Yesim vs Airalo: Which eSIM Discount Actually Saves You More?
eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected when you’re travelling, without wearing the cost of a home-plan roaming pack. We’ve used Airalo across fifteen countries; Yesim is the newer one in the stable. Here’s the short version of how they actually compare, and which one to pick for the trip you’re planning.
One mechanical difference that actually matters: Airalo’s discount applies itself automatically, as long as you use the right link below — no code to remember. Yesim’s doesn’t — you type DREWDEAL in at checkout yourself.
Try Yesim
20% off for new users with code DREWDEAL, added at checkout. Doesn’t extend to existing users or top-ups.
Full Yesim deal breakdown →Try Airalo
15% off for new users (DREWDEALNEW) or 10% off if you’ve used it before (DREWDEAL) — both apply automatically via the links below.
Read our full Airalo review →(Small referral our way if you use our link — doesn’t change your price.)
Quick comparison
| Yesim | Airalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Lowest price, flexible plan styles | Established brand, polished app |
| New users | 20% off — type in code DREWDEAL at checkout | 15% off — applies automatically via our new-user link (code is DREWDEALNEW, shown at checkout for reference or if you land there directly) |
| Existing users / topping up | No discount — DREWDEAL is new users only | 10% off — applies automatically via our existing-user link (code is DREWDEAL, same visibility at checkout), top-ups included |
| Plan styles | Fixed data, Pay & Fly (PAYG, no expiry), some unlimited | Mostly fixed data, some unlimited |
Realistic price examples
For a multi-country Europe trip — the most common shape for our readers — here’s roughly where each one lands after its discount. Treat these as ballpark, not quotes; both providers adjust plan sizes and pricing from time to time.
| Trip length | Yesim (after 20%, code entered) | Airalo (after 10–15%, applied automatically) |
|---|---|---|
| Light use — 7–10 days, ~5–10GB | ~$15–19 | ~$20–28 |
| Heavier use — 2–3 weeks, ~20GB | ~$20–21 | ~$37–43 |
A real worked example, so the 20% isn’t just a headline number: on Yesim’s 40GB/365-day Global Package, DREWDEAL took a $117.30 checkout down to $93.84 — a straight 20% off, confirmed on an actual order. That’s a new-user purchase; as above, the code doesn’t stretch to existing users or top-ups.
Networks
Both ride on major local carriers in the destinations our readers actually go to — for normal tourist use (maps, messages, light browsing) the difference is small. Airalo sometimes gives you a choice of network; Yesim’s flexibility shows up more in plan style, particularly Pay & Fly for irregular, multi-stop use.
Which should you choose?
New to eSIMs, or want the lowest price with PAYG flexibility — Yesim. Already using Airalo, or you’d rather stick with the more established app — Airalo, and the 10% existing-user code still makes it worth doing properly rather than paying full price. Both hold up fine for the kind of multi-day, multi-country routes MapMonkey trips are built around. Not sure how much data you’ll actually get through? Our eSIM data calculator will sort that out before you buy either.
FAQs
Is Yesim cheaper than Airalo?
Usually yes on straight price, especially on fixed-data plans. Airalo’s 10–15% code narrows the gap and its app and brand recognition are the trade-off if that matters more to you than a few dollars.
Do the discount codes apply automatically?
Airalo’s does, as long as you come through the right link — no code needed. Yesim’s doesn’t: type DREWDEAL in at checkout, on the plan page, in the nav, or at the payment step depending on your device.
Which eSIM has better coverage for a multi-country Europe trip?
Both work well across the countries MapMonkey routes typically pass through. Neither is a clear winner on coverage alone — pick on price and plan style instead.
Can I use Yesim’s Pay & Fly for an irregular, multi-stop trip?
Yes — it’s pay-as-you-go with no expiry, which suits trips where your data use is patchy rather than a steady daily amount.
