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Firsty: comprehensive review in 2025
Bottom Line
Firsty is perfect for digital nomads and frequent travelers who want always-available eSIM connectivity with pay-as-you-go flexibility. Best for those who value innovation over traditional packages, though the freemium model may confuse casual travelers.
Firsty is perfect for digital nomads and frequent travelers who want always-available eSIM connectivity with pay-as-you-go flexibility. Best for those who value innovation over traditional packages, though the freemium model may confuse casual travelers.
Pros
- Innovative freemium model (free slow data, pay for speed as needed)
- Flexible daily payment instead of fixed packages
- Virtual phone number with voice and text capability
- Excellent mobile app experience
- Auto-renewable plans available
- Programmable activation dates
- Can regenerate eSIM profile if needed (small fee)
- Free unlimited Uber app access on all plans
- 30-day refund policy for failed activations
Cons
- Free tier is very slow (only suitable for messaging)
- Daily payment model can get expensive for long trips
- Mobile app required (direct installation only)
- Limited to Singapore routing (adds latency in distant regions)
- Freemium model complexity may confuse some users
esims.io team's takeaway
Firsty takes a unique freemium approach to travel eSIMs: install their eSIM once for free, get slow but unlimited data, then pay daily only when you need high-speed connectivity. This innovative model makes them stand out in a market dominated by prepaid packages.
The eSIMS.io team tested Firsty's Vietnam unlimited daily plan from Ho Chi Minh City. The mobile app experience was excellentโsmooth purchase, direct installation, and quick connection to MobiFone's network. Routing through Singapore (via Singtel) added some latency but was reasonable for the region. The free tier includes unlimited data for apps like Uber, making it practical for basic navigation even without paying for high-speed access.
What makes Firsty compelling is flexibility: install once, pay only when needed, and enjoy voice calling capabilities through their virtual phone number feature (rare among eSIM providers). The ability to regenerate your eSIM profile for a small fee if you switch devices is another thoughtful touch. This model works brilliantly for digital nomads and frequent travelers who want eSIM connectivity always available but don't want to commit to expensive multi-day packages.
Purchase and Installation
Purchase channels
Website
Purchase available on Firsty's website
Mobile app
Purchase available through Firsty's Apple and Android app
Accountless purchase- not included
Buy eSIM plans without creating a user account
Gift eSIM capability- not included
Purchase eSIM plans as gifts for friends and family through Firsty
Website and mobile app purchase available. Account creation required, enabling access to freemium model where single eSIM profile supports both free and paid tiers.
Accepted currencies
Multiple currencies
Multiple currencies accepted, including Euros and USD
Multi-currency support through international payment processing. Freemium model with daily payment option provides flexibility for travelers wanting pay-as-you-go rather than bulk purchases.
Installation methods
QR code scanning- not included
Firsty shares QR code to scanโrequires a second device
Manual activation- not included
Firsty gives manual setup credentials
Direct app installation
iOS installation directly from provider's appโno codes needed
One-tap iOS link- not included
Firsty sends URL triggering direct iOS installation without mobile app
Direct app installation exclusivelyโno QR code or manual entry available. Single eSIM profile installed once supports both free slow tier and paid high-speed daily access.
Supported languages
Interface available in five languages: English, Spanish, French, German, and Portuguese. Adequate coverage for Western travelers, though limited compared to larger global providers.
Network Quality and eSIM Features
Network quality & roaming
Likely good internet performance
Based on our testing, your traffic may travel to a neighboring country or nearby region before reaching the internet (regional connection). You'll likely experience slightly higher latency (delays) than local connections, but it should be good for most activities. Websites might occasionally detect you in the nearby routing country instead of where you are.
Routes through Singtel network from Singapore across destinations. The 7/10 performance score indicates reliable connectivity, though Singapore routing adds latency for distant regions.
View speed tests for Firsty โeSIM plans, destinations and prices
Coverage in 179+ destinations
Firsty offers 9180 different plans across 179 countries and regions
Price range: 1.75 - 699.78
Plans starting from 1.75 up to 699.78, with an average of 81.28
Firsty ranks #37 out of 38 providers by average plan price, placing it in the premium pricing category.
View destinations and eSIM plans for Firsty โConnectivity
Hotspot & Tethering- not included
Share your data connection with other devices
Wearables support- not included
eSIM can be used on smartwatches and wearable devices
Phone number- not included
Native phone number includedโmay come with calls and/or SMS
Virtual number (VoIP)
App-based phone numberโmay support calls and/or SMS
Virtual location / VPN- not included
Choose your virtual location for enhanced privacy
Data-only service with virtual phone number capability for voice and text. No hotspot support or wearables connectivity. Virtual number provides voice capability without included native phone number.
Plan flexibility
Programmable activation
Schedule when your eSIM plan starts instead of immediate activation
Top-up
Add more data to your existing plan when needed
Auto-renewal or auto top-up
Option to automatically renew or top-up plan for continuous connectivity
Reinstallable eSIM
Delete and reinstall your eSIM profile on the same device
Pay as you go
Pay only for the data you use instead of fixed plan amounts
Innovative freemium model: install once, free unlimited slow data, pay daily only when high-speed needed. Auto-renewable plans and programmable activation available. eSIM regeneration possible for small fee if device changed.
Special perks
Crypto payments- not included
Pay with cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
Loyalty program & cashback- not included
Earn rewards, cashback, and benefits for repeat purchases
Discounts and coupons- not included
Discount codes and promotional offers
Free trial or data
Try the eSIM service with a small amount of free data before committing to a full plan
Airport lounge access- not included
Access to airport lounges when purchasing an eSIM planโeither included or available for an additional fee
Free trial tier with slow unlimited data. Free Uber app access on all plans. Referral program available. eSIM profile regeneration capability unique among providers.
Support
Customer support
Help center
Self-service knowledge base with guides and FAQs
Chat support- not included
Chat support with human customer service agentsโmight not be real-time
WhatsApp support- not included
Chat with support via WhatsApp messaging
Phone support- not included
Call customer service hotline for assistance
AI chatbot- not included
Can help troubleshoot generic questions in real-time but might not provide extensive support
Email support or Contact Form- not included
Contact customer service via emailโmight take long to get a reply
Help center and in-app support channels available. Support response through app-based ticketing system. Limited live support options, though documentation generally addresses common questions.
Visit Firsty help centerRefund policy
Firsty does not offer refunds for activated or used eSIM plans, but you can request a refund within 30 days of purchase if a plan fails to activate after troubleshooting efforts
Fair usage policy
Freemium model with tiered speeds. Free tier is heavily throttled (suitable for messaging only). Paid tiers offer high-speed with no specified throttling.
Compare Firsty with similar eSIM providers
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