In a Nutshell
pros
- eSIMs available for 194 destinations
- Unlimited data options
- App-free eSIM installation
cons
- Data only; no call plans
- No global eSIM
Overview
Maya Mobile at a Glance
Best for: International travel
Price: From $5
Plan: 1GB to Unlimited data plans
Network: T-Mobile and AT&T (within the US)
Phone purchase required: No
What Is Maya Mobile?
Maya Mobile is a digital SIM card (eSIM) provider offering plans in 194 countries. With Maya Mobile, you can easily purchase and activate an eSIM, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards and allowing you to connect to the internet while traveling abroad.
Maya Mobile offers various data plans, including unlimited data plans in select destinations. Each plan is valid for up to 30 days, and you can opt for an auto-renewal option if desired.
Overall, the convenience and flexibility of Maya Mobile make it an appealing choice for all international travelers.
Maya Mobile Features
Maya Mobile has many standout features, including:
Auto Recharge
If you plan to travel for longer periods, Maya Mobile offers “Auto Recharge,” an auto-renewal option for your plan. This ensures you stay connected without any interruptions.
5G speeds
With Maya Mobile, you can take advantage of higher internet speeds when traveling to countries with 5G networks.
Flexible plans
Maya Mobile provides several plan options — including data plans, unlimited data plans in select destinations, and regional and country-specific eSIMs. This way, you can choose the best plan for your needs and budget.
Internet sharing and hotspot
As long as your device and network carrier support it, you can set your eSIM to work as a hotspot and share your internet connection with other devices. Set up your hotspot by activating Hotspot & Tethering on Android or Personal Hotspot on iOS.
100% money-back guarantee
Maya Mobile will provide a full refund if you can’t install the eSIM on your device or the data plan doesn’t work. This guarantee applies only to faulty data plans where no data has been used.
App-free setup
You don’t need to install an app to use Maya Mobile. Simply purchase a package via the Maya Mobile website, then scan the QR code to install your eSIM.
How Maya Mobile Works
Purchasing and activating a Maya Mobile eSIM is straightforward. First, browse the Maya Mobile website and select the plan that meets your needs. You can choose regional eSIMs that cover multiple countries or local eSIMs for a specific country. Plans are available in blocks of 5,10, 15, and 30 days, and you can set your plan to renew if you need the service for longer.
Rather than sending you a physical SIM card or requiring you to install an app, Maya Mobile provides eSIMs you’ll receive through scanning a QR code. Once you’ve scanned and enabled the eSIM, you’ll have internet access in your destination country.
Activation Process
The activation process for Maya Mobile is quick and user-friendly. I was initially skeptical of the QR code process, but Maya Mobile provided clear instructions, and everything worked seamlessly for me.
The activation process is as follows:
Visit the Maya Mobile website and select your destination and preferred plan.
Click Activate Now and choose any additional options, such as auto top-up or monthly renewal.
Review your order and proceed to pay for the selected plan.
Once your payment is processed, you’ll receive an email with detailed instructions to install and activate your eSIM.
Follow the instructions provided. This involves scanning a QR code or manually entering the details provided.
Enable roaming on your device to connect to the local network using the Maya Mobile eSIM.
Selection of Phones Available
As an eSIM provider aimed at international travelers, Maya Mobile does not provide an option for purchasing new phones directly. Maya Mobile eSIMs are compatible with a wide range of devices, especially newer devices, but you’ll need to check whether your device supports eSIM technology and isn’t tied to a specific carrier.
Call and Text Performance
It's important to note that Maya Mobile eSIMs only provide data services and do not support voice calls or SMS. However, you can still use mobile communication platforms such as WhatsApp for calls and messages.
Data Speeds
Maya Mobile uses 5G and 4G LTE technology, but the actual speeds you’ll experience depend on several factors, including network coverage and conditions in the country you visit.
Maya Mobile Customer Service
Maya Mobile offers support via email, live chat, and a chatbot. Support is available 24/7, and I received quick responses to all my queries.
The chatbot works fine if you ask a question already found in the Maya Mobile help pages. Otherwise, you may want to speak to a customer support agent. I connected to a live agent within a few minutes, and they promptly answered my question. I also contacted customer support via the contact form and received a response within 20 minutes.
Plenty of self-service material is available via the Help Center and FAQ pages, too. These pages answered most of my questions regarding getting started and troubleshooting.
Maya Mobile Pricing
Maya Mobile offers a range of plans at competitive prices, providing flexibility and affordability for travelers. The cost of the plans varies depending on the destination, the length you choose, and the amount of data you need. You can choose between cheaper limited-data plans or opt for unlimited data. Each plan is valid for a specific number of days.
Depending on your destination, you may be able to choose between a regional eSIM covering multiple countries or a local eSIM covering just one. Regional plans are available for Asia, Europe, South America, and the Caribbean, and local eSIMs are available for 194 countries.
For travelers visiting the United States, the following plans are available:
Price (5 Days)
$8
$10
$17
$24
$19
Price (10 Days)
$9
$11
$19
$27
$34
Price (15 Days)
$10
$12
$19
$29
$48
Price (30 Days)
$10
$13
$21
$29
$59
Plan type
Data-only
Data-only
Data-only
Data-only
Data-only
Below is a breakdown for a regional eSIM for South America, called LatAm+. It covers 16 Central and South American countries, including Mexico and Brazil.
Price (5 Days)
$8
$17
$24
$42
$29
Price (10 Days)
$9
$19
$27
$47
$56
Price (15 Days)
$10
$21
$29
$52
$89
Price (30 Days)
$11
$23
$34
$57
$129
Plan type
Data-only
Data-only
Data-only
Data-only
Data-only
If you’re only traveling to one country, a country-specific eSIM may be more affordable, such as this one for Mexico:
Price (5 Days)
$6
$12
$19
$28
$29
Price (10 Days)
$7
$14
$21
$32
$56
Price (15 Days)
$8
$15
$22
$34
$89
Price (30 Days)
$8
$16
$24
$36
$129
Plan type
Data-only
Data-only
Data-only
Data-only
Data-only
The right plan for you depends on your travel plans. However, it’s worth reviewing Maya Mobile’s pricing tables closely. Some plans may offer a better deal than the bare minimum. For example, the LatAm+ unlimited data plan currently costs less than the 10GB data plan. Similarly, if you know you’ll be visiting more than one country, a regional eSIM may work out cheaper than getting an eSEIM for each country.
Optional Add-Ons
Maya Mobile allows you to add more data allowance to your plans. Beyond that, there are no additional products or services available.
Maya Mobile Alternatives
Price
$5-$129
$19-$99
$25-$35
$4.50-$89
Data
1GB to Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Up to 20GB
Validity
5 days-30 days
5 days-90 days
30 days
7 days-365 days
Speed
Up to 5G
Up to 4G/LTE
Up to 5G
Up to 5G
Maya Mobile vs Holafly
Holafly is another eSIM provider. It offers coverage in fewer countries than Maya Mobile, but all its plans have unlimited data and are valid for up to 90 days. Also, Holafly has 4G/LTE capability, while Maya Mobile has 5G capabilities.
Maya Mobile vs Visible
Visible is a mobile service provider offering unlimited talk, text, and data plans in the US. While Maya Mobile focuses on providing eSIMs for international travel, Visible specializes in domestic connectivity. So, Visible may be a better option if you mainly need mobile service within the US.
Maya Mobile vs Airalo
Both Airalo and Maya Mobile have excellent international coverage. Unlike Maya Mobile, Airalo offers a global eSIM that includes calls and texts. However, while Maya Mobile offers unlimited data plans, Airalo’s plans are capped at 20GB. If you prefer managing plans and packages through your phone, Airalo has an easy-to-use app for both iOS and Android.
Bottom Line
Maya Mobile offers a reliable and convenient eSIM to provide you with mobile data worldwide. It’s a prepaid service, so you don’t need to worry about potentially high phone bills while traveling abroad. Plus, with Maya Mobile’s 5G connectivity, you won’t need to search for free WiFi spots or swap out a physical SIM card.
The convenience of Maya Mobile makes connecting to the internet abroad easy. However, the lack of support for voice calls and SMS may make it unsuitable for some travelers. Its extensive coverage in 194 destinations and unlimited data plans make it a strong choice if you don’t require a local number.
Overall, I found that Maya Mobile’s pricing was transparent, the installation process was straightforward, and customer support was responsive.