Why go through the trouble of finding a local SIM store during your trip to Europe? Or swapping physical SIM cards, when getting an eSIM is much easier and cheaper? In this article, we will guide you through the best eSIM cards available for Europe. Let’s dive in and find your ideal eSIM for Europe!
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Why You Need an eSIM for Your European Travel?
An eSIM card is the best travel companion for your trip to Europe. It offers unparalleled convenience. It can be as easy as activating the eSIM before you arrive, no need to search for local SIM cards or handle confusing contracts.
In addition, it also offers greater flexibility with plans for either a single country or touring across Europe. Plus, you can manage and top-up your eSIM data plans online to fit your needs.
In a few words, eSIMs make travel easier. They let you book rides, use Google Maps, stay connected on social media, and share experiences in real time.
You Might Also Like: Best eSIMs for Traveling to France in 2024
10 Steps to Choose the Best eSIM for Europe
Every eSIM provider brings something to the table. Yet it’s crucial to assess a few key considerations when choosing the best eSIM card for your trip to Europe.
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Coverage: Ensure the eSIM provider has strong coverage where you’re going. Usually, they partner with local carriers to boost coverage, and that may make it great in some places but not so good in others. Thus, you have to consider the provider’s partner service.
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Local vs. Regional Plans: Think about where you’re going before choosing between local or regional eSIMs. Opt for local eSIMs for single-country trips and regional eSIMs for multi-country tours. Just double-check the specific list of countries as “Europe” labels might not include all nations.
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Data Needs and Duration: Having a rough idea of the data required for activities like browsing, social media, or streaming is essential. Figure out how much data you’ll need here. Also, consider your trip duration and choose a plan that balances your data needs with the length of your trip to avoid extra costs.
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Cost per Gigabyte of Data: Compare the price per GB and overall plan costs. Also, any potential hidden fees to ensure you’re getting the best value. Most travelers don’t do that and they end up overpaying!
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Ease of Activation and Use: Choose an eSIM that is easy to activate and manage. Preferably with a user-friendly app for monitoring usage and plans.
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Customer Support: Opt for providers with strong customer support, available 24/7 to help in case you have any issues while traveling. Read relevant reviews on trusted sites like Trustpilot or Reddit.
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Compatibility: Verify that your device is compatible with the eSIM you choose. Most modern devices support eSIMs, but it’s best to double-check.
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Data Tethering: Look for eSIMs that allow you to create a hotspot and share your internet connection with other devices.
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Unlimited Data Plans: Consider plans that offer unlimited data for uninterrupted connectivity.
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Speed and Reliability: Look for eSIMs that offer high-speed 4G/5G networks when available.
Top eSIM Providers for Europe: A Comparison
Choosing the right eSIM for your European travels can be challenging with so many options available. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compared the top eSIM providers based on coverage, pricing, data plans, and additional features.
Yoho Mobile: Best Overall Coverage and Support
Among so many eSIM providers globally, Yoho Mobile is a top choice for eSIMs in Europe due to its extensive coverage, cost-effectiveness, and robust support. Here’s why Yoho Mobile stands out:
- Wider Coverage: Yoho Mobile offers data packages for 31 European countries, from France, Italy, and Spain to Greece. You can stay connected without needing multiple SIM cards.
- Instant Activation and Delivery: Once purchased, the Yoho Mobile eSIM is sent via email and activated itself upon connection. It is an easy and hassle-free process.
- Affordable Plans: Yoho Mobile’s Europe plans start at just $4.70, a cheaper alternative to traditional roaming charges and most eSIM providers.
- Variety of Data Options: Yoho Mobile has plenty of options, including unlimited data plans starting at $26.
- Reliable Customer Support: Available 24/7 via WhatsApp and email, you’ll have assistance whenever needed. Read what Yoho Mobile users are saying here.
- Additional Features: Yoho Mobile prepaid eSIMs support data tethering and offer fast 5G/4G/LTE speeds across Europe.
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Yoho Mobile is the best Europe prepaid eSIM card
Most eSIM providers, including Yoho Mobile, do not offer local phone numbers for calls. Still, you can use apps such as WhatsApp or iMessage for voice and video calls. For more information, you can explore Yoho Mobile options for Europe.
| Pros: Offers tailored data packages for 31 European countries, competitive pricing, and 24-hour customer support via WhatsApp or email. Cons: Limited to data only; no traditional calling or SMS. Why Choose Yoho Mobile: Ideal for travelers seeking extensive coverage and cost-effective plans. |
Holafly: Unlimited Data for Heavy Users
Holafly is a top choice for travelers who need unlimited data plans in Europe. It might be pricey, but it is for one good reason: it offers unlimited data for heavy data users. Each eSIM data package ensures not only unlimited data but also the flexibility to choose between 5 and 90 days to align with most travel agendas.
Likewise, global users praise Holafly’s eSIMs ease of use. You can buy and activate your plan online before you even get there. It also supports high-speed internet, with reliable performance across 32 European countries. Their plans include useful features such as 24/7 customer support via live chat and WhatsApp.
What we liked the most about Holafly was their 60 minutes of calls with the plan. But not being able to create a hotspot got on our nerves. Having a lot of data is not as useful if you can’t share it with friends and other devices, right?
| Pros: Unlimited data-only eSIM plans, support for traditional calls with an Austrian phone number, and 24/7 customer service. Cons: Higher costs; does not support mobile hotspots. Why Choose: Best for users needing unlimited data and traditional call capabilities. |
Airalo: Cost-Effective Plans for Short and Long-Term Travels
Airalo’s Eurolink eSIM offers a variety of affordable and flexible eSIM data plans for travelers across Europe. These plans are designed for both short-term and long-term travelers in 39 countries, from France, Italy, and Spain, to Germany. Airalo’s plans range from 1 GB for 7 days at $5 to 100 GB for 180 days at $185, making it easy to choose a plan that fits your specific data needs and trip duration.
While the plans excel in being cost-effective —hands down to that— the elephant in the room is not having unlimited data plans. Sure, it’s not the end of the world, but streaming in a decent quality during travel, sorry—no can do.
| Pros | Cons | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|
| Wide range of data plans (1GB to 100GB) for 39 European countries, from 7 to 180 days. | No unlimited data plans, no traditional calling or SMS, low user reputation on Trustpilot (2.3/5 stars) | Great for short and long-term travelers looking for flexible, cost-effective data plans. |
Airhub: Extensive Data and Voice Options
Their plans range from short-term 3GB plans for 30 days to 100GB for 90 days, and even unlimited data plans for up to 30 days. These plans cover multiple destinations, whether you’re on a single-country visit or a multi-country tour in Europe. Their interface is user-friendly and that’s always a plus – no struggling to find things.
| Pros | Cons | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|
| Offers up to 15 plans for a single country, high-speed data, voice minutes, and SMS, user-friendly interface. | Limited regional plans outside Europe. | Great for those who need data options with a focus on high-speed internet in Europe. |
Nomad: Budget-Friendly and Flexible Plans
Nomad, as the name suggests, is a great choice for globe-trotters exploring Europe. Their eSIMs are ideal for short trips and ensure you stay connected without breaking the bank. Indeed, they’re all about quick, budget-friendly, and hassle-free plans.
They cater to different data needs and trip durations. Specifically: 1 GB for 7 days at $9, 3 GB for 30 days at $17, 5 GB for 30 days at $18, and 10 GB for 30 days at $26.
Despite Nomad’s good coverage and varied plans, they have no unlimited data plans and no real-time customer support.
| Pros | Cons | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|
| Cheap plans ranging from 1GB to 40GB, available in 31 to 35 European countries, intuitive user interface. | No unlimited data options and slow customer support. | Excellent for budget-conscious travelers needing flexible data plans. |
Ubigi: Comprehensive Coverage with Budget-Friendly Options
Finally, there is Ubigi, another well-known global eSIM provider in 190 countries. They offer budget-friendly plans, including data plans for several regions like Europe. They had in mind users with varying data needs, including those who use low, medium, and high amounts.
Ubigi ensures instant connectivity with free 5G access where available, or reliable 4G coverage elsewhere. Their plans are designed to suit various travel durations. This makes Ubigi an ideal choice for those seeking solid connectivity at a fair cost.
| Pros | Cons | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|
| Wide coverage, free 5G where available, budget-friendly options for various data needs. | Primarily data-focused, may not cover all specific needs. | Best for overall cost-effectiveness and extensive coverage. |
What is the Best eSIM Card for Europe?
As you can see there are many excellent eSIM options for Europe.
For those needing unlimited data plans, Holafly is a great choice. Airalo and Nomad are excellent for flexible and budget-friendly plans. Ubigi and Airhub also provide strong options for coverage and additional features.
But Yoho Mobile is highly recommended due to its extensive coverage, cheap plans, and superior customer support. It offers the most reliable and affordable solution for staying connected during your travels across Europe.
How to Purchase and Activate Your Yoho Mobile eSIM
- Go to Yoho Mobile’s Europe eSIM page.
- Choose the desired data plan that fits your needs (e.g., 1GB, 5GB, unlimited).
- Click on the “Add to Cart” button.
- Proceed to the checkout page, fill in your details, and complete the payment.
- You will receive a QR code and instructions via email after the purchase.
Steps to Set Up Your eSIM Card for Europe
Before diving in, it’s advisable to double-check if your device is eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked. Also, have the QR Code on another device, or have it printed to scan it with your phone camera. You’ll also need a stable internet from start to finish.
Once you check them all, then go ahead and follow these steps:
- Install the eSIM: Follow the on-screen instructions to add the eSIM to your device. Install your eSIM a day before your trip and activate it during your flight or upon arrival.
1.1. Install via QR code if you have the code on another device. Opt for manual installation if you can’t scan the QR code.
1.2. Select the device on which you are going to install an eSIM (iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel) and follow the instructions for each device; if you face problems during the process, contact the support team. - Activate the eSIM: Once installed, activate the eSIM in your phone’s settings.
- Enjoy seamless connectivity throughout Europe!
FAQs about the Best eSIM Card for Europe
Is it easy to set up an eSIM for Europe?
Getting an eSIM for Europe is as easy as buying it online, scanning a QR code, and setting it up before or upon arrival.
Can I activate my Europe eSIM before travel?
Yes, you can activate your eSIM before you travel. Activating your eSIM ahead of time ensures that you have connectivity as soon as you arrive at your destination, avoiding the hassle of finding local SIM cards or dealing with paperwork upon arrival.
Can eSIM be used for international travel?
Yes, eSIM works internationally and is specifically designed to provide reliable connectivity across different countries.
Can I keep using my phone number with an eSIM?
Yes, after activating a Yoho Mobile eSIM, you can still use your original SIM for calls and text messages.
How to get unlimited internet in Europe?
To get unlimited internet in Europe, you can choose from several eSIM providers that offer unlimited data plans specifically designed for travelers. Some of the best eSIM providers with unlimited data plans are Yoho Mobile, Holafly, and Ubigi.
Are eSIMs secure?
Compared to public Wi-Fi, sure they are! eSIMs and physical SIM cards provide a similar level of security and the firsts are even safer because they can’t be removed, so there’s no risk of loss. What’s more, Yoho Mobile network ensures end-to-end encryption, so your data stays safe.
Does an eSIM affect your phone’s speed?
No, using an eSIM or a physical SIM doesn’t slow down your phone. The network speed depends on your location, carrier, and network conditions.
How do I know if my phone is eSIM-compatible?
Don’t worry, almost all phones nowadays are compatible, and that includes the latest iPhone and Samsung models. Check our detailed list to confirm before buying.