Data-only eSIMs are fine, but every now and then you actually need to call someone — maybe even a landline. It might be your bank back home, a local restaurant, or the airline that moved the flight 10 hours early and forgot to contact you (true story). But don’t worry, aloSIM has the solution. Here’s how to get a free phone number with one of their eSIMs.
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aloSIM eSIM review
aloSIM is a travel eSIM provider based in Canada. As a Canadian myself, I couldn’t wait to test it out because we love to support Canadian businesses.
aloSIM works the way most eSIMs do: buy a data plan for your destination(s), install the eSIM, and you’re online without hunting down a local SIM card. But that’s not all! aloSIM also works with Hushed (its sister company) to give you a proper phone number. You can use this for 2FA when you’re travelling — literally one of the most annoying things about this lifestyle — and to make local and international calls.
Data is data, and it feels like there are a billion eSIM companies out there to choose from. But the phone number is what really makes aloSIM stand out. I had a great experience using aloSIM, and found the Hushed part a little confusing, but still very useful.
aloSIM pros and cons
Here are the main pros and cons to using an aloSIM eSIM (and Hushed, for the phone number).
aloSIM pros
- You get a real phone number. An actual number you can call landlines from! This is the whole reason to use aloSIM, and it’s such a lifesaver when you need it.
- Phone number gives you a way to manage 2FA when you’re travelling. This is like, the major benefit in my eyes.
- It’s a Canadian company. It’s always nice to support, but especially these days!
- The app is easy to navigate. Buying, installing, and activating took me a matter of minutes. No customer support required. (But there is a live chat option if you need it.)
- Amazing refund policy. Most eSIM companies are pretty strict about no refunds, or only offer credit, or whatever. aloSIM has a solid 30-day money-back guarantee so trying it out is very low risk.
- aloCASH. They have a refer and earn program where you get $3 every time you get a friend to sign up.
aloSIM cons
- Calling requires Hushed. It’s a second piece to set up but not the end of the world if you’re reasonably tech savvy.
- The credit system is pretty confusing. What do you mean I pay $8.99 for $1 worth of calling credit? More on this below.
- You pay for calls. Free number, but paid calling minutes. But the minutes are really affordable so this is like a semi-con.
- eSIM setup isn’t fool-proof. I found the aloSIM setup really easy, but I’m super familiar with eSIMs now. Other users on Trustpilot mention the complicated set up process, so it might not be the most user-friendly if it’s your first time. Linking the number to Hushed was also easy, but did require me to jump around a bit between the app and my emails.
AloSIM pricing
Here’s what aloSIM data costs. Pricing varies significantly depending on where you’re going, how long you need an eSIM for, and whether you want a few GBs or unlimited. So here’s my best attempt at a summary of aloSIM pricing, using a trip to France as the example destination. (Accurate as of June 2026.)
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | 1 GB | 7 days | $4.50 |
| Standard | 3 GB | 30 days | $8 |
| Heavy Data | 20 GB | 30 days | $32 |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | 20 days | $57 |
| Calling | — | Pay-as-you-go | $0.04–0.70 per minute |
How calling actually works with Hushed
aloSIM gives you a free phone number through its integration with Hushed. Getting an eSIM gives you the opportunity to choose a Canada, US, or UK phone number and test it with 3 USD of trial calling credit. That’s about half an hour’s worth of yappin’ time. (Depending on where you’re calling.)
I tested this properly in Malaysia, and it even worked from Borneo. We called Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa, plus made one local call, and all of them connected fine. My mother in Canada, unprompted, noted how clear the connection was. Better than what we usually experience for calls via Facebook Messenger.
You also get to choose from a short list of numbers. Find something that has a nice ring to it. (Eh? Eh???)
More about Hushed
Hushed is kinda brilliant and can be useful even when you’re not travelling. Like even when you have your normal phone number, getting an additional temporary/disposable Hushed one has its perks.
For example, if you’re selling something on the internet and don’t want to give a stranger your actual phone number, you can use a Hushed number instead. It’s also a safe option for online dating for the same reason. If you want a “fake” phone number to share when a website is offering you a discount in exchange for your phone number: Hushed.
I guess this would also be good for crime? But don’t do that.
Hushed has a monthly option (starting at 9 USD for the international plan) if you’re going to be using it all the time. For me, on a trip to Malaysia where everyone uses WhatsApp, just a bit of calling credit was fine.
aloSIM vs. Airalo & other competitors
Airalo is the biggest eSIM company out there, so it’s often a good comparison point. Being the biggest definitely doesn’t make it best. The Airalo app was the first eSIM I ever used, and tbh it’s also been the worst. (I even tried it more than once.)
aloSIM is an excellent alternative to Airalo, and the ability to text and make calls make this an easy stand out.
Price wise, eSIMs are hard to compare pound for pound. It changes drastically based on your destination, length of trip, and how heavy of a data user you are. But for quick comparison’s sake, I’d say aloSIM sits perfectly in the mid-to-low budget range, with pricing exactly in line with Saily and Airalo. Here’s what it costs for a 10 GB eSIM for Italy with all three:
- Airalo: $19.00
- aloSIM: $20.50
- Saily: $20.99
Can you find cheaper eSIMs? Sure. For example, Jetpac does some 1 GB for $1 deals if you just want to test it out or you’re leaving the airport on an 18-hour layover in Singapore or something. But for the added value of access to a phone number, it’s well-worth the price.
Read more: Airalo Review (Why I Don’t Recommend It)
How aloSIM compares at a glance
← Swipe to see all providers
aloSIM vs Roamless calling
These are two similar eSIM/calling apps, so they deserve their own comparison breakdown. You can see more side-by-side feature comparisons in my master eSIM Google Sheet that covers 10+ brands.
aloSIM
The number works through Hushed and you can choose a number for Canada, the US, or the UK. After your intro credit runs out, you then have an option to do a subscription, which is $8.99 per month for the international one. But you can also make one-off payments for credit if the subscription seems like overkill.
Tbh, the credit system is pretty confusing to me. I don’t like math, so this made my brain like 😵💫.
aloSIM has 24/7 in-app customer support, and you can call, of course! So if you’re confused about any of this someone will be around to clarify.
Note you need the pay-as-you-go version for international. “Unlimited” is local (US/Canada/UK) calls only. I’m assuming you’re reading my blog because you’re travelling.
They have a VoIP system (voice over IP — like Skype was, if you’re old enough to remember). They’ve just introduced actual numbers as well, which work on a paid subscription like aloSIM. It’s currently only available in four countries: Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia. It’s $6.95 per month or $59.95 per year.
eSIM-wise, Roamless isn’t the cheapest option out there for GB, especially if you go with their Flex Plan. It works anywhere in the world, but you pay for it.
aloSIM and eSIM FAQs
Here are some helpful answers to common questions you might have about eSIMs and this provider.
Does aloSIM work for 2FA when travelling?
Yes, and it’s one of the best reasons to bother with the phone number at all. Having a number that can receive verification texts saves a lot of headaches when you’re abroad. Especially if you’re travelling long-term!
Read more: Non-Digital Nomad Jobs for Long-Term Travel
Can you make calls with eSIMs?
Not on a data-only eSIM by itself. You need something like Hushed (with aloSIM) to actually call a number.
Most eSIMs are data-only, which still lets you use WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and any internet-based calls. But that’s not helpful when you need to call a landline, like your bank or your grandma.
Do I have to get a phone number if I use aloSIM?
Nope! If you just want good old fashioned data while you’re travelling, aloSIM is still a great option. You don’t need to download Hushed or mess around with the calling stuff. In my experience, the network connection was solid and it’s a great eSIM even if you don’t care about phone numbers and the like.
Does aloSIM offer discounts?
They give my readers a generous 15% off their first eSIM. Between the discount and the free number + calling credit, it’s a pretty low-risk thing to try. eSIMs are the best and dare I say may even change your life (or at least the way you travel).
Use aloSIM promo code: RUNAWAY15 in the discount box before you pay on their website or in the app.
And once you sign up, give your referral link to your friends to give/get $5 credit.
Can I keep my number after my trip?
Yes, but only by moving onto a paid Hushed plan. The free credit is a starter, not an ongoing number.
What to do if you get "unfortunately your device does not support esim technology"
Ah yes, the aloSIM “unfortunately your device does not support eSIM technology” qualm. If you encounter this error, your phone is probably too old to manage an eSIM. But you’re in luck. aloSIM has a really solid 30-day refund policy. (Most other eSIM companies will give you the run around trying to avoid this.)
I never needed a refund, but this is confirmed by several users on Trustpilot:
“I signed up for aloSIM through my iPad Pro Cellular Service option in settings. Even though I was not able to use their service (remote area), they provided excellent customer service and a timely refund (without me even asking).” — Donald Keys (January 2026)
“Great experience. Help line is very supportive. Unfortunately unable tp use it while travelling as my phone dosnt support esim the company processed the refund instantly.” — Rizwan Zafar (September 2024)
Make sure you always check their device compatibility list before buying, and you’ll avoid this error.
Naomi Lai
Naomi is a Canadian travel editor and writer with 13 years of international travel across Southeast Asia, Europe, South America, New Zealand, and beyond. She covers everything from budget backpacking to luxury travel — always from personal experience.
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