When it comes to staying connected whilst overseas, eSIMs have been a real game-changer.

For a start, they provide a hassle-free way to work remotely, book accommodation, message your friends and upload your latest photos and videos to your socials. But beyond that, they can also help you avoid having to fork out for international roaming charges that can quickly add up.

The first eSIM was officially launched in March 2016, and now there are several players on the market catering to the needs of business travelers, digital nomads, and overseas tourists.

One of the most popular providers is Maya Mobile, whose current coverage network (as of 2024) reaches 150 countries. In this post, we’ll take an in-depth look at what they offer, highlighting everything from their pricing structures and data speed to their ease of setup and how they stack up against their competitors.

Hopefully, this introduction will provide you with the information you need to discern whether they are the best travel eSIM provider for your requirements.

Overview of Maya eSIM

Maya Mobile is a U.S.-based eSIM provider that was founded in 2015 by the successful tech entrepreneur Daniel Fry.

Operating under the name Maya Virtual, Inc., the company has developed a well-earned reputation among travelers, digital nomads, and remote workers by providing them with seamless access to data in various locations around the world.

In a crowded marketplace, Maya competes with major eSIM providers like Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad. The company is known for its flexible pricing, extensive global coverage, and reliable network partnerships.

Unlike some of its competitors, Maya focuses on data-only plans. Doing this positions them as a smart and affordable choice for those who rely primarily on internet-based communications while abroad.

Key Features at a Glance:

• Maya’s eSIM coverage extends to 150 countries and regions worldwide.
• The company sources connectivity from over 400 global networks
• Their pricing is very budget-friendly, with some plans starting from as little as $6 USD.
• They do not have a dedicated app, but their website is very user-friendly.
• You can activate their eSIM service instantaneously via a QR code or manual entry.

Coverage & Network Reliability

Through their eSIM, Maya offers extensive coverage in more than 150 different countries around the world.

For instance, they cover almost 50 countries in Europe and have a significant presence in Asia and throughout the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Unlike some of their competitors, they also provide good coverage in Africa, South America and Oceania.

Maya boasts connectivity agreements with over 400 global networks, including major players like O2, AT&T, Vodafone, and Orange. When you install your Maya eSIM, the connection will automatically be made to the best available network at that moment.

Users can buy different data packages for each location and can expect consistent 4G LTE and 5G speeds, depending on where they are and the infrastructure of the available network.

Here is an overview of the performance by region:

• Europe: You can expect excellent speeds and seamless cross-border roaming. Coverage is particularly strong in Germany, France, Spain, and Italy.
• North America: The coverage across most parts of the USA, Canada, and Mexico is very reliable, with 5G and 4G operating in urban areas. However, speed may be a little slower in some rural zones.
• Asia: Performance is exceptional in Japan and South Korea. It is pretty good in India and Thailand, but can be slightly weaker in rural China and smaller countries in Southeast Asia.
• South America & Africa: In bigger cities within countries like Brazil, Argentina, South Africa and Kenya, you should receive decent coverage. However, outside of these areas, it may be slower or more limited, especially in remote areas.
• Oceania: Coverage in most parts of Australia and New Zealand (other than in their remote areas) is very good. However, in other countries, it is not as strong.

Data Plans & Pricing

Across the different countries it operates in, Maya Mobile offers various eSIM plans, the prices of which vary depending on where you are traveling to, the amount of data you require and how long for.

When compared to competitors like Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad, Maya offers excellent value. For instance, while Holafly specializes in unlimited data, Maya tends to be cheaper and includes hotspot usage without extra fees. Moreover, while Airalo might win on ultra-budget regional plans, Maya provides better global flexibility.

To provide you with an idea of costs, here is an example of what the data prices in the USA currently look like: (Be mindful that they can change at any time and depend on the region you are in.)

Maya also offers unlimited plans for the UK, Europe, and the USA, which are ideal for heavy data users. Examples of which can be seen below.

The great thing about the Maya eSIM is that there are no hidden fees, and tethering and hotspot are included at no extra charge. Additionally, the data expires after the validity period ends.

To find out the latest prices and packages for the region you want to visit, refer to Maya Mobile’s website.

Internet Speed & Network Performance

Similar to many of its competitors, Maya offers 5G services in major areas where the infrastructure is in place. This will vary by region and country, although this is not their fault. In places where 5G is not available, it offers 4G LTE coverage.

As they rely on local telecom networks, the data speeds Maya offers are similar to what you would expect to receive from other major international eSIM providers. Therefore, you should have solid video streaming and browsing capabilities in most places.

Ease of Use & Setup Process

Overall, it is easy to use and set up the Maya eSIM. The first thing you’ll need to do is peruse their plan options on their website and create an account. After doing that, you will receive a QR code from them via email, which will enable you to activate the plan.

It is worth noting that your device must be compatible with eSIMs and carrier-unlocked. Additionally, the specifics of the installation and activation steps you’ll need to take will vary depending on the phone you have and its make and model. However, Maya will inform you of what to do.

To give you a firmer idea of what is involved in the whole process, here is a brief overview of how to install and activate the eSIM on an iPhone:

1. Create an account through the Maya website
2. Choose the most suitable plan for your needs
3. Go to Settings on your iPhone and then navigate to Cellular
4. Click on Add eSIM
5. Tap on Use QR Code
6. Scan the QR code you received via email
7. Follow the instructions to install the new data plan

Pros & Cons of Maya eSIM

When weighing up whether to use the service of an eSIM provider, you should be mindful that all networks have their strengths and drawbacks. Therefore, it is worth evaluating what Maya Mobile does well, against what they don’t do so well, to determine if they are right for you.

Here is a rundown of their main pros and cons:

Pros

• Affordable pricing plans: With its budget-friendly pay-as-you-go data packages, Maya eSIM is a terrific option for cost-conscious travelers.
• No contracts or hidden fees: They do not insist on lock-in obligations or hit you with surprise charges. Instead, they offer transparent pricing and full flexibility with no long-term commitment.
• Business plans: As well as their standard plans, Maya offers a range of business solutions that are specifically designed for the bigger data needs of corporate travelers.

Cons

• No voice services: Maya eSIM is data only. So you must use additional apps if you want to call or text others.
• iMessage issues: Some users have reported that the iMessage functionality occasionally doesn’t work properly with the Maya eSIM.
• No billing cycle alerts: For those who opt to auto-renew their plans, Maya does not notify you before taking payment. Therefore, some people might receive a transaction charge they weren’t expecting.

How does Maya eSIM Compare to Other eSIM Providers?

When compared to popular providers like Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad, Maya eSIM holds its own impressively.

While Airalo often offers ultra-budget regional plans, Maya provides more flexible global options at competitive prices. At the same time, although Holafly is known for unlimited data, Maya’s unlimited plans are often cheaper and include hotspot use without restrictions.

Overall, Maya while other competitors might be cheaper in some regions, Maya strikes an excellent balance between affordability, performance, and global reach. This makes it a smart choice for those requiring connectivity overseas in 2025.

Final Verdict: Is Maya eSIM Worth It?

If you’re after flexible plans, strong global coverage, and hassle-free setup to keep you connected whilst abroad, then you should definitely consider Maya’s eSIM offering.

It is a top choice for digital nomads, business travelers, and anyone who needs reliable internet on the go. Best of all, using it won’t break the bank or force you to commit to complicated contracts.