Airalo’s Summer Message to UK Travellers: Don’t Let Roaming Ruin Your Trip
Airalo has launched its first national campaign in the UK, a bold, irony-laced effort developed by the UK creative agency Knowlton. The new multi-channel campaign, titled “Avoid Roaming Regret,” is designed to boost awareness and customer acquisition ahead of this summer’s travel season.
Officially live on 2 June 2025, the campaign delivers a tongue-in-cheek but all-too-relatable reminder: that roaming charges can ruin your holiday. But avoiding them? That’s easy, download Airalo.
A Summer Warning You Can’t Miss
At the centre of the campaign is a TV commercial that blends humour with a jolt of reality. Set against the sunny backdrop of a Bahamas getaway, the spot features a couple interrupted by their son’s panicked phone call: “Are you using Wi-Fi?” When the answer is no, he warns, “This call is going to cost you a fortune.” In a fit of alarm, the parents hurl their phone into the sea. The closing message: “Beat roaming charges with an eSIM from Airalo.”
Additionally, a smartly targeted out-of-home (OOH) campaign will take over key London locations, from high-traffic urban hubs to top tourist hotspots. Crafted by independent creative agency Uncharted, the bold, eye-catching posters feature witty headlines designed to stop passers-by in their tracks and deliver a clear message: you can stay connected abroad without the sting of surprise bills.
Check out the video here.
Airalo: Connecting the Modern Traveller
Airalo currently serves over 20 million users globally, offering affordable, contract-free eSIM packages in over 200 countries and regions. As the travel season ramps up, the brand is positioning itself as the essential connectivity tool for the savvy UK holidaymaker.
“We wanted to launch in the UK with a message that would resonate with the local audience to make sure our message stuck,” said Shelly Pearce, Chief Growth Officer at Airalo.
“Roaming charges are one of those things that feel invisible—until they’re not. This campaign brings that moment to life with humour and relatability, and shows just how easy it is to stay connected with Airalo.”
Dan Knowlton, CMO at Knowlton, added: “This was about finding the sweet spot between education and entertainment. We didn’t want to scold travellers—we wanted to make them laugh, and then think, ‘Right, I should sort that out before I go.’ The result is a campaign that’s equal parts ironic and instructional.”
The campaign is scheduled to run through summer 2025 across TV, OOH, digital and social platforms.
Building on Previous Campaigns
Airalo’s recent UK campaign builds upon its history of engaging and humorous advertising. Notably, in December 2024, the company launched the holiday-themed campaign “How Roaming Almost Stole Christmas,” featuring comedian Conan O’Brien as a tech-savvy Santa Claus. This campaign humorously depicted Santa navigating the challenges of global connectivity, emphasizing the convenience of Airalo’s eSIM services during the holiday travel season.
Earlier in 2023, Airalo released the “Bill Shock” advertisement, which dramatized the anxiety of unexpected roaming charges. The ad resonated with viewers, amassing over 6 million views on YouTube and reinforcing the brand’s message of affordable international connectivity.
Additionally, Airalo has leveraged influencer marketing to expand its reach. By partnering with travel and tech influencers across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, the company showcased real-world applications of its eSIM technology, further solidifying its presence in the digital travel space.
These prior campaigns have laid a strong foundation, allowing Airalo to effectively engage with a broad audience and set the stage for its latest UK-focused initiative.
