The No-App eSIM: Buy Online Instantly Without Downloads
Why download an app just for one trip? PikaSim is the only eSIM provider that works 100% in your browser. No Airalo app, no Holafly app, no login, no download. Just instant eSIM via email.
The App Download Problem
Why Am I Downloading an App?
You're going on a 1-week vacation. Why do you need to download a 50MB app (Airalo, Holafly, Nomad) just to buy one eSIM?
Most eSIM providers force you to download their app, create an account in-app, then manage everything through the app. That's 3 extra steps before you even see pricing.
App Permissions & Privacy
Apps request permissions: location tracking, contacts, camera, notifications. Why does an eSIM app need access to your photos?
Airalo and Holafly apps collect device data, usage patterns, and analytics. Their privacy policies allow data sharing with "third parties."
Another Account to Manage
App-based eSIMs require account creation inside the app. That means another username, password, email verification, and potential 2FA setup.
After your trip, you have an app installed that you'll never use again, tied to an account you'll forget exists.
Storage Space Waste
50-100MB for an app you'll use once? That's space for 25-50 photos from your trip.
Airalo app: 76MB. Holafly app: 62MB. PikaSim: 0MB (web-based).
Time-Consuming Setup
Download app → Create account → Verify email → Browse packages → Purchase. 10-15 minutes.
PikaSim: Browse packages → Enter email → Pay → Receive eSIM. 3 minutes. All in your browser.
Internet Required to Download
Airport WiFi is slow. Downloading a 70MB app while trying to catch a flight? Stressful.
PikaSim works in any browser. Already installed. No download needed. Open Safari/Chrome and you're done.
PikaSim: The Web-Only eSIM Solution
Everything in your browser. No app, no account, no download. Just like online shopping should be.
100% Web-Based
Open pikasim.com in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or any browser. Browse 170+ countries, compare packages, and purchase - all without leaving your browser.
- ✅ Works on iPhone, Android, laptop, tablet
- ✅ No App Store or Google Play required
- ✅ No app updates to install
- ✅ No permission requests
Email-Only Purchase
Provide just an email address. We send your eSIM QR code. That's it. No account creation, no password, no profile.
- ✅ Your eSIM appears on purchase confirmation page
- ✅ Backup copy sent to email (use any email, even disposable)
- ✅ No login to manage eSIM
- ✅ Top-up using ICCID number (no account needed)
Instant Access
QR code appears on screen immediately after payment. Screenshot it or check email. Activate eSIM in 30 seconds.
- ✅ No waiting for email (though we send one)
- ✅ No app install delay
- ✅ No account verification
- ✅ Works with slow WiFi (web page vs 70MB app)
Zero App Permissions
Since there's no app, there are no permission requests. Your location, contacts, photos, and camera remain private.
- ✅ No location tracking
- ✅ No contacts access
- ✅ No camera/microphone requests
- ✅ No push notifications spam
PikaSim (No-App) vs Airalo/Holafly (App-Required)
| Step | PikaSim (No-App) | Airalo/Holafly (App-Based) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Access | ✅ Open pikasim.com in browser 0 seconds |
❌ Open App Store → Search → Download 70MB app 2-5 minutes |
| 2. Account | ✅ No account needed 0 seconds |
❌ Create account → Verify email → Set password 3-5 minutes |
| 3. Permissions | ✅ None (it's a website) 0 seconds |
❌ Location, notifications, possibly more 30 seconds |
| 4. Browse Packages | ✅ Search countries, compare prices 1 minute |
✅ Search countries, compare prices (in app) 1 minute |
| 5. Purchase | ✅ Email + payment 1 minute |
✅ Payment (already have account) 1 minute |
| 6. Receive eSIM | ✅ QR code on screen + email Instant |
✅ QR code in app Instant |
| Total Time | ~2-3 minutes | ~8-13 minutes |
Note: Times assume good WiFi. With airport WiFi, app downloads can take 10-15 minutes, making PikaSim 5-6x faster.
When "No-App" Saves the Day
🛫 Airport Arrival
You land at Tokyo Narita. Airport WiFi is slow. You need data NOW to book a taxi.
Download 70MB Airalo app on slow WiFi (10 min) → Create account (3 min) → Buy eSIM → Finally get data. Total: 15+ minutes
Open browser → pikasim.com → Buy Japan eSIM → QR code appears → Scan → Connected. Total: 3 minutes
📱 Low Storage Phone
Your phone has 500MB free. Need eSIM but can't fit a 70MB app.
Delete photos/apps to make space → Download Airalo/Holafly app → Never have space for this app again. Permanent storage loss
Use browser (already installed) → Buy eSIM → Keep all your photos. 0MB storage used
🔐 Privacy Concerned
You don't want apps tracking your location or collecting device data.
Grant permissions (location, notifications) → App tracks usage → Data shared with "partners" per privacy policy. Privacy compromised
Website access only → No permissions → No tracking → Private browsing works perfectly. Full privacy
💼 Business Traveler
Last-minute trip to Singapore. Need eSIM in 5 minutes between meetings.
Wait for app download → Create account → Miss purchase window because your next meeting started. Too slow
Open laptop → Browse → Buy → Email has QR code → Scan on phone → Done before meeting starts. Fast enough
🌍 Multi-Country Trip
Europe trip: France → Italy → Spain → Germany. Need eSIMs for each country.
Log into app every time → Navigate app interface → Buy each country's eSIM in-app → Keep app installed entire trip. App clutter
Bookmark pikasim.com → Buy Europe regional eSIM (covers all 4 countries) OR buy individual country eSIMs in browser. No app needed
👴 Non-Tech-Savvy Traveler
Your parents are traveling. They're not comfortable with apps.
"How do I download an app?" → "What's my Apple ID password?" → "It says I need more storage?" → Give up or call you for help. Frustrating
"Open Safari and go to pikasim.com" → They know how to use websites → Buy eSIM like online shopping → Success. Familiar process
How PikaSim's No-App eSIM Works
Open Your Browser
Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge - any browser works. On any device: iPhone, Android, laptop, tablet.
No app download. No App Store. Just your existing browser.
Visit pikasim.com
Type in the URL or click a link. Instant access to 170+ countries and regions.
Works on slow WiFi. Pages load fast (no 70MB app download).
Search & Compare
Use the search box to find your destination. Compare packages by data, duration, and price.
Clean interface. No login required to browse. See prices immediately.
Email + Payment
Enter your email (any email works - Gmail, ProtonMail, even disposable email). Pay with credit card via Stripe.
No account creation. No password. No email verification loops.
QR Code Appears
Your eSIM QR code appears on screen immediately. Also sent to email as backup.
Screenshot it or save to photos. Or just check email.
Scan & Activate
Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Scan the QR code. Your eSIM activates in 30 seconds.
Same activation process as Airalo/Holafly. Just without the app hassle.
⏱️ Total Time: ~3 Minutes
Compare to app-based eSIMs: 10-15 minutes (download app + create account + purchase)
PikaSim is 3-5x faster than Airalo or Holafly.
No-App eSIM Questions
Why don't other eSIM providers offer web-only access?
Most eSIM providers (Airalo, Holafly, Nomad) want you locked into their app ecosystem. Apps allow them to send push notifications, track usage, and collect more data. We believe web-based access is simpler and more private.
Can I manage my eSIM without an app?
Yes. To top up your PikaSim eSIM, just visit our top-up page and enter your ICCID number or order number. No login, no app. To view usage, check your phone's cellular settings - no app needed.
What if I lose the QR code email?
Your eSIM details appear on the purchase confirmation page (screenshot it!). The email is just a backup. If you lose both, contact support@pikasim.com with your order number.
Is web-based less secure than an app?
No. In fact, web-based can be MORE secure because you can use your browser's privacy features (private browsing, ad blockers, VPN). Apps often require permissions that compromise privacy (location, contacts, etc.).
Do I need to keep the browser open?
No! Once you receive the QR code via email, you can close the browser. The eSIM activation happens in your phone's Settings app, not in a web browser or third-party app.
What about customer support without an app?
Email support@pikasim.com or use our Live Help chat (also web-based, no app). Most eSIM issues are solved via email anyway, even with app-based providers.
Try the No-App eSIM
Experience how simple eSIM should be. No download, no account, no friction. Just instant connectivity.
📧 Email optional • ⚡ Instant on-screen delivery • 🌍 170+ countries • 🔓 No app download