I’ve been using eSIMS while traveling since 2021, and more recently I’ve started using them on my trips to Europe.
Since Brexit, data restrictions have affected my current network of O2, which means I’m now capped at 25GB on my current plan when traveling around Europe (where I used to get unlimited data included!).
Now if I only plan to use my phone for a few days then this is fine, however if it’s a longer trip (or if using my phone as a hotspot for a laptop) then this can cause some issues.
This is why I now use eSims for my travels to Europe, as well as internationally.
If you’re from the USA or any other foreign country, then an eSIM will be the most convenient way for you to access the internet within Europe.
You won’t need to go through the trouble of searching for a physical sim to put in your phone, or have to pay for expensive roaming charges.
In this guide I’m going to take you through:
Let’s get started…
Whilst most of us are used to traditional SIM cards that you insert into a phone or other devices, eSIMs are still lesser-known in comparison. They’re essentially a digital version of a regular SIM, where everything is stored inside your phone (and online).
The main advantage here is that you no longer need to go hunting around a foreign city for a SIM card, where instead you can easily activate international mobile networks on your phone in just a few clicks.
You also won’t need to do any fidgety things with your phone, given it’s all sorted internally with no external devices or extra assistance needed.
Given these benefits, they’re certainly becoming more popular nowadays (especially in the Western World), and we personally think they are a must for when traveling around Europe.
Basically, if you’ve got a new phone, then an eSIM will work (probably even with multiple eSIMS). But if your phone isn’t on the above list, or is older than the list, then the chances are it will not be compatible with an eSIM.
Whilst this was the only other option a few decades ago (aside from buying new local SIMs), nowadays it’s one of the least popular ways of connecting yourself abroad.
Firstly the costs tend to rack up quickly, and if you’re not careful you may find yourself with a massive bill once you get back home (they can cost anywhere up to $10-15 a day!).
As well as this, the connection quality isn’t that great either, where you’ll have less data available as well as a cap on how fast the internet is (you’re often downgraded to 2G/3G speeds - especially in the more remote regions). For example with 02, I am capped at 25GB where they can also throttle my speed if I use too much data.
Sim Local is your go-to eSIM for hassle-free connectivity wherever your European adventures take you! They specialize in providing convenient eSIM solutions, meaning no more bulky physical SIM cards or complicated roaming plans. With Sim Local, you can easily stay connected to high-speed data networks across Europe right from your device.
Whether you're exploring the cobblestone streets of Paris or savoring gelato in Rome, they've got you covered.
With a range of country specific Europe deals starting at £3 for 1GB of data in France, Spain and Portugal (to name just a few), to Europe region specific eSIMs starting at just £17.50 for 12GB AND it comes with a French mobile number so you can make calls...this is a fantastic deal!
The Europe plan comes in 12GB, a whopping 30GB, or 50GB (both the 30 and 50 actually include a set numeber of minutes and texts!)
The European plans also cover 36 countries:
Psst, want to know more about Sim Local? Check out the full review here.
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BNESIM is an eSIM provider that truly has it all.
Not only can you get excellent value data only plans for over 200 countries, but they also offer international phone number plans starting at 2 Euro a month!
If you prefer having a physical hot spot device with you on your travels, then they even cover that too. This works particularly well if you're planning on doing some work on the road!
AND they even offer a VPN at a great price.
So you can truly get everything you need to be connected on your travels throughout Europe and ensure you're staying safe too!
In terms of being a fantastic eSIM for Europe, BNESIM offer an all-in-one Europe eSIM plan with a few unique perks.
Their one eSIM covers all of Europe, and you can opt to use it in two different ways. Either as a PAYG option, or a monthly subscription option which is perfect if you know you will be travelling around Europe for a few months.
For their Pay-As-You-Go option, you can get 1GB for as little as £3.17, all the way up to 20GB for less than £56. AND, the data NEVER expires, so if you've popped into Europe for a city break, but didn't use all your data, then no worries, you can use the rest of it on your next trip out there!
For their monthly subscriptions you can get 1GB for less than 80p (that's excellent value!!), all the way up to unlimited data & calls plans for less than £56 a month.
I think BNESIM offers a wide range of eSIM options for a fantastic price.
And if you're only going to one specific country in Europe, you can opt for a single country with the same PAYG and subscription options.
I'll be testing this eSIM in Romania in the next few weeks, so I will be sure to update this post with my thoughts on my return!
And if you're wondering, YES you can hot spot all the data from BNESIM and there are no restrictions...which you know I LOVE, being the digital nomad I am!
One of my recently discovered favorite eSIM companies is Firsty!
Want an awesome eSIM app that covers over 35 countries in Europe , and offers instant connectivity and free data?
Then you NEED to try Firsty!
Firsty is a unique eSIM provider that believes everyone should have access to global data.
Firsty automatically connects you to every mobile provider worldwide as soon as you land, so there's no need to switch eSIMs or buy expensive data bundles every time you enter a new location.
Firsty offers two plans: “Free” and “Fast.” The free plan provides a basic global data connection which works perfectly for ordering Ubers, and checking emails and using Google Maps.
If you want faster speeds, you only pay the local rate, which is up to 60 times less than typical international bundles.
Plus, you don’t even need a credit card! If you think the faster plan must be expensive, you'd be wrong.
It's just €1 per day.
How do they keep prices so low? They have access to every provider worldwide, making it easier to negotiate better rates.
Firsty is currently available in 70 countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and more, with plans to expand even further.
Out of all the top eSIM providers you can choose from in Europe, Maya still remains my favorite on the market today.
Not only are the prices great, it’s quick and easy to use and I’ve never had any issues with coverage.
They’re one of the biggest brands around, present in over 190 countries across the globe.
This means that within Europe you can use their eSIM in virtually all countries, and below we have listed where they are currently present.
We’ve used Maya a lot on our recent trip to Latin America, and can only say good things (we paid £104 for a month of unlimited data - which although sounds pricey, it ended up being the most cost effective option of them all).
Another advantage of using Maya Mobile is the sheer amount of plans they offer for travelers heading around Europe. Plans begin from just £5, which includes 3GB of data that lasts for up to 5 days (whilst it sounds a lot - remember that you can travel through different countries with the same SIM).
Those who work as digital nomads and need lots of data for working and using it as a hotspot can also find great value plans too. For £49 you can have unlimited data for 30 days, which again is ideal for those who have internet-heavy jobs (as well as those who plan to move quickly through different countries).
Internet connection with Maya is already really solid too, with all plans offering at least a guaranteed 4G connection (whilst other companies and regions around the world are still using the slower 3G connection). Some plans even offer you 5G, which is a major step-up in terms of both ultra high speed connection as well as reliability too.
Offering coverage in over 80 countries worldwide (including many European countries listed below), Eskimo is a unique eSIM app that gives you global data at one flat local rate to roam worldwide.
This is a perfect solution for those who travel frequently, and often visit different parts of the world on both short and longer trips.
It also means you won’t have to worry about spending more in certain countries, given local SIM expenses can sometimes catch us off guard (or even worse when you find out how much your roaming costs were when you get back home!).
Eskimo are also unique in that they offer much longer-term eSIMs, with the longest period of up to 2 years! This is perfect for travelers on long trips, or those who work as digital nomads and don’t know when they will next be moving around.
Even if you’re only heading out for a few months, it will still be valid come the next year when you decide to travel again.
They also have an intuitive app too, which allows you to transfer data over to family and friends whenever you feel like it.
Next we move onto Holafly, one of the best eSIM providers in Europe for those who are focusing more on the travel aspect rather than working or living a digital nomad lifestyle.
One of their biggest perks is that they allow 60 minutes of calling, meaning you can easily get in touch with local numbers when traveling (great for things such as ordering local food and contacting tour companies where you are).
Holafly’s eSIM is also compatible with all smartphones that have an eSIM capability.
Their cheapest plan begins at $19 for 5 days, whilst those who are traveling longer in Europe can select their 90 day plan which costs $99.
Whilst they’re not the cheapest provider on our list, the flexibility in plan lengths is great if you know more or less how long you will be traveling for.
As mentioned, we recommend Holafly more for those who travel rather than work, given they do not allow hotspotting. However if only using their eSIM for personal use, then we think they’re a perfect option when traveling through Europe.
And that’s all for our guide on the best eSIMS to use when traveling to and around Europe.
Nowadays using regular SIM cards can be a hassle, especially as you have to find a new one in every country you visit. Even more problematic is using data roaming when abroad, given costs can quickly add-up.
A much better solution is using an eSIM card, which is both more flexible and in some cases even cheaper than the other options listed above.
In this guide we’ve covered why using an eSIM is advantageous over the other traditional options, as well as 5 of the best eSIM companies you can use when in Europe.
Which do you think is the best European eSIM? Will you get it for your next trip?
Do you have a particular brand that we haven’t included?
Comment below and let us know your thoughts!
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