Why was Airalo a total lifesaver for our family trip? Let me share our story.
When traveling abroad with kids, one of the biggest stress points is figuring out how to stay connected. Searching for SIM cards at unfamiliar airports, dealing with local telecom counters, and setting things up while juggling tired little ones—it’s a lot. That’s why we decided to try Airalo, an eSIM app that lets you set up mobile data before you even leave your home country.
In this post, we’ll share our real experience using Airalo during our 10-day trip to Thailand and 7-day trip to Singapore, traveling as a family of three (two adults and a 5-year-old child). Here’s what worked, what didn’t, and what we recommend to other families.
This post contains affiliate links.
First, the Quick Summary: Pros & Cons of Airalo for Families
Pros
- No need to search for SIM card counters at the airport—great when your child is tired
- Instant internet access upon arrival for maps, taxi apps, and more
- Cash-free setup with credit card payment
- Fast and stable connection—great for video streaming and navigation
- Ideal even when SIM counters are closed or unavailable (like at some Japanese airports)
Cons & Things to Know
- Initial setup can be a bit confusing, especially since it’s in English
- Requires Wi-Fi to install the eSIM (must be done before departure)
- Activation may fail if you don’t follow the right steps—prep is essential
- Hard to concentrate on setup if you’re managing a young child—do it early and with a plan
Why Airalo Was a Game-Changer the Moment We Landed
The best thing about Airalo? We were online within minutes of landing. At Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, we cleared immigration, opened the Grab app, and ordered a taxi to our hotel—no waiting in lines, no wandering around with luggage and a tired child.
Because we had purchased our eSIM plans in advance using a credit card, we didn’t need local cash or worry about finding a shop. For families traveling with kids, that kind of smooth start to the trip is gold.
Setup Tips: A Bit Tricky, but Totally Doable with Prep
Setting up Airalo isn’t technically difficult, but the app’s interface is in English, and you’ll need to follow several steps. Crucially, installing the eSIM requires an internet connection, so don’t leave this until the airport.
Here’s what worked for us:
- We always install our eSIM over a stable Wi-Fi connection before leaving our departure country (in this case, Japan).
- We took screenshots of each setup step, so we could refer to them offline
- We only activated the eSIM after arriving at our destination
Thanks to that preparation, we were able to handle the process smoothly—even with our 5-year-old asking for snacks in the middle of it.
Connection Quality: Fast, Reliable, and Kid-Approved
In Thailand, we used a 50GB / 10-day plan from dtac (which also included 100 minutes of calls). In Singapore, we opted for a plan using StarHub’s network.
Both plans delivered excellent speed and stability. YouTube streamed without buffering, Google Maps loaded instantly, and we had no issues using apps like Grab, Instagram, or Google Translate.
We also tested the “Moshi Moshi” eSIM for Japan (20GB / 30 days) when returning home. This plan uses major Japanese carriers like SoftBank or KDDI, and the connection was equally stable. It’s a great option for travelers visiting Japan with kids.
Why It’s Especially Useful for Families
Every traveling parent knows—the fewer delays, the better. With Airalo, we skipped the SIM card lines entirely, avoided language barriers, and didn’t have to fumble with cash or complicated vending machines.
Being able to immediately:
- call a ride,
- check our hotel’s location,
- or search for a nearby restaurant with kid-friendly meals…
…meant we could focus on keeping our child comfortable instead of troubleshooting.
In Japan, we noticed that SIM counters were closed or unmanned at the airport, with only vending machines available. Airalo gave us peace of mind we wouldn’t be stuck without service.
Bonus: Travel Apps That Worked Great with Airalo
Because our internet was reliable, we could also make the most of these helpful family-travel apps:
- Skyscanner – flexible flight search
- AirVisual – check air quality (useful for kids with allergies)
- GO (Japan taxi app) – easy taxi hailing without language issues
- Klook – book family-friendly tours and tickets in advance
3 Must-Know Tips for Parents Using Airalo
- Install your eSIM before you leave home.
Don’t count on airport Wi-Fi. Get it done in a stable environment while you still have time. - Take screenshots of the setup steps.
If something goes wrong or you’re offline, you’ll still know what to do. - Get eSIMs for both parents if possible.
If one phone has issues, the other can tether. It also makes it easier to divide responsibilities on the go.
Final Thoughts: Airalo Eliminates the First Big Travel Stress
That moment when you land and don’t know how to get online? Airalo completely removed that anxiety for us. We started every part of our trip—airport to hotel, hotel to activities—calm, connected, and ready to explore.
If you’re traveling abroad with children, Airalo is one of those small tools that can make a big difference. With a little preparation, it’s easy to use and gives you the freedom to focus on what really matters: enjoying the trip with your family.