Maya Mobile eSIM review (tested in 10 countries over 2 years)

Cazzy Magennis
Written By:
Cazzy Magennis
Last Updated:
May 8, 2024
I've been using Maya Mobile as my eSIM provider for the last 2 years and this is my overall review of the eSIM, how well it works and if it's worth it...
maya mobile esim review

After 2 years of using Maya Mobile in over 10 countries, I thought it was about time I did a full-throttle Maya Mobile eSIM review, showcasing why exactly it’s my favourite eSIM on the market! 

I’ve tested over 15 eSIMs since I was first introduced to them 2 years ago, and while some are better than others for particular situations and countries, I find that Maya Mobile comes out on top for me, 90% of the time! 

I’m assuming you will have searched and then clicked on this article because you’ve heard of Maya Mobile are wondering if they’re trustworthy! 

Well, hopefully by the end of this Maya Mobile eSIM review, you’ll have made your mind up!

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Who are Maya Mobile?

Maya Mobile are a leading eSIM provider known for their commitment to convenience, affordability, and flexibility. 

They offer a diverse range of plans tailored to individual needs, starting from simple low-cost data plans, to unlimited data plans covering entire regions (such as Europe, LATAM & more). 

Maya Mobile ensures hassle-free activation and device switching, along with affordable global roaming options.

They’ve been growing in popularity over the past few years and it’s no surprise that they are!

How does a Maya Mobile eSIM work?

Just like all other eSIMs on the market, you can activate the eSIM directly through your device's settings menu, typically by either scanning a QR code sent via email or manually entering activation details. 

Once activated it’ll take a few minutes for the new connection to start.

On some occasions, you may need to restart your phone and then you’re ready to go!

The whole process typically takes less than 2 minutes. 

The Perks of Maya Mobile 

1. Unlimited Data Options

Maya Mobile offers unlimited data plans, ensuring you stay connected without worrying about exceeding data caps or facing throttled speeds.

Whether you're streaming movies, conducting video calls, or downloading files, you can do so without issue, making it an ideal choice for heavy data users who rely on consistent connectivity for work, i.e, ME!

2. Regional eSIM Options

With eSIM options spanning regions like Latin America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and more, Maya Mobile provides the ultimate flexibility for travelers. 

Rather than juggling physical SIM cards or being tied to specific carriers, you can easily switch between regional eSIMs, enjoying local rates and coverage without the hassle of purchasing new SIM cards or dealing with roaming charges. 

The fact they offer SO many different regional packages, you’re pretty much covered for any region of the world you decide to go. 

3. Hotspotting Allowed

Maya Mobile allows hotspotting, enabling you to share your mobile data connection with other devices seamlessly.

This is particularly useful for digital nomads! 

Whether you're on a road trip, attending a conference, or working remotely, you can create a Wi-Fi hotspot for your laptop, tablet, or other devices, ensuring everyone stays connected without relying on potentially insecure public Wi-Fi networks.

4. 200+ Destinations/5G Connectivity

Maya Mobile boasts coverage in over 200 destinations, ensuring you stay connected wherever you go.

Moreover, with 5G connectivity available in select locations, you can experience blazing-fast internet speeds for streaming, gaming, or downloading content, enhancing your overall mobile experience with unparalleled speed and reliability.

Whether you're in a bustling metropolis or a remote countryside, Maya Mobile keeps you connected with cutting-edge technology.

The Disadvantages of Maya Mobile 

1. Lack of One Comprehensive Global Plan

Unlike some competitors like Eskimo and Jetpac, Maya Mobile doesn't offer a single, comprehensive global plan covering all 200+ countries.

While Maya Mobile provides regional eSIM options and extensive coverage, some people may prefer the simplicity and convenience of a one-size-fits-all global plan.

2. Limited Availability of 5G Connectivity

While Maya Mobile offers 5G connectivity in select locations, the availability of this high-speed network may be limited compared to traditional 4G coverage.

You may find in areas where 5G infrastructure is still being rolled out or in regions with sparse network coverage, that you may not fully benefit from the advantages of 5G technology.

But this is something that is constantly changing and evolving, so I truly don't see it as a major disadvantage!

Maya eSIM compatible phones

Apple

  • iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
  • iPhone SE (2020, 2022)
  • Apple watch series 3, 4, 5 and 6
  • Apple watch SE

All iPads with 4G connectivity that have come out since 2018 support eSIM:

  • iPad Pro 11″ (model A2068, from 2020)
  • iPad Pro 12.9″ (model A2069, from 2020)
  • iPad Air (model A2123, from 2019)
  • iPad (model A2198, from 2019)
  • iPad Mini (model A2124, from 2019)

Samsung

  • Galaxy S22, S22+ 5G, S22 Ultra 5G
  • Galaxy S21, S21+ 5G, S21 Ultra 5G
  • Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra
  • Galaxy Note 20, 20+, 20 Ultra
  • Galaxy Fold, Fold 2, Fold 3
  • Galaxy Z Flip, Flip 3
  • Samsung Watch (through Samsung wearable application)

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G or 5G is not compatible with eSIM.

Google

  • Google Pixel 2 (only phones bought with Google Fi service), 2 XL
  • Google Pixel 3 (not including phones bought in Australia, Taiwan or Japan. Phones bought with US or Canadian carriers other than Spring and Google Fi don't work with eSIM), 3a (not including phones bought in Japan or with Verizon service), 3a XL, 3 XL
  • Google Pixel
  • Google Pixel 4, 4a, 4 XL
  • Google Pixel 5, 51
  • Google Pixel 6, 6 plus

Other ESIM Compatible Devices

  • Huawei P40, Huawei P40 Pro, Huawei Mate 40 Pro (The Huawei P40+ is not compatible with an eSIM)
  • Oppo Find X5, X5 Pro, X3 Pro
  • Oppo Reno 5A, Reno 6 Pro 5G
  • Sony Xperia 10 IV, 10 III Lite
  • Honor Magic 4 Pro
  • Fairphone 4
  • Motorola Razr 2019
  • Nuu Mobile X5
  • Gemini PDA
  • Rakuten Mini
  • Microsoft Surface Duo

My experience with Maya Mobile 

So far, I’ve used Maya Mobile eSIMS in South America, The Caribbean & The Faroe Islands. 

South America

This was when I first discovered Maya Mobile, I was on the hunt for an eSIM that would allow me fast, unlimited access to the internet whilst we were working from our van. I also needed to be able to hotspot to my laptop (this was essential). 

I then came across Maya Mobile who offered a LATAM+ eSIM, which offered unlimited data in 16 countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Chile.

We paid £104 a month for unlimited local data, which might seem like a lot, but we work full-time on our laptops so this worked out perfectly.

Especially considering we were moving through three different countries in a month, so it was super useful to be able to connect easily from the van and get our work done. 

It appears this specific eSIM we bought is not available at the moment, however they still offer up to 20GB!

Hopefully, the unlimited eSIM will be brought back to LATAM+. 

But we thought the eSIM itself was great.

We got to work in some remote locations and still had an internet signal, which was wonderful! 

Caribbean 

When I went on a Caribbean cruise with my sister at the end of 2023, we relied on buying Maya mobile eSIM plans when we got off the ship at a new island to message our partners back home!

I actually found a lot of the eSIM plans to be super expensive, and out of all the plans I looked at online, Maya Mobile offered the best deal! We only needed a couple of GBs for messaging whilst lying at the beach.

I bought the eSIM super quickly and pretty much 2 minutes later, my phone was buzzing with notifications! We had great signal strength all across the island. 

One thing I didn’t know at the time was they have a Caribbean-specific eSIM which covers 16 Caribbean countries and lasts up to 30 days….this would be the ideal solution for someone taking a cruise (and isn’t paying for internet on board!)

Faroe Islands 

On a recent road trip to the Faroe Islands and Iceland, our home sim cards did not include cover for the Faroe Islands, so I went straight to Maya Mobile to see what deals they offered!

We were only on the island for a week, so I got a 5 day pass of 10GB for $12 which is a great deal and again worked out perfectly! 

(pssst, the Faroe Islands are included in their Europe eSIM plan, where you can get unlimited data for $19 for the same duration!) 

Maya vs Holafly

Having used both Maya and Holafly, for me, Maya is the better network. This is more so because of the fact that Holafly decided to get rid of their ability to hot spot their eSIMS, which rendered them useless for me. However, in comparison, Maya offer unlimited data options that can be hot spotted.

Maya vs Airalo

Again, having used Airalo, I still think Maya mobile is the stronger product. Airalo does offer coverage for just as many countries as Maya (if not more!), and offers a variety of data packages, however, I just think their website and interface isn't as nice or as slick as Maya Mobile.

Does Maya eSim give you a phone number?

No it doesn't, I don't personally see this as a massive problem as you can continue to make phone calls and send texts via WhatsApp.

However, if a phone number is essential, then I suggest you check out Sim Options & Sim Local who offer plans with local mobile numbers.

My overall verdict: Is Maya Mobile worth it? 

Yes, yes and yes.

Their pricing is super competitive and in terms of pricing, they have such a wide range of pricing levels and structure that you’ll find something to suit your needs.

They also offer the biggest range of regional packages and in general countries.

I’ve never had any issues with their eSIMS, and their customer support is great! So if you’re looking for a reliable, well-priced eSIM, then go for Maya Mobile!

Check out our other eSIM review guides: 

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Some images courtesy of Deposit Photos.
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