 190+ countries including USA, UK, France, Italy, China, UAE, South Africa, Japan 5. Nomad: 165+ countries including USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia 6. Jetpac: 70+ countries including USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Europe 7. Instabridge: 100+ countries including USA, India, Brazil, Philippines, South Africa, UK 8. Flexiroam: 150+ countries including USA, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, UAE, UK, Australia 9. aloSIM: 130+ countries including USA, Mexico, France, Italy, Spain, Thailand, Japan 10. GigSky: 190+ countries including USA, UK, Europe (regional), China, UAE, Australia 11. Matrix: 130+ countries including USA, UK, UAE, Thailand, Singapore, Canada, Germany 12. ETravelSim: 200+ countries including USA, India, UK, Europe (regional), Australia, UAE, Japan
Arabian Business
31-03-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Gulf Air partners with Airalo to provide unique communication experience to global travellers
Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Airalo, a leading global e-commerce platform, announced a strategic partnership to enhance the passenger experience onboard Gulf Air flights. The collaboration offers the airline customers the opportunity to earn rewarding deals. Gulf Air customers earn points with eSIMs Under the agreement, Gulf Air Falconflyer members will receive 20 Falconflyer points for every $1 they spend on Airalo eSIMs. This exclusive offer gives travellers the opportunity to enjoy internet data in over 200 countries and regions in an easy, affordable, and environmentally friendly way, in addition to accumulating points for future trips, as well as many other rewards. 'We are thrilled to partner with Gulf Air to offer their passengers a convenient and cost-effective way to stay connected while travelling,' said Tony Kaldas, Director of Partnerships Arabia & Africa at Airalo. 'In today's interconnected world, access to mobile data is essential, and Airalo's eSIM solutions provide a hassle-free way to stay online without incurring roaming charges,' he said. Hanadi AlAali, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Gulf Air, said the partnership with Airalo is more than just a collaboration, it's a step toward a more seamless, connected and rewarding travel experience. 'By integrating innovative digital solutions with our loyalty programme, we are empowering our Falconflyer members with greater convenience and exclusive benefits,' he said. Airalo eSIMs provide a digital alternative to traditional SIM cards, enabling travellers to purchase data and calling packages and install them directly on their devices before or upon arrival at their destination.
