Airhub eSIM has just taken a big step into the future of travel payments. The company announced that its gIobal eSIM marketplace now supports cryptocurrency transactions, giving travelers the ability to purchase data plans with Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), USDC, and other popular tokens.

The process is seamless: customers pay in crypto, while Airhub receives the equivalent in USD, removing exchange rate headaches. The move extends across Airhub’s coverage in more than 190 countries and regions.

“More Choice, More Privacy”

“We’re excited to offer our customers more choice and privacy,” said Vanessa Morris, Head of Strategy & Growth at Airhub eSIM.

“Now anyone can buy an Airhub eSIM with their favorite cryptocurrency. This innovation keeps Airhub at the forefront of travel connectivity.”

That promise may resonate strongly with frequent travelers who value financial flexibility. By accepting crypto, Airhub removes cross-border friction—no foreign exchange fees, no bank delays, and no extra conversion costs.

Crypto and Travel: A Growing Match

Airhub is hardly alone in spotting this opportunity. Airlines such as Vueling and airBaltic, OTAs like Travala, and even hotel chains in Asia have already integrated crypto payments into their booking platforms. According to a 2024 Deloitte survey on travel tech adoption, stablecoins such as USDT and USDC are gaining traction in the travel sector because they reduce transaction costs and settlement delays.

For a global eSIM provider, the benefit is obvious: crypto allows instant, borderless payments for services that are themselves designed to erase borders—mobile connectivity.

Why It Matters for eSIMs

The eSIM market is on a steep upward curve. Research firm Grand View projects a 32% compound annual growth rate through 2030, driven by international travel and IoT adoption. Within this race, providers are increasingly differentiating themselves not only through coverage and pricing but also through payment innovation.

Players like Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad eSIM currently stick to traditional card and PayPal options. By moving early into crypto, Airhub positions itself as more progressive and traveler-friendly—especially for digital nomads and business users who already manage part of their finances in digital assets.

Conclusion: Crypto Payments Are the New Differentiator

Airhub’s move is more than a gimmick—it signals a shift in how eSIM providers can win loyalty. In a market where coverage maps look similar and price competition is fierce, the ability to pay flexibly could be the next real differentiator.

Compared with rivals, Airhub is among the first major global eSIM players to embrace cryptocurrency (GigSky already accepts crypto), putting it closer to travel disruptors like Travala than to traditional telecom operators. Given the ongoing rise of blockchain adoption in payments (Visa reported $3.3 billion in crypto-linked transactions in 2023 alone), Airhub is aligning itself with a broader financial trend rather than testing a niche experiment.

For frequent flyers, this means a smoother way to get connected abroad. For the industry, it’s a reminder that travel connectivity isn’t just about faster data—it’s about smarter, more accessible ways to pay for it.