Yesim vs Airalo
One of the few travel eSIMs that can send a text message, against the biggest catalogue in the category. Fifty cents apart.
We may earn a small commission through links on this site, at no extra cost to you.
Yesim
Data, virtual numbers, and VPN in one Swiss app.
Airalo
The biggest eSIM store on earth, and it acts like it.
| Feature | Yesim | Airalo |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 4.0 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
| Price | $19 | $19.50 |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Best for | Travelers needing SMS abroad | First-time and frequent travelers |
| Category | Data bundles | Data bundles |
| Provider | Yesim AG | Airalo |
| Visit Yesim | Visit Airalo |
Our verdict
Airalo wins on coverage and Yesim wins if you need a phone number abroad. Our reference pack is $19 at Yesim against $19.50 at Airalo, a difference of 50 cents, so the money is irrelevant. The scores are not: 4.6 for Airalo against 4.0 for Yesim. The distinction that matters is SMS.
Most travel eSIMs sell data only, which is fine until a bank or an airline insists on sending a verification code to a number. Yesim is one of the few that can receive and send text messages, and for anyone who banks abroad that turns a nuisance into a non issue.
The honest downside of Yesim is a smaller catalogue and less predictable speeds than the market leader, plus an app that is less polished. The honest downside of Airalo is precisely the SMS gap: its packs are data only, so a code sent by text will not arrive.
You need to receive verification codes while travelling: Yesim. Everything else: Airalo, and use an authenticator app instead of SMS where your bank allows it.
“The Swiss app that does more than data: virtual numbers for receiving SMS, a built-in VPN option, and pay-as-you-go credit next to regular packs. A bit busier than the minimalists, but genuinely useful for travelers who need a number abroad.”Editorial team, on Yesim
“The default choice for a reason: more countries than anyone, a mature app, and fair prices. Not always the absolute cheapest per gigabyte, but the combination of coverage, reliability, and ease keeps it on top of our shortlist.”Editorial team, on Airalo
Frequently asked questions
Can I receive SMS on a travel eSIM?
Usually not. Most travel eSIMs, Airalo included, sell data only and come without a usable phone number, so a verification code sent by text will never arrive. Yesim is one of the exceptions and can handle SMS, which is the main reason to pick it over a cheaper or broader rival.
Is Yesim cheaper than Airalo?
By 50 cents on our reference pack, $19 against $19.50. That difference is too small to decide anything. Choose on what you need: SMS support at Yesim, or the widest catalogue and the higher score at Airalo, which sits at 4.6 against 4.0.
What happens to my normal number while I use an eSIM?
It stays active on your regular SIM unless you switch it off, so calls and texts to your usual number still arrive, at roaming rates. Many travellers keep the home line on for calls and route all data through the eSIM. That is also the cheapest way to keep receiving bank codes.