Airalo moves to a permanent eSIM

Until now at Airalo, it was “a separate eSIM for each trip”. The operator is now putting forward another model for its 30 million customers.

A single eSIM, based on Airalo’s own network, is designed to give users continuous, borderless connectivity with just one installation.

Airalo describes this new experience as installing a single eSIM on the device, onto which plans can be added as needed.

Airalo thus becomes a true mobile operator with its own infrastructure rather than a go-between connecting travellers to local operators.

“Building our own network was the logical next step towards borderless connectivity. It allows us to offer a single installation while guaranteeing the quality our customers are used to,” said Davide Vitiello, co-founder and chief product officer at Airalo.

With this shift in paradigm, Airalo users can benefit from very tangible advantages: the ability to test their connection before they get there, to ensure they can top up their account or buy a new plan wherever they are, at any time, without Wi‑Fi or another active SIM.

“In the end, connectivity is not just about data; it is about being able to let your loved ones know you have arrived,” Vitiello added.

“We built our own network so that nothing is left to chance: a single installation is enough, and the connection follows you everywhere.”

With this transition, Airalo aligns with a trend that appears to be taking hold in the sector.

Ubigi also offers a service accessible with a single eSIM that again allows top-ups without an active plan and without Wi‑Fi.

Operators such as Gigsky, Saily and Nomad likewise offer similar approaches.

By migrating more than 30 million users to this new proposition, Airalo is helping to redefine the sector’s business model.

The transition to this new model began on 9 November 2026 and will continue for 12 months, the operator said.