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Buying an international eSIM data plan for your phone instead of SIM card

I've been doing a lot of research on SIM cards recently, trying to figure out whether I should buy an extra phone and an international SIM card, or bite the bullet and pay for Verizon's outrageous international fees. But then I came across a post here talking about dual SIM phone. It turns out they are fairly common in newer phones and allow you to add an extra SIM card into your phone that can be used interchangeably with your regular provider's SIM card.

Those sounded pretty cool so I checked, and my iPhone 11 mini does not have the dual-SIM capacity. However, the technology has advanced and it turns out that most newer phones (post late 2017) have eSIM capability, which is basically a digital SIM that is soldered directly to a device's board, and is remotely reprogrammable through software. Basically, I have the ability to use two different cell phone providers. In my phone, Verizon uses the physical SIM card and the eSIM slot is available for another cell phone provider (either the same one, another US one or an international provider). It is mostly used by people who have 2 phones - one for work and one for home. Having the option of a second SIM (hard or eSIM) allows someone to use the same phone but switch back and forth from one carrier to the other.

I found that people on the forum who have used the eSIM switched their main provider to the eSIM, and then bought an international physical SIM card. So for example, since I have Verizon, I would need to switch Verizon to the eSIM, which from everything I have heard, may be easy or could take hours, depending on the person you talk to at Verizon. But instead, I can keep Verizon on my physical SIM card, and use the digital eSIM data plan for the other line.

It's a pretty easy process and there is no need to swap out your SIM card on your regular phone or buy a burner phone or use an old phone. You just carry one phone and switch the SIM back and forth. I am planning to use this process for the one month trip to Germany in late April but in the meantime, I have found a lot of resources, so I thought I would share all this information I have in case anyone else is interested.

I don’t know about other phones but if you have an iPhone, you can find out if you have this capability by going to Settings>General>About, then scroll down to the bottom. Under “Physical SIM” you should see your network/carrier listed, along with a string of codes and numbers (IMEI, ICCID, and MEID). Below that, it will say “Available SIM” and have a separate IMEI2 number. I believe that all iPhones from XS and forward have this. But again, the phone must be UNLOCKED.

This website gave me information about the process and how to find an international eSIM data plan. He describes how it works in detail and tells you how to set it up once you've bought the data plan (along with links to sites with detailed steps for iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, and Huawei phones). https://travelwithbender.com/travel-thoughts/travel-tips/international-esim-travel

Information for iPhone users: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209044 Information for Verizon users: https://www.verizon.com/support/esim-activation-instructions One international eSIM plan that was recommended by the Travel with Bender article. https://esim.holafly.com/esim-europe/

Also, here is a link to an Orange plan that a Redditor used and liked. At the bottom, you check a button to indicate if you want a physical SIM or eSIM. https://travel.orange.com/en/detail-all-inclusive/?geozone=EUR&ref=orhldeur20gb

UPDATED to include this Reddit post with a list of eSIM data providers as of Dec. 2021. https://www.reddit.com/r/eSIMs/comments/rrh488/state_of_the_market_list_of_esim_providers_as_of/

UPDATE: This post by Holafly gives a list of ALL phones with eSIM capability (as of July 2022). https://esim.holafly.com/how-to/esim-phones

Mardee, I have been half-heartedly looking into this when I think about it but it definitely seems like something I want to do, as opposed to continually switching out my home sim (and making sure I don’t lose it). Thanks for the resources!

Mardee thank you so much for this info. I looked into eSim for our 2020 UK trip that didn’t happen. It is an option on my unlocked iPhone 11. The info and links you’ve posted are very helpful and I’ll pursue for this year’s trip!

Good summary, Mardee -- it was me that brought up the eSIM topic, and although there are many other workable methods of keeping your own mobile phone working for you while in Europe (most notably google fi) the dual-SIM functionality built into recent phones is there for this kind of scenario, so why not take advantage of it? Thanks for sharing these links.

@Aimee - I wish $100 here and $100 there was not a big deal for me, but that's not the way it is.

Aimee, I don't know why your assumption is that someone is spending $1500 to fly to Europe. While that might be how much it costs you to go to Europe, that has often been more than my entire budget including airfare for me to go to Europe for a week. Adding $150 to my budget is the equivalent of what I spend 3 days on the ground. Last time I was in London and bought a sim I just had to pay 20.99 gbp for unlimited talk, text, and 10gb data for a month and that came with the phone (that's what the 99p was). I much rather that than $150. Some people value convenience I value saving money, so while you don't understand the fuss, I don't understand why you'd want to spend unnecessary money. To each their own.

I appreciate this information and it might be something to look into. I had Sprint (now T-mobile) which includes free international data and texts and it has been so useful over the years in not needing a SIM. Although the internet is only 2G which these days is barely enough for anything, but I can usually pull up maps, get iMessages/Whatsapp etc, and do simple searches which is most of the data I need to use when I'm not around WiFi. I also have a friend who gifted me an extra phone, which for the first time I bought a SIM for this year in Croatia. Its an android and I use iPhone, I got so annoyed trying to learn a different UI that I often just hot spotted my phone with the local sim to my iPhone and used my iPhone like normal. I guess this is another workaround if you happen have an extra phone that has hotspot capabilities.

Aimee: For me, the cheapest viable option with Verizon would cost around $300 for the 30 days I am gone ($10/day @30 days). The last time I went to Europe in 2018, I had Sprint, which had a wonderful int. plan and was very easy (and cheap). But not now. This makes more sense for me. It may not for everyone.

Averosemail: Thanks! There were several posts and I couldn't remember who posted by the time I got around to writing this. It really does seem to make sense. In fact, I was surprised that the RS website doesn't mention it on their technology tips page - they talk about regular SIM cards but not this.

Aimee, no, unfortunately there is no cap. It's $10 per day per days used, but I'd be using it every day, I'm sure. It's just irritating and having an eSIM data plan is such an easy fix. Most cost between €20 to €50. And once you use your data cap (or your trip is over), you can hang onto them and top off your data for your next trip.

Last year while in Italy, I relied on my Verizon cell at the cost of $10/day. It was $300 by the time I was done for about 3 weeks of use. It worked well and I was pleased but knew it was pricy.

My geeky son thought it was outrageously expensive. He recommends an eSIM also. Our Apple phones have this option. For my upcoming trip to Spain, I will consider a Spanish SIM or this eSIM option. I'll likely try the eSIM and if there are issues, switch to a Spanish SIM.

Either way, I'll save.

Thanks for the great research! Lee

I love the elegance of the eSIM. I wish I'd had it when I was working and carrying 2 cellphones to maintain some boundary between personal and professional life.

For my travels, I do carry 2 phones, one of which is an older phone with my "travel SIM" which I load for each trip with an inexpensive 30 day plan. I use my travel phone extensively: travel documents, apps, audio guides, self guided walking tours, transit options, prepaid tickets, reservations and my entire itinerary. Each phone has access and everything is in the cloud.

As I consider the eSIM for future travels, I worry about 2 benefits that I perceive with my 2 phone setup:

1) the 2nd phone serves as a backup; if I lost either phone, the impact to my trip would be negligible.

2) the travel phone does most of the work, my more valuable home phone (used in the hotel on wifi) is less likely to be lost or stolen

I worry that with an eSIM phone, if I lose it while sightseeing, I've increased both the impact to my trip and the value of the loss.

I suppose I could still bring a backup phone, but if anyone thought a 2nd phone was already a waste, I'd be even more likely to agree with you.

CW - My thinking is the same as yours. I have my previous phone and I'm going to get a physical sim on my next trip. I'll be happy to leave my much more expensive "regular" phone in a safe place and use my slightly outdated older phone for walking around.

I've always used Verizon's international plan but it does get expensive especially when both my husband and I need to have service. I know Verizon is pricey but their coverage area is worth it to us.

I finally relented and accepted that I travel frequently, so I need a provider that offers coverage in Europe and Mexico at the minimum. T-Mobile has some plans that do, but I wound up going with Google Fi. For my wife and I, the cost is less than $100 a month, and coverage in Europe costs me no more than here in the US, there are charges for International calls made. All of my apps and history are available, contacts, no need to provide someone with a different number. It has really been great when traveling.

Paul , I've been looking at Google Fi, but my problem is that we live in a rural area in northern Minnesota and coverage is sparse with certain carriers. So for now, I'm stuck with Verizon. I'm hoping that changes (along with the crappy internet we have).

CW and Celeste , I've had cell phones for 22 years and have never lost any of them (or had them stolen) during multiple trips overseas or here at home. If it was lost, I can track it easily - plus I have travel insurance that covers loss of all electronics (it was a $5 rider). It is also backed up regularly to the cloud, so if I had to buy a new phone, it's easy to get data back in it.

I think the odds of it being lost are slim to none. But that's me. :) I realize it might be a problem for other people and I certainly understand why some people would bring two phones along. I just like not having the inconvenience (and extra weight) of two phones.

Mardee, thank you for this. We're planning to be in Europe for about 6 weeks later this year. We have a locked iphone, with AT&T. We could probably go the $10/day route, since we don't expect to use the phone very often, but I'm intrigued with the eSIM option.

So if the phone is locked, BOTH sims are locked? Is that what you're saying? I will be checking with AT&T, but I'd like to have as much info as possible before I call them.

Thanks again for this very interesting, informative, and helpful post.

Edit to add: I just followed the link Mardee gave for iphone users, and indeed, if the phone is locked, the second sim must be used by the same carrier. I guess I'll see if I can get the phone unlocked, but I think we have a few months left on our contract.

Jane , I checked with AT&T (I'm always curious about other carriers) and they do have a cap as follows:

If you talk, send a text or use data in any of the included countries, you’ll be charged $10 per 24 hours and $5 for each Add’l line on the same account used the same day unless you remove Int’l Day Pass. Charge cap: A max. of 10 daily fees per line, per monthly bill cycle.

So your phone at $10 per day for 6 weeks would cost around $150 with the cap.

One thing you might do is ask AT&T to unlock the phone. If there are only a few months left on the contract, they might be willing to do this in order to keep you as a customer. It wouldn't hurt to try.

I, too, am sold on using two SIMs in one phone, but I have T-Mobile so I don't need to worry about getting a second SIM to avoid the high costs.

Here is a caution about using your "home" account as well as a second one while traveling outside the U. S.: You may want to set your home number so all calls are forwarded to voicemail. Otherwise, a call to your home number may ring on your phone while you are in Europe or elsewhere. Even if you do not pick up, your account may be charged for an international call at the high rates for such calls. Think of such a call as being sent from your carrier to your phone in Europe and then back again when it goes to voicemail. If all calls are unconditionally forwarded to voicemail, an incoming call never "left" the U.S.

You unconditionally forward your incoming calls with a setting on your phone or by calling your phone company. It should not affect calling out from your phone and you should get a notice on your phone if someone leaves a voicemail. When I had to use this technique years ago, I would check voicemails later with a wifi call, or even further back in time, with a calling card over a payphone.

Note that forwarding your phone does not stop text messages, so those would still come through at whatever rate your carrier charges.

Mardee and Aimee, thank you. There is indeed a cap of 10 days per billing cycle, but that's for postpaid plans. I dug around a bit, and we have a prepaid plan - we got that when we weren't sure whether or not we were going to use the phone at all. Actually, a friend gave us her old phone and set up the plan.

Our phone aged out, and we got a new one in December. We can't unlock the phone until we've had it 6 months, according to the website. I do, however, plan to call them and see what we can do. It looks like we're going to keep the phone - we've had one now for about a year and a half - so maybe we can switch to another plan and get it unlocked.

Thanks. We are savvy on a lot of things, but absolute neophytes about cell phones.

There shouldn’t be a need to pay Verizon $300 a month. They have a plan for $100 a month - 250 minutes of calls, 1000 sent text messages, unlimited received text messages and 5gb of data, of course, additional charges accrue if you go over, seems like this plan was about $30 a few years ago

There is also a pay as you go rate, use services and pay for each.

And the travel pass plan- unlimited calls and texts, a data allotment at a cost of $10 a day. Ideal for the infrequent and disciplined user

I will preface by saying I’m a bit technologically inept, but that’s what brought me here searching for exactly this info about eSIMs. My question is how would you know for sure that the data you are using is coming from your eSIM once on travel vs making sure you aren’t roaming from your home provider? Will it automatically just click over to that local coverage once you are there within range? Would I toggle something on once landing in Europe? Seems like a great option that I’m trying to sort out, just really fearful of a massive unexpected bill upon returning home if I mess something up. On my last 2 trips I arranged a set amount of international data with my home provider, ATT, for a month. I think it was an extra $50 and gave me enough data, maybe 5Gb, that was fine for my wandering around usage requirements. I believe I would leave my phone on airplane mode with WiFi on, then manually turn on the cellular as needed. Incoming and outgoing texts from my regular US contacts were treated the same as if I was still physically in the US. I never needed to make any calls. It was easy and convenient but I know definitely not the best value as switching out for a local SIM in Europe or exploring this option, so it got me thinking about other options.

To piggyback, the 20 pounds for 10gb data SIM, is that typical price for a SIM card?

I too have ATT so it would be max $100 per billing month. I'm staying for 5.5 weeks so potentially could be $200 for my entire trip. I'm a planner so really plan on getting most things done before I even leave the States. Would only use data as emergency, will probably stick to wifi and ironing fine details night before each day begins.

Great Information. I'm on AT&T Business plan, and unfortunately their international plan, doesn't have the $100 Max charge. I do plan on getting an eSim card for my iPhone 13 thanks to your info.

My question is how would you know for sure that the data you are using is coming from your eSIM once on travel vs making sure you aren’t roaming from your home provider? Will it automatically just click over to that local coverage once you are there within range?

@kjones , it does NOT automatically switch nor would you want it to. However, it's very easy to manually switch back and forth - if you have an iPhone, you just go to Settings, tap either Cellular or Mobile Data, and then tap the plan you want to use. Then tap Turn On This Line. Simple and easy. It will then stay on that plan until you switch it back.

On an Android phone, go to > Settings > Connections > SIM card manager. Switch on or switch off the eSIM profile on this page, then under the section Preferred SIM Card, select which SIM card you want to use.

So if you're going on trip to Europe, you would switch it once you land, and then just keep it there until you are ready to go back to your regular plan. In my original post is an article that explains the entire process very well - https://travelwithbender.com/travel-thoughts/travel-tips/international-esim-travel

There shouldn’t be a need to pay Verizon $300 a month. They have a plan for $100 a month - 250 minutes of calls, 1000 sent text messages, unlimited received text messages and 5gb of data, of course, additional charges accrue if you go over, seems like this plan was about $30 a few years ago. There is also a pay as you go rate, use services and pay for each. And the travel pass plan- unlimited calls and texts, a data allotment at a cost of $10 a day. Ideal for the infrequent and disciplined user.

@goanywhere , I am not an infrequent user nor do I want to be disciplined when traveling. I use a lot of data and don't want to have to worry about going over. I'm used to an unlimited data plan. To me it's a no-brainer - buy an eSIM data plan for around €40-50 and not worry about going over, or stick with Verizon and have to constantly monitor my data (plus pay at least $100 or more).

I am curious. I understand the dual sim cards & having 2 numbers - a US Number & European #.

When I switch to the European service provider & begin using that number, how would I know if I have a voice mail or text with my US based plan with AT&T? Must I switch back & forth to check each carrier? Will texts & voice mails just accumulate until I switch phone back to that service provider to see if I have messages?

Well, you could do that - just switch back and forth to see if you have voicemails or texts. It only takes about 30 seconds to switch. Keep in mind that if you listen to voicemails or respond to texts on your US based plan, you might have to pay extra to your carrier for that. It's much easier to just have your friends and family call and text you at the new number. Of course, if you have an iPhone, you can read (and send) your Messages through iCloud, which is an option. And there may be an option for that with Androids. But you will still have to switch over to the US line (unless you are bringing another device, like a laptop or iPad). As long as you are just using wifi, however, you should be okay.

You also might be able to listen to voicemails via the other line, as long as you punch in the correct code. But the easiest thing to do is just have them call and text you on Whatsapp, which is used a lot by travelers and by most Europeans on a regular basis. It's an app that allows calls and texts through wifi. My brother is a pilot for a major airline and regularly flies to China and Korea and other overseas countries. He always uses it for calls and texts. If he gets a call on his phone, he ignores it and then calls the person back on the app.

My experience is with an Android phone, not an iPhone. I do not have to switch between numbers to check for text messages or voicemails. Both appear in the notifications as they occur. In other words, both numbers are continuously active. I have the option of setting the phone so it asks me which number I want to use to make a call or send a text.

I don't have any experience yet with a domestic SIM and a foreign SIM so I'm not sure what I would do if I wanted to turn off a number to avoid incurring the steep roaming charges, and especially so with an eSIM that I can't physically remove from the phone. I think I would just suspend one of the numbers in settings.

This issue is just academic for me, however, because I have T-Mobile, which is more international travel friendly than Verizon or AT&T.

Paul, that’s very interesting. And good to know. I also agree with you about T-Mobile. I almost switched just because of this upcoming trip, but my daughter is on the same plan and it’s difficult for her with her work to switch the plan. So for now I’m stuck with Verizon.

Re: switching back and forth from esim "mode" to non-esim "mode". I can't find the source but it seems that I read that you can only switch back and forth for 10 times. I'm thinking I read this on the Travelsim site.

That makes no sense at all and I have not heard that. These plans were designed for people who work and use a separate cell for that purpose. This way they do not need to carry two phones around. it would certainly not be feasible if they limited the number of transfers.

I have two accounts on my phone. One is an eSIM and the other a physical SIM. One only has a limited amount of data (it is a low cost number), so I set the phone to use its data first, and then switch to the other SIM when the first one's data runs out. Details are unimportant, but this step saves me a little money on my monthly bill.

The main point, however, is that I switch between the two accounts frequently. There is no limit on how many times I can switch. I am unaware of any limitations on switching between the two lines for any reason.

I still have my Dutch Vodafone SIM I bought in 2017 - haven't used it since 2019 but it is still active. It worked great for me on a few trips to Europe for cheap mobile phone use. My Android phone doesn't have an eSIM anyway, but it doesn't seem like a big hassle for me to use the Vodafone SIM. You can't buy a Dutch Vodafone SIM on eBay anymore (as far as I know) - maybe the UK version would work. But, I should be able to cover my phone needs for a 2-3 week trip for about 20 Euros, based on past trips.

I would love to hear more about:

1) typical data usage of people who use the internet a lot to look up places to eat, research things to do while out and about and have no wifi, maps/directions, etc.

2) what reputable companies to buy a SIM card from before starting travel. I really don't want to wait until I'm there but I guess that's what most people do?

I will be starting my trip in Germany and going through several countries (Poland, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Portugal) so buying on in each country would be annoying to me. Maybe I can get something for all places at the Frankfurt airport?

I bought and set up my Vodafone UK SIM in advance of a trip and have used it for trips that included most of your countries: Germany, Poland, Austria and Hungary.

On my 3 week trips, I use about 300MB as I am diligent about using free wifi at restaurants, my hotel, etc.

I am following this post with all it's information because I have a trip scheduled to GB in Sept. I have ATT and am very unhappy they did away with their Passport plan for intl as it was one charge per billing cycle ($70 in 2019.) Now, similar to Verizon, they only have a 'day pass' at $10/day and when you reach more than 10 days in a billing cycle, no more charges. But, here is the problem for me. I didn't figure my billing cycle into my planning for the trip. In fact, my billing cycle date is right in the middle of the RS tour portion of my month long trip. In other words, I will end of paying at least $200 for using my phone! That's really an increase since 2019. I am considering switching to T Mobile (Verizon sounds similar and as bad as ATT.) However, I am also considering a Great Britain sim. I am not going to Europe on this trip except for a transit stop in Republic of Ireland. So, thank you everyone for providing all this discussion and information. I do have one question. If I use my VPN will it use data if no wifi or weak wifi is present? Would leaving my phone on airplane mode prevent the VPN from running on data? I have an android phone and Express VPN. Do I just need to contact the VPN?

If I use my VPN will it use data if no wifi or weak wifi is present? Would leaving my phone on airplane mode prevent the VPN from running on data? I have an android phone and Express VPN. Do I just need to contact the VPN?

You use data or WiFi the same whether you use a VPN or not. All the VPN does is direct traffic through the VPN's servers to protect your privacy e.g. on a local WiFi network where you don't trust the security.

Not that it matters, but if memory serves me correctly TMobile International is $10 a month (in my plan its free) then another $50 for high-speed internet for the month. With Whatsapp or WiFi calling phone calls cost nothing. Its what I am using right this second in a wine bar in Budapest. Cheers!

I'm about ready to order my eSIM data plan for my upcoming trip, so I did some additional research, which I've included here.

For those who are wondering how much data they will need, here is a page from Holafly (one of the eSIM providers) that breaks down the cost of data for travelers and gives an estimate of how much you might need. Holafly is one of the companies that provides eSIM data plans. For those who are going to more than one country, you may want to look at one of their European plans .

That being said, I'm leaning towards Airalo - they have European eSIM plans as well but theirs are cheaper. I'm planning to buy the 30 day 10Gb plan, which costs $37. I can get it down to $20 if I only use 5Gb, but I'm not willing to limit data on a trip. I'd rather use Google maps live (especially for public transport) and want to have enough for photos and so on. And for a month, it's a darned good price. It's a simple process to install - you download the Airalo app, pick your plan and then buy it. You must have stable Wifi to activate it, but the clock doesn't start ticking until you turn the data plan on (with a few exceptions). So you could conceivably activate it at home, the turn it on once you land at your destination.

Mardee, in Spain I ended up with the Orange Spain plan and it was great - and easy! I looked at a lot of plans and opted for one with minutes and SMS, as well as data.

Although right now I have ended up with a physical Sim for the UAE, I got data only - kind of by plan but also not. And realized I won’t do that again. I don’t need the minutes here, but I think there are going to be a few times that having the ability to get a text to verify something (like changing my WhatsApp # so I can use it with data and not just WiFi) might be useful. Worth a bit more money to me - and it’s not a lot anyway. And worth thinking about.

@Travelmom, was your Orange SIM an eSIM plan or a physical SIM card? I really do not need phone or text capability while I'm out. For one thing, I will have my laptop so I can get any texts over wifi. And of course, I can get them on my phone just by switching to my regular phone number while I have wifi. I will have call roaming turned off already, so it shouldn't be a problem.

Mardee, it was an eSim. And the Orange plan just included data, SMS, and some minutes.

You may not need SMS, but it’s something I am going to watch trip to trip. In Spain I used WhatsApp a lot (my apartments and even restaurant reservations occasionally):- and being able to use it with data instead of WiFi was useful. But to switch to the Spain #, I think I needed to get a text at the new number. So right now, I don’t have SMS and can’t do that. I can WhatsApp but only on WiFi. And I am using a taxi app a lot this trip. Data is fine there - unless I need to communicate regarding exact pick up location or some kind of problem. Then I might need to actually have a conversation. But I won’t be doing that every trip. I love the ease of the eSim and am a convert, but still doing lots of learning regarding actual plans.

James E., unfortunately changing providers would be an ordeal for me right now but T Mobile would probably be a good choice for many reasons otherwise. Changing travel sims, e or physical, is more work but less than changing providers at home right now. Technically a new sim/plan each trip is also a little cheaper, but if I already had T Mobile it wouldn’t be enough to make me change sims each trip. And given the length and extent of my trips this year, I am unwilling to use the AT&T international plan. 🤣

That's all good info to know, thanks! It will be a learning experience for me, too,

I’ve been looking into e sims and airalo too.

I found this review. The interesting part was the issue encountered with multiple networks being available and how to fix it.

https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/airalo-esim-review/

Rocket, thanks! That's good info to know. I'm getting the Europe data plan on my iPhone 12 mini. It's good to know that you can start it manually - I'll have my laptop with me but it will be a pain to drag it out just to pull up the email. Also nice to know that their customer service is good.

Hi Mardee TravelMom et al:

Wow lots of information. Just to confirm:

• I have an iPhone 11 (not Pro): does it support double e-sims?
• Need an eSim for 30 days in France, checked the "MobiMatter" but plans for France don't include much data
• How much data do you recommend for 30 days, on a E>W cross country trip? I'm thinking 20 GB (I won't use Google Maps, using HereWeGo for driving instructions etc).
• Online choices/purchases can be so dodgy, so my plan was to buy a nano-sim at CDG, Relay Store. But the idea of the eSim seems so much easier. Or can you provide a solid eSim source link?
• What brand of eSim would your recommend? Heard Orange was good. thank you!

@ JosiePosie

See if you can glean anything useful for your needs here - https://prepaid-data-sim-card.fandom.com/wiki/France

An iPhone 11 does support both a physical SIM and an eSIM. My experience is that the physical SIM cards are way more affordable with more data and minutes than any eSIM plan you can purchase.

TO MARDEE: Wow--I've just finished reading just a bit of all the amazing info you have sent: thank you, very important and generous contribution!

About to push the button on an esim: but one more question: Do e-sims enable calls & texts? The Hoafly site focuses completely on data/web, nothing about cellular. How do make sure I'll be able to make calls & text? JP

Josie , yes, it should support an iPhone 11 - see https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209044

I researched it and most places said that 10 Gbs should be fine for 30 days - that's how much I'm using and I'm gone for a month.

I'm use Airola, which has been good so far but they only provide data plans. There are some that provide phone and data but you will need to check on that. I think Orange does - read Travelmom's report (and maybe send her a private msg as she may not have seen this post). With texts, if you have an iPhone, you can send messages (iPhone's version of texts) via wifi. That's what I'm doing - I just check my emails and messages when I get to the hotel in the evening (or if I've got wifi during the day).

FWIW, I'm loving the eSIM - it's so much easier than a physical chip.

Yes, I have been traveling yesterday and today also! Ha! Nearly as exciting a trip as yours, Mardee - but no broken airplanes…. thank goodness.

Yes - the eSim process is the same no matter who you buy from and is far easier to do than to explain. Choosing your plan is where you make decisions between 1) data only - or 2) data, telephone minutes, and texts. And choosing a plan determines which company to use, as many offer their plan via eSim but each company seems to offer only a particular kind of plan.

I used this as a start to research plans. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209096

I just finished a trip to both Dubai and Jordan and wanted a local sim. ESim ahead of time was not an available option. So I ended up with a physical sim in each country. Having to stay up with my physical U.S. SIM card for 3 weeks and then switch them out on the plane on the way home made me appreciate my Spanish eSim card so much more! And remember, the first time is the hardest - and it really wasn’t hard at all.

Has anyone used the Holafly eSIM for the USA? How was the experience?

I have not, but have heard good things about it. However, it is pricier than some of the other plans, which is why I decided to go with Airalo (which works great).

teresa, I think your comment is spam and I reported it.

Our family of 4 is going on the My Way Alpine Europe tour this year and I am pretty confused about what to do. I know we will all want to use our phones daily while we are there - to look up things, use travel apps, and communicate with one another. It will be me, hubby, and 2 teens. We have Verizon, and I had already researched their international plan options before finding this thread. I had kind of resigned myself to paying $400 for all of us. It's so much $, but I just didn't know what else to do. We've added on a few days and will be in Europe for 15 days total. Figuring out how to do the other sim card thing for all of us just overwhelms me. We all have new-ish phones. I know at least 2 of ours are unlocked but I'd need to check on the others. So I'm guesing it would work but again it just feels overwhelming to figure it all out. Based on what I've said do you guys think it is worth it for me to delve into this for our situation/phones? Or should I just bite the bullet and pay Verizon?

I have also read about people doing the $10/day through Verizon and just being very careful about when the use their phones - not every day - so then they don't get charged every day. But I can't imagine trying to regulate that with my teens.

@Mardee awesome post. helpful.

@Katie2303: get the Orange e-sim card that Mardee has linked at the bottom for atleast the 3 of you and save 300-60$.

A1) You guys are set on buying SIM cards for various reasons and that’s great, but since a lot of people read through the posts I thought I would show another option. A2) My TMobile Magenta 55 Plan (one line) with International Plus A3) Phone Calls in Europe $0.25 minute, Texts are free, International Data 50GB, and when that runs out it is still there but it gets choked down to pretty slow speeds A4) Cost: Magenta 55 = $50.00 / month, International Plus = $25.00 / month (but you can turn that on and off as needed), additional band width when you get choked down = $5.00 per day or 5GB over 10 days for $35 or 15GB over 30 days for $50.00. A5) I receive a message on my phone when the data limits are close and I can, on my phone at that time while in Europe, decide what to do (a day or 10 days or a month). A6) So, I leave home knowing that what cost $50 a month at home will cost at least $75 in Europe + any data boosts I need or choose (rarely need it, but it has happened; worst case scenario another $35)

@Shaun Kel, thank you thank you! A clear succinct "do this" is exactly what I needed! I checked out the Orange link and confirmed that all 4 of us have unlocked phones. 2 of our 4 accept eSim. I think this might be a much better option. I still have a little fear of - will this really work? But feel better about a direction to research now. Thanks again.

katie2303, it really does work! I'm using it now and it's so incredibly easy. I ordered 5 GB of data for one month and after 19 days, I'm at 2.5 GB, so I should be good.

James, I pay only about $15/month for my mobile phone service at home (with Tello currently). Paying $50/month for T-Mobile at home every month doesn't make sense for me just to have free international data (but not free calls) when I travel out of the country. If I traveled often, then I might look into something like Google Fi. Otherwise, for my occasional trip to Europe, my Dutch Vodafone SIM works just fine.

Thank you Mardee! I wish our phones had dual Sim. Since they don't - basically I won't have access to any texts, calls or voice mails from my other number. Though I'm wondering about forwarding to Google voice while I am gone.

I wish our phones had dual Sim. Since they don't - basically I won't have access to any texts, calls or voice mails from my other number.

@katie, just about every phone now that is 2018 or older has dual SIM capacity. What kind do you have?

B1) Andrew H, just floating it, not promoting it. B2) I spend 2 to 3 months a year in Eastern Europe and its been fine for me.

Mardee, there are still plenty of cheap Android phones that are not dual SIM.

This is so helpful! Many thanks to all who have shared info. Two questions: 1) Has anyone used an eSIM in Greece, and in particular the Cyclades? Was the coverage good? My research has led me to think that Vodaphone is the most reliable there (if buying a physical SIM), but I love the idea of an eSIM that lets me keep my US one intact, and keep my WhatsApp number the same. Still, the whole thing is based on it having good coverage, so I want to start there! 2) Of the eSIMs, does anyone have a recommendation of one that does include voice and text? Or can I use data to make phone calls on WhatsApp even if we're not connected to wifi? My tech knowledge starts to fizzle out at this point...

Nbpt_traveler, to whom do you want to talk to from Greece? If you want to call home to the US, you can use WhatsApp if the people you are calling have it too. That works when you are on WiFi and/or when you have mobile data through a SIM.

You can also use Google Voice to call the US for free from Greece - to any US phone number including landlines, so the other person does not need any special app on their end. Google Voice supports free texts too. You can use Google Voice on WiFi and/or with Mobile Data.

So your SIM/eSIM need not have any calling option on it, unless you want to call European numbers locally and give out a European number to locals. For most, the big need is mobile data for your phone works when not on WiFi.

Nbpt_traveler, Andrew has given you more options. But to answer your question (kind of), last July I used Vodaphone on Santorini and my daughter used it on Naxos - all just fine. We chose it simply because it was the only option when arriving at the Athens airport. I used a physical sim but have since become an eSim enthusiast. So it appears eSim is available for Vodaphone in Greece but it is not as easy as Orange has made it. I would be reluctant to try to give instructions until I have tried it but you can probably have them set it up for you at the airport kiosk, as well. It’s possible you pre-purchase a certain amount of data, minutes, etc., and then top up if needed - as opposed to buying a set tourist plan for a set amount of days (like Orange).,

I hope you will come back and add to the pool of knowledge here! The face of smartphone use is changing….

@AndrewH, thank you! I don't anticipate wanting to make many calls to either European or US numbers, but there may be times -- calling a hotel to tell them we're delayed, etc., etc., when it's needed. As long as I can use WhatsApp and similar on data (i.e., without wifi) that would solve the problem most of the time, as the majority of places have a WhatApp number.

TexasTravelMom, thanks for weighing in. In a perfect world I'd get an eSIM set up here and not need to deal with it in the Athens airport, but will need to do more research to see if I can set up a Vodaphone eSIM from beforehand. All the resources listed above were for other companies, and I haven't found anything about how well they work in Greece. Certainly they offer a Greece option, again, no idea about coverage on the islands.

I will certainly report out if I go this route! If I can't figure it out I'll just get a physical SIM at the airport, but I really like the idea of keeping my US number. Not only does it mean I can be reached if there's any emergency, but I can also keep the same WhatsApp threads going.

Someone on Reddit said they used Holafly in Greece and that it worked really well. I'm loving Airalo and it's been great, but that's in Germany. I know they cover Greece but don't know how their coverage is.

Nbpt_traveler, if you want to keep your U.S. number and use an international plan from Verizon or AT&T, etc., then a plan like Mardee mentions is probably your best bet: just data, no local number. And that is a lot cheaper. And, like her, you could do that ahead of time via eSim.

Something I learned on my last trip is that, even using local data (or even with a local phone number and sim) you don’t lose any WhatsApp chat ability. I mistakenly thought I had to change my WhatsApp connected number because I had a local Sim and local phone number - either eSim or physical sim. Not the case. Using local data, my WhatsApp continued to work fine although still connected to my home number. I communicated with my driver in Jordan all the time, using WhatsApp and my U.S. number, even though I had a Jordanian sim and phone number and my U.S. sim was tucked inside my passport. No loss of or change in threads. That DOES mean you give your home number to anyone there that you are communicating with, so you have to decide if you want to do that - but it does work. But if you are mainly communicating with people at home, none of that will matter.

Love this forum and especially this topic! We recently returned from France and thanks to this post and the one by TexasTravelmom, we were successful first time eSim users. It was so great to use data to find our way around Paris, my husband said he doesn't think he can ever use a paper map again! We signed up with Orange. The only caution......I was wandering around Paris and trying to get back to my hotel, when my map app got very, very slow. It was just not loading. After a two hour search, I found my hotel. Apparently, when you are getting low on data, the data loads very slowly. So I had my husband pay an additional $10 to get more data and then everything worked fine.

Also, thanks for finding me, Tammy! 😂

@Mardee I saw your post about having used ~2.5GB so far - can you give us a picture of what you are using your data for? We will be 3 days in Provence with a rental car so will be using our Maps to get us around. Then while in Paris I'm sure will be using it for directions to and from places on a daily basis. I was originally planning for the Orange Travel card with 20 GB of data, but now thinking 8GB will be plenty for our 14 day trip - plus there will be 3 of us with cards so 32GB combined if we are all together.

Thank you for all of your research....this was the best post so far that I have found on the subject! I ended up making an appt at the Genius Bar with Apple to learn how to turn off the Verizon number and not incur charges while we are traveling.

@flsanford, I'm now at 4.2GB and that is on Day 27. Most of the data went for Google maps and Google searches (although I tried to use wifi for that but lots of times, things would come up while I was out). I didn't have a car but use Google maps to find public transport and walking directions. I had it on constantly. I actually brought a power bank with me because I use so much battery charge taking photos and using Google maps. And I took a ton of photos - around 50-70 each day.

I think you will be fine with 8GB for 14 days, and that's probably overkill. I was originally planning on getting 10GB but then read this post from Holafly that listed what most people use when traveling, and I was way over, so I cut it down.

You can track your data, too (which is what I did) - once you start your plan, go to the Cellular Data section in settings (this is for iPhone and just reset the statistics so you know what you are using. That's how I know I've used 4.2GB.

It's very easy to use - I even wound up adding a second eSIM data plan because I decided to go to Copenhagen at the last minute, and my plan was only for Germany. I got 1Gb of data for 7 days for $5 (I was only there for 3 days and had plenty). I just swapped out the Germany plan for the Denmark one, then when I got back to Germany (today, actually), I removed the Denmark one and switched back to the German one.

@Mardee - this is great info! Thank you so much and glad you are having a lovely trip! Can't wait to get ours started!! Frances

New Q: I have a German Telekom SIM Card. I am in Germany. I am trying to call my wife who is also here but has kept her US SIM. All of my efforts have failed. Telekom is like the rest of these rascals and its "helpline" reply is that no one speaks English right now---even on the English language line. I have tried dialling 0, 00 and so on. Any ideas?

Have you tried this, of course using the actual area code and number in place of the Xs (and your German SIM has both international and local minutes plus data)

+1 xxx xxx xxxx

What periscope said. But if not, can you reach her via Whatsapp? Or Facetime? Or messaging? Because I have an eSIM data plan, there is no phone involved but I've been able to call people using the above apps.

The key thing is to put the "+" sign in before her number, as the poster two posts up said. Forget the zeros, modern cell phones don't need them.

Press on the "0" key for a little longer to get the "+" symbol to come up.

Input the number like this:

+12125551234

(With her area code and number of course,not the dummy fake NY number I used as an example!!)

"Press on the "0" key for a little longer to get the "+" symbol to come up."

THANKS - I always forget to tell people the part about holding down the 0 to get the +

Did anyone else besides me have trouble installing this? I may have accidentally activated the eSIM as well. :( Trying to get help from Airalo is not easy. I'm very frustrated with this experience.

Sorry you're having problems. I sent a message to Airalo one time when I had a question through the app. Just go to your Profile in the lower right hand corner of the app, then click on Contact Us and you can send them a message through the app. I heard back from them very quickly.

Trying that. It says two hour wait.

Just adding in, we got Airalo esims for the kids on our recent trip. They both have iphones so the esim capability was built in. It cost me about US$20 for 3 gb for each of them and it couldn't have been easier. (We use what'sapp so they only need data to stay in touch.) Basically I paid for it with my credit card and it self-installed immediately. I made them take out their "home" sims, because i didn't care to sort out if they could accidentally use their usual plans (Canada roaming plans are horribly expensive). Some how dd managed to eat up her 3 gb quickly, and it was also super easy to add more data. 3 gb may not seem like a lot for a young adult, but they used wifi otherwise and just used data when they didn't have wifi. Hubby and I had physical sims left over from the travel we planned to do in summer 2020! But next time I'll look at esims for us as well.

I just bought 5GB for $13 for Greece with Airalo - seems to be installed but not activated, though there was quite a lot of back and forth with the chat function in the app (partly because my phone was locked even though Verizon said it was unlocked...definitely glad I did all this at home and not on no sleep in the Athens airport!!). I think I am all set to turn it on and turn off my primary line when I arrive in Athens. Airalo was really responsive and easy to deal with, and I get a $3 credit if I refer anyone, so I may refer my family and they'll get the same for $10 instead of $13. Or not. I wanted to make sure at least one of us had a working phone before leaving, and the others could get eSIMs or physical SIMs when we arrive as needed. Our trip is 2.5 weeks and we should have wifi some of the time, so I'm thinking that 5 GB is probably overkill, but we shall see. And of course with the young adults all bets are off...

So much great info here and I have decided to go with Orange Holiday eSIM for my upcoming trip to Scotland. I do have a question for someone who has used Orange eSIM though, and that is when to purchase and put it on my phone. I emailed Orange and their email reply suggested waiting until I was physically in the UK but that doesn't make sense to me. The Android installation instructions advice downloading and turning on once you land but also not to mess with airplane mode while inflight.

So when should I purchase and install? Can't it simply be on the phone but not activated?

Kathy, when I bought my Orange eSim for Spain in March, I ordered ahead, gave them the date I wanted to activate (the day before my trip), and then waited. On the day I chose, an email arrived with a QR code (which I opened on my iPad and scanned with my phone). Then I followed directions. I kept that cellular plan turned off and my home plan turned on. Then on the airplane, while my phone was in Airplane Mode, I turned my home plan Off and the Orange plan On. After deplaning, I simply turned Airplane Mode off and was ready to go as soon as I arrived. When returning, just do the opposite.

Thank you! Finally an explanation which makes sense. I wasn't aware you could choose a date to have them send the QR code as like you, I want it set up and ready to go when I land.

Thanks so much for the clarification! I will definitely be doing the Orange Holiday eSIM.

@Mardee and TexasTravelMom, thank you for this very helpful read. New Question: I have an Ipad that has cellular data capability. I'd prefer using it in Portugal and Spain (sept/oct 2022) because of the size of the screen. Will an esim work in an ipad. All the discussion has been with iphones or androids.

I'll be dowloading bus and train schedules, maps, using data to confirm opening and close times etc.

Thanks for any hints. I'm feeling more confident on how to gain access to data while traveling this trip.

If your iPad has a place for a SIM card or a way to use cellular data, then I assume it will work just like a phone with eSim. (Mine doesn’t, so I use it with wifi at my lodgings.) I guess you would scan the code with your iPad as opposed to scanning with your phone.

So far my plans have also allowed me to hotspot my iPad from my phone - which I also haven’t utilized, just because I haven’t needed to.

Julie, according to Airalo (which is the eSIM plan I used) eSIMs work on most iPads. Here is a comprehensive list. https://www.airalo.com/help/about-airalo/what-devices-support-esim

@TexasTravelMom, thanks for you answer. I decided to try and buy a USA airlo plan for 7 days at $5. I learned my ipad is to old to support esim capability. My iphone will support esim but the screen is small. I'm now on the look out for a sim plan for my ipad. Which is my preferred form of communication while traveling.

Just curious because I use a MS Surface and never had an IPAD. For internet I link it to my phone which with TMobile comes with International data in the regular plan.

James, 1) you have traveled longer far more often than me so you would know more since you have actually done it. 2) and having a T-Mobile plan seems useful in the long run.

However, stuck as I currently am with AT&T (thanks, kids), my 3 G of Airalo data for 30 days at $13 is pretty good. I am using less than 1G/week - using whatever I want whenever I want.

And Julie, I just doubled checked and I CAN use the data on my phone to hotspot my iPad. So if you have a phone capable of using an eSim, that is also a possibility for you. And if you download your offline Google Maps, you have a backup plan.

Yeah, I prefer separate Data SIM cards for my iPhone and iPad - it saves battery draw on both my iPhone and iPad when tetthering.

That wasn't criticism, that was curiosity. I wanted to know if you could do what I do with an IPad? I get why many dont want to go the TMobile route as discount carriers are so cheap right now and my TMobile with International runs $70 a month (two lines) with the Old Fart Discount. I just dont want to mess with more technology if I dont have to. But a discount carrier for day to day life and one of the esim thingies for travel sounds like the most cost effective.

@TexasTravelMom, great tip! "And Julie, I just doubled checked and I CAN use the data on my phone to hotspot my iPad. So if you have a phone capable of using an eSim, that is also a possibility for you. And if you download your offline Google Maps, you have a backup plan" Thanks! I'll play with this using airlo at home as a trial ... I can skip a latte and buy airlo for a week.

Julie, I am doing this very thing right now because, for the first time in a month, WiFi is floating in and out and I can only access the internet by hotspotting my iPad (which I am writing on) to my phone (sitting beside me). My iPad isn’t that new, either.

Lol, James, I know you weren’t criticizing - you wouldn’t dare! 🤣 My take on all this is “it depends”. There are so many variables - not just with technology but life. I think I am going to write a whole post on this soon…. There are 2 reasons I haven’t switched to T-Mobile: 1) all my kids have been on my AT&T plan, sharing the cost of the data plan. This saves them a lot of money. 2) I have family who work for T-Mobile and they advised me that in their area (not far from me), the reception isn’t nearly as good.

@TexasTravelMom, okay I got my really old ipad and almost as old iphone to hot spot .... now I need to go back and find the directions on how to switch between home and travel lines. EEK! I keep telling myself its okay, this is a learning opportunity.

To everyone who has offered hints, written articles etc. This way over the hill and technology challenged traveler thanks you!

I have family who work for T-Mobile and they advised me that in their area (not far from me), the reception isn’t nearly as good.

TexasTravelmom, I'm in the same boat as you - I share a plan with my daughter and her husband and she needs to have good coverage for her job. Since we live in a rural area, it's harder to find so we're stuck with Verizon, which I hate. However, T-Mobile offers an eSIM that is for travelers outside the US who are coming here OR people who want to "test-drive" T-Mobile's cellular service. The fee varies depending on the data plan but includes phone service. I'm thinking about trying this for one month to see how it works in my area. https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/t-mobile-esim-app

Just giving that T-Mobile link a look to try out their eSIM , it looks like I have to "operate" the line through the T-Mobile App that was downloaded to purchase and set up the eSIM - is that correct? I don't think I want to be doing that - I'll have to bear down on the instructions. Since I live outside the US I might have an interest IF it operates just like a normal phone and not just through the App.

periscope, I am fairly certain that it is similar to other eSIM plans in that you activate it through the app, but the service actually runs through your phone. If you read through the instructions, that's what it sounds like.

Thanks Mardee, I see that now. For my visit in the fall, your Airalo recommendation looks to be a better fit for me.

An interesting little side note on the subject.

With my TMobile account the world sees me in the US. That means I can use my TMobile data to long into sites restricted if you are outside the US. I can use the WiFi to watch local Netflix or I can use my phone hotspot to watch US Nextflix. And there are a few US websites that arent accessible from Europe; mostly news and the like. I know, you dont go to Europe to watch Nextflix or the News but there may be other sites, like possibly your bank that could maybe be easier from the US account vs Europe. Dont know. Just an observation.

Here is the link that brought it to light. If you are currently in Europe and using a European internet connection you probably cant open it, if you are in Europe and using a US service provider, you probably can. https://www.capjournal.com/opinions/columnist/never-hug-a-south-dakotan/article_0924c093-4720-58a1-9496-42a87519aa45.html

No idea if this sort of thing would ever be a problem to anyone. Just a curiosity.

You can also subscribe to a VPN in the US to give yourself a US IP address. I have a VPN set up at home so I can connect to it remotely (and not pay a monthly fee for VPN); when I'm in Europe connected to my VPN, websites I visit think I'm browsing from home.

That sounds easy, thank you. For some reason I thought using a VPN like that was some sort of violation of the terms of use on some subscription sites. Good to know, a ESIM and a VPN and an unlocked phone is all you need to be totally digitally functional when traveling. Some day i will make it into the 21st century.

James, I have heard that some sites detect that you are using one of the subscription VPN sites and may complain - not sure, I've never used one. If you have any tech-savvy friends, you could ask them to set up a VPN at home for you like I have. Then the subscription sites would have no idea you were using a VPN - they would just think you were at home.

I’ll be in London and MAYBE Liverpool for like 10 days starting at the end of September.

I have an Unlocked iPHONE 11.

I am on a tight budget.

Do I go with an E-Sim or Sim?

There’s airalo E sim at $10 for 3GB good for 30 days. Or there’s Vodafone UK physical SIm for £10 or about $12 USD. I’d go with the Vodafone. Tons of data so I don’t have to watch my usage and no farting around trying to login to WiFi. The large data allowance is nice to have in case the hotel WiFi doesn’t work or work well. The last I checked it includes hotspot so you can tether another device.

I am just learning about this, so I may be wrong. From what I have seen e.g Orange in Spain provided the same plan at the same price for in either SIM or eSIM. So it shouldn't make a difference unless you compare different carriers.

Your new phone can use both at same time. If you already have a home SIM, you can just leave it in and get an eSIM overseas. If you prefer an overseas SIM, you can sub out the original SIM, but you risk losing it.

Has anyone had experience using Airalo with Xfinity service? I have a IPhone 13 & xfinity told me I cannot use another esim. Yet, following instructions above, I checked and there is an esim “available”. Not real tech savvy but I don’t want to pay $$$ to use phone (internet & data mostly) while in Italy! Thoughts? Thanks!

Xfinity cannot stop you from using an eSIM plan if your phone is unlocked. Do you owe any money on the phone? If so, it may be locked until it's paid off, but otherwise, your phone should be unlocked. To find out, go to Settings-->General-->About-->Carrier Lock. If it's unlocked, it will say "No SIM restrictions".

If it is unlocked, then whoever you talked to at xfinity either does not know what they are talking about, or they lied to you. Regardless, xfinity does support eSIMS - I found this article that references that. https://www.xfinity.com/mobile/support/article/what-are-sims-how-do-they-work

Many thanks. Yes, it is paid for and unlocked. I kinda figured retail clerk didn’t know & just gave easiest “no” answer! Now to figure out for hubs SE phone!

FYI, there is a new Orange Travel app, available in both Android or Apple versions. It should make buying and topping up the Orange eSIM easier. I plan to use it, but won't be able to test it until my trip in November.

I have a question - I am nervous about Verizon charging me overseas. Previously, I just removed the verizon sim and bought a new one in the foreign country. But I love the idea of not having to remove the physical card. But how do I actually ensure that verizon can't charge me if the physical card is still there? I have a Pixel 6a. Thank you!

Eddie, if you don't trust yourself not to accidentally turn on Verizon, you can always temporarily suspend the service and save some money:

https://www.verizon.com/support/suspend-service-faqs/

That's helpful! Thank you. I didn't realize that was possible. I guess this raises another question - is not using Verizon overseas mean simply turning it off inside the phone's setting? Or is it still "on" and susceptible to charges? Thanks!

Eddie, are you talking about what happens after you activate the eSIM? If so, you should get instructions on how to change your settings so that everything goes through the eSIM and not Verizon. I have only used Airalo and they sent specific instructions on how to change the settings. But there were a few text messages that managed to get through (user error on my part). I only had to pay a few dollars for that, but the easiest way to make sure that doesn't happen is to call Verizon (or use the above link) to suspend your service temporarily.

If you are NOT using an eSIM and just want to rely on wireless and no cellular data, you can just turn your phone to Airplane mode.

Eddie, it is a simple on and off button under Cellular. You turn your Verizon number off and keep the eSim turned On. This happens automatically when you are setting up the new eSim at home. So you will need to do the opposite until you are on the plane: turn Verizon back On and turn the eSim Off.

Then on the plane, after you put your phone in Airplane Mode, go into Cellular and turn Verizon off and eSim On. When you land, turn Airplane mode off and you are ready to go.

It’s kind of hard to make a mistake and turn Verizon back on unless you deliberately go into the Settings (not impossible but hard).

Of course, you can’t see this process till you get the eSim set up - because it’s not there yet to have a choice. But it’s easy and apparent once you have it set up.

Extremely helpful! Thank you for your assistance with this! I feel much more confident in it now.

Yesterday, I loaded the Orange Travel app on my Android phone. I set up an account using my email address and password. I then chose the €19.99 eSIM plan (14 days, 8GB 4G data, unlimited talk and text in Europe, 30 minutes talk and 200 texts overseas) which is good for most European countries (list is provided). Paid with credit card. With the Orange app, you just follow the steps and your new (French) phone number is set up; no need to print out or scan the QR code. There is now two signal bars on the phone, the original local SIM and the new eSIM. In the settings, you can toggle one or both sims on or off. While still in Canada, th eSIM signal has an "!" mark showing that there is no service. In previous email to Orange, they replied that I can set everything up at home this way and the 14 day plan will automatically activate and start to run only upon arrival in Europe. If I run out of data, I can top up directly on the app; I have read that I should not top up before the existing plan is used up because any new top up will override any remaining available data. I will fly to FRA and BCN on Tuesday to see how it works out.

EDIT: On Tuesday, we landed in FRA in a stopover to BCN. My Orange eSIM activated and I tested out data, talk and text. I tried to register the eSIM but it would not load my photo of my passport. Too jet lagged to care because it will work for 30 days and I am only here for 14 days. I can always buy a new one in the future. Besides, Orange is asking for all my private info to register. Once we knew it worked for me, we used the Orange app on my wife's phone and she was up and running right away.

One funny thing is that her phone only shows the active Orange signal in the status bar. My phone shows both the Orange active signal and my home service signal (with an "!" mark showing no signal). I cannot seem to deactivate the home sim. My wife and I have the same phone and home provider. I am not worried about roaming because i know how to diable roaming. Also we use a pre-paid home plan which does not allow roaming. If anybody knows how to deactivate my home sim let me know.

Thanks, funpig - good info to know.

I’m late to this thread but I wanted to let you know about the ATT cap on their data plan at $100 for one line and $50 more. For our May trip we called ATT and got them to change our billing cycle so our 30 day trip, May 1-30 fell entirely into our billing cycle. Worked fine. Then we were gone from July 15-August 12 which spanned 2 billing cycles so we would have had a $300 bill for this trip of a similar length over 2 billing cycles. We do have duel SIM card capabilities but in the end we switched to T-Mobile’s Magenta Max 55 Plus plan that saved us money monthly and gave us 5gb of data and calling for 25¢ per minute. My husband may have more to say about the choice to not to go with a second SIM card but we are very happy with switching altogether, the savings for us and the seamless coverage.

I used the Airalo E-SIM on a IPhone 11 Pro for a recent trip to Italy. Very easy to set up and use. It was data only so I had to use WhatsApp for calls but that was not a problem. I mostly switched off my Verizon SIM, but I think one can leave it on if you're careful about switching off data use for that SIM. I may Airalo again for a trip to Costa Rica this winter, but the cost saving is not as good as it was in Italy.

Mona, I would love to switch to T-Mobile but where we live, there is just not enough decent coverage. So I will continue to use Airalo eSIMs until rural internet gets fixed. :)

bdmrad, thanks for the update! I didn't turn everything on Verizon off, thinking like you, but I forgot about incoming scheduled texts from banks. I responded to a few of them without thinking, and got charged. Not a bit problem - I think it was about $2-3 overall, but I will be more careful next time.

For AT&T users, I would advise you read this post " Using Airalo abroad with main AT&T plan? ". Lot's of finagling to get things to work. Take away: call AT&T and request to disable and I quote "Before your next trip you have to call At&t and have them disable all international roaming on your account, both voice and data . You can only disable data roaming, not voice, through the settings on your phone so that’s why you have to call AT&t. By the way If you get an AT&T agent that says they can’t do it call back to try another agent or ask to speak with level 2 support." Read on for more https://www.reddit.com/r/Airalo/comments/vhgipf/using_airalo_abroad_with_main_att_plan/

Backstory, ATT is such a PITA, they charged me (again) for Int'l even though I was using eSIM, months later got my $400 back as credit. I use the chat support so I can screen shot and/or save the text transcript. Paper trail, paper trail. Sometimes I think just buying SIM upon arrival is easier. I'll try that with my wife's phone over Christmas when in IT, and I'll use the eSIM and see what works best. My .2 cents worth. Buon Natale.

As noted in my last post above, my wife and I both have the same phone (Pixel 3a) and the same pre-paid home cellular provider (Public Mobile). During our 2 week trip to Spain, we both purchased an Orange Travel eSIM.

For some reason, my phone operated in dual sim mode which meant it showed 2 sim signals while my wife could select just one sim or the other.

Because there was no Public Mobile signal in Europe (and the prepaid service does not allow roaming), my phone was constantly searching for PM service which caused my battery life to decrease substantially. I can see where having two sims at the same time can be helpful (e.g. one telephone number for business and one telephone number for a personal use). In my case it was not helpful and I was constantly having to recharge my phone with my power pack.

I couldn't figure out how to disable the dual sim mode during the trip. However, after I returned I finally managed to find out how to do it:

Dial * # * # 4636 # * # * and scroll down the menu to enable or disable DSDS (dual SIM mode). Disabling the second sim also has the advantage of avoiding any possible roaming charges. This works for Android phones. I'm not sure about Apple iPhones.

It seems there is most likely a difference in setting up Airalo on iPhones and Androids. However unlike SuperTuscan, I did none of that for my ATT plan. I simply turned off my ATT plan under Cellular on my phone and turned Airalo on (once installed).

The issue (on the link) seemed to be that the person wanted to use her U.S. number to make WiFi calls and texts to other U.S. numbers, but force it over to the data provided by the Airalo eSim. That is the difference.And that you cannot use it to call European numbers (so no one should think those are the same).

So if you don’t need to call U.S. numbers, you don’t need the elaborate process or to call ATT.

However way down in the comments, someone mentions that if you want to use WiFi calling and don’t want to get hit with the ATT $10/day charge, make sure WiFi calling is enabled and turn on airplane mode. Then it should work via WiFi. But don’t forget to turn airplane mode off when finished so you can again use your Airalo data. If this indeed works, sounds far easier than trying to get ATT to turn things on and off. I may try it on my next trip but that will unfortunately be a few months…. Lol.

I am trying to figure out if a new Verizon iPhone will be able to connect to other providers in the first 60 days. Apple says the phone is unlocked. Verizon says phones are locked for 60 days. I’m not interested in switching providers or using an alternative esim card (I tried that on two trips previously and it didn’t work well for me). I just need to make sure the phone will work on Verizon’s international plan with a different provider albeit one they have a relationship with.

aimee, who did you buy your phone from? If it was Apple, it's unlocked. If it was Verizon, it might be locked as they say.

Regardless, I'm not sure I understand your question. Is Verizon your provider? If so, then you should be able to use their international plan regardless of whether the phone is unlocked. Of course, you will have to pay their fees but for many people, the convenience is worth it. Why would you be using an different provider if you are using Verizon's plan?

Mardee, locking a phone does not restrict it to which providers it can connect to e.g. roaming. Locking a phone prevents another SIM from being used besides your phone's Verizon SIM. If you plan to use the Verizon international roaming plan, keeping your Verizon SIM in place, the phone will work fine even if locked.

Andrew, I know that - sorry for the confusion. I was responding to aimee's post and had copied her post below mine so i could see it when responding. But then I forgot to delete it. Duh. It's gone now, though.

Has anyone had good experience with a eSim provider for Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and Hungary with unlimited data and that has a working number?

How can you check to see how much data you have used on Airlo and Orange eSim card?

LF, most eSIM providers do not include phone service with their data plan. It's usually not an issue if you have access to video calling or WhatsApp that you can use to call people over wifi. But if a phone is a necessity, I do know that Orange provides phone service with their eSIM plan, but you will get a French phone number.

And with regards to keeping track of data, they will let you know if you are close to running out but you can keep track on the Airalo app (that's what I did). Not sure about Orange - I haven't used them but TexasTravelmom did and has posted about it, so you might want to search the tech tips forum for those.

The countries that you have listed are covered by the Orange Travel eSIM. You will get a French number and it will be valid throughout Europe. There will be unlimited calls and texts in Europe, and a limited number of calls and text back to the US or Canada. The eSIM that I purchase provided 8 GB of data for 14 days. I can verify that it worked well in both Germany and Spain. I was constantly using data on the go for maps, searches, translations, ticket purchases etc. and I only used up just over 1 GB during the two weeks.

You can check the amount of Orange data usage by dialing #123#. You can also check the data usage by tapping your mobile data settings.

I will need the Orange eSim card more than 14 days? How do you extend the 14 days given?

You just top it off with the additional time you need. All the information is on their website or on the app.

LF, I have not had success using the Orange eSim for longer than 14 days. Supposedly it is possible to keep the same phone number by registering (involves uploading a copy of your passport). I am sure it is doable but I just haven’t managed it. But if you do, you can top off your plan as Mardee says. However data etc. WILL disappear at the end of 14 days. If you do need a telephone number but don’t require that it be the same #, you can always just get a new plan.

I certainly appreciate everyone's posts here. Alas, it has overwhelmed me. For my upcoming trip I will probably go the “old-fashioned” way of a physical SIM card instead of an eSIM since I’m familiar with the use of a physical SIM card. I wish I could "top off" (as mentioned here) the Vodafone SIM card that I bought last May in Portugal but it was only good for 30 days. It was good for Portugal, the EU and even had 30 minutes international calling or texts available.

Supposedly it is possible to keep the same phone number by registering (involves uploading a copy of your passport).

I have only used Airalo; not the Orange plan since I usually don't need a phone number, but was curious so I checked into this. Orange is a French company and France requires registration of any phone number within 30 days. It looks like it's pretty easy to register - you just go to the link at the end of this sentence and fill out the information, then upload a copy of your passport ID page (jpeg, png and pdf allowed). https://travel.orange.com/en/welcome-travelers The page says SIM cards but the eSIM plan page led me to there also, so I'm assuming it's for both. Orange said it takes 10 days to finalize the registration after they receive it so it would make sense to register it as soon as you activate it in case you need to top it off after the 14 days period is up.

Also, while I was looking through their site, I found this page that looks to be a guide to using the Orange eSIM plan (for iPhone). https://s4i6r5r7.stackpathcdn.com/guides/orange.iphone.esim.guide.pdf

I haven't done it yet but have been heavily researching options. My takeaway is that the best plan if you want calls and texts is the orange holiday zen: https://www.simoptions.com/esim-ireland/

For data only, airalo has country specific options which are slightly cheaper, however the Eurolink not only covers multiple countries but at 5G speeds https://www.airalo.com/europe-esim

Here's an article comparing multiple esims (says Ireland but seems to apply to most of Europe) https://www.phonetravelwiz.com/best-esims-for-ireland-guide/

If you have an iphone, here's a step by step guide, as well as the official apple one that has been previously posted; i found this helpful along the lines of how to make sure Verizon doesn't charge me, vs Apple's is just set up : https://thepointsguy.com/guide/avoid-international-roaming-charges/

What a fantastic source for info on eSims vs Sims; US phone plans etc. I am going to try to print out or screen shot as much as I can to share with hubs. Thank you all for contributing.

To us, that’s the cost of one more night or so. In the greater scheme of things, I don’t understand the fuss. If we’re going on an international trip, what’s another $150 (or less if it’s fewer days) It’s so much easier to just use our phone and not worry about it. Our airfare is usually cheap enough, maybe that helps. But if one can pay $1500 for airfare—, surely another $100-150 isn’t a dealbreaker. Of course, I don’t know what the other companies offer or what these are in terms of cost. Or I guess if you’re there for months, I could see that. Am I the only one who feels this way?

Amann-- I'm with you on this one. I use ATT, too. No hassle, it's easy and wonderful to use the iphones just like if we are in the States. I don't mind paying an extra $10-15 a day without having to figure anything out. We've done 2 International trips in the last 8 months and it's great not worrying about telecomm stuff.

Mo, what I like to point out is that I don't use a Europe SIM to save $10/day. I use one so I don't have to pay hundreds of dollars a year more for AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile. Instead, I pay only $10 to $15/month for prepaid phone service at home in the US, and when I travel occasionally to Europe, I spend about 14 Euros to use my Dutch Vodafone SIM for the whole trip. It's not much of a hassle for me - to save a few hundred bucks a year on phone service.

If I were already paying extra to have AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, I agree that it doesn't make sense to fool with a SIM card just to save a few bucks.

Mo, for me, it's the principle of the thing. I hate Verizon (even though it was my carrier) and it really annoyed me to no end that the company wanted to charge me for something that should be free (imo). Hence the Airalo eSIM plan. I saved money, did not contribute to Verizon's corporate greed and getting and using the eSiM was incredibly easy. I never make phone calls in Europe, unless it's on FaceTime or What'sApp, so it was an easy decision.

Now that said, my family just switched to T-Mobile and with my military discount, we get a very good plan for less than we were paying Verizon. And I get an international plan for free (I think it costs a few cents for phone calls, but I don't plan on making any).So no need to get an eSIM plan on this trip.

Just noting that Holafly seems a bit expensive. I haven't used an esim yet but my phone is newer so it has a physical sim card slot and an esim slot. I've been looking at Airalo but just so you know many of these esims are data only. So you'd have to use Whatsapp or similar app to message or call people. If you're traveling to europe also look into Orange as they seem to have coverage over most of Europe. Not sure how good or fast it is, but it's another option. Also, look into your phone settings. I have a pixel 7 and it seems easy to select what functions you want between the two sims. But I will likely have to disable or do direct to voicemail for phone calls on my sim card from home.

First off, I apologize for not posting this sooner. Last August we traveled to the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland for about 3 weeks. I purchased the Airalo eSim based on Mardee’s post. I followed the excellent instructions she provided and had zero issues. Great low cost solution!

We have since moved from Spectrum to T-Mobile so we won’t have the same need with our next international trip.

Thanks Mardee for your excellent advice (I follow your shoe posts also 🙂).

Ha ha ha ha ha, SueS!!!! First, I'm so glad Airalo worked for you! And interestingly, I have also moved to T-Mobile from Verizon, so I won't be needing it either. I'll let you know how T-Mobile works - I'm leaving next month for Scotland.

Glad you like my shoe posts, too! I was very excited because yesterday I went for a quick overnight trip up to Grand Marais, MN. I was buying a cup of coffee at Java Moose and someone complimented me on my shoes. They happened to be the Oboz shoes I was raving about on the Shoe forum, lol!

What shoes did you take on your trip? Inquiring shoppers want to know... 🤣

I checked into the Oboz but couldn’t find 11 wide. I ended up going with Dansko Paisley. Took some breaking in but they were perfect for our trip. I have since worn them out so will be shopping again soon. Will check on Oboz again.

Sue, you might want to try the regular 11s. I usually wear a wide but I wear a 10 regular in Oboz.

This is a good topic, especially for newbies who are new to eSIM like me. I learned about eSIM from the article when I was preparing for my first long trip abroad. The next material I read was your topic. Thank you for sharing🤝

First experience with eSims just now. I'm on T-mobile, which seemed to have an ok international bare bones plan. I tried it on a trip a year ago, and found it almost unusable. Internet speeds were uniformly poor, and the one time we made the mistake of answering a call, T-mobile wanted to charge an outrageous amount for it. In the past I've used physical SIMs, but one of our phones only uses e-SIMs, and even for the other, we would have had to get multiple SIMs, given the different locations we would be visiting. So e-SIMs seemed the better option (also, we decided we could get by without voice, and use services like WhatsApp instead, when needed)

I tried Airalo, which really didn't work for me. More on that below.

Good experience so far with KnowRoaming and BNESIM (my wife and I thought it best to spread the risk across two providers, and both worked seamlessly).

We're in Istanbul, and we have consistently had good connections and speed. We will be in a couple other locations on this trip, and I will report if there is a different result with either of those two providers.

Airalo has lots of positive reviews, and a bunch of ppl shilling for them b/c they get a bennie if you sign up with their link. My experience was not so positive. After signing up, I tried to log in to my account, which didn't work. Possibly a problem on their part, possibly user error. They have a password reset, so I tried that....multiple times, and it never worked. So, I contacted support, which, if you believe some of the reviews, will get a response in at most a few hours. After no response in almost 48 hours, I sent a follow up message saying that i would cancel and initiate a charge back if I had not heard from them by the end of the day. Not hearing back, I did the charge back.

After a week and a half, I finally got a response. Note that the subject line of my message was "password reset not working." The response suggested that I try the password reset link. Clearly they had not read my message.

I'm not sure if their growth has exceeded their ability to do competent support, but this kind of response is appalling, both in the length of time it took, and the uselessness of the reply. Based on this, I would strongly caution against the use of this provider.

Airalo has lots of positive reviews, and a bunch of ppl shilling for them b/c they get a bennie if you sign up with their link.

Seriously? You really think the positive reviews for Airalo are because of the credits? Most of the people here have been traveling for years; even decades; and when we review something, it's because we want those who read the reviews to know about our positive and negative experiences. Second, we are somewhat anonymous in that if I post a review of Airalo, and someone decides to buy an Airalo eSIM because of it, that person doesn't know who I am or my account info to even give me the credit.

But I guess what you're saying is that all of our positive reviews should be discounted based on your sole negative review from a first-time poster? I'm glad you had a positive review with your two eSIMs, but just because you were not able to make Airalo work (and as you admitted, it could be user error), does not mean that Airalo is a bad product.

We’ve been using Airalo now since we arrived. We’ve had mixed results. My husband’s iPhone12 took it and worked just fine. Mine took SEVERAL days and emails to Airalo support. It was then it wasn’t. But the important thing is: it is now working just fine. Yesterday as were driving, my iPhone had more bars than hubs. We will be topping them off today and in the next few days for me as he still has a day and I have a few more. Curiously, Airalo designated our iPhones12 as Apple 8’s.

One observation: a friend who lives in Zagreb said eSims do NOT are not for working expats, for obvious reasons. She has lived here for 3-4 years now, so upping an account every 30 days makes no sense. However she noted that as new people arrived, and were using eSims, they were unable to access or get service in areas she with her regular sim card was able to easily. That mirrored our experience with Airalo when we were visiting her, at first. My Airalo didn’t really kick in until we we’d been here for nearly 2 weeks. For newly arrived expats expecting to stay long-term, an eSim WOULD make sense initially for the length of time it can take for a foreigner to GET cell service. In some countries, we’re talking months!

But we seem to be humming along, and hopefully topping up won’t change that.

As the beginning of the post states, check to be sure you can unlock your phone before reading further. My new "free" phone from Xfinity is locked and can't be unlocked unless I it off for $394.

Mardee- We love Grand Marais - know where the Java Moose is! hope you get there again soon.

mosermorse, I love the Java Moose! And the Hungry Hippie Taco place! I just love everything about Grand Marais! Nice to meet you!

Looking into eSim for our family trip to France next month, and I'm trying to figure out the best options for the three of us (who will be leaving Paris a little earlier), and my teen daughter who will have an extra five days in Paris with her boyfriend after we leave. We all have iPhones, so with a data-only eSim plan we should be able to communicate with each other as needed via iMessage or WhatsApp. But thinking about my daughter staying behind after we leave...I do want to make sure that she is able to communicate easily with use if needed, so my question is for anyone who has travelled with an eSim data plan on an iPhone, are you able to call from Europe to the states using FaceTime? Thanks for any insight you might offer!

my question is for anyone who has travelled with an eSim data plan on an iPhone, are you able to call from Europe to the states using FaceTime?

Yes, I've done that frequently. I usually call my sister and my daughter using FaceTimeAudio, especially if the connection isn't great, but I've also called on regular FaceTime (using video) as well. I would tell her to call when she is connected to wifi if possible, as that will save on data, though.

Thank you! Sounds like paying extra for the text/call ability isn't worth our while then. Now to decide which eSIM provider to go with...Thanks for all the resources in this forum, very helpful!

You're welcome! And have a lovely trip!

anyone else go to buy Airalo esim and have it say out of stock? if so how long did you have to wait and looking for another option for italy

I just went there and did not see any Italy eSIMs listed as out of stock. How many days and how much data did you want?

Just another data point - we are currently in France, we purchased unlimited data esims through Holafly,

We made the purchase online in the states, and each took a screenshot of our activation QR code and sent it to each other. When you make the purchase it prompts you to activate now, which we did not do. When we landed in Marseille, we simply went to cellular settings on our iPhones and selected add esim, then scanned our QR code from each others phones and followed the set up prompts which were easy enough.

Initially it did not work, but using the Holafly app we figured out that we neglected to switch on roaming. Once we did that we were connected immediately, and it’s been smooth sailing since. We are on a 4G network most of the time (it seems to use the Orange network), and it’s been just fine for map navigation, web, and communication tools like WhatsApp.

Just wanted to share our experience!

Thanks for the update, charissacr - good to know! I've heard good things about Holafly. I know it can be a bit pricier, which is why I went with Airalo, but it sounds like a good product!

Just wanted to give an FYI on Airalo in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. I have a iPhone 14 Pro unlocked. This time I installed the eSIM at home just to see what would happen (instructions talk about that you can). For first few hours it kept looking for the Swiss network to activate. Of course it didn’t find it and eventually gave me an error message. I turned off the cellular plan and then waited until I got in Switzerland to turn it back on.

Once I did get into to Switzerland it took a few minutes to activate. The network it used was Sunrise. I don’t know if it was because we stayed in the valley or the network but at times, it was very slow. I do know that when I used my phone in Interlaken and Brienz and the at the top of the Brienzer Rothorn Bahn I had no issues. So I think it might have been the geography of the valley for Sunrise network that might have been the issue. I do have T-Mobile and a plan that gives me 5GB but I was the tail end of my trip and wanted the extra high speed data. T-Mobile USA uses the Swisscom network in Lauterbrunnen. When I switched to my T-Mobile data it did seem faster than the Airalo Sunrise network.

But overall I had no real big issues installing and activating the plan.

I think next time travel to Europe I will try Holafly just to compare.

Wanted to add my experience - I just spent three weeks in Europe and my (teenage) daughter decided she could not live without her cell phone. She signed up with Orange using the eSim option and it worked like a charm, throughout all six countries we visited. It was easy and relatively affordable. She used an iPhone 14 (I think...whatever is the latest version of iPhone at the moment).

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Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

City Guides .\33 a132798-3f3b-4585-954d-7e70cf863447{fill:#231f20}

Best esim for europe travel | everything you need to know about european prepaid esim data plans.

A guide to everything you need to know about using eSIM data plans while traveling through Europe.

phones and technology

When most people want high-speed mobile data for their phone while traveling to Europe they’ve traditionally bought a physical SIM card. However, many newer phones have an embedded electronic SIM (i.e. eSIM) that allows you to connect to European mobile carriers without needing to install a physical SIM card. These new eSIM data plans offer travelers a ton of convenience but there are a few quirks as well. That’s why in this article I’m going to cover everything you need to know about eSIM data plans in Europe—including tips for finding the best eSIM for Europe travel.

What You’ll See In This eSIM Guide

• Do I Even Need Mobile Data In Europe?
• Can I Just Use My Mobile Plan’s Internation Data Plan?
• What Is an eSIM?

The Benefits of eSIM Mobile Data Plans

What iphones use esim cards, what android phones use esim cards, the best esim data plans for europe, how to activate an esim data plan, how much mobile data do you need when traveling europe, buying an esim in europe, more tips for using an esim data plan in europe, do you need mobile data in europe.

Honestly, yes, you need mobile data on your phone when traveling to Europe. Sure, you can sometimes find free wifi hotspots but that’s way more difficult than you’d think (I know from experience).

And so much of modern European life requires high-speed mobile data—train tickets are digital, Google Maps needs reliable data, sporting event tickets are digital, restaurant menus are accessed via QR codes, Uber/rideshare apps require data, some restaurants now want you to pay via your phone, accessing real-time public transportation info relies on mobile data, and the list goes on.

Can You Use Your Mobile Provider’s International Data Plan?

US/Canadian/Australian domestic mobile providers often offer an international data plan (either free or for an extra charge) but they all come with a few major drawbacks:

• They’re expensive: Expect to pay $10-$20/day
• Slow speeds : You’re often downgraded to 2G/3G speeds so even opening basic webpages could take forever to load (if it even loads). Many apps won’t function. Google Maps won’t work. Forget about social media.
• Data caps: These plans might start you off with standard 4G/LTE speeds but once you hit 1-2GB of data you’ll be downgraded to nearly-unusable 3G/2G speeds.
• Auto Enrollment: Some plans automatically enroll you in their international data plan the moment your phone tries to access data—which is just about every phone since smartphone apps are constantly running in the background.

For example, the  AT&T International Day Pass  costs $10/day. They also have their AT&T Passport plan, a monthly plan that’s either $70/month for 2 GB of data or $140/month for 6 GB. Then they charge an insane overage of $30 per GB.  Verizon  also has a $10/day pass but they knock you down to 3G speeds after 2GB each day.

And many  T-Mobile  customers get free “unlimited” international data but you’re only guaranteed 2g data speeds after you hit a total usage of 5GB of data… which will struggle to load Google Maps or even email. T-Mobile gives you the option to pay more to get 5GB at better speeds but then you’ll be charged a premium.

These “international data plans” are 5X as expensive as buying a prepaid eSIM data plan from a third-party provider—for example, eSIM data plans from  Orange  or  Holafly  will cost you around $2-$4/day.

So do yourself a favor and buy a European mobile data plan.

What Is An eSIM?

In short, an eSIM is an embedded/digital version of the traditional physical SIM card. So instead of installing a physical SIM card to change your mobile provider, you simply connect to a new mobile data service provider using an app.

This is great for international travel because you no longer have to hunt down a new SIM card when you change countries. You simply activate the eSIM service and you’re online in seconds.

Many new phones are dual SIM so you can still use your physical domestic SIM card while also using the eSIM so you can switch back and forth between your mobile data providers.

Some phones are also moving to eSIM only—the USA versions of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 (and future generations) no longer feature a SIM card slot but do support dual eSIM.

Below are some of the many benefits of using an eSIM data plan while traveling.

No Searching For SIM Cards

The biggest benefit of an eSIM is not having to track down a physical SIM card. All you have to do is install the mobile provider’s app to activate the eSIM data service. This means you can order your eSIM, and download the app before you leave. and then activate the service when you arrive at your destination.

Instant Delivery (No Shipping Fees)

Since eSIM cards are all digital you don’t have to pay shipping fees if you want to pre-purchase a European data plan before arriving in Europe.

For example, you can buy a plan from SimOptions or Holafly and they’ll email you a QR code or link to activate the service.

Dual eSIMs Allow You To Use Two Data Plans At Once

Another big benefit to using an eSIM is that you can seamlessly switch between your domestic plan (via the physical SIM) and the travel plan (via your eSIM). In fact, some phones let you have up to 5 eSIM data plans on a single phone—which is overkill for most people but it’s still an option.

Another huge benefit to having dual SIM cards is that many services will send you texts for things like two-factor identification or your bank might text you with fraud alerts and these won’t come through if you don’t have your home plan’s physical SIM card installed.

No Need to Remove Your Current SIM Card

Removing the physical SIM card is a hassle. First, you need the little tool to pop the SIM out of the phone (which is easy to lose). Then you also have to remove your phone case. You also have to keep track of your original SIM card so you don’t lose or damage it (you’ll need to reinstall it to get your service back).

Easier To Add Credit To Your Account

All eSIM data plans require you to download the service provider’s app to activate the service and most allow you to easily add credit to your account via the app.

Not all iPhones have built-in eSIM compatibility but essentially all iPhones made since 2019 should be eSIM compatible—i.e. they’re Dual SIM so they have both a physical SIM and an eSIM.

UPDATE: All iPhone 14 (and newer) sold in the UNITED STATES are eSIM-only so there isn’t a physical SIM Card slot anymore. However, all iPhones sold outside the US have dual SIM with physical SIM and eSIM.

eSIM Compatible Phones:

• (The base iPhone X and anything older is not eSIM compatible)
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 Mini & iPhone SE 2020
• iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Mini
• iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone SE, etc.
• iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 15, and iPhone 15 Plus

Again, just about every Android sold since 2020 is eSIM compatible.

• Samsung Galaxy Fold & Galaxy Fold 2 / Galaxy Z Flip & Z Flip 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra / Galaxy Note 20
• Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, S21+ 5G, S21 Ultra 5G
• Google Pixel 3, Pixel 3XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4XL, Pixel 4a (4G), Pixel 5 (5G), Pixel 6, Pixel 7
• Huawei P40 and P40 Pro & Mate 40 Pro

A great thing about traveling to Europe is that the EU outlawed mobile data roaming fees so any EU data plan will work anywhere within the UE—i.e. you can buy a French eSIM and use it in Italy, Germany, Poland, etc.

That said, I recommend sticking with the major European carriers since they’ll have the most comprehensive networks and the fastest mobile data speeds.

NOTE: The UK and Switzerland aren’t in the EU so not all plans will work there (but many still do)—check each plan to see if they cover these countries.

Orange Holiday Europe eSIM 50GB: $59.90

• Price:  $59.90 (Check  SimOptions  for details)
• Data:  50GB
• Service Speed:  4G/LTE
• Calls:  Unlimited within Europe and 120 min outside of Europe.
• Texts/SMS:  Unlimited within Europe and 1000 outside of Europe.
• Credit validity:  28 day
• Data Tethering:  Allowed
• Usable on any device (phones, tablets, hotspots…)
• This eSIM plan comes with a French phone number that can still be used anywhere in Europe
• Service works everywhere in the EU

Need tons of data? Consider the newly released  Orange Holiday Europe 50GB eSIM data plan which is a beefed-up version of the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM. It has 50GB of data and it’s valid for 28 days (compared to 14 days with the Orange Holiday Europe plan). This eSIM also comes with many features you don’t find with other plans—including international voice calling and texts (it gives you an actual French phone number that works anywhere in Europe).

The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan also allows you to use your phone as a mobile hotspot so you can put that extra data allowance to good use. Orange is also one of the largest mobile companies in Europe so you’ll always get great coverage and high data speeds.

Holafly Europe eSIM with Unlimited Data: Starting at $19.00

Holafly is a new Europe-based eSIM provider that I used in Italy—the service was great and I got very fast data speeds (read my Holafly eSIM Review to learn more). They sell both country-specific and Europe-wide data plans.

Unlike other mobile data companies, Holafly gives you unlimited data and a local phone number with 60 minutes of credit for making/receiving calls from European numbers (with a few exceptions). I also like how Holafly’s plans come in durations from 5 to 90 days—so you don’t have to over/underbuy for your particular trip.

• 5 Days: $19
• 10 Days: $34
• 15 Days: $47
• 20 Days: $54
• 30 Days: $64
• 60 Days: $84
• 90 Days: $99
• Service Speed: 5G/4G/LTE
• Call Coverage:  60 minutes of credit to make calls from all of Europe—except Iceland, Norway, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Ukraine, and Turkey. Comes with an Austrian phone number.
• Texts/SMS: None
• Tethering: No

Bouygues My European eSIM: $44.90

Bouygues is a major French telecommunications company and they’ve recently released their own prepaid eSIM data plan to compete with the popular Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan. I used a prepaid Bouygues SIM card on a previous trip to Europe so I’m glad they’re finally offering an eSIM.

There’s a lot to like about the Bouygues My European eSIM plan —especially since it comes standard with 30GB of data and unlimited calls within Europe. I also like how this Bouygues eSIM plan is valid for 30 days so it’s a great option for longer trips.

• Price: $44.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
• Data Tethering: Allowed
• Service Speed: 4G/LTE
• Calls: Unlimited within Europe
• Credit validity: 30 day
• Phone Number: This eSIM card comes with a French phone number
• Coverage : Anywhere within the European Union (except Switzerland)

Check out my Bouygues European eSIM review for more information about this plan.

Orange Holiday Europe eSIM 30GB: $49.90

• Price: $49.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
• Calls: Unlimited within Europe and 120 min outside of Europe.
• Texts/SMS: Unlimited within Europe and 1000 outside of Europe.
• Credit validity: 14 day
• Data tethering allowed
• This eSIM card comes with a French phone number

The  Orange Holiday Europe eSIM data plan is another excellent eSIM plan because it comes with 30GB of data and many features you don’t find with other plans—including international voice calling and texts (it gives you an actual French phone number that will work anywhere in Europe). The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan also allows you to use your phone as a mobile hotspot.

Orange is also one of the largest mobile companies in Europe so you’ll always get great coverage and high data speeds.

The potential downside to the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM is that it’s only valid for 14 days once activated so it’s not great for longer visits (but you can always buy a second plan).

Orange Holiday Zen eSIM: $29.90

• Price: $29.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
• Data: 15GB (recently upgraded from 8GB)
• Calls: Unlimited within Europe and 30 min outside of Europe.
• Texts/SMS: Unlimited within Europe and 200 outside of Europe.

The Orange Holiday Zen plan is a top pick for travelers for a few different reasons.

First, Orange is one of the largest mobile networks in Europe so they have great coverage basically everywhere in Europe and you won’t have to worry about slow speeds.

Second, Orange Holiday eSIM data plan gives you unlimited calls and texts within Europe and limited (yet still ample) credit for calls/texts outside the EU. A majority of eSIM plans from other providers don’t give you any (or very limited) credit for calls or texts.

This plan comes with 15GB of mobile data which should suffice for most travelers who aren’t heavy data users.

Smart Comfort X eSIM: $17.90

• Price: $17.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
• Calls: None

The Smart Comfort X eSIM is a budget data-only eSIM plan option that gives you 5GB of data but no calls or texts (you can still send iMessage if you’re sending messages between iPhones and make calls/texts via WhatsApp, etc.).

Smart Comfort X eSIM is also what’s considered an “international eSIM” so it’s not backed by a specific data provider (i.e. Orange, O2, etc.). That means it will connect to a specific partner provider in each country—for example, France (Bouygues), Germany (O2), Italy (WIND), Spain (Telefonica), etc.

Because of its limited data limits, the Smart Comfort X eSIM plan is best for light data users.

Do European eSIM Plans Come With A European Phone Number?

Some European prepaid eSIM plans come with a European phone number but many prepaid eSIM plans are data only. You probably don’t need a European phone number but it can come in handy for calling restaurants, hotels, or Airbnb hosts (many use WhatsApp—which only requires a data connection).

Recommended Prepaid eSim Plans with A European Phone Number:

• Bouygues My European eSIM : This eSIM plan comes with unlimited calling in Europe.
• Holafly Europe eSIM : Holafly eSIM plans include 60 minutes of calling in Europe.
• Orange Holiday Europe eSIM and Orange Holiday Zen eSIM : Orange comes with international and Europe calling.

Studies show that the average American uses about 5-7GB of mobile data every week but your rate will vary.

You can easily hit 15GB/week if you’re a heavy user but it’s fairly easy to keep your mobile data usage under 2-3GB/week if you stick to basic web browsing, limit your social media use, and keep app usage to a minimum (or save your heavy usage for when you’re on wifi).

Activating an eSIM is relatively simple.

UPDATE: Apple’s iOS 17.4 update (released late March 2024) now includes an automatic eSIM installation and activation feature—making setting up and managing your eSIM much easier. This is great news!

Step One: Purchase Your Data Plan

I highly recommend purchasing your eSIM before you leave because you’ll need data/wifi to complete the setup.

Step Two: Check Your Email For The QR Code

You’ll get an email from the seller as soon as you make your purchase.

This email will include a QR code that you can scan so you’ll want to be in front of your computer so you can scan the QR code from your screen.

Step Three: Install The Carrier’s eSIM App

The QR code will lead you to download the carrier’s eSIM app. Just follow the directions they send you.

IMPORTANT: Don’t fully activate your eSIM data plan until you’re in Europe. Most data plans only have a validity period of 14-30 days and that countdown begins the second you activate the service. So, for example, if you activate the service a week before your trip then you’ll have lost a full week from your service length (even if you haven’t used any data).

Step Four: Fully Activate Service Once in Europe

Finish the activation process. Your phone should automatically connect to the local data network (it might take a few minutes to get fully activated).

The beauty of eSIM plans is that they’re completely digital so you can buy them online anytime, anywhere (see all the above eSIM options).

Every European country has its own domestic mobile carriers and each is starting to offer its own prepaid eSIM data plans. However, carrier-specific eSIM mobile packages aren’t quite widespread in Europe yet so not every mobile carrier will have options—therefore, not every retailer will have them (or they’ll have a very limited selection).

Furthermore, many European carriers only offer “postpaid” eSIM plans so they’re generally not conducive to short-term visitors and tourists. That’s why I recommend buying one of the eSIM plans I mentioned earlier in this article.

What Countries in Europe Support eSIM?

While not every mobile carrier in Europe has an eSIM mobile plan, there are carriers in every European country that accept eSIM technology—therefore, your phone will automatically connect to a provider (no matter what eSIM plan you’re using).

Simply put: Your eSIM data plan will work anywhere in Europe.

Coverage Note About Switzerland (and Possibly the UK): Switzerland is an outlier because they’re not technically part of the EU so some providers don’t work there. For example, the Orange Holiday plans work in Switzerland but the Smart Comfort X plan won’t work there. There are also rumors that the UK also has (or will have soon) the same issues because of Brexit. Learn more on our Guide on How To Use Data Plans and Smartphone Phones Abroad

Here are a few more tips for getting the most out of using your high-speed eSIM mobile data plan while traveling around Europe. If you want to learn more, check out The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide to How To Use Data Plans and Smartphone Phones Abroad

You Need An Unlocked Phone

You need to make sure your phone is unlocked before you can install both a SIM card or eSIM—many American mobile carriers use software to “lock” their smartphones to their network so the phone won’t work if you install a SIM card from another company.

However, you can unlock your phone by calling your mobile carrier and asking them to unlock it because you’re going to travel abroad (you might need to visit a store to get it unlocked).

BUY A PORTABLE BATTERY CHARGER

Using apps like Google Maps and taking photos kills your phone battery so a portable battery is a must-have. I use  Anker PowerCore 10000  because it’s tiny and affordable but there are multiple options.

Save Heavy Data Usage For When You’re On Wifi

It’s extremely easy to unknowingly burn through a lot of data—especially when you’re using data-hungry apps like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. Therefore it’s highly recommended to save your heavy data usage for when you’re connected to wifi.

USE AIRPLANE MODE AND BLOCK DATA TO SPECIFIC APPS

I’ll put my phone in Airplane Mode because that disables all data (but GPS still works in Airplane Mode). You can also go into the settings and disable data access to each individual app.

DOWNLOAD OFFLINE MAPS

Google Maps lets you download entire city maps so they can be used offline. As an added bonus, GPS doesn’t use data so offline Google Maps works fairly well (but not all functionality works). Here is a good  YouTube video  that explains everything.

Download WhatsApp

WhatsApp is an excellent app for free calling and text messages—I’ve found that many Europeans exclusively use WhatsApp to communicate (including many Airbnb hosts).

Get More Europe Travel Tips From The Savvy Backpacker

Are you heading to Europe soon? Here are some more helpful articles I’ve written to help you plan your European travels.

• Backpacking Europe Packing List
• Europe Packing List for Women
• The Best Travel Shoes
• The Best Travel Backpacks  and  The Best Travel Backpacks for Women
• Guide To Buying SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in  France
• Guide to Buying SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in Germany
• Guide To Buying SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in  Italy
• Guide To Buying SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in  Spain
• Recent Posts

• Backpacking Europe Packing List — My Europe Travel Packing Guide - April 6, 2024
• Best eSIM For Europe Travel | Everything You Need To Know About European Prepaid eSIM Data Plans - March 24, 2024
• Holafly eSIM Review | Testing The New eSIM Data Plan from Holafly - March 3, 2024

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Thanks For Reading! — James

Questions? Learn more about our Strict Advertising Policy and How To Support Us .

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• Ultimate Guide to the Best eSIM for European Travel
• Travel Resources

Phone plans can be one of the trickiest parts of traveling. This is especially true if your trip involves multiple countries, like when traveling through Europe.

Take it from me; I’ve been navigating international phone plans for five years. While staying in touch with loved ones at home is a top priority, it can be challenging to understand the ins and outs of SIM cards to use while abroad. Enter eSIMs – a foolproof solution for staying connected during your European travels. Furthermore, eSIMs are rapidly emerging as the most cost-effective solution for mobile plans while traveling.

There are many eSIM plans to help you transcend country boundaries and keep you covered while traveling through Europe. No more hunting down physical SIM cards in each new destination and paying a tourist premium.

As someone who lives in Europe for six months out of the year, I can’t emphasize the ingenuity of eSIMs enough. Instead of constantly swapping out my physical SIM card, I never have to worry about phone coverage, even when crossing country borders.  

In this extensive guide, I cover the benefits of eSIMs, compatible phones, buying considerations, and the best eSIM plans for European travel . Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about phone coverage for your upcoming Euro trip.

Table of Contents

Quick Answer: What is the best eSIM plan for Europe?

What is an esim.

An eSIM is a special SIM card that’s digitally embedded into a device through a smartphone application. Unlike traditional phone plans, eSIMs eliminate the need for physical SIM cards, which makes it much easier to stay connected while traveling abroad.  

The main benefit of using an eSIM is that you don’t need to locate and purchase a physical SIM card in each country you travel to. This is especially handy while traveling in Europe because eSIMs often work throughout the geographic continent or countries belonging to the EU. This differs from some physical SIM cards, which are country-specific.

With a European eSIM, you can stay connected while exploring the continent without the hassle of changing phone plans for each leg of your trip. In the next section, we will explore the benefits of using eSIMs in more detail.

Benefits of Using eSIM Cards for European Travel

There are five main benefits of using an eSIM for European travel:

• Eliminating the need for physical SIM cards
• Instant delivery
• Dual SIM capabilities
• Simple to top up
• Wide compatibility with smartphone models

Let’s delve into these benefits in detail to understand why choosing an eSIM for Europe travel is truly worthwhile.

Eliminates Physical SIM Cards

The biggest draw for eSIMs is it eliminates the need for physical SIM cards. If you’ve ever traveled internationally, you’re aware of the hassle involved in tracking down a store that sells SIM cards and deciphering unfamiliar phone plan options, all while trying to avoid being overcharged in the process.

The reality is that most of the time, travelers get conned by international SIM cards riddled with high fees and bad deals. Especially those who don’t speak the local language or are inexperienced travelers. And the worst part is, if you’re traveling in Europe, you may have to go through this process in each new country you visit because physical SIM cards do not always transcend borders.

Eliminating the need for a physical SIM card is the main benefit of eSIMs . Instead of being caught up in the common tourist trap of purchasing physical SIM cards, eSIMs give you instant access to a phone plan at the click of a button. No human interactions or visiting storefronts are required!

Instant Delivery

Instant delivery is another major benefit of eSIMs. All travelers must do is download an eSIM app like Airalo or SimOptions , choose their desired plan, and the eSIM will automatically be loaded onto the phone. After you land in Europe, simply follow the company’s activation instructions, and the plan will be up and running as soon as you hit the ground. 

In other words, eSIMs allow you to skip the waiting times and shipping fees while giving you an instant mobile connection. This is especially handy if you’d like to pre-purchase a phone plan, which you can do with an eSIM but rarely with a physical SIM card. 

Dual SIM Capabilities

Since an eSIM is run through a mobile application, removing the physical SIM card from your home country is unnecessary. As such, you can still access your regular phone number easily while using your European phone plan.

With dual SIM capabilities, you can toggle between your domestic number and your eSIM for access codes and even for checking iMessages. This is especially handy if you have two-factor authentication on your banking or social media apps.

Easy Credit Top-Up

An eSIM makes the process of topping up your phone plan seamless. If you run out of your data or want to extend your plan, all you have to do is log onto the app or website, select the additional credit you’d like to purchase, and it will be instantly added to your account. This removes the need for finding a physical shop to top up your plan, allowing you to purchase more data with the tap of a button.

Wide Compatibility With Smartphones

Finally, European eSIMs are compatible with most smartphones, making it a simple solution to staying connected abroad.

Compatible Phones for eSIMs

Here’s a quick breakdown of the phones that are compatible with eSIMs. 

Compatible iPhone Models

iPhones compatible with eSIM cards include the iPhone XR and any models released after this phone. This does not include the iPhone X. 

Here’s a complete list of iPhones compatible with European eSIMs:

• iPhone XS and XS Max
• iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max

Compatible Android Models

If you’re rocking an Android, these are the most common models compatible with European eSIMs:

• Samsung Galaxy A34 5G, A54 5G, S23, S22, S21 5G, S20
• Samsung Galaxy Note20, Note 20 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy Fold, Z Fold 2, Z Fold 3 5G, Z Fold 4
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Z Flip 3, Z Flip 4
• Google Pixel 4, 4a, 4XL, 5, 6, 6a, 6Pro, 7, 7a, 7 Pro, Fold
• Huawei P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro
• Nokia G60, X30
• Oppo Find X3, X3 Pro, X5, X5 Pro, N2 Flip, Reno 5 A, A55s
• Xiaomi 12T Pro

Roaming Charges and Their Impact on Travelers

You may wonder why you shouldn’t use your domestic SIM card while traveling in Europe; the answer is roaming charges.

Roaming charges are when a phone provider bills you for using your SIM card outside the specified area – typically, the country where you bought the SIM card. Roaming charges are also significantly more expensive than standard phone use charges and can be activated simply by taking your phone off Airplane mode when you land in a new country. 

While you can certainly get hit with roaming charges from your domestic SIM provider (e.g., if you use your American SIM card in Europe), you may also face steep roaming charges if you use a physical European SIM card outside of the European country you bought it. 

For example, if you buy a physical SIM card in France, you may pay hefty roaming charges if you use it in Spain, Greece, Germany, or anywhere outside your specified coverage area. That said, some physical SIM cards work for the EU or the entirety of Europe.

In summary, choosing the right eSIMs helps avoid roaming charges by providing coverage throughout the entire EU or geographic continent rather than a single country. 

Data Speed and Network Quality

When choosing an eSIM plan, it’s important to take note of the data speed and network quality. Since most of the best European eSIM plans do not include calls or SMS texting, you’ll be relying solely on data to keep in touch. Choose a plan with fast data speeds from a reputable carrier to maximize network quality.

Flexibility and Customization of eSIM Plans

Flexibility is one of the most important benefits of eSims. This is especially true if you’re unsure which plan or how much data you’ll need.

Generally, the best eSIM cards will allow you to add more data as needed. For example, if you have an Airablo eSIM and max out your data, you can choose a new plan to top up with, ranging from 1 GB to 20 GB of data. This ensures you stay connected at affordable rates, giving users plenty of flexibility and customization with their plans.

Multi-Country eSIM Plans for European Travel

While some eSIMs are country-specific, the best eSIM plans for Europe cover multiple countries, making them an ideal choice for travelers moving around. 

There are many advantages to purchasing a multi-country eSIM plan, the biggest being that your phone coverage transcends country borders. This reduces the hassle of changing plans and providers whenever you land in a new place.

You can also purchase multi-country eSIMs at a flat rate. This means you only have to pay for your SIM once rather than several times throughout your trip. Say goodbye to steep roaming fees!

The only major downside is that multi-country eSIMs vary in their coverage. While some multi-country eSIMs only cover 20 countries, others (like SimOptions) can cover up to 50 countries. This is why it’s important to read the country-specific details of your eSIM for Europe to ensure you’ll have coverage everywhere on your itinerary. 

Emergency and Customer Support Services

eSIMs should work flawlessly. But if you do run into any issues, it’s important to choose an eSIM that includes great customer support.

SimOptions, for example, has 24/7 customer service through email or telephone. Airalo has a support contact form and an extensive collection of self-service troubleshooting articles to help you independently work through any quick technical issues.

The last thing you want is to be caught high and dry without cell service, especially in an emergency abroad. This is why it’s essential to choose a reliable eSIM provider that will help solve any problems that may arise.

Using eSIM for Travel Outside of Europe

If you’re searching for an eSIM that works beyond European borders, there are many international eSIM options or country-specific eSIMs for destinations worldwide.

Airalo offers local eSIMs for different countries, regional eSIMs for continental use, and global eSIMs that cover 84 countries worldwide. Airalo’s global eSIM is an innovative, cost-effective way to use an eSIM for travel outside of Europe. 

Best eSIM Providers for European Travel

On the hunt for the best eSIM providers for European travel? Here are our top three providers for cellphone coverage in Europe. 

1. Airalo Eurolink Plans for Europe

Airalo is my favorite provider for an eSIM card while abroad in Europe. The company provides a wide range of eSIM plans for traveling that suit long-term nomads and short-term vacationers.

Airalo’s European eSIMs take the form of ‘Eurolink’ plans , which cover 39 countries throughout the continent. There are six Eurolink plans available, offering different amounts of data and time period validity.

Here’s a quick breakdown of Airalo’s Eurolink plans :

Eurolink Plans Available from Airalo

Airalo has plans suited to a huge range of trip lengths and budgets. If you’re traveling Europe for a month or less, the Eurolink plans offer the most economical options for international phone coverage.

The one downside to Airalo plans is they’re data only, which means you get no calling or SMS. This is fine if you plan on using Whatsapp, but it may deter some users who are looking for more than just mobile data. 

If you run through all of your data, topping up is flexible, as you can choose one of Airalo’s plans to add to your initial choice (e.g., if you only need an additional 1 GB of data, you can top up with the 7-day Eurolink plan). 

2. SimOptions eSIM Plans for Europe

SimOptions does eSIM plans for Europe a little differently than Airalo. Instead of putting together their own plans, SimOptions aggregates different eSIMs from providers across Europe. The result is the best-prepaid deals without having to sift through all the phone companies alone.

European Plans Available from SimOptions

Here’s a quick breakdown of the best European eSIM plans from SimOptions .

The plans offered by SimOptions can cover up to 52 European countries. Many also offer talk and text, a major plus compared to other eSIM providers. 

One drawback is the longest plan only covers 60 days whereas Airalo’s EuroLink, which is valid up to 180 days. That said, SimOption is still a dependable and affordable option for short-term travelers headed to Europe. 

3. Nomad eSIM Plans for Europe

A third option to consider is Nomad . Nomad offers two tiers of European eSIM plans: 30 countries and 35 countries. Like most other eSIMs, you can choose the amount of data and term within these plans. 

The 30-country plan includes locations like Iceland and the United Kingdom, which are not included in the 35-country plan. However, the 35-country plan offers coverage in Gibraltar, Holy See, San Marino, and Sweden, which are not covered under the 30-country plan. It’s essential to view the country lists of each plan to ensure you’ll have coverage in all your trip destinations. 

The 30-country eSIM is powered by multiple providers to ensure you get the best service wherever you are. On the other hand, the 35 country plans are powered by Truphone.

It’s worth noting that regardless of which plan you choose, all of Nomad’s European eSIMs are data only, which means there’s no calling or SMS. 

European Plans Available from Nomad

Here’s a quick look at the Nomad’s European eSIM options. The first table compares the different 30 country plans available. 

And here’s the table for the different 35-country plans available.

As you can see, the 35-country plans are slightly more expensive than the 30-country plans to reflect the additional coverage areas. 

One aspect that puts Nomad on this shortlist is its ease of use. The application’s interface is super intuitive, along with clear instructions. It also makes it easy to track the data usage of your eSIM right from the app. 

Activating and Using an eSIM Data Plan in Europe

The following step-by-step guide will walk you through activating and using eSIMs to stay connected wherever your adventures take you.

Step 1: Purchasing an eSIM Data Plan

The first step to using an eSIM is to purchase a plan. 

At a minimum, you should select an eSIM data plan that lasts the duration of your trip and has enough data to keep in touch while on the go. As someone who has extensively traveled in Europe, I also suggest considering a plan that includes basic SMS and calling functionality. This will enable you to stay connected with anyone you are traveling with.

To do so, visit websites such as Airalo or SimOptions . These platforms offer a wide range of plans, allowing you to browse and find the most suitable option.

When it’s time to purchase an eSIM, it’s as simple as choosing a plan that suits your needs and then filling out personal and payment details. You can expect an email with activation instructions shortly after processing your payment.

Step 2: Checking Email for QR Code

Once you pay for your eSIM plan, you’ll receive an email from the eSIM provider. The email will generally contain a QR code that allows you to access the carrier’s app and activate your eSIM plan. 

If you’ve purchased an eSIM before arriving in Europe, it’s important to save the QR code for future use.

Step 3: Installing the Carrier’s eSIM App

To scan the QR code, pull up the email on your computer or a friend’s phone. Then, scan the code with your phone’s camera. Alternatively, there’s typically a quick link for direct download. Both options will take you to the download page for the carrier’s eSIM app. 

Follow the download instructions to access the app to activate your Europe eSIM.

If you’re downloading the app ahead of your trip, it’s essential to wait until you land in Europe to activate your eSIM.

Step 4: Activating Service in Europe

Once you land in Europe, open the app and activate your eSIM. Most eSIMs have a limited number of days available. So, to avoid losing days on your plan, you should not activate your eSIM before your trip.

For example, if you choose a fourteen-day plan and activate it a week before your trip, you will end up losing an entire week of cell coverage when you land in Europe.

To connect to a mobile network in Europe, all it takes is activating your eSIM. However, you may need to wait a few minutes for the service to take effect. If you have any issues connecting, restart your phone.

How Much Mobile Data Do You Need for European Travel?

According to a study on mobile data traffic , North Americans used, on average, nearly 20 gigabytes (GB) of data monthly in 2022. If you’re going to Europe for two weeks, you should be able to easily make do with 10 to 20 GB of data to last for the duration of the trip. 

However, the more data your eSIM plan contains, the higher the price. Since there’s quite decent WiFi coverage throughout Europe, you can definitely opt for a lower amount of data on your eSIM plan, especially if you keep social media scrolling to a minimum. 

It also helps to download an offline map ahead of time so you can navigate without using data. The same goes for music and movies, especially to get you through long travel days without draining your entire plan.

eSIM Support in European Countries

eSIMs are quickly becoming more prominent in Europe, even among the locals themselves. As such, eSIMs can be used in just about every European country.

Here’s a list of the most common European countries that support eSIM cards in alphabetical order:

• Austria 
• Belarus 
• Belgium 
• Croatia 
• Czech Republic 
• Denmark 
• Estonia 
• Finland 
• France 
• Georgia 
• Germany 
• Greece 
• Hungary 
• Italy 
• Latvia 
• Luxembourg 
• Moldova 
• Montenegro 
• Netherlands 
• Norway 
• Poland 
• Portugal 
• Romania 
• Russia 
• Slovakia 
• Slovenia 
• Spain 
• Sweden 
• Switzerland 
• Ukraine 
• United Kingdom

While all these countries support travel eSIMs, you may experience a slight difference in coverage. Because the eSIM carriers differ from country to country, some may provide better service than others. 

In my experience, the carrier Orange is the most reliable regarding support while traveling around France and Spain. Vodafone is also dependable, especially in the U.K., Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands. 

Additional Tips for Using eSIM in Europe

An unlocked phone is key.

To use the an eSIM, it’s essential that your smartphone is unlocked. Unlocking your smartphone means it is not tied to a specific carrier. This enables you to use both eSIM cards and physical SIM cards.

To check if your phone is unlocked, visit your settings and check carrier options under the cellular or networks menu. 

On an iPhone, the cellular menu will display a ‘Cellular Data’ option, which means the phone is likely unlocked. 

On an Android, visit the Networks menu inside the Connections setting and check the available ‘Network Operators.” If your phone displays multiple available networks, it’s likely the Android is unlocked.

To be sure about the status of any phone, the best way to test it is by inserting a new (activated) SIM card and making a call. If the call goes through with the new SIM card, your phone is unlocked and compatible for an eSIM. 

Use WiFi as Much as Possible

The best way to make your eSIM plan last for your trip is limit your data usage when WiFi is available. WiFi is abundant throughout Europe – you’ll find it at your accommodation, many restaurants, and even on some public transportation. Connect to WiFi as much as possible, ultimately saving your precious (limited) data. 

Manage App-Specific Data Usage

It also helps to manage app-specific data usage. For example, watching short videos like TikToks and Instagram Reels uses more data than visiting simple web pages. It’s best to save social media scrolling for WiFi.

Some apps are also available offline, so you can use them without data. These apps include Google Maps, Spotify, and even Netflix, which allow you to download media on WiFi ahead of time to save your data when you use these apps while out and about. 

Pack a Portable Charger

There is nothing, and I mean nothing, as valuable as a portable charger on trip abroad. Long days exploring or lengthy trips mean dead phone batteries by midday. Keep your devices fully juiced up with a portable charger to make good use of your eSIM while in Europe. 

Download WhatsApp Before Your Trip

Most people in Europe use WhatsApp to communicate, so it’s wise to download it before your trip. It’s also worth downloading WhatsApp if you’ve chosen an eSIM that’s data only. Since WhatsApp allows you to message, call, and even video chat, it’s a smart way to avoid having a phone number while traveling. 

Aside from connecting with fellow travelers, many hotels and tour companies in Europe communicate exclusively through WhatsApp, so it’s worth making a profile ahead of time so that you can contact any of your bookings. 

Final Thoughts on the Best eSIMS for Europe

At the end of the day, an eSIM is truly the easiest, most affordable, and most convenient way to get cell coverage while traveling Europe. Instead of stressing about connecting whenever you arrive at a new destination, the appropriate eSIM will ensure you have coverage across country borders.

For a hassle-free and flawlessly connected journey, eSIMs for Europe travel are the way to go. 

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Jane is a seasoned nomad who has been traveling full-time for 5+ years. She currently splits her time between Paris, New York City, and New Zealand, and is well known for always having a smile on her face.

You can keep up with her travels on Life in the Fast Jane .

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Best eSIMs for travel of 2024

These eSIMs are easy to install and provide excellent network coverage

Best eSIM overall

• Best for customizable plans
• Best for easy installation
• Best value for money
• Best for security
• Best for network coverage
• Best for unlimited data
• Best for global plans
• Best for Europe
• Best for data-only plans
• eSIMs for international travel FAQs

1. Best eSIM overall 2. Best eSIM for customizable plans 3. Best eSIM for easy installation 4. Best eSIM for value for money 5. Best eSIM for security   6. Best eSIM for network coverage  7. Best eSIM for unlimited data 8. Best eSIM for global plans 9. Best eSIM for Europe   10. Best eSIM for data-only plans 11. eSIMs for international travel FAQs

eSIMs have gained a lot of traction in recent years, especially in international travel. Admit it, you do not like getting into huge queues to buy an eSIM just after you’ve landed at your dream location. You can now skip the queue with the best eSIM for international travel, with plans ranging from 3 days to as long as a year.

These eSIMs are easy to install and provide excellent network coverage. However, with so many providers offering eSIMs, which one should you purchase? I have done the hard yards to find and review the best eSIM you can get for international travel, regardless of whether you want to travel to Europe, the USA, Asia, Africa or Australia. So, make sure you read till the end to know everything you could ever need before purchasing your next eSIM.

What is an eSIM?  

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

eSIM cards are digital SIM cards already embedded in the mobile device, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. It is a small rewritable chip fixed inside your phone, which connects with an antenna to function as a SIM card. The antenna is nothing but a network selected by you. 

Since it is rewritable, you can change your operator with just a simple phone call. There’s no need to go through the hassle of purchasing a new SIM card and waiting for it to arrive in the mail. 

Actually, eSIMs have been around for quite some time now. You can find many devices that are compatible with eSIMs. But when iPhone decided to remove the good old SIM card slot and shift the device to being completely eSIM featured, this feature got its attention. The main reason eSIMs are being preferred is because of their ease of use and convenience. 

Another advantage of eSIM is that it saves space accommodated by the SIM card holder, leading to either smaller phones or larger batteries, both of which are interesting propositions. Not to mention, the enormous amount of plastic being used to make all these SIM cards will no longer be required. 

eSIMs could be pretty revolutionary as they can be used to enable 5G connectivity in almost anything we would want it to, preferably glasses or a fitness tracker, as it doesn’t take up as much space inside the device.  

While there’s no major difference between using an eSIM card and a physical SIM card, eSIMs could be a slight turnoff when you want to switch phones. That said, the benefits of eSIM certainly outweigh a few cons here and there.

Why should I get an eSIM for international travel?  

Now that we know what an eSIM is, let’s dive into why it’s so beneficial for international travel. The best thing about them is that you can store as many as eight (sometimes even more) on your phone and activate the SIM when needed without having to pay additional roaming charges. 

Of course, if your current network operator provides free roaming service, there's no need to consider a travel-specific or local SIM from the place you're traveling to. But if that's not the case, it can be quite a task to find the right operator and negotiate with language barriers.

eSIMs are also generally more secure than physical SIMs since there’s no need to remove them in case you want to change your SIM card, so they practically can’t get lost. And if your phone gets lost or stolen, tracking it through the eSIM card is much easier since it cannot be removed from the device. 

Note that international roaming works the same way on physical and eSIMS. The only difference that sets the two apart is that while you can add only two physical SIMs at a time, you can conveniently purchase an eSIM from a local carrier of the place you are visiting without losing your old numbers. This is especially handy when you are visiting multiple countries. 

With eSIMs, switching SIMs is as easy as purchasing a plan online and activating it after completing the payment. If you travel frequently for business or any other purpose, switching contact numbers could be quite a frequent task. With eSIMs, you can shuffle between SIM cards as soon as you enter the airport or right when you leave the country.

Is my phone compatible with eSIM?  

Most phones manufactured after 2018 are compatible with eSIMs, except for a few exceptions depending on the location and carrier. IPhone XS, XS Max, and XR are among the first eSIM-compatible iPhones that came out in 2018. 

Follow these steps to see if your iOS is eSIM compatible and carrier unlocked:

• Go to Settings > General > About
• Scroll down to find the Carrier Lock section
• If your device is unlocked, it will show "No SIM restrictions" If that's not the case, you need to unlock your device first. 
• If you have an iOS 15 or later, Scroll down to "Available SIM" and if you have earlier iOS versions, find "Digital SIM"
• If your phone supports eSIMs, it will show a 15-digit IMEI number 

The following are the latest models that support eSIM: 

• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Mini
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Mini
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone SE 3 (2022)
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro Max

You can also use eSIMs on the following iPads: 

• iPad Pro 11″ (model A2068 onwards)
• iPad Air (model A2123 onwards)
• iPad Pro 12.9″ (model A2069 onwards)
• iPad (model A2198 onwards)
• IPad 10th generación (2022)
• iPad Mini (model A2124 onwards)

For Android numbers, it is best to check with the manufacturer if your device is compatible with eSIM. This, too, depends on the model, place of manufacturing, and the carrier used for the Android device.  

Another way to check is by going to the settings > Network & Internet and tapping on the "eSIM cards". If you find a "Download a SIM instead?" option, your device is eSIM-compatible 

You can also check if your phone has an EID (Embedded Identity Document Number), which is the serial number that matches with the eSIM embedded in your device. 

• Dial *#06# and press call
• If your device is eSIM-compatible, you'll be able to view your EID number

Some popular Android phones that support eSIMs include: 

• Samsung Galaxy S21 models
• Samsung Galaxy S22 models
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20
• Samsung Galaxy Fold Series
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Series
• Samsung Galaxy S23 models
• Google Pixel 7
• Google Pixel 6
• Google Pixel 4
• Google Pixel Fold
• Google Pixel 3 XL
• Huawei P40 Series
• Oppo Reno 5A
• Oppo Find X5
• Sony Xperia 1 V
• Xiaomi 13 Series
• Sony Xperia 10 III Lite
• Motorola Edge+
• Motorola Razr 2019

Note that this isn’t an exhaustive list — it’s only an indicative list of popular smartphones that support eSIMs. In case you do not find your phone year, check with your manufacturer. 

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Top 10 eSIM providers for international travel 

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Airhub is a huge online store from which you can buy eSIMs in over 190+ countries worldwide. It has a massive variety of eSIM plans that include data, local call minutes, SMS, and international call minutes. 

While most eSIM providers usually have around 3-5 plans per country, Airhub provides up to 15 plans to choose from for a single country which gives you the flexibility to select the plan that resonates best with your needs. Also, Airhub has truly managed to make some of the best partnerships with local companies to offer the cost-effective deal that it does. 

If you're going to hang in a country for multiple months, you can simply go for the monthly subscriptions. Some of these plans also include unlimited voice minutes and SMS - you truly get the best deal here. 

The majority of plans that you will find on the website are prepaid, with a few postpaid plans and a postpaid monthly subscription in a few countries, the most important one being the United States. However, it doesn't have strong coverage in Latin America. For example, I found them offering only a single plan in countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. Moreover, there are no plans for countries like Cuba, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Ecuador. 

The regional plans offer an attractive price proposition as well, with options available in APAC, Africa, North America, the Middle East, and Europe. We highly recommend the Europe plan if you're about to go on a Europe tour. Airhub covers up to 49 countries in the plans, with the plans starting at just $11 for a month with a 3GB data limit. We could also spot a few 1-year plans in Europe ranging from 10GB to 100GB for the year.  

When you open the Airhub app, there's not a lot going on like most other eSIM apps — the interface is clean and intuitive. After logging in, you will find a page that lets you select the country, with three tabs differentiating local eSIMs, regional eSIMs, and Monthly plans (note that the global package is included in the regional eSIM category). 

Concluding, Airhub stands out with its great plans, minimalist apps, and websites and ticks all the boxes of travelers and remote workers looking for an affordable and effective eSIM. 

Best eSIM for customizable plans

Airalo is easily one of the best eSIM providers for travelers looking for an affordable and reliable SIM card, which plans in more than 200 countries. The stand-out thing about Airalo is its great collaborations with local telco companies all over the world which makes it the cost leader that it is today. 

Keep in mind that this also means the cost of Airalo depends on the place you're traveling to, and the cost of data there — validity and data limit being the other two factors that affect its price.

It also offers 7 regional plans, including Latin America and Caribbean Islands — regions that aren’t well catered by other eSIM providers.

It also has a specific global plan that provides access to around 84 countries worldwide — perfect for international travelers. You can choose between 1GB to 20GB of data spread across 7 days to 180 days validity. 

To buy the eSIM, you simply have to go to the app, create an account, choose the place you are traveling to, the package of your choice, and then install the eSIM. After that, you’ll need to follow a simple eSIM activation procedure, and that’s it. The payment can be made through a credit card or Apple Pay. 

One major thing to look out for getting an Airalo eSIM is that most of them don't offer voice minutes — there's only a data plan. So if you're someone who makes a lot of voice calls throughout the day, you might want to look out for an alternative here. That said, you can always communicate via Internet calls when needed. 

Airalo has a loyalty feature where you get credit every time you purchase data from the service provider. Initially, you get a 5% Airalo credit for every purchase, which keeps increasing as you collect more and more credit. So, initially, if you spend $20 on a package, you get a $1 credit that you can use for future purchases. 

Best eSIM for easy installation

AloSIM is a Canada-based tech company that offers great prepaid data SIMs at affordable prices. One innovative feature of the app is its AloSIM data calculator that helps you find the estimated data that you will require depending on the things you use your internet for on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Once you have decided on the amount of data you need, you can head over to the eSIM area and select a plan to your liking.

The reason why this is so great is because it bears testimony to the brand's transparency and genuineness. Being able to calculate your daily requirements won't let you overspend on something you don't need. 

Another thing I love about AloSIM is that you get to see which partnering networks you're gonna be connected with before you purchase any package so that you can assure that you are connected to a reliable network. You can also check the speed availability in the region (3G, 4G, 5G, or LTE). This is something most eSIM providers do not offer.

Installing the eSIM is also easy with AloSIM. There are three ways in which you can do that:

1. Automatic installation — if you want to start using your plan straight away, you should go with this option. 

2. Scanning QR code — this option is available in almost all eSIM providers — you just have to scan the QR code to activate your network. 

3. Manual installation — You will have to go through a step-by-step instruction manual to adjust your settings and activate your eSIM. 

The prices at AloSIM are among the most reasonable I’ve seen. You can get the 5 GB for 30 days plan for as low as $16 in the US. That's a lot of difference compared to the plan your home SIM can provide you. Plus, data sharing is supported, so you can use your personal hotspot to connect to other devices or let a friend free ride with you. AloSIM also offers as many as 11 regional plans — one of the highest on our list. 

However, I couldn’t spot a regional plan for Africa or an extensive Asian plan. The Asian regional plan covers just five countries in Southeast Asia. Thus, it isn’t a great option if you’re traveling East.

Just like every data-only eSIM, you will not get a phone number with AloSIM. Also, there's no unlimited plan for you to rely on if you're a data junkie. Overall, AloSIM stands out with its transparency, auto-installation feature, and affordable price. 

Best eSIM for value for money

Nomad eSIM is a great option if you’re on short trips and need a travel eSIM that doesn't cost you a fortune. It is well-known for its short-duration plans of 7 and 15 days. Its offerings are divided into regional plans and individual country plans. 

You can also purchase an unlimited data plan in selected individual countries, such as the UK, something that isn’t available with regional plans. With Nomad, you can purchase one GB of data for as low as $1.30 (in Asia and the Americas).

It has an incredible value proposition in North America, Asia, and Europe. However, when it comes to Latin America, you can definitely find cheaper options. For example, 1GB of data with a 7-day validity costs $9 on Nomad. However, the same plan is available at $6.5 on Airalo, with both of them covering the same three counties —Canada, USA, and Mexico,

What we love about this provider is that it doesn't charge you any one-time connection fee or even a fee for the SIM card itself. There's no hidden cost, and you don't have to worry about enormous roaming costs as well. Just pay for the upfront amount of the package, and you’re good to go.

There are eight regional plans - APAC, Nordic, Europe, SEA - Oceania, Global, North America, Africa, and Middle East. Regional plans allow you to buy the plan once and use it in a specific group of countries - no need to buy a new eSIM for every country you travel to. For example, if you’re visiting France, Germany, and Italy, simply get the Europe regional plan. You’ll not need to buy a separate eSIM in each country.

The global plan is decent, with an option to purchase a global e-Sim for either 110 countries or 140 countries. The 110-country plan starts at $25/GB (validity of 7 days), while the 140-country plan starts at $19/GB for the same validity period.

Recently, Nomad added an SMS plan available in selected countries like Canada, the United States, and the UK. I found the plan to be pretty reasonable, too, starting at 100 texts for $4. 

What's more, Nomad has one of the most user-friendly apps. You can easily find all the plans, and the interface is very clean. You can also track your data usage on the go and add more data if you seem to be outrunning your current limit. 

If you're not an expert at understanding chunky instructions, you'll love its setup process that takes you through the app step by step and even includes pictures to clearly illustrate what you need to do. 

If there's still something you need help understanding, there's built-in 24/7 message support, and the response time is quick and reliable. It doesn't have a live chat feature like most of the peers.

Concluding, Nomad is a solid option for frequent travelers with its short-term packages at affordable prices and easy-to-set-up interface. With the commendable user-friendliness of this provider’s app and reliable customer support, it’s one of the best travel eSIMs. 

Best eSIM for security

5. Instabridge

Instabridge has been around for a while, and its eSIM services are truly one to consider if you are looking for a safe and seamless internet connection. This is especially recommended if you're going to stay in one place for a long time — you can find plans that last up to a year.

It is the #1 app on iPhone for global internet access, and with access to more than 190 countries and over 200 million app downloads, you can guess that it's a hot pick among travelers.  However, you do not get any call minutes or SMS facility with Instabridge’s eSIM. Thus, you’ve to rely on Internet-based voice calls and texts — certainly not a deal-breaker.

If you are tight on budget but want to purchase a plan, you can score mobile data packages by watching ads on the app. The collection won't be too grand, of course, but it'll get you a decent data pack if you spend your free time on the app. 

The app in itself is pretty modern and intuitive. You can simply select the country you’re traveling to and choose the amount of data you need. Next, select the duration — one-time, monthly, or yearly. You’re done — simply make the payment and enjoy your internet.

Note that the website on the desktop version doesn't show all the local plans, so it's important to check the plans on the app if you don't find a suitable plan for you. You can pick between subscriptions and one-off plans depending on your needs. The website typically doesn’t show data plans for more than 30 days.

Customer support isn't always the fastest — it can take a few hours to get a reply if you're stuck in the middle of something. But you can look out for the FAQs and manuals to help you out, and the app is easy to use, too. So there are chances that you might not even need customer support.  

You can purchase multiple plans with the same eSIM, so there's no need to collect a hefty number of eSIMs if you're traveling to multiple places. For example, if you're going to visit USA, Germany, and France over the holidays, you can just purchase a plan for each of these places and track the data usage of each of these packages through the app. 

Instabridge has a strong commitment to bringing the internet to everyone. For the same, it has decided to give away 1GB of data to someone in a developing nation for every 1 GB of data you purchase.

Concluding, Instabridge is a solid provider of data-only plans, a must-have for users who value security over anything.

Best eSIM for network coverage

BNESIM offers mobile data contracts in over 170 countries —greater than most providers in our list, like Nomad. You can rest assured that no matter which country you are traveling to, you will definitely find a plan or more with BNESIM. 

Where this provider wins against the competition is its “pay-as-you-go” plans. These are plans with no expiration date. For example, if you purchase the 1GB USA data plan for $6.73, you can use the plan as long as you do not exhaust the entire data without any time restriction. This is particularly helpful for users that use minimal data and end up wasting their data by the end of the plan. 

What I like about BNESIM is its diverse regional plans. It currently offers Regional plans in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania, Middle East, and Africa. Apart from this, there are two unlimited data regional plans - something other providers don’t offer. 

1. BNESIM Infinity Europe

2. BNESIM Infinity Asia

For example, the Infinity Aisa plan covers 28 countries with options to purchase one-time, daily, and monthly plans. I found the “Daily Plan’ really useful in the modern data usage context. It offers a certain data limit for each day of the plan. For example, the 1GB daily data Asia plan costs just $8.85 — a steal, in my opinion.

I also found an extensive “Support” section on its website with guides on installing eSIMs on various devices, such as iPhone, iPad, and Android phones. Each of these guides includes pictures that make your job easier. Just like Airalo, BNESIM also partners with local networks to provide reliable bandwidth, which makes the network stronger in some areas.

However, if you’re looking for a longer-duration plan, BNESIM doesn’t get the job done. With a maximum validity of 30 days, their plans primarily focus on short-duration plans. Another weird thing about BNESIM is its “auto-renewal” feature — your plan will be auto-renewed at the end of the term. You’ll have to cancel the plan manually on its website or app.

All in all, BNESIM is an ideal choice for travelers looking for a flexible and cost-effective global roaming solution for frequent travel. 

Best eSIM for unlimited data

Holafly eSIM cards are among the few options offering unlimited data plans — you can send as many videos and photos with your family without worrying about the data limit. In the few countries that it doesn't give unlimited data, it offers higher data limits than most other providers. 

In terms of duration, too, there's great flexibility. You can get plans that last 5, 10, 15, 20, 60, and 90 days. In short, there will always be a plan close to the number of days you're traveling for in about 160 countries that Holafly caters to.

On the price front, Holafly is a little high-end, but it's worth the unlimited data and stress-free traveling it offers. For example, its 5-day unlimited data plan for the USA costs $19. It also offers regional plans. However, I found it tough to locate these plans on its website, as there’s no dedicated “Regional Plans” section as in some other websites like Nomad and Airhub.

Brands like Airalo are significantly cheaper than Holafly, but you will have to get top-up plans if you exhaust your data mid-journey, which can be troublesome if you travel alone and don't have anyone to provide you hotspot in the meanwhile. 

Installing the eSIM is also a breeze with Holafly. Simply scan the QR code you receive after purchasing a plan and follow the prompts. You will be guided through each step of the process, and the payment can be made through various portals like a credit card, debit card, PayPal, Google Pay, or Apple Pay. You can also use a code for manual installation if you don't want to scan the QR code. 

Holafly‘s customer support is one of the best in the market. You can expect a reply from them within less than a minute of entering your query. With language support in English, German, French, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish, you can easily access the 24/7 support via WhatsApp or chat. On top of that, there's a frequently asked questions section that will solve most of your queries regarding the installation of the eSIM. 

However, if you plan to buy a single Holafly eSIM for your family, thinking that the unlimited data plan will do the trick, beware. Holafly eSIM doesn't allow data sharing with other devices as of now. 

While Holafly has great data plans, it doesn't include calls with all plans or SMS service. Currently, you can make calls up to 60 minutes and receive calls for up to 60 minutes in Europe, Spain, France, Italy, and Germany. However, I didn’t find this off-putting due to the sheer non-functionality of SMS and calls these days. You can always make calls or send texts through Holafly’s unlimited Internet (WhatsApp, Skype, or other apps).   Use code TECHRADAR to get 5% off.

Best eSIM for global plans

8. GlobaleSIM

GlobaleSIM provides global and local data plans for travelers and tourists in more than 150 countries, and you get extendable coverage with over 400 network carriers. It was among the first providers of eSIM when it first launched in 2016.

There are four broad plans that GlobaleSIM offers:

1. Most Popular Plan - available in 63 countries

2. Most Popular+ Plan - available in 93 countries

3. Special Plan - available in 115 countries

4. Special + Plan - available in 143 countries

For example, its “Most Popular Plan” starts at $3.00 for 500MB of data for 5 days. You also get the option of adding call minutes to your plan and selecting either a US, a UK, or a Canadian number. As there are several countries being covered under a single plan, you obviously cannot expect to get a local number to the place you're visiting, and since there's no roaming charge, a US, UK, or Canadian number isn't that bad, too, after all.

Many eSIM providers ask you to create an account before purchasing, but this one doesn't. You just have to fill out the required information, like your name, surname, and email address, and you're done. You can complete your payment via either PayPal or a credit card.  

However, I couldn’t find many single-country plans on GlobaleSIM. Even for a popular destination like the US, you’ll have to get a bundled plan which includes both the US and Canada. Moreover, despite being in the market for so long, it's a little disappointing that the provider doesn't have an application of its own, so you'll have to purchase the eSIM directly from the website. 

Unlike most other providers in the market, GlobaleSIM doesn't have chat support, the only way that you can connect to them is through emails, and the response time isn't as fast as chat support either. 

At first, you won't even find customer service or a way to get in touch with them on the front page of the website or while skimming through plans. You will have to go all the way down the page to find it. Simply put, the customer support is disappointing. 

All in all, GlobaleSIM is a great eSIM to consider if you're looking for a global plan that's easy to set up and purchase.  

Best eSIM for Europe

9. Holiday eSIM

Holiday eSIM is the best-prepaid service provider if you're traveling to Europe, with robust connections in every European country for high-speed data.  

What I like the most about this provider is that, unlike others, you get a French number with the eSIM. Its most popular plan includes unlimited calls and texts in Europe, 120 minutes of worldwide calling, and 1,000 texts. That's more than enough proposition for whatever your needs are. But of course, if all you are looking for is a data eSIM, you can also purchase the data-only packages it offers. 

The Orange holiday app is user-friendly and doesn't require any registration prior to installing the eSIM. All you have to do is install the eSIM, and the provider will automatically connect to the strongest local European mobile network provider in that area.  

Costing around $44.10 for 10GB of data with a validity of 14 days, you might argue that this isn't a cheap option. However, if you're looking to have amazing internet no matter which European street you are wandering on, this is worth the penny it costs.

Besides the European plan, there's also a competent data-only global plan with 6GB of data with a 15-day validity. What’s more — you can share your data as a hotspot, so if you want to work on your laptop while away, it won't be a problem. 

However, it doesn’t offer a lot of plan options. Thus, you do not have much flexibility, either in terms of the validity period or data limits. Moreover, I did not like the website interface as much as some other providers on our list. Finding your destination country is difficult — you’ll have to choose from a long list of options. Even when you do, you’ll find “Regional” and “Global” plans in every country. This essentially means that Holiday eSIM does not offer as many individual country plans. 

In conclusion, if you value your network connection more than your product's budget-friendliness, you should consider this for your European trip. While we're not trying to take away that this provider's plans will cost you more than the local plan you can buy from a local provider, there are also a few cheaper options that might work for you if your internet usage isn't a lot. 

Best eSIM for data-only plans

10. Flexiroam

eSIMs are an important part of Flexiroam's wide line of products, and it's one of the best data-only eSIM lines out there. You get access to more than 500 mobile networks worldwide through its partnership with Jersey Telecom, with multiple networks in a single place, meaning you are never limited to just one network with this one. 

When traveling, the eSIM automatically connects itself to the strongest network connection in that area for reliable and strong coverage no matter where you go.  If you still don't feel content with the connected network, you can manually switch to the provider of your choice and use it if you find that more comfortable. 

Most providers like Airalo and BNESIM work with one single provider in one area, and it’s possible that the local provider might not be the best for the area you're visiting. This is never the issue with Flexiroam.

There are more than 700 eSIM plans to choose from. However, these plans aren’t as neatly categorized as some other providers. You’ll have to select from a long drop-down list when looking for individual country plans. Its regional plans are a mixed bag of chocolates. While there are two unique regional plans - Greater Europe and Greater China, I couldn’t find a regional plan for Asia that is offered by almost every other competitor. If you’re on an Asian trip, you’ll want to look at some other eSIMs on our list.

Having said that, Flexiroam is among the few providers that include plans for less than 7 days, and unlike Holafly, it allows data sharing through both tethering and Hotspot. So if you're traveling in a group, you can just buy a single pack and share it with your entire group.

Being a data-only eSIM, you don't get a phone number to call in case there's a network coverage issue and your internet stops working. This can usually be a problem if you're traveling to remote places.

Concluding, Flexiroam is definitely worth your bucks if you are looking for a data-only eSIM for its affordability and wider network coverage.  

Best eSIMs for international travel FAQs

How to choose the best esim for international travel .

While all the providers have something or the other to offer,  it's important to know the factors that make an eSIM the best among them. 

1. The place that you are traveling to 

It's important to check the network coverage of an eSIM in the place you're visiting. eSIM providers often offer amazing coverage in particular countries but mediocre performance in others. This is because eSIMs collaborate or partner with local service providers in different countries to enhance network coverage. So make sure that you check the service of the local provider that's accessible to you and select the eSIM provider that has coverage to the place you're traveling to. 

Depending on the number of places you are going to visit, you can select local, regional, and global eSIMs. Here's how they differ:

• Local eSIM — you should go for this eSIM if you're traveling to just one country. For example, if you're traveling to Paris, you can get a local France eSIM. 
• Regional eSIM — This is a perfect option if you're going to travel to a couple of countries within the same region. Let’s say you're planning a Europe trip; in that case, instead of buying a local SIM for each country, it’s a lot more convenient to get a regional eSIM that will work on all the countries in Europe you're visiting. 
• Global eSIM — global eSIM allows you to connect several countries all over the world, which is perfect if you're going to travel worldwide or counties that are in different regions.  

2. How much data will you need?

If your data requirements are ambitious, you should preferably look for a cheap eSIM or one that provides unlimited data. On the other hand, if your data needs aren't too demanding, but you need internet in remote places, you might have to shell out a bit more for quality internet. To get an idea of how much data different apps use up, have a look at this: 

• Google Maps: 5MB per hour
• Social Media: 50MB per hour
• Internet Browsing: 50MB per hour
• Online Gaming: 70+MB per hour
• Streaming Music: 100MB per hour
• SD Video: 1GB per hour
• HD Video: 4GB per hour
• 4K Video: 7GB per hour

3. How long will you be abroad?

All eSIM providers have different validity options — you can choose between 7, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90 days plans, and so on. Find a plan with a validity period that outlines how long you're going to be using the eSIM. 

Some eSIM providers provide plans shorter than 7 days; look out for them if you're going to be away for the weekend. On the other hand, if your data usage is moderate, but you are traveling for longer periods, an unlimited plan might be the best for you. 

How do eSIM work?  

An eSIM card or embedded SIM card is a chip in your phone that lets you connect to a network by simply downloading an eSIM profile and activating it without having to swap the SIM card physically. 

eSIMs function similarly to physical cards — the only difference is that the card, instead of being inserted into the devices, can now be downloaded through an app and activated by scanning a QR code or following the steps provided in the manual. 

It is very easy to install an eSIM into the devices that are compatible with it. You can use multiple operators simultaneously and add several data plans according to your needs, as there's no physical space required to limit the number. 

You just have to change the profile to switch between one eSIM to another. This way, you can find the network in another eSIM if one SIM doesn't have a network. You can even have one SIM each for business and personal purposes.  

Since eSIMs can be updated electronically, providers in the US and UK are using eSIMs for the Internet of Things, adding a mobile network to almost anything that could use one, like cars and traffic lights.

While all the latest Apple devices are eSIM-compatible, most Android devices are also catching up. For example, the new Motorola Razr doesn't have a physical SIM card slot and only supports eSIM. Google Pixel phones and other Android devices, including laptops and tablets, have started providing eSIMs too. 

If you have already set up eSIM Carrier Activation, follow these steps to activate your SIM:

• On turning on your phone, you will find a notification appearing that says "Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed", tap on it.
• If it doesn't pop up right away, In the Settings app, tap Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed.
• You will find a "Continue" at the bottom of the screen. After that, the plan must have been activated. 
• Make a call on your iPhone to check its cellular connectivity. 
• If you're unable to make the call, contact your carrier. If the plan you activated replaces the plan on your physical SIM, your eSIM has been activated. Now remove your physical SIM. Then restart your iPhone.

After this, your eSIM will actively run on your phone, and you can use it along with your physical SIM cards too. This will especially be appreciated by those who don't like to give away their phone numbers when traveling abroad. 

Can I use more than one eSIM provider when traveling abroad? 

Yes, you can use more than one eSIM, depending on whether you use Android or iOS. When traveling, you’d want to use at least two SIMs simultaneously so that you don't lose touch with the older SIM contact when using the new local SIM. 

iPhones can store up to 5-10 eSIMs on the device, depending on the exact model. For example, the iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13, and iPhone 13 Mini allow you to use two eSIMs simultaneously. On the flip side, you can use only one eSIM with iPhone 12 models, iPhone 11 models, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR.

Similarly, Androids can also store 5-7 eSIMs on the device. However, you can only activate and use one eSIM at a time. 

This makes your work a lot easier. Suppose you’re traveling to Asia and Europe within a short span of time; you can purchase two eSIMs on your device. Simply activate the eSIM once you transition from one destination to another. This is more convenient compared to traditional SIMs, where you would have had to physically purchase a SIM at every destination you visit.

Traditional phones generally feature a maximum of 2 SIM cards in devices with dual SIM slots. In devices like iPhones that usually don't have a dual SIM feature, you will have to get a student device if you wish to use more than one SIM at once. 

How to set up and activate an eSIM on iOS

Devices like iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later support eSIM. And recently, it completely ditched the physical SIM card slot in all the US models of iPhone 14. While other countries still have the SIM card slot, Apple has made it clear that it will soon completely get rid of the physical SIM card.  

Note that Apple’s eSIM feature is not yet available in mainland China and a few parts of Hong Kong and Macao. These countries are still fully dependent on physical SIMs.  

Setting up and activating an eSIM is super easy if you follow the instructions below:

• On your iOS device, follow Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. If this doesn't work, try Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM.
• Click on the “Transfer from Nearby iPhone” option. At this point, remember that both iPhones have to be on iOS 16 for this to work.
• You will find instructions on the old model to help you through the process. Either tap the transfer button or enter the verification code on the older phone, which will be sent to the new iPhone. 
• Once you transfer the eSIM to the newer iPhone, it is deactivated from your old device, and your carrier will send you a notification to complete the setup on your new iPhone.

QR code support:

• If your carrier has issued you a QR code, you can simply select “Use QR Code” while setting up the new iPhone.
• You can find the “Use QR Code” option under Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM. 

Are eSIM better than physical SIM cards?  

eSIM card is a recently developed digital version of a physical SIM card that solves most problems faced while using a physical SIM card. While the functionality of both the SIMs has no difference, eSIM has an almost negligible chance of getting damaged, and since they cannot be physically detached from the device, it is impossible to lose them. 

If your device gets stolen, the thief will first throw out your SIM card because the device can be easily tracked through its SIM card. With eSIMs, this option just isn't there, so you can easily locate your device if it's ever stolen or lost. 

Also, eSIM frees up the space that a SIM card blocks. This space can be used to better optimize the device and leave less room for dust to enter. It also makes it better for devices like smartwatches to have an eSIM. 

On the other hand, eSIMs aren't as widely recognized yet, and physical SIM cards are supported on all devices. If your device doesn't support it, you'll have to get another one to switch to eSIMs.  

Plus, if you want to change your device, it is a lot more convenient to just place your SIM card in a different device, and just the day started. The same thing goes for a situation when you want to transfer contacts that are saved in your SIM card. 

eSIMs store data on the cloud. You can simply download it when needed. This way, your data remains safe and doesn't use up any storage on your device. 

Finally, both eSIMs and physical SIM cards have benefits of their own, and the better option definitely depends on personal preference, but objectively, eSIM is definitely the better option.  

Final verdict 

eSIMs have, undoubtedly, made traveling much easier. With affordable plans, excellent connections, and various validity options to choose from, eSIMs are the future of telecommunication. 

The only question is — which eSIM should you purchase? If you do not require voice call minutes (which I believe most wouldn’t), Airalo is your best bet. It has a lot of plan options to choose from, with validities as long as 180 days. It offers affordable local plans in as many as 200 countries, besides 7 regional plans and a value-for-money global plan. And since it partners with local network providers, you can rest assured of seamless connectivity as well. 

If you do want to make voice calls and send text messages, Airhub should be your go-to option. It offers plans in more than 190 countries, with more than 15 plans to select from in most countries. Like Airalo, it is also a value-for-money proposition and wouldn’t cost you a fortune. 

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Best eSIM for Traveling to Europe in 2024

What is the best eSIM for Europe?

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Are you planning a trip to Europe and need to make sure you have cellular data? Consider using a travel eSIM. These digital SIM cards give you access to local networks without fussing with a physical SIM.

In this guide, I'll share the advantages of using embedded travel SIMs and give you my expert opinion on the best eSIM for Europe.

Plus, I'll show you examples of plans offered by leading international phone service providers and how much they cost, and address some frequently asked questions.

Holiday eSIM

Best overall travel esim.

In addition to the wide range of plan options available, you can choose between local, regional, or global eSIM plans, many of which include voice minutes & SMS. With some plans, get quality coverage in 50 destinations, including the UK.

Holiday data packages range from 3GB to 50GB, providing extreme flexibility whether you need a little or a lot. Pick validity periods between 3 days and a month. So, while it may not be suitable for year-long trips, it is certainly sufficient for most typical vacations and business trips.

Next, we'll look at the pros and cons of Holiday.

• Large data plans available
• Abundant plan options
• Mobile hotspot use
• Calling & SMS are included in many plans
• Phone number included with calling plans
• Some plans include unlimited 2G data
• The website is a bit cluttered
• Not great for long-term travel

We have very few complaints about the Holiday eSIM collection , particularly regarding the calling options. Most plans that offer international voice minutes also provide unlimited calls and SMS within the covered region. This creates a comprehensive and feature-packed option to keep you online throughout Europe.

GlobaleSIM partners with over 400 networks worldwide to offer you the fastest connection in your current location. What sets GlobaleSIM apart from its competitors is its customizable data plans that let you add voice minutes if needed.

Choose from several data buckets between 1GB and 20GB, with validity periods running between 7 and 30 days. Customize your plan with 100 or 200 added voice minutes, and you'll get a phone number to use on your trip.

Check out these GlobaleSIM Europe eSIM pros and cons to help you decide if this provider is right for your European travel needs.

• Versatile data and voice plans
• Access to multiple mobile networks
• Clean website with lots of self-help materials
• 24/7 customer service
• No inbound SMS support
• Customer support only by email

GlobaleSIM offers a variety of choices at affordable rates to cater to your requirements when visiting Europe, either on business or vacation.

Bouygues Telecom, a major French telecommunications company, offers My European eSIM via SimOptions . This entry into the travel phone plan market stands out due to its 30GB data limit and its fairly lengthy validity, at 30 days.

As always, there are a few factors to take into account when considering the pros and cons of Bouygue's My European eSIM.

• 30GB of 4G data
• Mobile hotspot usage
• Unlimited calling & SMS in Europe
• €25 international calling credit
• Excludes the United Kingdom & Switzerland
• Must activate in Europe
• No smaller data options

If you anticipate doing a lot of calling and texting between the members of your traveling party, or you want a robust amount of data, Bouygues is a great option.

Comparison of the best eSIM plans for Europe

Below, I'll show you what to expect from the best eSIMs for Europe, including cost-wise.

Orange Holiday Zen eSIM

• 12 GB of 4G/LTE data
• Free calling/SMS within Europe
• 30 voice minutes & 200 SMS worldwide
• Includes Europe & UK
• Valid for 14 days
• Cost: $21.42

GlobaleSIM Europe eSIM

• 5 GB of data
• 100 voice minutes (free incoming calls & free calls between GlobaleSIM users)
• Valid for 21 days

Bouygues my European eSIM

• 30 GB 4G LTE data
• Covers 52 European countries
• Unlimited voice calls in Europe
• €25 credit for international calls
• Valid for 30 days

Except for Bouygues, the above providers offer a range of options to meet your data and validity period needs. For example, Orange Holiday Europe includes a whopping 50GB of data.

What is a travel eSIM?

A travel eSIM, also known as an embedded SIM, is a virtual SIM card that facilitates the use of mobile data plans for the country or region you're visiting. The best thing about this convenient option is that you'll never need to hunt for a local SIM card while traveling again.

Most of the latest phone models are eSIM-capable. Compatible phones include iPhone 13 and up, plus a wide variety of Samsung, Google Pixel, and other Android devices.

While there are plenty of options for Europe out there, we've curated top providers that offer competitive prices, flexible plan options, and features that are important for travelers.

Important note: You can only use a travel eSIM if your phone is unlocked. If you need to find out whether it's locked or not, check with your current carrier.

How travel eSIMs work

Using this convenient product is as simple as scanning a QR code. After activation, your device will establish connections with local networks, ensuring a reliable internet connection and phone service without the hassle of searching for a local prepaid SIM card.

Most providers have an app that allows you to track data usage, buy top-ups, and manage your account.

Advantages of using an eSIM for travel

If you own a cell phone, you likely understand the hassle of dealing with traditional SIM cards, especially on the go. This inconvenience becomes even more pronounced when you're in an unfamiliar place.

Fortunately, eSIM technology has revolutionized the mobile data experience for travelers by offering a quick and easy solution.

Moreover, embedded travel SIMs offer various other benefits:

• Effortless activation: Sign-up can be completed online, eliminating the need to visit a local retailer for a physical SIM card.
• Ease of use: Many providers have apps enabling you to manage your plan conveniently and directly from your smartphone.
• Access to all your SIMs: Effortlessly switch between your domestic and vacation plans with a single touch on the display.
• More affordable: Travel phone plans tend to be much more budget-friendly compared to international roaming alternatives, thus avoiding bill shock upon your return.
• Flexible call & text options: You can use popular apps like WhatsApp with most plans, allowing you to remain connected without having to buy voice minutes.

What to consider when choosing the best eSIM for Europe

There are multiple contenders for the best eSIM for Europe, each with its own unique strengths. Before making your decision, consider the following factors:

• Travel plans: Will you be visiting multiple regions or staying within Europe? This will help you decide between the regional or global version.
• How much data you need: If you're a digital nomad or require frequent internet access while on the move, consider plans with higher mobile data allowances. Smaller data plans may suffice if you only use data to access Google Maps or check emails.
• Calls & text messages: Keep in mind that international data plans might not include calling and SMS services. If this is important to you, choose a plan that offers these features or consider adding them as an extra option. Alternatively, you can use Wi-Fi-based applications to make calls and send messages.
• Validity period: You can choose from various validity periods, ranging from a few days to several months. Estimating your daily data use can help you choose the right data bucket/number of days combination.

Fortunately, plenty of providers are available to cater to your specific needs. Below, you'll find your guide to what we consider the best eSIMs for Europe.

Best eSIM for Europe FAQs

Is switching to an esim for travel to europe worth it.

That depends on your personal preferences. That said, it's cheaper than roaming, and it's hard to beat the convenience of simply downloading your travel phone plan into your device.

How do I activate my eSIM for Europe?

First, verify whether you need to activate it once you land in Europe or if you can do it beforehand. Next, scan the provided QR code and follow the travel eSIM profile installation instructions. You will need a second phone on hand for this.

What if I need more data on my eSIM for Europe?

Most providers allow you to top up your plan while you're traveling. Check for this option in the app or on your chosen provider's website.

Recap - What's the best travel eSIM for Europe?

When you visit Europe, there are many options to choose from to stay connected. Whether your main concern is having unlimited data, a long period of validity, or finding the most cost-effective option, you can be confident that you'll find the best eSIM for Europe that suits your particular needs.

Are you getting ready for other thrilling journeys to different countries across the globe? Discover our top picks for the best eSIM for international travel.

Related Content

Complete Guide: Best eSIM For Europe

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Jan 23, 2024 | Europe , SIM Cards , Travel Tips

Searching for the best eSIM for Europe ? Look no further!

eSIMs are becoming more and more popular, but with so many Europe eSIM providers to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is the best.

This guide will help you find the best Europe eSIM.

We’ll look at what to consider when choosing an eSIM provider for Europe and recommend our top picks for European travel.

So whether you’re looking for the best Europe eSIM or just need a basic plan, we have you covered.

Quick Overview: Best eSIMs For Europe

Need an eSIM for Europe fast? Here are the best eSIM Europe providers:

• Airalo : Perfect for travelers looking for short-term and long-term options. (My pick)
• Holafly : Great options, including unlimited data plans, and calls.
• Nomad : Offers a variety of country and global plans, as well as unlimited data plans in some destinations.
• AloSIM : Offers a few different European eSIM plans to suit different needs.

Need help finding the best eSIM? Easily compare mobile data plans on simpackers.com .

Before we dive deeper, if you’re new to eSIM, let’s see what an eSIM is.

What Is An eSIM?

eSIM is a type of SIM card that is embedded in your device.

You don’t need a physical SIM card in Europe , which makes it more convenient for people who travel frequently.

eSIMs are also becoming more common in smartphones, so if you’re looking to buy a new phone, eSIM might be an option for you.

There’s a catch! eSIMs are not yet universally supported.

So before you switch to an eSIM, make sure your device is compatible.

Read our guide to learn more about the differences between SIM cards and eSIM .

Which Devices Are Compatible With eSIM?

eSIM is currently supported on a few devices, including:

• Apple iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 12, 13, and newer models.
• Google Pixel 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and newer models.
• Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, and newer models.
• Huawei P40, and newer models.

To check if your device is compatible with eSIM, you can go to Settings and locate your International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI).

This will tell you if your device supports eSIM.

Here’s how to do it add an eSIM on a Pixel device:

• Go to Settings.
• Go to Network and Internet
• Click on Add more
• Choose Download a SIM instead.
• Click on next.
• Scan the QR code.
• Name the eSIM.
• Pick the eSIM to provide data.
• Make sure the roaming is on.

How To Choose The Best Europe eSIM Provider?

Now that we know what an eSIM is let’s look at how to choose the best eSIM provider for Europe .

There are a few factors to consider when choosing an eSIM provider, including:

• Coverage: Make sure the eSIM provider has good coverage in the countries you travel to.
• Data: How much data do you need? You’ll need a plan with more data if you’re a heavy user or if you need the Internet to work.
• Speed: Not all eSIM providers offer the same speeds. If you need fast speed, make sure to choose a provider that offers them.
• Price: eSIM plans can vary in price, so consider your budget when choosing a provider.

Where To Buy A Europe eSIM?

eSIMs can be bought from a variety of places, including:

• eSIM providers: Many eSIM providers sell eSIMs directly from their websites. This is the most convenient option, as you can activate your eSIM immediately.
• Carriers: If you’re already using a carrier, you may be able to buy an eSIM from them. It’s worth checking if your current carrier has its own eSIM plans.

So, how do you pick an eSIM provider in Europe?

Let us help! We’ll review the best eSIM for European travels below.

Airalo Europe

Airalo is the most popular eSIM store and offers eSIMs in 200+ countries at affordable prices.

I’ve been using Airalo for a while now, and you can read our complete Airalo review to learn more about this eSIM provider.

Airalo offers local, regional, and global plans.

If you’re traveling in Europe, you might be interested in the Airalo Eurolink plan .

Here’s how Airalo works:

• Create an account on Airalo .
• Download the app or use the desktop version.
• Choose the European plan.
• Install your eSIM.
• Activate your eSIM.

Go to Airalo

Airalo eSIM Europe

Airalo offers the regional plan Eurolink that includes coverage in 39 European countries.

Here’s an overview of the options available in Europe :

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $5
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $13
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $20
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $37
• 50 GB, valid for 90 days for $100
• 100 GB, valid for 180 days for $185

Pros And Cons Of Using Airalo To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of Airalo.

• Coverage in 190+ countries.
• Short-term and long-term plans available.
• Affordable prices.
• Offers local, regional, and global plans.
• The customer support is excellent and fast.
• No unlimited data plans available.
• I had a few issues in the past, but customer support always fixed the issues quickly.

Airalo Offer

Get 10% off on your first purchase on Airalo by using my Airalo referral code : ABB10.

Holafly Europe

Holafly is an eSIM provider with eSIM plans for more than 130 destinations. They offer local and regional plans, including Europe.

I tried Holafly in Europe in the past, so you can read our complete Holafly review to learn more.

Here’s how Holafly Europe works:

• Pick the European plan.
• You’ll receive an email with your eSIM.
• Scan the QR code to activate your eSIM.

Go to Holafly

Holafly eSIM Europe

Holafly has great European eSIM plans that work in 32 countries. It’s interesting because they come with unlimited data.

Here’s an overview of the plans available in Europe:

• Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for EUR 19
• Unlimited data, valid for 7 days for EUR 27
• Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for EUR 34
• Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for EUR 47
• Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for EUR 57
• Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for EUR 69
• Unlimited data, valid for 60 days for EUR 87
• Unlimited data, valid for 90 days for EUR 99

Their eSIM for Europe allows you to get mobile data, and you’ll be able to make calls for up to 60 minutes and receive calls for up to 60 minutes.

Pros And Cons Of Using Holafly To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of Holafly.

• eSIMs are delivered via email immediately.
• Plans available for more than 130 countries.
• Supports both short-term and long-term plans.
• Offers lots of options with unlimited data.
• The customer support is fast (they answered me in 19 minutes).
• You get unlimited data plans in several countries and regions, which is excellent if you are a heavy user. However, some users reported that the speed could vary. This could mean you’ll get high speed first, and eventually, you’ll get a slower speed if you use too much data.
• You can’t always set up a hotspot with some plans, but some of them offer it. It’s worth checking out if you’re planning on using a hotspot.

Holafly Offer

Get 5% off on your first order on Holafly with my referral code ABROKENBACKPACK.

AloSIM Europe

aloSIM is an eSIM provider offering plans in 130+ regions and countries. You’ll find different types of plans in Europe.

To learn more, you can read our complete aloSIM review .

Here’s how aloSIM works:

• Pick a plan on aloSIM.
• Click on the buy button.
• Log in or create an account.
• Choose a payment method. They accept credit cards as well as vouchers.
• Complete the purchase.
• Click on eSIM plan.
• Click on the button to install the eSIM.
• Scan the QR code. You’ll also get information below the QR code if you need help.
• Set up an APN as mentioned in the installation guidelines.
• Enable roaming to access the Internet.

Go to aloSIM

AloSIM eSIM Europe

AloSIM offers various European plans. 

• Europe (works in 32 countries)
• Mediterranean
• Eastern Europe
• Scandinavia
• UK, Ireland, and Scotland
• Western Europe

Pros And Cons Of Using aloSIM To Buy ESIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of using aloSIM to purchase an eSIM.

• Coverage in 130+ countries.
• The website is easy to use.
• The support team is extremely fast.
• Offers affordable local and regional plans.
• Some European plans don’t offer coverage in as many countries as other eSIM providers. To counter this, we suggest you look at the different plans in Europe to find one that suits your needs.

AloSIM Offer

Get a 5% discount on your first purchase with my AloSIM promo code: ABB5. To add a coupon code, you’ll need to enter it as a voucher when choosing a payment method.

Nomad Europe

Nomad offers data plans in 100+ countries. They also have local, regional, and global plans, including a European eSIM plan.

I’ve tried Nomad in Thailand , and it worked well. Although, it’s not my favorite because they only have short-term plans (up to 30 days).

Because I’m a long-term traveler, this is an issue, but for most travelers, it might be fine!

Nomad offers fixed data plans and unlimited data plans, giving you many options to pick from.

Here’s how Nomad eSIM works:

• Pick a data plan.
• Install the eSIM by scanning the QR code.
• Activate your plan.

Go to Nomad

Nomad eSIM Europe

Nomad also offers plans in Europe . Their plan offers coverage in 35 European countries.

Here’s an overview of the plans available:

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $9
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $17
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $18
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $26

Pros And Cons Of Using Nomad To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of Nomad.

• Plans available in 100+ countries.
• Regional and global plans available.
• The website is very modern.
• Unlimited data plans in some destinations.
• All the reviews on the website are 5-star, which I find hard to believe. Nothing is perfect in this world.
• Short-term plans only (up to 30 days).

Nomad Offer

There are no offers at the moment.

SimOptions Europe

SimOptions offers prepaid traditional SIM cards, and eSIM plans. They have plans everywhere around the world, including regional plans like Europe.

How SimOptions works:

• Purchase a plan.
• Scan the QR code to install your eSIM.

Go to SimsOptions

SimOptions eSIM Europe

SimOptions offers plans from different carriers, including O2 and Orange.

• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $17.90
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $24.90
• 15 GB, valid for 14 days for $29.90
• 30 GB, valid for 14 days for $49.90

Pros And Cons Of Using SimOptions To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of SimOptions.

• Prepaid traditional SIM cards and eSIM plans available.
• Offers eSIM plans from different carriers, so you have more options to choose from.
• The website is a bit more old-school but still very easy to use.

SimsOptions Offer

Bnesim europe.

BNESIM is an eSIM provider that was founded in 2017. They offer plans in 200+ countries.

You’ll also find other options like international phone numbers, unlimited data packages, and monthly subscriptions.

To learn more, you can read our complete BNESIM review .

Here’s how BNESIM works:

• Pick a plan.
• Pay for your plan by entering your credit card information and email.
• Install your eSIM by scanning the QR code.
• If you’re using an Android, you’ll need to set up the APN. You’ll get all the information to set it up under the QR code.

Go to BNESIM

BNESIM eSIM Europe

BNESIM offers a European plan that includes coverage in 30 European countries.

• 1 GB, no expiration for $3.77
• 3 GB, no expiration for $10.98
• 5 GB, no expiration for $17.73
• 10 GB, no expiration for $33.95

Pros And Cons Of Using BNESIM To Buy ESIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of using BNESIM.

• Coverage in 200+ countries.
• Plans without expirations are available.
• Discounts on monthly data plans.
• Offers local and regional plans.
• The website is a bit simple, and not the most user-friendly one. For example, it can get overwhelming when looking at the options because of the way plans are presented. Update: they are working on a new version, so we’re looking forward to seeing it!

BNESIM Offer

Get a EUR 4 discount on your first purchase over EUR 10 with my BNESIM promo code: MELISSA4OFF.

Yoho Mobile Europe

Yoho Mobile is an eSIM provider offering plans in 190+ regions and countries. They offer a regional plan that includes coverage in 29 European countries.

You can read our complete Yoho Mobile review to learn more.

Here’s how Yoho Mobile works:

• Pay for your plan by entering your credit card information, name, address, and email.
• Make sure to enable roaming to access the Internet.

Go to Yoho Mobile

Yoho Mobile offers a European plan that works in 29 countries.

• 1GB, valid for 7 days for $4.50
• 3 GB, valid for 10 days for $10.99
• 5 GB, valid for 15 days for $17.50
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $32.99
• Unlimited, valid for 10 days for $22
• Unlimited, valid for 30 days for $63

Pros And Cons Of Using Yoho Mobile To Buy An eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of using Yoho Mobile to purchase an eSIM.

• Many countries and regional plans offer multiple networks, which means you’ll get access to better Internet during your travels.
• The website is relatively new, so we are excited to see how this eSIM provider will evolve in time.

Yoho Mobile Offer

Get a 5% discount on your first purchase with my Yoho Mobile promo code: abrokenbackpack5. To add a coupon code, click on View Cart and paste the coupon code there.

Benefits Of Using A European eSIM For Traveling

European eSIMs offer many benefits, which is excellent news if you’re a frequent traveler.

Here are the main reasons why I love using eSIM during my travels:

• You get data as soon as you arrive.
• You can activate your eSIM immediately.
• You can keep your usual phone number and use eSIM to get data.
• You don’t need to remove your SIM card or find a store to purchase one during your travels.
• You can top up easily and quickly.

Final Thoughts On eSIM Card Europe

There are many European eSIM providers out there, but not all of them offer the same coverage.

I’ve used all the eSIM cards mentioned in this post, and I can say that they’re all excellent eSIM providers with great European plans.

If you’re looking for the best European eSIM, I highly recommend Airalo or Holafly . They offer great plans at reasonable prices, and their coverage is excellent.

Want more travel tips? Read one of the following guides:

• Wise vs Revolut
• Using Revolut abroad
• iVisa review

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Travel eSIM: A Complete Guide to Using an eSIM in Europe

• November 30, 2023

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card that is built into your device and used to connect to cellular networks globally, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card.

What are the benefits of using an eSIM in Europe?

Cost-effective.

With trusted eSIMs from eSIM.net , you can save money by using local voice, data & SMS plans and save up to 90% on roaming costs. 

Traveling with an eSIM is incredibly convenient and you can bid goodbye to the worry of losing tiny SIM cards. Whether it’s a business trip or a leisure vacation to Europe, eSIM.net’s plans cater to all your connectivity needs. Our eSIMs offer coverage across the globe to ensure that your connectivity is safe, stable and reliable. 

Flexibility

eSIM plans are flexible as you can choose a plan best suited to your needs. This may be a full voice, data & SMS plan or a singular plan. You can choose the best plan for any travel destination offered by O2 or Vodafone which are trusted network providers.

Convenience

One of the biggest advantages of using eSIM.Net for traveling is the convenience it provides. With a traditional SIM card, you have to purchase and change it every time you enter a new country. With eSIM.net , you can purchase any or multiple plans and set them up instantly. 

What’s the difference between using a physical sim card vs an eSIM?

Physical sim.

A physical SIM card is a small chip that is inserted into a device to connect to a cellular network. This card enables the network to identify and authenticate the user’s device. A physical SIM card stores data and is a tangible, physical card that is inserted and removed from the device.

eSIM is a mobile software, eliminating the need for a physical chip. This technology is gaining traction as an increasing number of trusted and secure mobile networks are offering eSIM plans. The absence of physical SIM cards means there’s no need for swapping cards when you change networks or travel internationally. 

What network operator will I use on a European eSIM Plan?

If you travel to Europe and use one of the eSIM.net Europe eSIM plans, you will be using either O2, Vodafone or Orange. All of which are trusted, reliable and affordable network operators. You are able to choose between full service plans which include voice, data & SMS, data only or SMS only plans. 

What devices can I use with an eSIM plan in Europe?

Mobile devices play an integral role, and it is crucial to consider compatibility when using a device that needs to be eSIM compatible. However, whether you are using an iPhone or have an Android device, it is likely that your smartphone or device supports eSIM functionality. Be sure to double check your device’s specifications on our updated list of devices before traveling to Europe to ensure compatibility. 

Can I use an eSIM on a locked device?

If your phone is locked on a network provider, you may need to contact your operator to unlock your device to be able to install your eSIM. 

How do I use an eSIM in Europe?

Activating an eSIM is quick and hassle-free. Once you have purchased your chosen plan from eSIM.net you will receive an email with a QR code and instructions that will allow for seamless and instant activation.

Where can I buy a Europe eSIM plan?

All you need to do is choose the European eSIM plan that suits your needs, add it to your basket and purchase. Once you have made your purchase you will receive an email and be sent clear instructions on how to set it up. Setup and connection is instantaneous!

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Digital Nomad Tips, Guides & Resources

5x Best eSIM For Europe Travel In 2024

Category Digital Nomad Updated on February 14, 2024

Traveling to Europe?

Get yourself a Europe eSIM instead of a traditional tourist SIM Card.

Here’s why:

You can buy an eSIM for Europe before you leave your home country and install it as soon as you arrive at the airport. It doesn’t get much more convenient than that!

Plus there are a ton of extra benefits that eSIMs offer, making your travels that much easier.

Over the last 3 years, we’ve used and tested 11 different eSIM providers in Europe…

Spoiler Alert: They aren’t all as good as they claim to be.

The best eSIM for Europe is the Airalo Eurolink eSIM . They have a good range of affordable plans and excellent coverage across Europe.

Want unlimited data for Europe?

Holafly has the best Unlimited data eSIM for Europe. The installation process is easy, you get unlimited data and they have the best 24/7 customer service.

But I know that every person is different:

The right eSIM for you will vary depending on your destination and duration of stay. We’ve reviewed and compared the 5 best eSIMs for Europe travel below to help you get the right one.

I’ve also explained how to instantly check if your phone is eSIM compatible and how to install an eSIM.

Let’s jump in!

5x Best eSIMs For Europe

What is the best eSIM for Europe?

These are the best eSIMs for Europe travel right now:

• Airalo Eurolink – Best eSIM for Europe Overall
• Holafly Europe Unlimited  – Best Unlimited Data eSIM For Europe
• Nomad Europe eSIM – Best Mid-Tier Europe eSIM Prices 
• Airhub Europe 20GB  – Best Range Of Data Plans For European eSIMs
• Ubigi Europe 50GB – Best Europe eSIM For Unique Situations

Here is a quick comparison of each Europe eSIM you can see the difference:

As you can see, the best eSIM for Europe will depend on where you are traveling, how much data you want and your budget.

To help you out, I have broken down each of the best eSIM mobile providers for Europe below to help you decide which one is right for you.

1. Airalo Eurolink Europe eSIM: Starts From $5.00

The Airalo Eurolink is the best eSIM for Europe overall!

It works in 39 countries across Europe and starts at just $5 for 1GB of data.

We use the Airalo Eurolink eSIM most when we visit Europe. It offers great coverage in each country, high-speed data and you can choose from a duration of 7 days all the way to 180 days.

You can also buy as little as 1GB all the way up to 100GB.

This means that their Eurolink eSIM plan will suit almost anyone with a variety of plans, whether you are staying in Europe for a while or just dipping in for a quick holiday.

Here’s a full breakdown of how much the Eurolink data plans cost and what’s included:

Not bad, right?

And remember the data is valid in a massive 39 countries right across Europe! It also makes the Airalo Eurolink eSIM one of the most affordable Europe eSIMs you can get with the best coverage.

Are there any downsides?

The only downside is that Airalo Eurolink doesn’t offer a mid-term European data plan valid for 14 days. It also doesn’t include any phone calls, phone numbers or SMS.

For most people – this won’t matter! But it’s something to keep in mind.

Airalo Eurolink eSIM Features

• Price: $5 to $185 (check price here)
• Data: 1GB to 100GB
• Data Tethering: Allowed
• KYC ID Verification : Not Required
• Service Speed: LTE/5G
• Texts/SMS: No
• Plan validity: 30 day
• Phone Number: None
• Coverage : 39 Countries in Europe
• Phone App: Yes – IOS & Android

Airalo also has the best eSIM app we’ve used. It’s one of the reasons that we use and love them so much while in Europe.

With the Airalo app you can buy an eSIM, top-up your current plan, track data usage and even chat with customer support.

It is the best eSIM app for Europe and allows you to manage everything on the go. There is no need to go through the hassle of pulling out your laptop just to check your data usage!

Airalo Discount Code

Click here to get your Airalo Eurolink eSIM.

For new Airalo customers save 15% using Airalo discount code “TTA15” at checkout.

For existing customers save 10% using Airalo discount code “TTA10” when checking out!

If you want to learn more about Airalo, make sure you read our complete Airalo review .

2. Holafly Europe eSIM Unlimited: Starts From $19.00

Holafly’s Unlimited Europe eSIM is perfect for those data-hungry Europe travelers.

You get unlimited data in 30 European countries starting from just $19.00 for 5 days.

We recently used the Holafly Europe eSIM as we visited Austria, Netherlands, Belgium and France on a 3-week trip. I was really impressed with the fast data speeds and excellent network coverage.

I have an iPhone 14 pro and the 5G network was available in all four countries. Even as we crossed the border from the Netherlands to Belgium on the train, there was no downtime in data as the eSIM automatically changed networks.

This was really impressive!

The other thing I love about the Holafly Europe Unlimited eSIM is that you get an Austrian-based (+43) phone number. That number allows you to make and receive calls in Europe for up to 60 minutes.

This is a unique feature of the Holafly Europe eSIM that most other European eSIMs don’t provide.

How much does it cost?

The price you pay depends on the number of days you need the eSIM. Here’s what’s included and how much you will pay for Holafly’s Unlimited Europe eSIM:

Personally, I think that Holafly offers really good value for money.

The biggest advantage to Holafly (aside from unlimited data) is that the European regional plan includes 30 countries and a 5G network connection in select countries. This is pretty unique!

And the fact that their plans start at $19 makes them affordable for what you get.

Is there any catch?

The only downside to Holafly is that you can’t use the data to tether/hotspot. That means you can’t connect your computer to your phone and hotspot off the data connection.

There is also a fair use policy that comes with the Holafly eSIM Europe plan . That means if you use a lot of data in a short period of time, they might throttle and slow down your internet speed connection. If this does happen, the speed is generally reset at midnight.

We never experienced data throttling and used quite a lot of data!

Like most other European eSIM providers on the list, Holafly has a good phone app where you can buy and manage your eSIM plan. It offers a good user experience in a simple-to-use, minimalist style.

Holafly Unlimited Europe eSIM Features

• Price: $19 to $99 (check price here)
• Data: All Data Plans Are Unlimited
• Data Tethering / Hotspot: NOT Allowed
• Service Spe ed: 4G/LTE/5G
• Calls: Yes, 60 Minutes
• Plan validity: 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, 90 Days
• Phone Number: Yes, Austrian (+43)
• Coverage : 30 Countries in Europe
• Phone App: Yes, IOS & Android

If you consume a lot of data and would benefit from the unlimited, then Holafly is an excellent option. They have great network partners, so you always get the fastest connection wherever you are!

Holafly Discount Code

Get 5% off your Holafly eSIM by clicking here or use Holafly discount code “TWOTICKETSANYWHERE” at checkout.

Want to learn more about Holafly? Read through our complete Holafly eSIM review to see how it performs in a number of different countries.

3. Nomad Europe Data eSIM: Starts From $5.00

Nomad eSIM is another one of our favorite eSIM providers that offers prepaid data plans in over 100+ countries around the world.

If there was a close second to Airalo, it would be Nomad eSIM .

We highly recommend Nomad because of their incredible user experience and the range of plans they offer eSIM users – especially in Europe.

Nomad offers single-country eSIM plans for Europe and also an excellent range of European regional plans to choose from.

Here’s how much you can expect to pay and what’s included in the Nomad European eSIM packages:

What I like about Nomad is that their Europe plans can be broken down into 2 main categories:

• 31 countries
• 35 countries

Both of those plans are provided to Nomad by 2 different partners. The good news is that if the 31-country plan has all the countries you are visiting, you can potentially save yourself some money. For most people, it should be fine!

But if you need those few extra countries or more data, Nomad has you covered!

In my opinion, Nomad also has the best phone app to buy and manage your eSIMs. Their installation is easiest to follow and the app just works well.

I also like the user interface more than other providers.

Nomad has incredible customer service, so if you find yourself in any trouble, you can reach out to their team for help.

Nomad is one of our most used eSIM providers worldwide because of everything they offer. You will get good performance and data speeds relative to if you purchased a physical SIM card from a local data provider.

It’s definitely worth checking out the Nomad Europe regional eSIM plans to see if they will suit your European travel!

Want to learn more about Nomad?

Make sure that you read through our complete Nomad eSIM review to see everything they have to offer.

4. Airhub Europe 20GB: $32.00

Airhub might be the most underrated eSIM provider in the world right now.

Because they have an incredible amount of data, voice and SMS plans in over 200+ countries and regions around the world.

What else could you want, right?

We have tested many of the top eSIM providers and Airhub is consistently up there with the best. I am generally on top of the international travel eSIM market and almost no one is talking about Airhub’s international data plans, which is ludicrous.

Anyway, I digress!

What sets Airhub apart from the rest is the choice of plans they offer. You can buy tons of single-country plans for individual European countries or you can take advantage of their complete Europe regional eSIM.

They are the only company on this list to offer a 1+ year Europe eSIM plan! Some of their European eSIM packages even include texts and calls within the UK. You can see why I love Airhub so much!

Here’s a brief breakdown of what Airhub offers for their European eSIM plans and how much they cost:

Note – This is only a sample of all the Europe eSIM plans that Airhub offers. Airhub actually offers 25 different Europe eSIM plans which would have been too long to list.

Firstly, you can see that the Airhub plans vary a lot in price, data included, countries/regions covered and length. The thing to be most aware of with Airhub is the countries that are included in the plan. Each one is different so you need to double-check before you buy.

If you are staying in Europe for a while, make sure you check out the Aihub eSIM 180-day and 1-year plans! They offer really good value and you can even get a monthly data plan that automatically renews if that suits you better.

Cool, right?

Airhub also has a decent app that you can use to buy and manage your eSIM on. It’s not quite as good as Airalo and Nomad, but it does work really well.

They are seriously an underrated eSIM provider for Europe and the world in general!

Make sure that you use special promo code AHTTA3 to get a 3% discount on your Airhub eSIM order at checkout.

Interested in learning more about Airhub?

Make sure that you read our full Airhub eSIM review to see why we recommend them so much.

5. Ubigi Europe 50GB: $69.00

Ubigi is another popular global eSIM provider that has some really interesting plans.

They have become a big brand in the eSIM space with coverage in 190+ countries worldwide.

Do you remember that person in your class at School who was super smart but did the most unusual things? That’s Ubigi in the eSIM world.

What I love about Ubigi is that they have created a range of plans to really suit any budget.

Here’s what I mean:

One of Ubigi’s plans includes 500MB of data, costs only $2 and is valid for 1 day. Crazy, right?

But this plan is perfect if you literally have a stopover for a few hours in Europe and just want a little bit of data to connect online. See – weird, but smart. It’s these kinds of offers that mean Ubigi makes the list of the best eSIM for Europe.

So what are their other plans?

Like all the other providers, Ubigi offers single-country plans for most countries in Europe. But they also have a couple of great European eSIM plans that cover multiple European countries and are where you will get the most value for money.

Here’s how much the Ubigi European plans are and what you get included in them:

Note – This is also just a sample of the European eSIM plans Ubigi offers. You can check out their full list on the Ubigi website for more info.

If you are just traveling to specific parts of Europe like Scandinavia or Eastern Europe, Ubigi has created plans just for those sub-regions. The benefit of these is that they are often way cheaper, so you only pay for what you need.

That’s ideal!

They even went as far as to create an eSIM plan called “SKI PASS”. It includes 100GB of data for 120 days and costs $99. As for the countries, it’s valid in:

• Switzerland

Again – It’s weird but smart. Truthfully I love the unique offerings and innovation they are bringing to the European eSIM market!

Ubigi also has a good app to manage all of your eSIM needs. It’s relatively easy to navigate and find what you are looking for. If you get stuck, Ubigi has a good reputation for delivering the customer service you would expect!

Make sure you check out the huge range of plans they have to see if they have one that suits your purposes better.

What Is An eSIM?

An eSIM (also known as eSIM cards) stands for Embedded Subscriber Identity Module. It is a digital version of a traditional physical SIM card that is installed directly on your phone using a digital code.

Instead of inserting a physical card into your device, an eSIM allows you to store multiple cellular plans digitally on your phone. This makes switching between carriers or data plans easier and more convenient, especially while traveling internationally.

It also eliminates the hassle of purchasing a local SIM card in each country you visit. Most of the best eSIM providers don’t require you to submit your passport or other sensitive data either. This is a huge benefit!

It’s never a great feeling to give your passport in a foreign country while buying a physical SIM card from some small booth.

The truth is that eSIM technology has changed how we connect online and has added a massive benefit in convenience for travelers.

The best eSIM providers even allow you to buy and install your eSIM for Europe before leaving your home country! Then when you land at the airport, just activate your plan and away you go.

It doesn’t get much better than that!

How To Choose The Best Europe eSIM For Your Trip

When selecting the best Europe eSIM for travel, there are a couple of factors that you need to consider. These are the top ones you need to think about:

Country Coverage: This is the most important factor to consider. Don’t assume because it says “Europe” that it covers all the countries in Europe. Double-check exactly which countries are covered before you buy.

Data Allowance: Assess your data needs based on your usages, such as browsing, social media and streaming. Then you can make a good estimation of the amount of data you will need to buy.

Validity Period: Consider the duration of your trip to select an eSIM plan with a suitable validity period. Plans can range from 1 day to 1 year, depending on the European carrier you are using. Validity is a big factor in price, the more days you have, the more you pay.

Cost: Compare eSIM providers’ pricing to find the best deal for yourself. We have accounts on a ton of different eSIM platforms so that we always get the best deal. In most cases, we can usually find the right plan to meet our needs between Airalo and Holafly .

Data Sharing : Some eSIM prepaid plans don’t support hotspots or data tethering. Double-check the terms and conditions before you buy the eSIM if this is important to you. In most cases, it’s only the unlimited mobile data plans that don’t support it and have “fair use” policies.

The best eSIM for Europe will come down to your own personal needs and travel plans.

Don’t be afraid to shop around a bit and even sign up with multiple eSIM providers so you get what you want!

Pros & Cons Of Europe eSIMs

eSIM plans in Europe have a ton of pros.

But there are some downsides as well. Here’s a list of pros and cons before buying your European eSIM data plan.

Europe eSIM Pros

• No need for a physical SIM card
• No paperwork or passport is required to setup
• Flexible plans for different parts of Europe
• Have multiple eSIMs at once so you can stay connected in different countries without any issues
• Way more cost-efficient compared to roaming charges
• Easy setup and activation process
• Better security and privacy as the data is stored digitally instead of physically

Europe eSIM Cons

• eSIMs cost more than buying a physical European SIM card
• Limited device compatibility can be an issue
• Requires a bit of basic technical knowledge to install

The pros of European eSIMs far outweigh the cons. The flexibility they offer, combined with the fact that you can buy it before your trip, is unbeatable.

The truth is that eSIMs are way more convenient than traditional SIM cards, which makes them a no-brainer for Europe.

Our Favourite eSIM For Europe

Just looking for the best eSIM for Europe?

The best eSIM for Europe is Airalo Eurolink .

Airalo has a wide range of European eSIM plans that will suit almost anyone. You can buy regional European eSIMs or single-country, depending on your needs.

With Airalo, you also get a great phone app that allows you to buy, install and manage your eSIM from almost anywhere. It’s easy to use and means you can manage your eSIM plans on the go!

But one of the other reasons we recommend Airalo is support and customer service! You can contact customer support directly inside the app and in our experience – they are always willing to help.

Airalo has also worked to create partnerships with local companies in tons of countries across Europe which is why they offer such good value for money. Don’t forget to check out our complete Airalo review to learn more.

Ready to get started with Airalo?

Order your Airalo Eurolink eSIM here .

How To Check If Your Phone Is Compatible For With eSIM Technology

There are 2 things you need to check before buying an eSIM:

• Is your phone unlocked?
• Is your phone eSIM compatible?

In the United States, most devices purchased from major internet and phone providers like AT&T and T-Mobile are locked by default. Contact your current data provider to see if your device is unlocked.

iPhone user?

You can see if your iPhone is unlocked right now:

• Click on Settings > General > About
• Now scroll down until you see the “Carrier lock” section
• If it says “NO SIM restrictions,” your phone should be unlocked

If your mobile phone isn’t unlocked, you won’t be able to install an eSIM. So make sure you check first.

Next, you must check if your phone model is an eSIM compatible device.

Here’s a brief list of eSIM-compatible phones:

• iPhone XS & XR or later
• Samsung Galaxy S20 or later
• Samsung Galaxy Fold &Z Fold
• Google Pixel 3 & 3XL or later
• Huawei P40, P40 Pro & P50 Pro

Check our complete eSIM compatible phones list to see if your phone supports eSIM technology.

How To Buy & Instal An eSIM For Europe In Less Than 5 Minutes

Ready to buy your own eSIM?

Here’s how it works:

Choose your favorite provider from the list. We recommend starting with Airalo , but Holafly is also a good option if you want unlimited data for Europe. The setup process is pretty similar.

Look through the list of eSIMs plans Airalo offers for Europe and choose the one that best suits you.

You will now be prompted to sign in or sign up. Sign up for an account on Airalo.

Now choose your preferred payment method and complete the order.

What happens next?

After purchasing the eSIM plan, you’ll receive an email containing the eSIM QR code and instructions on installing it. Keep the QR code handy, as you’ll need it when setting up the eSIM on your device.

You can also download the app and log in to your new account to access the eSIM there.

If you are heading overseas to Europe now, buy your European eSIM before you leave. Then you can activate it when you arrive at the airport in your destination country.

Buy your Airalo eSIM here .

Wrapping It Up

Getting an eSIM for your Europe trip will make your life way easier and more convenient.

They offer the flexibility you need to make your trip more enjoyable. Plus, you can purchase your eSIM for Europe before you leave, so you can have data almost as soon as you land.

When it comes to selecting the best eSIM for your Europe trip, make sure you consider your:

• Duration of your trip
• Countries you plan to visit

This will impact the right eSIM for you!

We recommend buying an eSIM from Airalo because they have a good range of options to suit a wide range of people.

If you need a lot of data, then it’s also worth checking out Holafly’s data packages . They even have unlimited eSIM data plans for most countries in Europe.

The best eSIM for Europe ultimately comes down to what you want and need. The good news is that you have a lot of choices to make sure you get the best deal!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which eSIM Is Best For Europe?

Airalo offers the best eSIM for Europe. They have the best plans for travelers heading to Europe and affordable prices. It takes less than 5 minutes to buy and set up your eSIM correctly and if you run into any issues, Airalo customer support is there to help. Airalo is one of the most trusted eSIM companies in the world, with eSIM plans in over 200+ countries and regions.

Are eSIMs Available In Europe?

Yes, eSIMs are widely available in Europe. Many European countries and mobile network operators support eSIM technology, making it easy for travelers to purchase and use eSIMs during their trips. The best thing to do is buy an eSIM from a trusted company like Airalo or Airhub before traveling to Europe, so you can activate it as you arrive at the airport.

What is the best eSIM card for Europe?

The best eSIM card for Europe is the Airalo Eurolink eSIM . You get can up to 100 GB of data and the eSIM card works in 39 countries across Europe. The best part is that Eurolink eSIM plans start from as little as $5 and are valid from 7 days to 180 days depending on your needs.

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Use eSIM while traveling internationally with your iPhone

Learn about the options and benefits for using eSIM while traveling abroad.

Learn about the benefits of traveling with eSIM

eSIM is more secure than a physical SIM because it can't be removed if your iPhone is lost or stolen.

With eSIM, you don't need to obtain, carry, and swap physical SIM cards (which can also be lost), or wait for them to arrive by mail.

You can have two eSIMs active on supported iPhone models at the same time. This could, for example, include one eSIM for your home and another eSIM for the place you're visiting.

You can swap which of your stored eSIMs are active simply by changing your selections in Settings. This might be helpful if you travel regularly to the same places.

What you need

An iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later

A wireless carrier or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM

Your iPhone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network*

If your iPhone has a SIM tray, you can use both a physical SIM and an eSIM while traveling internationally

Learn more about eSIM on iPhone

eSIM on iPhone isn’t offered in China mainland. In Hong Kong and Macao, some iPhone models feature eSIM. Learn about using Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards in China mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao . For travelers visiting China mainland who wish to use an eSIM for prepaid data plans, these are offered by many worldwide service providers .

Roam internationally with your existing carrier

Carriers might include international roaming on select data plans without additional fees.

Alternatively, your carrier might offer affordable travel passes or plans that you can purchase ahead of time to use at your destination.

International roaming with an eSIM works the same as roaming with a physical SIM.

Your carrier might offer the ability to digitally manage your eSIM plan and add more data as needed.

To learn more, contact your carrier.

Learn more about cellular data roaming options for traveling internationally

Purchase an eSIM from a local carrier in the country or region you're visiting

Find carriers around the world that support eSIM on iPhone .

If your iPhone is locked to a carrier, it can be used only by that carrier. You can add multiple eSIMs and plans through that carrier. To check if your iPhone is unlocked, go to Settings > General > About. If your iPhone is unlocked, "No SIM restrictions" appears next to Carrier Lock. Learn how to unlock iPhone for use with a different carrier .

Many carriers offer prepaid plan options that you can purchase from the carriers' websites or apps before you arrive, or in person after arrival, through a carrier kiosk at the airport, carrier store, or other location. Carriers will provide steps to activate your eSIM digitally, like with a QR code or carrier app. Depending on local regulations, you might be asked to show identification (like your passport) to purchase. These prepaid carrier options might offer more affordable local plans for data, voice, and text. Check with individual carriers for details.

In addition to purchasing a prepaid eSIM plan, you might wish to get a postpaid account if you plan to be in another place for an extended time.Carriers around the world that support eSIM offer postpaid plans. Depending on the country or region, you might need proof of local residency, an established local bank account, or credit card.

On your iPhone, you can store eight or more eSIMs, which can be used as needed. On supported iPhone models, you can use two eSIMs at the same time . Carrier fees might apply. Contact your carrier for information.

Purchase a prepaid data eSIM from a worldwide service provider

Many worldwide service providers offer prepaid data plans . These plans allow you to stay connected in over 190 countries and regions when you travel. Carriers offer plans that differ by the amount of data and duration. You can also purchase a plan before you travel.

Apps that offer data only eSIM plans are available on the App Store on your iPhone .

While you're abroad, you can use a data-only eSIM as your secondary line and have two active eSIM plans on supported iPhone models.

The capabilities on your primary line will continue to work when you add a data-only eSIM for cellular data. For example, you might keep your primary line for your home and set up a data-only eSIM plan as your secondary line while traveling.

To choose your data line, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. You can continue to use FaceTime, iMessage, and other apps to make VoIP calls or send messages while you're traveling.

You can also turn data roaming on and off on your home line in Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. Carrier fees might apply.

If you purchased an iPhone 14 model or later in the United States but will use it while living in a different country or region

You can activate an unlocked iPhone 14 model or later that you purchased in the United States with over 400 carriers in 100 markets worldwide that support eSIM on iPhone . Contact your carrier to confirm that they support eSIM on your cellular plan. Also, check iPhone cellular band support for country compatibility.

Many worldwide service providers also offer prepaid eSIM data plans for long-term use in countries and regions across the world.

* iPhone 14 models and later that are eSIM-only can activate without a Wi-Fi network.

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What's The Best eSIM for Europe? We've Ranked the Top Providers in 2024

Jan Watermann

As a digital nomad, Jan is an expert in cross-border money transfers and internationalization. At Monito, he shares his knowledge by writing content geared primarily towards a German-speaking audience.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Whether you're sipping sangria in sunny Spain or taking in the festive chill of a German Christmas market, visiting Europe is almost always an exciting and memorable experience. If you're planning to visit the region soon, it should come as no surprise that you won't be able to call, SMS, or access the web on the go with your smartphone as you normally would at home, and if you do, it can result in hefty additional charges.

However, none of this means you should leave your smartphone at home. If you have a current model (i.e., a model from 2019 or later), there's a good chance it'll support an eSIM. These nifty digital SIM cards can be downloaded and installed before you travel, promising flexible internet in Europe at a comparatively very low cost. In this guide, we explore everything you have to know about eSIMs in Europe and what the best deals might be for you.

Dodge sky-high roaming costs, unexpected data charges, or spotty service on your trip to Europe by using an eSIM from Airalo to connect directly to local network providers like Vodafone in the UK and Tele2 in Latvia.

What's The Best eSIM for Europe?

• 01. Why using an eSIM is a great idea for Europe scroll down
• 02. What are the pros and cons of using an eSIM? scroll down
• 03. What's the best eSIM for Europe? scroll down
• 04. How to call from Europe scroll down
• 05. Recapping the best eSIMs for Europe scroll down
• 06. FAQ about the best eSIM for Europe scroll down

Do I Need a SIM Card in Europe?

No, you don't need a SIM card as a tourist in Europe, but having one will enable you to make phone calls and SMSes and not to rely solely on public or hotel WiFi to access the web.

A good place to start would be to review your contract from your mobile network provider before you travel to Europe. Most contracts are limited to use just within your home country (or within the European Union if you live in an EU country). For all other countries, so-called 'roaming charges' typically apply. However, there is one exception: specific contracts sometimes allow you to use your own data worldwide. If you have a global internet contract, you can also use it in Europe without unexpected roaming charges.

Otherwise, although precise roaming charges differ according to your network provider, the fees for using mobile internet in Europe are typically around $2 or $3 per 6MB (six megabytes) of data used, though they could be higher still. For example, if you wanted to download an average-sized app from the Google Play Store onto your Android smartphone, you'd use around 24MB and pay $8 to $10 in roaming charges. It should, therefore, be clear that roaming with your regular SIM card in Europe is generally not worthwhile and can lead to enormous costs. As we'll see in a moment, it's significantly cheaper to purchase a local European SIM card once you arrive or, better yet, an eSIM before you travel.

💳 Planning to use your credit or debit card on your European trip? You'll probably pay much more than you think in hidden exchange rate fees every time you tap your card or withdraw cash. Get a free global account and debit card with Revolut to avoid these fees and save money. Check out our ranking of the best prepaid travel debit cards to find out more about how you can save.

What Are eSIMs?

Simply put, eSIMs are regular SIM cards that don't require inserting an actual microchip into your device while providing the same benefits. Newer smartphones (but also smartwatches, tablets, and other devices) can be equipped with eSIMs, and since you don't need an actual SIM card to install an eSIM, you can also get one before your trip to Europe. To do this, all you have to do is visit an online eSIM service, purchase the eSIM you want, and follow the instructions to download and install it onto your device.

Like regular SIM cards, prepaid eSIMs come bundled with a certain fixed amount of data, SMSes, or telephone minutes, which you can use at your leisure while travelling. You get to choose the package you want, and you can generally also extend your eSIM's validity easily right from an app.

Pros of Using an eSIM

In general, eSIMs have numerous advantages and are often a better alternative to using a regular SIM card for most tourists. In our opinion, the most significant advantages include:

• internet immediately upon arrival in Europe,
• no negotiating with SIM card sellers at the airport,
• transparent and fair pricing,
• online extension is often possible,
• credit card payment is possible,
• local telecom provider networks are used.

In our opinion, there are only a few reasons against using an eSIM when travelling to Europe (which we'll discuss below), and in most instances, we're sure that it's a far better deal than using your normal SIM card from your home country on European networks.

Cons of Using an eSIM

As we've already seen, eSIMs have very few drawbacks and are an excellent option for accessing mobile internet on your European vacation.

However, one disadvantage is the slightly higher upfront cost than physical SIM cards. That said, eSIMs are still comparatively cheap, especially for use in Europe from abroad. In our opinion, the significantly higher level of comfort and the possibility of having access to the internet immediately upon arrival are worth the extra pennies. Another disadvantage is related to installation, where the process may be unfamiliar to you if you've never installed an eSIM before. However, if you follow the instructions carefully, you'll be fine.

Finally, there's the issue of compatibility: not all devices support eSIMs . If your device was released before late 2019, we recommend double-checking on the internet or contacting a representative from an eSIM service to confirm whether your device is compatible before you purchase an eSIM. In general, the following devices will support eSIMs though:

• iPhone 11 or later
• iPhone XS, iPhone XR, or iPhone SE
• iPad 7th generation or later ,
• Galaxy S20 or later
• Google Pixel 3 or later
• and many other newer devices.

What's The Best eSIM For Europe?

When choosing an eSIM, you basically have two options: you can go through an online service or purchase it directly from your telecom provider. We recommend the first option since, with reputable services, you can always be sure you'll get good support, excellent rates, and quality instructions.

According to our review and comparison of the best options on the market, here are the three best eSIM providers for Europe and countries in other regions worldwide:

Airalo  is an excellent eSIM provider for Europe . Its online platform offers global access to eSIMs through collaboration with big local telecom providers. In Europe, for example, Airalo offers a bespoke regional package, Eurolink, which works directly with local providers like Vodafone in the UK and Tele2 in Latvia to provide you with high-speed coverage directly from their networks, wherever you are in the country.

Eurolink is available in 39 countries in Europe, namely Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.

Once-off prices for eSIMs for Europe range from $5 to $185 and include between 1GB and 20GB of data. Most travellers should be able to get by with these amounts without any problems.

We recommend Airalo in general, especially if you travel often. The service provides an excellent connectivity companion while you're abroad.

Take a look at our full Airalo review to learn more about their pros and cons.

Considering Airalo? Take advantage of the following special offers until the 31st of December 2024:

• New customer? Use the code   MONITO15   to claim a 15% discount on all Airalo eSIMs.  Ts & Cs  apply.
• Returning customer? Use the code  MONITO10  to claim a 10% discount on all Airalo eSIMs.

Go to Airalo now to get started! ✨

Holafly  is another trusted eSIM service which also offers eSIMs for Europe. The special thing about Holafly is that it only offers packages with unlimited data volume for Europe and countries in other regions worldwide. Although these packages cost quite a bit more than the smaller Airalo packages, in return, they offer the certainty that you'll never use up your data.

Holafly's packages cost between $19 and $99 and are valid from five to 90 days, and like Airalo, Holafly also works with local networks in Europe.

Although it's a great package if you want uncapped access to the web, it's worth remembering that most travellers don't normally need such a large sum of data. Therefore, for most vacationers, we think Airalo's cheaper packages will easily be sufficient.

To learn more about this excellent eSIM provider, read our Holafly review .

Considering Holafly? Use the code  MONITO  at checkout to claim a 5% discount on all Holafly eSIMs. Go to Holafly now to get started! ✨

Yesim  is a Swiss-based eSIM service offering highly-rated eSIMs for all world regions, including Europe. Their packages cost between $8 and $28 for 3GB to 20GB, but only the 10GB and 20GB data plans last for a longer period of 30 days. In our opinion, this makes Yesim's offers slightly less attractive than Airalo's.

Can I Call From Europe With an eSIM?

Yes, you can call abroad from Europe with an eSIM , but once again, using your regular network provider and SIM card could result in surprisingly high calling charges at the end of the month (we've personally encountered as high as $4 per minute!). Fortunately, you can call abroad without the high costs, and there are three ways of doing this. We go through each below:

1. Voice-Over-IP (VoIP) With Data

In most cases, eSIM packages are loaded with mobile data, not with minutes or airtime. However, by using your data, you can use web-based apps like WhatsApp, Google Meet, Skype, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime and others to stay in touch with family and friends abroad while you're in Europe.

2. eSIMs With Airtime

Some eSIM services offer talk and text packages alongside normal data packages. These allow you to make direct phone calls or SMSes via local networks in Europe to your home country for only a slightly higher fee than regular data packages. Not all eSIM services offer this service though, but some, like Wraptel , do.

3. International Calling Apps

Another option is to use a third-party app to make international calls from Europe at excellent rates. In our opinion, Rebtel is by far the best service out there, offering low rates and providing you with local European phone numbers with which you can make calls abroad as though they were completely domestic.

Recap: All About eSIMs in Europe

Are you planning a trip in Europe, and do you have a modern smartphone? Then, you should certainly at least consider getting an eSIM. In our opinion, they offer almost nothing but advantages, and they're generally far superior to using your regular SIM card.

To find the right provider for eSIMs in Europe, you should compare the available options. As we've seen, we recommend looking primarily at the network provider and the price. Depending on how long you want to stay in Europe, Airalo, Holafly or possibly Yesim are the best choices. To recap, here are what each can offer you:

• Airalo : Best eSIM for Europe overall,
• Holafly : Best eSIM for unlimited data in Europe,
• Yesim : Good alternative to Airalo.
• Wraptel : Best eSIM for airtime and SMSes.
• Rebtel : Best calling service for international calls.

FAQ About The Best eSIM For Europe

Yes, eSIMs are safe to use in Europe. That's because commercial eSIM technology adheres to international security and encryption standards to store and securely access your mobile network information.

Generally, yes, but it depends on your individual needs. While eSIMs offer the advantage of remotely purchasing a SIM before you travel, making them convenient for frequent travellers, physical SIMs might still be preferable for you if you have an older smartphone model, for example.

No, eSIMs generally aren't free, with the cost in Europe varying based on mobile service providers and their pricing plans. However, you can generally expect to pay upwards of $5 to purchase an eSIM with a minimal data package for Europe.

Yes, you can use an eSIM on a locked phone, provided your phone is compatible with eSIM technology.

Yes, an eSIM can generally be used for calling from Europe, especially when paired with voice-over-IP services that connect to the internet, like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Google Messenger. If you'd like to call or SMS, consider finding an eSIM deal that includes airtime or minutes or use a service like Rebtel , which, for a tiny fee, provides you with a local number in place of your overseas contact's foreign number, making calling abroad significantly cheaper.

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