The Best eSIM for Europe: Everything You Need to Know (2024)

I used to land in a new country and the first thing I'd do is walk to a newsagent or the tourist telco stall in the arrival hall to get a physical SIM card until I found eSIMs – and what a game-changer they are!

If you have a newer phone that's eSIM compatible, you can easily sign up for a European eSIM with unlimited data. This eliminates the need for physical SIM cards and gets you connected instantly.

In this article, I'll dive into the different providers, data plans and everything else you need to know about getting a Europe eSIM for your next trip!

Why You Should Get an eSIM for Europe

Getting an eSIM, a digital version of a physical SIM card for your Europe trip offers seamless connectivity and eliminates the need to switch physical cards (and potentially lose them!), and nowadays they often come with generous data plans, even unlimited data!

Pros for getting an eSIM for Europe:

• Super easy to set up ahead of your trip through a QR code or app

• You'll be instantly connected to the mobile network on arrival

• No need to hunt for a physical SIM card or rely on public Wi-Fi

• Much better value than getting a roaming package from your home country provider (coming from Australia they are usually A$10-20 PER DAY! or limited by a very small amount of GB)

• Usually pre-paid so there are no lock-ins

• Using an eSIM allows you to easily switch between your home mobile provider and overseas data providers

Cons for getting an eSIM for Europe:

• You need a newer phone model that is eSIM compatible (iPhone 11 and newer)

• Your phone needs to be unlocked – on iPhone, you can simply check this under Settings > General > About and look at “Service Provider Lock” and it should show “No SIM restrictions”

• Depending on countries, local physical SIM cards can be cheaper – same with eSIM providers, it pays to compare plans and see if it's unlimited mobile data, what the data speed is, etc…

• eSIMs are awesome when they work properly, but tech issues are real (even though I have not had much trouble and I've trialed a variety of eSIM providers across the globe)

Roaming Fees within Europe

The EU abolished mobile data roaming fees a couple of years ago and most local European SIM cards nowadays operate across all EU countries with their original tariffs. So any physical SIM card bought in Germany can be used in the Netherlands, Spain, France, etc… (this often excludes the UK and Switzerland since they are not part of the EU, if you're heading there check ahead).

Using an eSIM offers you the advantage of traveling across Europe by seamlessly functioning across borders as you travel, sparing you the need to buy a new SIM card for each country/region you visit.

European eSIM Plans: Data, Calls & Hotspotting Limitations

Data

When planning your data usage for your trip to Europe, it's wise to consider your typical data consumption. According to studies, Australians typically use about 24 GB of data per month, but your needs may vary.

Have a look at your current data usage habits at home to gauge how much you'll likely need abroad. Remember to factor in heavier mobile usage while traveling, especially if relying less on Wi-Fi. If in doubt, add a bit extra to your estimate to ensure you stay connected without worry during your journey. Some eSIM data plans can be topped up too.

Lastly, consider disabling data access for individual apps to manage your usage effectively while abroad. I also try and download Google Maps of an area I am traveling to via Wi-Fi before I go as this one usually eats a lot of data.

Calls

Some but not all eSIM providers support unlimited calls just like traditional physical SIM cards. They allow you to make and receive calls, send text messages, and use mobile data services, depending on the plan and carrier you choose. However, you can still use communication apps like WhatsApp or Skype for calling and messaging.

I never found myself needing to use call or text, but some countries in Europe rely more heavily on it, for example for reserving a table at a restaurant, confirming tour details, etc…

Hotspotting

Some eSim providers may restrict features like hot spotting other people or imposing a limit on the data you can share, which can be inconvenient if you need to share your connection with others or even just multiple devices like laptops and tablets.

The Best eSIMs for Europe

Holafly eSIM with Unlimited Data in Europe

Holafly is an eSIM provider based out of Ireland that offers eSIM options worldwide with unlimited data. You simply choose the number of days you're traveling and you'll get a QR code to install the prepaid eSIM immediately.

Note: There's this misconception that your plan starts and data usage begins immediately; in reality, it commences once you connect to the local network in the purchased country.

I did reach out to the support team to see if “unlimited” really means no limits. They kindly let me know that some local operators may implement a fair usage policy which means your speed might be reduced temporarily if you're overusing a lot. Understandably, these policies help maintain stable network performance for everyone.

You can purchase either country-specific eSIMs or a Europe-wide data plan.

I recently used Holafly on my trip to Fiji and if you have an iPhone on iOS 17.0.4 and higher, there is a function for automatic installation, which makes the process even simpler. I'll be using Holafly on my upcoming trip to Europe again!

• Cost example to get an eSIM for Europe: 14 days of unlimited data at US$48

• Unlimited data plans: Yes, unlimited data, up to 5G speed

• User-friendliness: Buy online or through the Holafly App (iOS and Android)

• Support: Support team is available through chat on the website and WhatsApp

• Coverage: 190+ destinations, uses well-known local providers/networks

View Holafly & buy packages (Claim 5% OFF with the code: BREATHINGTRAVEL)

Orange Holiday Europe eSIM

Orange Holiday Europe eSIM offers the convenience of one of Europe's largest telecom companies, known for its extensive network coverage. With eSIM options featuring generous data limits, it provides flexibility for anyone needing substantial data access.

The plan includes unlimited calls within Europe and also allows unlimited data hot-spotting, making it ideal if you require a mobile hotspot for your laptops and other devices while traveling.

• Cost example to get an eSIM for Europe: 14 days 30 GB at EUR39.99 (US$43)

• Unlimited data plans: No, choose from 1 GB to 100 GB

• User-friendliness: Download the Orange Travel app to buy, manage and top-up

• Support: The support team is available through web chat

• Coverage: 100+ countries, a major telecommunications company in Europe/Africa

View Orange & buy packages

Airalo Eurolink eSIM

Airalo eSIM is another convenient digital solution for a European eSIM data plan. Established in Singapore, Airalo has been around for a few years and offers great unlimited data eSIM plans in Asia.

Its options for Europe are more limited data plans, however, these are great for long-term travelers as the eSIM plans are available for 30, 90 and even 180 days.

• Cost example to get an eSIM for Asia: 30 days 10 GB at US$37

• Unlimited data plans: Can be used in 39 countries across Europe

• User-friendliness: Buy and manage all through the Airalo App

• Support: 24/7 support team, slower than anticipated

• Coverage: 200+ countries worldwide

View Airalo & buy packages

The Best eSIM for Europe – Final Words

Using an eSIM for your upcoming trip to Europe guarantees smooth connectivity upon arrival, providing flexibility and reliable data access without the inconvenience of swapping physical SIM cards.

While not having a local phone number may be a drawback for some, I find a data-only eSIM sufficient. Unlimited internet is crucial for me as a heavy user, making it more valuable than having a local number and so I've chosen the Holafly Europe SIM for my upcoming trip. This also covered Switzerland as I had a short stopover in Geneva before heading onwards.