Escape Winter in Thailand, Costa Rica or Mexico: Holafly eSIM Guide + Code THEDUFRESNES (Up to 30% Off)
We're Canadians who stopped doing winters a long time ago. We left Canada in 2017 and spent seven years living in Costa Rica, then a year in Bangkok and a year in Da Nang, Vietnam. We've also traveled Mexico. Every one of those winters ran on mobile data, and for the last 4.5 years that data has come from Holafly.
This guide compares the three winter escapes we know best and shows how to stay connected for a long stay without paying home-carrier roaming fees. For the full product breakdown, see our complete Holafly guide.
Thailand vs Costa Rica vs Mexico for winter
| Thailand | Costa Rica | Mexico | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | Cool, dry season in Bangkok and the north (roughly Nov–Feb). Andaman coast best Dec–Mar; Gulf islands wetter Oct–Dec | Dry season on the Pacific side (roughly Dec–Apr) | Dry, warm winters in most coastal regions |
| Distance from Canada | Long-haul, usually with a connection | Direct and one-stop flights common | Short flights, many direct |
| Our experience | Lived a year in Bangkok | Lived here 7 years | Traveled with our sons |
| Holafly option | Thailand eSIM, Southeast Asia/Asia regional, or Plans | Costa Rica eSIM, Central America regional, or Plans | Mexico eSIM, North America regional, or Plans |
Thailand
Our year living in Bangkok covered a full Thai winter, and it's the easiest long-stay city we've lived in for connectivity. Pick your coast carefully, though. The Andaman side and the Gulf islands have different rainy seasons, so a December beach plan works on one and can wash out on the other. Thailand also pairs naturally with neighbouring destinations, which is where a regional eSIM or Holafly Plans earns its keep. If your stay runs into April, read our Songkran eSIM guide.
Costa Rica
Seven years living in Costa Rica means we know its winter well. Dry season on the Pacific coast is the classic snowbird window. Holafly worked for us wherever a local SIM would. Beach towns are well covered, but coverage thins on remote roads and in the mountains, as it does with any provider there.
Mexico
The shortest flight from most of Canada, and the easiest place to bounce between destinations. If you'll also spend time in the US on the way down, the North America regional eSIM covers the USA, Canada and Mexico on one eSIM.
Destination eSIM or Holafly Plans for a long winter?
| Your winter | Best fit | With THEDUFRESNES |
|---|---|---|
| One destination, under 90 days | Destination eSIM (unlimited data) | 5% off |
| Two or three destinations in one region | Regional eSIM (Asia, Central America, North America) | 5% off |
| Several regions, or 2+ months on the move | Holafly Plans (160+ destinations) | 10% monthly · up to 20% quarterly · up to 30% annual |
| Want doctor chat and travel protection bundled | Holafly Ultra | See our Ultra review |
We've been on Holafly Plans Unlimited for over a year as our only mobile connection. For snowbirds, the appeal is simple: you subscribe for the months you're away, cancel when you get home, and Plans covers the next trip too. Check Holafly's coverage list for your specific destinations before subscribing.
Tips for Canadians (and other snowbirds)
- Keep your home number. An eSIM runs alongside your home SIM. Leave your home line on for calls and two-factor codes, and use Holafly for data. Check your home carrier's roaming settings so you aren't charged for data on that line.
- Avoid daily roaming passes. Over a two- or three-month stay, per-day roaming fees add up fast. Unlimited eSIM data is a flat cost.
- Install before you leave. Set up the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi and turn it on when you land.
- Keep the eSIM installed afterwards. Always On gives you 1 GB of free backup data every month in 150+ destinations, so next winter starts connected. It's for your own device only, with no hotspot on backup data.
- Health cover matters on long stays. Holafly destination eSIMs now include 24/7 doctor chat, and Ultra bundles doctor and mental-health chat. These are new, so treat them as a first step rather than a substitute for travel medical insurance.
What travelers on Reddit say
Long-stay travelers in Reddit threads often describe using Holafly across multiple trips in Southeast Asia and the Americas, with reliable coverage in cities and towns and no need to ration data. Several mention regional plans making border crossings painless, and support answering quickly over WhatsApp when something needs sorting out.
Winter escape eSIM FAQ
What's the best eSIM for a long winter stay abroad?
For one destination for up to 90 days, a Holafly destination eSIM with unlimited data. For several destinations or longer stays, Holafly Plans covers 160+ destinations on a monthly subscription you can cancel anytime.
How long can a Holafly eSIM last?
Holafly destination eSIMs can be bought for 1 to 90 days. For longer stays, Holafly Plans renews monthly, quarterly or annually until you cancel.
Can Canadians keep their phone number with Holafly?
Yes. Holafly runs alongside your home SIM, so your Canadian number stays active for calls and texts while Holafly provides the data. Check your carrier's roaming settings to avoid charges on your home line.
Does Holafly work in Costa Rica?
Yes. We lived in Costa Rica for seven years and Holafly worked for us wherever a local SIM would. Coverage thins on remote roads and in mountainous areas, as it does with any provider.
Is Thailand or Costa Rica better for a winter escape?
Both are excellent. We've lived in each. Costa Rica is closer to Canada and its Pacific dry season lines up with winter. Thailand is a longer flight but pairs easily with nearby destinations. Your choice of coast matters in both.
Is there a Holafly discount code for long stays?
Yes. THEDUFRESNES is our official Holafly Ambassador discount code and promo code. It gives 5% off destination eSIMs, 10% off monthly Holafly Plans, up to 20% off quarterly Plans, and up to 30% off annual Plans.