3 Best eSIMs for Traveling Europe | No More Roaming Fees
Did you know that 70% of travelers agree that they “always” use their smartphones while traveling? That is a surprising statistic that’s up from just 41% in 2015! That’s why most travelers are now using a new technology to save on roaming costs – eSIMs.
Smartphones are a way of life for most people now. As a seasoned traveler of 20+ years, I always take my mobile phone with me, and for good reason!
Staying connected while traveling to Europe can be incredibly important. These reasons include: checking on family at home, work related matters, capturing travel photos, managing flights, obtaining rail passes, and keeping track of accommodations.
Let’s chat about some of the best eSIMs to use while traveling to Europe.
What is an eSIM and How Does it Work when Traveling to Europe
What is an eSIM
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of a physical SIM card that is built directly into your smartphone or tablet.
Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs do not require a physical card to be inserted into the device, allowing you to connect to a mobile network without needing to swap cards.
An eSIM is one of those great apps that help make our lives easier – check out some other app suggestions I have to make your travel experience smoother.
Here’s how it works:
- Activation: An eSIM is activated by scanning a QR code or entering a unique activation code provided by your mobile carrier. This automatically downloads the necessary information to your phone, linking it to the carrier’s network.
- Network Switching: Because it’s digital, you can easily switch between carriers or plans without physically replacing the SIM. This is especially useful for international travelers who want to avoid roaming fees by activating local or global plans.
- Multi-Networks: Many devices with eSIM technology support both a physical SIM and an eSIM, allowing you to have two active phone numbers on the same device.
eSIMs simplify managing cellular connections, especially for frequent travelers or those who need flexible network access.
Does an eSIM Work in Europe
An eSIM absolutely works in Europe. Not only can you use an eSIM while traveling within North America, but it also works in other regions such as: Latin America, The Caribbean, Africa, Asia Pacific, The Middle East and Europe.
Downloading an eSIM app is one of the many ways you can enjoy a vacation with family stress-free and save money at the same time!
The Pro’s of an eSIM while Traveling in Europe
Traveling with an eSIM in Europe offers several benefits, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for staying connected. Here are the key advantages:
- No Physical SIM Card: Since an eSIM is embedded in your phone, you don’t have to worry about losing or damaging a physical SIM card while traveling. You can switch between carriers or data plans without needing to insert a new card.
- Easy Setup: You can purchase and activate an eSIM plan online before you arrive in Europe, allowing you to connect to a local network as soon as you land. Many providers send a QR code for easy activation.
- Flexible Data Plans: eSIMs allow you to choose from a variety of data plans from local European carriers or international providers. You can select a plan that fits your travel needs, from short-term to month-long options, with different data amounts and coverage areas.
- Avoid Roaming Fees: Instead of paying expensive roaming fees from your home carrier, you can use a local eSIM plan in each country or an eSIM that covers multiple countries in Europe. This saves you money on data, calls, and texts.
- Multiple Network Options: With eSIM, you can switch between different carriers or plans as needed, ensuring you get the best coverage in each European country you visit. This is particularly useful in areas where certain networks may be stronger than others.
- Dual SIM Functionality: Many smartphones with eSIM technology support dual SIMs, meaning you can keep your home number active for calls and texts while using the eSIM for local data. This helps you stay connected with both personal and travel-related communication.
- Eco-Friendly: Since eSIMs are digital, they reduce the need for manufacturing and distributing physical SIM cards, making them a more environmentally friendly option.
Overall, traveling with an eSIM in Europe offers seamless connectivity, flexibility, and cost savings, making it an excellent choice for international travelers.
How Much Does an eSIM cost
Buying a eSIM is much more cost effective than roaming on your home network’s data plan. Here in Canada, we pay about $15/day to “roam like home” while traveling abroad. (This is currently being reviewed as anti-competitive here in Canada, with potential changes coming soon).
That means if you travel for 14 days, it will cost you $210! An eSIM on the other hand may cost you as little as $6, or sometimes $30 for extended data plans. These prices are NOT per day, but typically per 30 DAY PERIOD!
Should I Get an eSIM Before Traveling
If you’re thinking about downloading an eSIM, I would definitely recommend that you do it before landing in a foreign country. There is a lot to think about when you arrive in a new place, and fiddling around with the functionality of your smart phone shouldn’t be one of them.
Download your preferred eSIM app prior to leaving on your trip, and load it up with a data plan. Read through the directions the eSIM provider sends you and follow those directions to set up your digital SIM card.
Upon arrival at your destination, it should be as easy as toggling off the “home” SIM card, and toggling on the “eSIM”.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to turn on ‘Data Roaming’ and ‘Mobile Data’ on your smartphone.
The 3 Best eSIMs to Download when Traveling to Europe
I’ve researched and tested 3 great eSIMs that are perfect for traveling to Europe. I’ll be reviewing each eSIM for functionality and service as my family and I visit the Christmas markets in Germany, France, Switzerland and Italy this December.
3 Different eSIM Providers that are Best for Traveling to Europe
Airhub
Airhub is a global eSIM provider offering seamless, affordable, and instant connectivity for travelers. With a focus on flexibility and convenience, Airhub allows users to download digital SIM cards directly to their devices, eliminating the need for physical SIMs and costly roaming fees.
Their plans are designed to support a range of destinations, including Europe, with coverage in multiple countries, providing a hassle-free solution for staying connected while on the go. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or a digital nomad, Airhub ensures reliable, high-speed internet access wherever your adventures take you.
Reasons to Buy: Airhub offers fairly priced data AND voice plans for traveling to Europe.
Airalo
Airalo is a leading eSIM provider that simplifies global connectivity for travelers. By offering a wide range of data plans that can be downloaded directly to compatible devices, Airalo eliminates the hassle of traditional SIM cards and high roaming fees.
With coverage in over 190 countries, their eSIM solutions cater to various travel needs, whether for short trips or extended stays. Airalo empowers users to stay connected effortlessly, providing fast and reliable internet access wherever their adventures lead. With a user-friendly app and competitive pricing, Airalo is the go-to choice for modern travelers seeking convenience and flexibility.
Reasons to Buy: Airalo is a well connected, functional eSIM that is very reasonably priced.
GigSky
GigSky is a prominent eSIM provider dedicated to delivering reliable and flexible connectivity for travelers around the world. With coverage in over 190 countries, GigSky offers a variety of data plans that can be easily activated on compatible devices, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards and costly roaming charges.
Their user-friendly app allows travelers to purchase, manage, and customize their data plans effortlessly, ensuring seamless access to the internet wherever they go. Whether you’re on a short trip or an extended journey, GigSky provides a convenient solution for staying connected, making it a preferred choice for digital nomads and global adventurers alike.
Reasons to Buy: GigSky offers CRUISE SHIP eSIM options that work at sea, and in port. Data also available in-air through some Airline Partners.
What an eSIM can do
What an eSIM can’t do
The Con’s of Using an eSIM while in Europe
- Device Compatibility: Not all devices support eSIM functionality, which may limit options for some travelers.
- Activation Challenges: While eSIMs can be activated instantly, the process can be confusing for some users, especially those unfamiliar with digital technology.
- Limited Local Support: In some locations, local shops may not offer assistance with eSIMs, making it challenging to troubleshoot issues or obtain information.
- Data Plan Limitations: Some eSIM providers may have restrictions on data usage, including throttling after reaching a certain limit or offering limited data plans.
- Internet Dependency: Activating and managing eSIM profiles typically requires an internet connection, which can be inconvenient if you have no connectivity initially.
- Potential Security Risks: As with any digital technology, there may be concerns about security and privacy, especially if using public networks to manage eSIMs.
- Incompatibility with Older Networks: In certain areas, eSIMs may not function well with older cellular networks, leading to connectivity issues.
- Transfer Limitations: Transferring an eSIM from one device to another can be more complex than swapping a physical SIM, potentially causing delays in connectivity.
FAQ – Get the Low-Down on All Your eSIM Questions
Let’s jump into some of the most commonly asked questions about eSIMs. I regularly help out friends and family as they start to use this new innovative technology.
Which eSIM is Best for Short Trips to Europe
Are you visiting Europe for only 7 days or less? Any of the above eSIM providers I mentioned will work amazing for taking a short trip to Europe.
Most European countries have great overall access to Wifi, so you likely don’t need anymore than 5GB of data while traveling abroad. Consider adding more GB if you plan on streaming a lot of videos.
Is Your Phone Compatible with an eSIM
Check below to find out if your smartphone device is compatible with eSIMs.
iphone Devices:
- Go to Settings > General > About.
- Scroll down to view the Carrier Lock section.
- If your device is unlocked, it will show “No SIM restrictions”
- Scroll down to Available SIM (iOS 15 or later) or Digital SIM (earlier iOS versions)
- If your phone supports eSIMs, it will show a 15-digit IMEI number.
Samsung Galaxy Devices:
- OPEN the Settings app, then TAP Connections.
- TAP SIM Manager.
- If Add eSIM is available, your device likely supports eSIMs.
Google Pixel Devices:
- OPEN the Settings app, then TAP Network & Internet.
- TAP the + sign beside SIMs.
- If the Connect to mobile network page has a “Download a SIM instead?” option, your device is eSIM-capable.
Do You Get a Phone Number with an eSIM
Not all eSIM service providers offer a phone number when downloading a data plan. It’s important to note whether you’re downloading a “Data Only” plan or “Data/Voice” plan.
As of writing this post, Airalo and Gigsky do not provide foreign telephone numbers. Depending on the model of your smartphone, Airalo and Gigsky give you access to your home phone number if you toggle on both the “home SIM” and the “e-SIM”. However, charges may be incurred if you continue to use SMS text, instead of data-based web services like iMessage and Whatsapp.
Pro Tip: I would highly recommend you TURN OFF the “home SIM”.
Airhub offers “Data/Voice” plans on which you’re assigned an telephone number that is based out of the UK.
*Please watch the video below for a quick demonstration on how to purchase a “Data Only” plan or “Data and Voice” plan.
Does My Phone Need to be Unlocked to Buy an eSIM in Europe
Yes, your phone does need to be unlocked to buy an eSIM to use while traveling in Europe.
Read the “Compatibility” section above to check if your smartphone is unlocked and ready to install an eSIM.
Alternatively, contact your current carrier to confirm whether your phone is unlocked for international use. Ensuring your phone is unlocked will allow you to take full advantage of eSIM capabilities during your travels.
How Much Data Should I Buy on an eSIM for Traveling in Europe
How much data you need to buy on an eSIM plan really depends on how much you intend on using your smartphone while in Europe. For 7 days or less, 5GB of data should work just fine unless you plan on streaming a lot.
For trips lasting longer than 7 days, I would perhaps consider a larger GB data plan such as a 10GB.
Ideally, with 10GB and under, you should be able to check emails, use Google Maps, send text messages over a data network, and place video calls back home.
There is always the option within the app to top-up if you happen to run out of data.
How do I Activate an eSIM Data Plan for Traveling to Europe
- Purchase an eSIM Plan: Choose an eSIM provider and purchase a data plan. This can often be done through their website or app.
- Receive the Activation Details: After purchasing, you’ll receive a QR code or an activation code via email or the provider’s app. This code is essential for activation.
- Open Device Settings: On your smartphone, go to Settings. Select Cellular or Mobile Data, then choose Add Cellular Plan.
- Scan the QR Code: Use your device’s camera to scan the QR code you received from your eSIM provider. If you received an activation code, enter it manually when prompted.
- Label Your Plan: Once activated, you may be prompted to label your eSIM plan (e.g., “Travel Data” or “Work”). This helps you differentiate between multiple plans if you have more than one.
- Set Default Lines (if applicable): If your device supports dual SIMs, you can set the eSIM as your default line for data, calls, or messages in the settings.
- Restart Your Device: After activation, restart your device to ensure the new settings take effect.
- Test Your Connection: Once your device has restarted, check your connectivity by browsing the internet or using apps to ensure the eSIM is working properly.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Activating an eSIM plan is a breeze, and once you’re all set up, you’ll be connected and ready to explore Europe in minutes. Say goodbye to the hassle of physical SIM cards and those pesky roaming charges!
Whether you’re wandering through charming cobblestone streets, or lounging on beautiful beaches; having reliable internet access will make your travel experience even better. So grab your phone, follow these simple steps, and get ready to share all your amazing adventures with friends and family back home!
Happy travels,
Tanya
- Check Apple’s website for more information on eSIM compatibility.
- Check out Samsung’s website for more information on eSIM compatibility.
- Check out Google Pixel’s website for more information on eSIM compatibility.
This is so helpful! We’ve got a trip to Spain planned next summer and it’s on our to-do list to figure out our phone situation. I’ve been super busy recently but just had knee surgery, so I’m trying to take advantage of this down time to plan our trip, despite the noise from my kids playing outside or the cabinet refinishers in the kitchen. I super appreciate you sharing this, it sounds like the best option for us!
Esim’s are definitely handy when traveling abroad. We’ve used it last Summer on our trip through Japan and loved it. We called our parents back home through what’sapp and that went well.
This is a great post! I’ve personally used esims while traveling in multiple countries and once you figure out how to actually turn it on and start using it, it’s so simple! Thankfully, I’ve found it to be quite affordable too!
eSIMs have definitely changed the way we travel. I used to not bother using my phone while we were abroad, or my husband and I would buy one sim to share between us… The last few times I went to Europe I used Airalo, but it is good to know there are other options!
Hello! Esim is cool! I travelled with it to Spain and everything was just perfect. I can truly recommend such a thing!
Great post! Using an eSIM will definitely help save money on roaming fees. Can’t wait to try one out on my next trip! Thanks for sharing!