A new contender in the travel connectivity market is challenging the “use-it-or-lose-it” model dominated by incumbents like Airalo and Holafly. Eskimo, a Singapore-based eSIM provider, has introduced a data model that functions more like a digital wallet than a traditional expiring SIM card.
The headline feature? 2-year validity on all data plans, regardless of destination or package size.
For travelers accustomed to 7-day or 30-day expiry windows, this is a significant shift in value proposition. Eskimo allows users to purchase data for a specific country (e.g., Thailand) or a Global region and keep it active for 24 months. Additionally, the platform is currently running an aggressive user acquisition campaign, offering 500MB of Global Data for FREE to new sign-ups, with no purchase required.
You can sign up here with code DS96748 to get your free eSIM and 500MB data with 2 year validity.
The Problem with Current eSIMs
The standard industry model relies on breakage—data that is paid for but expires unused.
- The Scenario: You buy a 3GB plan for a 10-day trip to Europe.
- The Reality: You use 1.2GB. The remaining 1.8GB expires the moment your 30-day window closes.
- The Eskimo Solution: That remaining 1.8GB stays in your account for your next trip, or can be transferred to another user.
Pricing Analysis: Thailand & Global
We compared Eskimo’s pricing against major competitors for a standard 1GB data package. While Eskimo is competitively priced for single-country plans (e.g., Thailand), its strongest value lies in its Global Plan and the extended validity.
Scenario A: 1GB Plan for Thailand
Pricing for a standard 1GB data package.
| Provider | Price (USD) | Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eskimo | $4.00 | 2 Years | Best for multiple short trips or backup. |
| Airalo | ~$4.50* | 3 Days | *Prices fluctuate slightly based on promos. |
| Nomad | $5.00 | 7 Days | Good value, but short expiry. |
| Holafly | N/A | Daily | Only offers Unlimited plans (starting ~$4.5 for 1 day). |
Scenario B: 1GB Global Plan
Data usable in 80+ countries.
| Provider | Price (USD) | Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eskimo | $7.00 | 2 Years | Includes data transfer feature. |
| Airalo (Discover) | $9.00 | 7 Days | Significantly more expensive per GB. |
| Nomad (Global) | $12.00 | 7 Days | Price varies by specific region coverage. |
Key Features
- Data Transfer: A unique feature allowing users to send unused data to another Eskimo user instantly. This is particularly useful for families or groups where one person runs out of data.
- Free 500MB: Upon downloading the app and registering, a “Welcome” promo is typically pre-loaded or available via referral, granting 500MB valid globally.
- Network Quality: Eskimo typically roams on major tier-1 networks (e.g., AIS/DTAC in Thailand, AT&T/T-Mobile in USA), offering 4G/5G speeds comparable to local carriers.
The Verdict
Eskimo is not always the cheapest option for heavy data users. If you need 50GB for a month-long digital nomad stay in Bangkok, a local SIM card bought at a 7-Eleven will likely be more cost-effective. However, for frequent travelers, flight crew, and short-term tourists, Eskimo offers superior utility. The ability to buy 1GB for $4.00 and use it across three different weekend trips over the span of a year eliminates the waste inherent in competitor plans.
Bottom Line
Download the app to claim the free 500MB global data. Keep it installed as a permanent backup. It costs nothing to hold, and having instant connectivity the moment you land—without worrying about a 7-day expiry clock—is invaluable.
