Maya Mobile eSIM Review: Trusted Travel Data with Holafly & Airalo Compared

In this Maya eSIM review, we look at what makes this service tick: its coverage (200+ countries), plan options

Maya Mobile is a newer eSIM provider (launched in 2022) that offers prepaid data-only plans for international travel. In this Maya eSIM review, we look at what makes this service tick: its coverage (200+ countries), plan options (from small data bundles to unlimited), pricing, and ease of use. We’ll also compare Maya to other popular eSIMs like Holafly and Airalo, focusing on USA travel. Our tone here is balanced and friendly — we’ll highlight both strengths and drawbacks, so you can decide if Maya’s “unlimited” and long-validity plans suit your needs. We’ll answer common questions (“Is Maya a trusted eSIM?” “Does Maya have a mobile app?” etc.) and wrap up with advice without pushing a single “best” option.

 eSIM

What is Maya Mobile eSIM?

Maya Mobile eSIM is a data-only travel eSIM service from the company Maya Mobile. It lets you buy a virtual SIM with mobile data for destinations around the world, without swapping a physical SIM card. Maya’s service is designed for travelers who want 4G/5G data in 200+ countries (for example, the USA, Europe, and beyond). They offer both regional plans and country-specific plans, with data volumes from just 1GB all the way up to unlimited daily data. In fact, you can mix-and-match different data amounts with custom validities (from 5 up to 180 days). For example, a 10GB plan can last 30 days, or you can buy an unlimited daily plan for the USA that covers each day of your trip (unlimited high-speed data each day, with fair-use limits).

Maya eSIM does not include a phone number: it’s data-only. This means you won’t get traditional voice minutes or SMS, but you can use apps like WhatsApp or Skype for calls over data. (In practice, most travelers use WhatsApp or similar apps with any eSIM-based data plan.) The activation is straightforward: after purchase you receive a QR code by email (usually within minutes) which you scan with your phone to install the eSIM. Maya’s system works with any eSIM-capable device – that includes most modern smartphones (iPhone Xs/11 and up, newer Android phones, tablets, etc.). Once installed, you simply turn on the Maya line when you arrive at your destination.

Maya prides itself on transparent pricing and flexibility. For example, on the official site a 10GB USA data plan (30-day validity) costs about $18.99 (often slightly discounted to around $17). A 30-day unlimited USA plan runs about $58.99. You can also top up or add more data through their account portal after you arrive. There are no hidden fees – all taxes are included in the listed price. Maya uses the major 5G networks in the US (AT&T, Verizon), so you get solid coverage and speeds.

Overall, Maya Mobile is a mid-sized eSIM provider with very positive user feedback. It “holds its own against competitors” thanks to reasonable pricing and a huge variety of data packages. In user reviews (Trustpilot and others), Maya is praised for reliable connectivity and excellent customer support. Many travelers note it’s easy to use and cost-effective, especially when moving between multiple countries. However, keep in mind it’s data-only and the interface is English-only. For device compatibility, Maya supports all standard eSIM phones – there’s a compatibility list on their site, but generally if your phone can use eSIMs (like most iPhones and newer Androids), you’re set.

Pros and Cons of Maya eSIM

• Wide coverage and plan flexibility. Maya covers 200+ destinations. You can choose plan sizes from 1GB up to 40GB (or more) for various durations, and even unlimited plans for many countries. This flexibility lets you tailor data amount and validity (5, 10, 15, 30 days or up to 180 days) to your trip.

• Competitive pricing for large data. Maya’s unlimited data offerings are especially notable. For heavy data users or long trips, their flat-rate “unlimited” plans can be great value (for example, ~$59 for 30 days unlimited in the USA). Even their smaller data plans have good pricing: a 10 GB/30 day USA plan is around $19, which is often cheaper than a similar Holafly plan.

• Long plan validity. Many Maya data packs last up to 180 days, which is longer than typical eSIM plans. This is handy if you travel infrequently or have a long trip. You don’t have to use all your data quickly, and you can reactivate (top-up) as needed without losing it.

• Hotspot / tethering allowed. Maya permits using your phone as a hotspot (WiFi sharing) on most plans, including unlimited ones, at no extra cost. This means you can share the internet with a laptop or friend easily.

• Reliable performance and support. In user reviews, Maya eSIM is noted for stable speeds and quick issue resolution. The service uses strong networks, so most users get fast 4G/5G data. The site also advertises 24/7 support if you run into problems.

• English-only website. Maya’s site and support portal are only in English. If you prefer support in other languages, this might be a limitation (Airalo, by contrast, offers its app/website in 21 languages).

• No mobile app. Unlike many eSIM providers, Maya does not have a dedicated iOS/Android app. You manage plans via their website on a browser. Some travelers find an app more convenient, especially for quick top-ups or data tracking. This is worth noting if you prefer app-based service (Airalo and Saily do offer apps, for example).

• Data-only (no calls/SMS). Maya plans only include mobile data. You won’t get a phone number for voice calls or texts. (If you need calling, you’d have to use VoIP apps like WhatsApp or Telegram over the data connection. This is typical for travel eSIMs, but it’s a limitation compared to some SIM plans that bundle voice.)

• No loyalty program. Maya currently has no rewards or referral program. You pay full price each time without points or credits for future use. (In contrast, some eSIM providers offer discounts for repeat purchases or referrals.)

Maya vs. Holafly vs. Airalo: USA Travel Plans

Provider	Countries Covered	Data Plans	30-day USA 10GB Price	30-day USA Unlimited Price
Maya Mobile	200+ countries	1–40 GB (up to 180 days), plus unlimited daily plans	≈$18–19 (10 GB)	≈$59 (unlimited)
Airalo	190+ countries	1–20 GB (max 30 days), no unlimited option	≈$26 (10 GB)	N/A (no unlimited USA plan)
Holafly	190+ countries	Unlimited daily (speeds throttled after ~1–2 GB/day); fewer small data options	N/A (focus on unlimited)	≈$60 (unlimited, approx.)

Table: Comparison of Maya vs Airalo vs Holafly for USA travel plans. Prices are examples for illustration (from published data). Maya is notable for its unlimited plan option, Airalo for low-cost limited plans, and Holafly for unlimited (with daily caps).

Overall, Airalo tends to be cheapest for moderate data use. It offers a wide range of local/regional plans (e.g. 10 GB/30 d ~$26 in the USA) and a very user-friendly app. However, it tops out at around 20 GB (no unlimited) in the USA. Holafly, on the other hand, specializes in unlimited plans. Their unlimited 30-day USA plan is similar in price (around $60) but includes true unlimited (subject to daily fair use). Holafly’s cost per GB is higher, but you won’t run out of data. Maya sits between them: it offers unlimited plans at a flat daily rate (like Holafly), plus the ability to buy smaller bundles for longer durations. For heavy, continuous data needs, Maya’s unlimited option can be excellent value; for lighter use, Airalo’s lower-cost options are attractive.

We can’t say one provider is best for everyone – it depends on your usage and budget. If you need unlimited data and 30–180 day validity, Maya (or Holafly) shines. If you just need a modest bucket of data cheaply, Airalo (or newer competitors like Saily) may be better. Notably, Maya’s unlimited plans and very long validity period make it a strong contender for long trips. But remember: Maya has no app, so plan management is via web only, whereas Airalo/others have dedicated apps and live chat support.

Buying and Activating Your Maya eSIM

1. Purchase online: Go to Maya’s website and choose your destination (e.g. USA) and plan. Enter your details and pay (they accept credit cards, Apple Pay, etc.).

2. Receive QR code: Within minutes you’ll get an email with a QR code for your eSIM plan.

3. Install the eSIM: On your phone, scan the QR (iOS lets you hold it in Camera or Files, Android via Settings or scanning). Follow the prompts to add the plan. Your phone will show a new data plan (e.g. “Maya Mobile”).

4. Enable data roaming: Ensure the Maya line is active for mobile data in your phone’s network settings. If you set it up before travel, wait to toggle on the Maya plan until you reach your destination. (The guide says: “If you install the eSIM before you arrive in your destination, be sure to set the eSIM to your primary Cellular/Mobile Data plan when you arrive.”)

5. Start using data: Once at your destination (or if you’ve purchased for your current location), simply turn off roaming on your regular SIM and enable the Maya eSIM data. You’ll then be on Maya’s network and can surf, map, stream, etc.

Maya’s site has a detailed help section if you run into issues. Support is via chatbot/email, and they advertise 24/7 assistance. In reviews, most users say activation is smooth, though a few note initial support response can sometimes take a bit (so be patient if you need help quickly).

Is Maya a Trusted eSIM?

Yes, Maya Mobile is a legitimate and trusted eSIM provider. It’s relatively new (since 2022) but has quickly built a good reputation. On Trustpilot and similar review sites, Maya has overwhelmingly positive feedback. Customers frequently praise the reliability and stability of the connection, noting they get “seamless connectivity” in many countries. Complaints are rare, and Maya’s refund policy even promises 100% refund if the eSIM can’t be installed on your device.

We found no signs of scams or hidden fees – Maya’s pricing is transparent and there is no roaming fee surprise. The company also follows standard data security practices (using encryption, etc.), so using Maya is as secure as any normal SIM data plan. In short, reviewers say Maya is “reliable” and “favored” by travelers for hassle-free internet abroad. As long as you use it for data (and use WhatsApp/etc. for calls), you can trust it to work much like any other major provider.

Does Maya eSIM Have an App?

No – Maya Mobile does not have a dedicated smartphone app. Instead, you manage everything through Maya’s website. This means you sign in to your account on a web browser to buy or top-up plans, view usage, etc. In comparison, many competitors (like Airalo, Saily) offer mobile apps for easier on-the-go management. This lack of an app is often cited as a downside. On the bright side, Maya’s website is mobile-friendly and the activation process is straightforward, so for some users the web interface works fine. But if you prefer an app with push notifications and such, note that Maya only supports browser interaction.

FAQ

• Is Maya eSIM compatible with iPhone? Yes. Maya’s eSIM works on any eSIM-capable phone, including recent iPhones. Most newer iPhones (from XS/11 onward) have built-in eSIM capability. The Maya device list confirms iPhones and Android models are supported. In practice, if your iPhone can add a cellular plan by scanning a QR code, Maya will work.

• Can I activate Maya eSIM before travel? You can install and add the Maya eSIM on your phone before you leave. Simply scan the QR code and add the data plan as instructed. However, the data connection will only activate once you arrive in the covered region. Maya’s guide notes: “If you install the eSIM before you arrive at your destination, be sure to set the eSIM to your primary cellular data plan when you arrive.”. In short: set it up in advance for convenience, then toggle it on once you land.

• Can I use WhatsApp with Maya eSIM? Absolutely. Maya eSIM provides a data connection just like any internet plan. You can use WhatsApp (chat, voice or video calls) over the Maya data. In fact, since Maya doesn’t include a phone number, apps like WhatsApp or Telegram are how you’d make calls or send messages. The provider explicitly says to use apps for calling and texting over the data link. So yes – as long as you have data balance, WhatsApp (and all internet apps) work normally on a Maya eSIM.

• How long does Maya eSIM take to activate? Very little time. Once you purchase a plan, Maya typically sends the QR code by email within minutes. Scanning that QR installs the plan immediately. You may need to enable data roaming on your phone, but otherwise the activation is almost instant. In our experience (and user reports), data is available as soon as you’re in the destination country. If you have any issues, Maya’s support can help, but the default process is quick and automated.

• Does Maya Mobile log my phone’s location? No, Maya does not track your physical location. Like most mobile data providers, it only logs basic connection details (when you used data and how much) for billing and regulatory purposes. They explicitly state they will not share your personal data. So privacy is similar to a regular carrier: your data usage logs exist, but not your GPS location.

Conclusion

Maya Mobile eSIM is a solid option for travelers seeking flexible data plans. It delivers on its promise of wide coverage and affordable unlimited data, and users generally trust it for reliable internet abroad. If you value long plan validity, unlimited daily data, and straightforward pricing, Maya could be the right choice. On the other hand, remember that Maya lacks a phone app and is data-only; some rivals (like Airalo or Saily) may suit light data users or those who want an app interface better. Ultimately, the best eSIM depends on your needs. Maya is recommended if uninterrupted connectivity and large data allowances are top priorities, especially for longer trips. If lower cost or app-based management is more important, consider comparing Airalo, Holafly, or similar providers alongside it. By weighing Maya’s pros (coverage, unlimited options) against its cons (no app, English interface), you can pick the service that fits your travel style. Sources like travel forums and reviews consistently note Maya’s strengths and point out its limitations, so do a quick comparison with your itinerary in mind before deciding.