Holafly

Honest Holafly Review From 4-Year Ambassadors: Discount Code, Real Testing, and What They Don't Tell You

By · 12+ minute read · Contains affiliate links (disclosure below)

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The working Holafly discount code is THEDUFRESNES. It saves 5% off destination eSIMs, 10% off monthly Holafly Plans, up to 20% off quarterly Plans, and up to 26% total off annual Plans (16% from Holafly + 10% with THEDUFRESNES) when stacked with Holafly's own annual promotion. It has unlimited uses, applies to every purchase, and is verified working as of August 2026. We update and re-verify this page every month, so if Holafly changes its pricing, plans, or discount policy, this page reflects those changes.

We recommend Holafly because it's the only travel eSIM we've actually depended on across 9 years of full-time family travel. Chris and Shayna have been official Holafly Ambassadors for 4 years — not casually affiliated, contractually partnered. Holafly Plans Unlimited has been our sole mobile connectivity for the last 12+ months across 10 countries: the United States, Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Bali, Indonesia. It has worked in every one of them.

This page explains what the code saves, how to apply it, where Holafly works well, where it doesn't, and answers 33 of the questions travelers actually ask. If you want the code and the affiliate link, both are below.

What is Holafly?

Holafly is a Spanish travel eSIM provider founded in 2018. It sells data-only mobile plans that work in 200+ destinations, delivered as digital eSIMs installed by scanning a QR code. Products include single-destination eSIMs, regional eSIMs, and unlimited monthly or annual subscription plans covering 160+ destinations on a single eSIM.

What is a travel eSIM?

A travel eSIM is a digital SIM card that provides mobile data abroad without a physical SIM. It installs on any eSIM-compatible unlocked phone in under a minute by scanning a QR code, and runs alongside your existing home SIM so you can keep your regular phone number while traveling.

Code THEDUFRESNES 5% off eSIMs · 10% off monthly · Up to 20% off quarterly · Up to 26% off annual Plans Apply at Holafly

Why trust this review

Most Holafly reviews online are written by affiliate sites that have never installed a Holafly eSIM. This one isn't. We've partnered with Holafly for over 4 years — officially, as Ambassadors — and we've traveled with it as our only mobile connectivity across 10 countries.

What that means in practice:

  • We use it daily. Holafly Plans Unlimited has been our sole SIM for the last 12+ months. There is no backup local SIM. There is no "we tried it once for this review." Everything on this page comes from real use.
  • We're contractually partnered, not casually affiliated. As official Ambassadors since 2022, we have direct product access, we speak with Holafly's team regularly, and we test features before they're publicly available.
  • We update this page monthly. Pricing, features, coverage, and codes get audited. See the changelog below.
  • We only cover products we travel with. Our YouTube channel documents 9 years of full-time family travel — the eSIMs we recommend are the ones we've actually needed to depend on.
What we don't do: Publish sponsored reviews of competitors. Recommend products we haven't personally used. Invent user numbers, ratings, or firsthand experiences. If a claim on this page can't be verified, it's not here.

Our real-world testing

Every country where we've personally installed and used a Holafly eSIM. This is a testing log, not a marketing list — countries only appear here after we've verified they work on the ground.

Countries where The Dufresnes have personally tested Holafly eSIMs
Country Activation Time Experience Date Tested Notes
United States (California) — Worked well 2024 Reliable urban coverage in the areas we visited.
Mexico — Worked well 2023 Reliable across the regions we visited.
Nicaragua — Worked well 2023 Solid in populated areas.
Costa Rica — Worked well 2023 Lived here 7 years — worked wherever a local SIM would.
Panama — Worked well 2023 Consistent across cities visited.
Thailand — Worked well 2024 Lived in Bangkok 1 year on Holafly Plans — reliable throughout.
Cambodia — Worked well 2025 Good coverage in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Vietnam — Worked well 2025 Good daily connectivity across the areas we lived and traveled.
Hong Kong — Worked well 2026 Multiple carriers available. Watch video.
Bali, Indonesia — Worked well 2026 Strong across all locations tested. Watch video.

Result: 10 of 10 countries — all worked as expected. When we say "we recommend Holafly," this is what we mean.

How to use the THEDUFRESNES discount code

The code applies at checkout on Holafly's website. It takes about 30 seconds.

  1. Visit Holafly's website and choose your eSIM — either a single destination, a regional plan, or Holafly Plans (monthly or annual subscription).
  2. Proceed to checkout. On desktop, the discount code field is in the right sidebar. On mobile, scroll past the order summary to find it.
  3. Type THEDUFRESNES in all caps, no spaces.
  4. Click Apply. Your discount appears immediately in the order total.
  5. Complete checkout. You'll receive your eSIM QR code by email within 1–5 minutes.
Code THEDUFRESNES Verified August 2026 Apply at Holafly
If the discount doesn't apply: Holafly may be running a site-wide sale that supersedes discount codes. In that case, you'll get the sale price — usually a better deal than 5–10% off. Codes and sales don't stack.

Why we recommend Holafly

Nine years of full-time travel have taught us that mobile connectivity is not a place to save money. The cost of being offline — missed flights, failed 2FA, dead navigation, lost hotel bookings — dwarfs the price of any travel eSIM. That said, "reliable" is a low bar. Here's what actually makes Holafly different in our long-term use.

Unlimited data on Plans (with real-world caveats)
Plans Unlimited genuinely does not throttle for typical travel use. We upload YouTube content, run a vacation rental business, and video call family from multiple continents. In 12+ months of daily use we have never been slowed down. It is not "unlimited to infinity" — that doesn't exist anywhere — but it handles what actual travelers do.
eSIM installation in under a minute
You receive a QR code by email, scan it with your phone camera, and the eSIM installs. No SIM tray. No store visit. No local ID requirement. No language barrier at a kiosk.
No physical SIM required
Your home SIM stays active. Your regular phone number keeps receiving SMS. You can run both simultaneously — Holafly for data, your home SIM for 2FA and your existing number.
24/7 customer support that actually responds
Live WhatsApp chat, typically responding in 10–20 minutes. We've used it multiple times over four years. It solves problems — it doesn't just deflect them.
Fast activation on landing
Enable the eSIM in your phone settings, turn on Data Roaming for the Holafly line, and you're connected. We're typically online before we clear immigration.
Works across borders
Holafly Plans covers 160+ destinations on the same eSIM. Regional plans (Europe, North America, Asia, Latin America) let you cross borders on a single purchase. No SIM swapping when your itinerary spans multiple countries.
Keep your phone number
Your primary phone number stays intact and reachable via your home SIM. Holafly Plans Unlimited also includes an optional secondary phone number (Canada, UK, or US) for receiving SMS while you travel — useful for 2FA when your home carrier is roaming-off.

Holafly vs Airalo vs local SIM

A simple objective comparison. Each feature reflects the standard offering — individual plans and destinations may vary.

Feature comparison between Holafly, Airalo, and a local prepaid SIM
Feature Holafly Airalo Local SIM
Unlimited data plansYesNo (data buckets)Varies by country
Physical SIM requiredNoNoYes
Keep existing phone numberYesYesNo
Instant online setupYesYesNo (store visit)
24/7 customer supportYesYesVaries
One eSIM, multiple countriesYes (Plans / regional)Yes (regional)No
Free backup data after plan endsYes (Always On, 1GB/mo)NoNo

Honest downsides

Every product has trade-offs. These are the ones worth knowing before you buy — the kind of things that get glossed over in most reviews.

What Holafly does well

  • Setup is genuinely fast — under a minute
  • Multi-country coverage on one eSIM
  • Unlimited hotspot on Plans Unlimited
  • Support responds in minutes, not days
  • Uses major carriers, not budget MVNOs
  • Always On backup data included with every eSIM
  • Money-back guarantee if your phone isn't compatible

Where Holafly falls short

  • More expensive than a local prepaid SIM if you're staying somewhere 3+ months
  • "Unlimited" plans include fair-use speed management — not throttling for normal use, but not guaranteed maximum speed forever either
  • Destination eSIM hotspot rules vary by country and can be restrictive
  • Destination eSIMs are data-only (no voice calls or SMS on the number itself)
  • Requires an unlocked, eSIM-compatible phone
  • Discount codes don't stack with site-wide sales
  • Plans Unlimited phone number setup is one-time — you can't change it once activated
Speed management, clarified: Fair-use policies exist on virtually every "unlimited" mobile plan globally, including major consumer carriers. Holafly's policy has not affected us in 12+ months of heavy use — including heavy content uploads — but if you're running servers or streaming 4K continuously, look elsewhere. For normal travel use, it's a non-issue.

Always On: 1GB free monthly backup data

Always On is an underrated Holafly feature that most reviews skip. It's a safety net — 1GB of free backup data every month, in 150 destinations, included with every Holafly eSIM.

Here's how it works: keep your Holafly eSIM installed on your phone after your paid plan or trip data ends, and Always On automatically provides 1GB of free data every 30 days. No reactivation, no additional fee. It's not marketed loudly, but it's real, and it works.

When it activates
Immediately upon eSIM activation for destination eSIMs (alongside your trip data). Automatically upon plan end or cancellation for Holafly Plans subscribers.
Where it works
150 destinations across Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania.
Fine print worth knowing
The 1GB is for personal device use only — no hotspot tethering on the backup data. Unused data doesn't roll over; it resets every 30 days.
Practical scenarios where this matters: Delayed flight, expired trip plan, spontaneous overnight in a covered country, unexpected border crossing. If you've ever been stranded at an airport with no data, 1GB is the difference between "handled" and "help."

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Holafly discount code?

The best working Holafly discount code is THEDUFRESNES. It saves 5% on destination eSIMs, 10% on Holafly Plans monthly subscriptions, and up to 26% total on annual Plans when stacked with Holafly's annual promotion. It has unlimited uses and works on every purchase. Verified August 2026.

Does THEDUFRESNES still work?

Yes. THEDUFRESNES is the current Holafly discount code and is verified working as of August 2026. It applies at checkout on Holafly's website, works on every purchase with unlimited uses, and gives 5% off destination eSIMs, 10% off monthly Holafly Plans, and up to 26% total off annual Plans (16% from Holafly + 10% with THEDUFRESNES) when stacked with Holafly's annual promotion.

How much can I save with the code?

THEDUFRESNES saves 5% on destination eSIMs (available in 200+ countries), 10% on Holafly Plans monthly subscriptions, up to 20% total on quarterly Plans (10% Holafly + 10% code), and up to 26% total on annual Plans (16% Holafly + 10% code). On the annual Plans Unlimited subscription that stacks to up to 26% off. The code has unlimited uses and applies to every purchase.

Can I combine discounts?

THEDUFRESNES stacks with Holafly's standing quarterly and annual promotions on Plans, producing up to 20% total off quarterly Plans and up to 26% total off annual Plans. It does not stack with Holafly's site-wide flash sales. When a flash sale is running, the sale price supersedes the discount code — usually a better deal than the code would offer on its own.

Is Holafly worth it?

For most international travelers, yes. Holafly is worth it if you value fast setup, multi-country coverage on one eSIM, and reliable support over the lowest possible per-gigabyte cost. It is not the cheapest option for long single-country stays where a local prepaid SIM would beat it on price.

Is Holafly legit?

Yes. Holafly is an established Spanish travel-eSIM company founded in 2018 that operates through partnerships with major mobile carriers worldwide, delivering coverage in 200+ destinations. It is a well-reviewed, widely used provider — and after four years and 10 countries of our own use, it has worked everywhere we have needed it.

Does Holafly work in Thailand?

Yes, Holafly works in Thailand. We used Holafly Plans throughout our year living in Bangkok in 2024. Coverage was reliable across the country in both urban and populated areas, on the local networks. Thailand is covered by both single-destination eSIMs and Holafly Plans Unlimited (which covers 160+ destinations).

Does Holafly work in Vietnam?

Yes, Holafly works in Vietnam. We used Holafly Plans daily throughout our year living in Da Nang, and it was reliable across the 14 areas of Vietnam we traveled. Coverage is good in urban and populated areas on the local networks. Vietnam is covered by both Holafly's Vietnam-specific eSIM and Holafly Plans Unlimited.

Does Holafly work in Japan?

Yes, Holafly works in Japan. Holafly's Japan eSIM connects to Japan's top-tier local carriers. Coverage across urban Japan is considered among the best in the world. Japan is available as a single-destination eSIM or through Holafly Plans Unlimited (160+ destinations).

Does Holafly work in Europe?

Yes, Holafly works in Europe. The Europe regional eSIM covers 33 destinations on a single purchase, connecting through major local carriers across the region. One eSIM works across the entire coverage area with automatic reconnection when you cross borders — no reconfiguration required.

Does Holafly work in the USA?

Yes, Holafly works in the USA and connects to major local networks. We have personally tested Holafly USA coverage in California with consistent connectivity in urban areas. The USA is available as a single-destination eSIM or through Holafly Plans Unlimited (which covers 160+ destinations including USA, Canada, and Mexico).

Does Holafly work in Bali / Indonesia?

Yes, Holafly works in Bali and across Indonesia. We used it across a 17-day trip through Canggu, Ubud, Sanur, and Uluwatu in June 2026, and connectivity was reliable at every stop — including through a power outage that took out our villa WiFi. Indonesia is available as a single-destination eSIM, through the Asia regional eSIM, or through Holafly Plans Unlimited (160+ destinations).

Does Holafly work in Mexico?

Yes, Holafly works in Mexico. We have used Holafly reliably across the regions of Mexico we visited, on the local networks. Mexico is available as a single-destination eSIM, through the North America regional eSIM (which also covers USA and Canada), or through Holafly Plans Unlimited (160+ destinations).

Does Holafly work in China?

Yes, and this is one of Holafly's biggest advantages in China. Holafly's China eSIM has a built-in firewall bypass, so Google services, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and other apps normally blocked in mainland China work normally — with no separate VPN app to install or configure. Note the China eSIM covers mainland China only; Hong Kong and Taiwan need their own eSIM.

How do I activate Holafly?

Buy your eSIM, receive the QR code by email, scan it with your phone camera to install the eSIM profile, then in your phone settings enable the Holafly line as your data line and turn on Data Roaming. Setup takes under 60 seconds. We recommend installing the profile at home on WiFi, then activating data service when you land.

Frequently asked questions (continued)

Can I hotspot with Holafly?

Yes. Holafly Plans Unlimited includes truly unlimited hotspot with no cap — we regularly tether laptops and family members' phones. Destination eSIMs have limited daily hotspot allowances (typically 500MB to 1GB per day) and specific rules vary by country. Always check the specific plan page before buying if hotspot use is important to your trip.

Does Holafly support 5G?

Yes, Holafly supports 5G where the local carrier partner offers 5G and your phone is 5G-capable. In our testing, urban 5G speeds on Holafly regularly exceed the speeds many home broadband connections deliver. In areas without 5G coverage, Holafly falls back to 4G LTE, which is more than sufficient for typical travel data use.

Can I keep my phone number?

Yes. Your primary phone number stays intact on your home SIM. Holafly runs alongside it — data on Holafly, calls and SMS on your home number. Holafly Plans Unlimited also includes an optional secondary number (Canada, UK, or US) for receiving SMS while traveling.

Can I make phone calls with Holafly?

The Holafly eSIM itself is data-only — no traditional voice calls or outbound SMS on the eSIM number. For calls, use WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram, Google Meet, or any voice-over-data app, which all work fine on Holafly data. Your existing home SIM remains active alongside Holafly, so your regular phone number keeps receiving calls and SMS as normal.

Is Airalo cheaper than Holafly?

For a single short trip in one country, Airalo is often a few dollars cheaper on the low-data plans. Holafly typically wins on multi-country trips, unlimited data, hotspot allowances, and support responsiveness. We use Holafly for the total cost of ownership, not per-GB pricing.

Does Holafly expire?

Destination eSIMs expire at the end of their plan duration (5, 10, 15, 30 days, etc.). Holafly Plans subscriptions renew monthly or annually until you cancel. Even after a plan ends, the eSIM itself stays installed and can access Always On backup data (1GB monthly) if you keep the profile on your phone.

How do Holafly refunds work?

Holafly offers a money-back guarantee if your eSIM cannot be installed due to phone incompatibility. Refunds are processed through Holafly's 24/7 support team. For issues with an eSIM that has already been activated, contact support first — most problems resolve within an hour via WhatsApp chat. Refund conditions apply to unused, unactivated eSIMs.

Is my phone compatible with Holafly eSIM?

Dial *#06# on your phone — if you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM. Your phone must also be carrier-unlocked. Compatible devices include iPhone XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and most recent Motorola, OPPO, and Xiaomi flagships.

Can I cancel Holafly Plans anytime?

Yes. Monthly Plans subscriptions cancel anytime from your Holafly dashboard with no fees. Service continues through the end of your billing period, after which the eSIM automatically downgrades to Always On (1GB free monthly in 150 destinations) as long as you keep the profile installed.

What is Holafly Always On?

Always On is a Holafly feature providing 1GB of free backup data every 30 days in 150 destinations, included with every Holafly eSIM. It activates automatically after your paid plan ends (or alongside destination eSIMs) as long as the eSIM profile stays installed on your phone. Personal device use only — hotspot is not available on Always On data.

What is Holafly Plans Unlimited?

Holafly Plans Unlimited is a subscription eSIM that covers 160+ destinations on one plan, available as monthly, quarterly, or annual billing. It includes unlimited data, unlimited hotspot, a Canada/UK/US phone number for receiving SMS, Always On backup data after cancellation, and 24/7 support. Monthly billing gets 10% off with THEDUFRESNES; quarterly billing stacks 10% (Holafly) + 10% (code) for up to 20% total off; annual billing stacks 16% (Holafly) + 10% (code) for up to 26% total off.

How fast do I receive my Holafly eSIM?

You typically receive your Holafly eSIM by email within 1 to 5 minutes of purchase. It arrives as a QR code that installs the eSIM profile on your phone in about 30 seconds. We recommend installing the eSIM profile at home while connected to WiFi, then activating the data service when you land in your destination.

Does Holafly work on cruise ships?

No, Holafly does not work at sea. Travel eSIMs — including Holafly — require land-based cellular towers, which are not available in the middle of the ocean. Your Holafly eSIM will automatically reconnect when your cruise ship reaches port in any country that Holafly covers. On board, you would need the ship's own maritime cellular or Wi-Fi service.

Can I use Holafly across multiple countries on one trip?

Yes, if you buy a regional eSIM (Europe, North America, Asia, or Latin America) or Holafly Plans Unlimited (160+ destinations). The eSIM automatically reconnects to the local carrier when you cross borders, with no manual reconfiguration. Single-destination eSIMs only work in the specific country they were purchased for and will not connect across borders.

Are the Reddit / YouTube Holafly discount codes still valid?

Most Holafly discount codes floating around Reddit, YouTube comments, and coupon aggregators are expired, region-locked, or single-use. THEDUFRESNES is our official Ambassador code, verified working as of August 2026. We use it on every renewal and maintain it directly with Holafly, so it stays current — this is why it works when random codes online no longer do.

Does the code work on regional eSIMs and top-ups?

Yes. THEDUFRESNES works on Holafly destination eSIMs (single country), regional eSIMs (Europe, North America, Asia, Latin America), top-ups on existing eSIMs, and Holafly Plans monthly and annual subscriptions. The code has unlimited uses and applies to every purchase you make on Holafly's website.

Can I use one Holafly eSIM on multiple phones?

No. An eSIM is tied to the phone it's installed on. Each device needs its own eSIM. For families, Holafly Plans Unlimited with unlimited hotspot is often more cost-effective than buying multiple eSIMs — one subscription can tether the whole family.

Is there a Holafly ambassador code?

Yes — THEDUFRESNES is our official Holafly Ambassador code. We've been Holafly Ambassadors for 4 years and use this code on every renewal ourselves. It offers 5% off destination eSIMs, 10% off monthly Plans, and up to 26% total off annual Plans (16% from Holafly + 10% with THEDUFRESNES).

Revision history

This page is audited monthly. Every code, price, coverage claim, and FAQ is re-verified.

  • ✓ Discount code THEDUFRESNES verified
  • ✓ Holafly added a new Quarterly Plans billing option (Save ~10%)
  • ✓ Holafly's annual promotion updated to 16%; stacked total is now up to 26% off with our code
  • ✓ Pricing wording updated across the page (Monthly / Quarterly / Yearly)
  • ✓ FAQ updated
  • ✓ Coverage reviewed (Always On now in 150 destinations)
  • ✓ Bali added to testing log
  • ✓ Discount code verified
  • ✓ Bali testing began
  • ✓ Countries on Plans updated
  • ✓ Discount code verified
  • ✓ 4-year Ambassador milestone reached
  • ✓ Always On section added
  • ✓ Phone number setup guide added
  • ✓ Discount code verified
  • ✓ Pricing checked

Why travelers use our code

Honestly? Because we've been maintaining it, updating it, and standing behind it for four years. We don't publish user counts or "join thousands" claims — that's not what this page is for. What we can point to:

  • Four years as official Holafly Ambassadors, from 2022 through today.
  • 22,600+ YouTube subscribers who've watched us actually travel with the product.
  • 10 countries where we've personally installed and used Holafly eSIMs.
  • 12+ months of Holafly Plans as our sole mobile connectivity — no backup local SIM.
  • Monthly manual verification that THEDUFRESNES still applies at checkout.

If you've read this far, you're not looking for hype. You're looking for accurate information from someone who uses the product. That's what we've tried to give you.

Final recommendation

Holafly is the eSIM we travel with. Not the cheapest option per gigabyte, but the one we've depended on across 10 countries and 12+ months of continuous daily use. If you're planning international travel and connectivity matters — for work, family, safety, or peace of mind — this is a straightforward recommendation.

Use the code, or don't. Either way, we've told you what we know.

Discount code THEDUFRESNES 5% off eSIMs · 10% off monthly Plans · Up to 26% off annual Plans (16% from Holafly + 10% with THEDUFRESNES) Get Holafly

Code verified August 2026 · Unlimited uses · Works on every purchase

Affiliate & Ambassador disclosure: Chris and Shayna (The Dufresnes) have been official Holafly Ambassadors since May 2022. When you use our link and code THEDUFRESNES, we earn a commission from Holafly at no additional cost to you. This supports our family travel content on YouTube and this blog. We only recommend products we personally use and travel with. Holafly Plans Unlimited has been our sole mobile connectivity for 12+ months across 10 countries. All opinions and testing results are our own, based on genuine long-term use.