Do you intend to visit several European nations simultaneously? You start to ponder about the finest and easiest ways to keep connected across all 44 of Europe’s nations. It’s eSIM that was the key to always staying connected while saving a good chunk of cash in the long run in Europe! Let’s take a look at what you need to know about eSIM for Europe in this guide.
Table of Contents
I. What is an eSIM for Europe?
In a nutshell, an eSIM is a physical SIM card that has been implanted with digital technology. Therefore, to switch your phone network, you don’t actually need to install a new SIM card; instead, you only use an app to connect to a new mobile data service provider.
eSIM for Europe is the eSIM that was activated and used for the Europe region. This is fantastic for traveling in Europe because you won’t need to search for a new SIM card every time you switch between European nations. The eSIM service is easily activated, and you may immediately go online.
Additionally, the majority of modern phones support dual SIM, allowing you to alternate between using your physical domestic SIM card and your eSIM to switch between different mobile data carriers.
II. How does eSIM for Europe Work?
Get an eSIM if you’re going to be visiting Europe and want to stay online without having to worry about expensive roaming fees.
You won’t have to deal with the trouble of purchasing a new SIM each time you visit a new European country by getting an international eSIM with unlimited data for Europe, which will give you peace of mind.
As soon as you enter a new nation with an eSIM, all you have to do is change networks to begin using a single, cost-effective data plan.
Get the eSIM for Europe to make your trip to the continent simpler and eliminate the need for expensive international data plans or shoddy free wifi connections.
III. How Many Types of eSIM in Europe?
In Europe, there are also two different kinds of eSIM: Data Only and Voice, SMS, and Data. Each has unique features and capabilities that will interest various user types.
1. Data-Only eSIM
A Data-Only eSIM is exactly what its name implies – it only uses data. Because they may connect to both major networks in the country you purchase an eSIM for and significant networks outside of your selected destination, data-only eSIMs provide exceptional coverage and increased connectivity.
Tips: Data eSIM is an excellent idea if you are on a Europe tour. You can easily check social media while on the go or use navigational tools like Uber and Google Maps.
2. Voice, SMS, and Data eSIM
A Voice, SMS, and Data eSIM is a package deal that covers all of the common mobile services. Additionally, it can provide access to 5G networks, fixed prices throughout Europe, a unique +44 phone number, and global roaming coverage.
Tips: This eSIM is perfect for your long vacations, business trips, and regular work use. You can flexibly use Voice, SMS, and Data eSIM to stay in touch while traveling.
IV. Why Should You Use an eSIM in Europe?
I believe you can see why purchasing numerous physical SIM cards for each nation you visit in Europe is a poor idea. Physical SIM card choices that roam across different areas are now available. However, doing so might require you to discard your “home” SIM card.
Purchasing an eSIM for Europe would be quite advantageous if you enjoy investing in cost-effective and helpful products for traveling. The cheapest, quickest, and least stressful option to stay connected in Europe and many other nations worldwide is to use a Europe eSIM.
To understand more about the advantages and disadvantages of eSIM for Europe travel and why it’s a better option than a physical SIM card, let’s check out the next part below.
V. Pros and Cons of Using a Europe eSIM
Like every normal thing, eSIM has both advantages and disadvantages, let’s check out:
1. Pros of Europe eSIM
- Instant delivery: You’ll get your virtual eSIM card right away after downloading the eSIM for Europe from an eSIM provider. All you have to do is turn it on to get going!
- Easy & convenient: Your sole responsibility is to purchase an eSIM for use when traveling in Europe, then activate it by scanning your QR code. That’s it.
- Sustainable and environmentally friendly: Since the eSIM for Europe is virtual, it is environmentally responsible and sustainable.
- Secure: Your eSIM for Europe cannot be physically lost or harmed. To access the internet, you only need to scan your QR code, and you’re online.
- More affordable: You no longer need to pay for (or look for) real SIM cards because your eSIM for Europe offers a significantly better bargain for data roaming.
2. Cons of Europe eSIM
- Hard to switch/transfer data: If the SIM card is still in the phone when it breaks, data transfer to the new phone is simple. Because of this, users of eSIM devices must rely on the cloud to access data like messages and contacts.
- Restricted on some old devices: Only modern phone models and a few particular carriers support eSIM.
- Privacy: When consumers use eSIM, it is problematic for those who do not want to be followed. SIM card users can easily remove their SIM cards, making it impossible for network carriers to trace them.
VI. eSim vs. SIM card
Here, we briefly contrast an eSIM with a physical SIM card:
| Features | eSIM | SIM card |
| Stores account information | x | x |
| Dual SIM capability | x | x |
| Removable | x | |
| Supports more than 1 phone number | x | |
| Comes in various sizes | x | |
| Provided by carriers separate from phone | x | |
| Comes preinstalled in your device | x | |
| Can be physically transferred from one phone to another phone | x | |
| Can be digitally transferred from one phone to another phone | x | |
| Allow immediate activation without delivery | x |
Final verdict: After a short comparison, you can have a basic criterion to make your own decision. If you are a typical visitor visiting Europe in less than one month, eSIM will be the best option for you due to its flexibility. Otherwise, when you are planning to stay in Europe for a long time or in a specific country, a physical SIM card will be a better option.
VII. Which Countries Support eSIM for Europe Travel?
Currently, you can use a Europe eSIM to travel to the following European countries:
- Armenia
- Austria
- Bulgaria
- Belgium
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- France
- Finland
- Greece
- Georgia
- Germany
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Jersey
- Latvia
- Luxembourg
- Lithuania
- Liechtenstein
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovenia
- Slovakia
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
Check your chosen eSIM provider again because the supported countries may differ somewhat. You probably won’t need that if you stick to continental Europe, although some eSIM carriers do provide micronations and non-continental regions/territories (like Martinique) or even the USA. However, having your travel arrangements made in advance is helpful rather than waiting until the last minute.
VIII. List of eSIM Carriers in European Countries
The following carriers support virtual cards in Europe, where eSIM is widely used:
- United Kingdom: USA.
- France: Orange
- Italy: TIM
- Switzerland: Salt, Sunrise, Swisscom
- Sweden: Telenor, Three, Tele2, Telia
- Spain: Movistar, Pepephone, Yoigo, O2, Orange, Vodafone, Jazztel.
- Belarus: A1
- Germany: Telekom and Vodafone.
- Netherlands: T-Mobile
- Luxembourg: MTX Connect, POST
- Greece: Cosmote
- Austria: T-Mobile, Three.
- Croatia: Hrvatski Telekom.
- Czech Republic: T-Mobile.
- Hungary: Magyar Telekom.
- Latvia: LMT
- Finland: Telia.
- Slovakia: Orange.
- Estonia: Telia.
- Denmark: Three.
- Romania: Orange.
- Portugal: MEO, NOS.
- Poland: Orange.
- Norway: Telenor, Telia.
Tips: List out the nations that you are planning to visit and choose the most popular carrier in these destinations to ensure your best experience.
IX. Best eSIM Plans for Europe
The EU outlawed mobile data roaming costs, thus any European data plan will function anywhere in Europe. For example, you may purchase a French eSIM and use it in Italy, Germany, Poland, etc.
Having said that, I advise sticking with the main European carriers because they will have the best networks and data speeds.
Brief of the Best Europe eSIM Plans Comparison:
Below is the brief on prices and many other things to help you choose the best Europe eSIM plans when traveling.
| eSIM Mogo | Orange Holiday Europe | Smart Comfort X | O2 Go Card | |
| Price | $59.90 | $49.90 | $17.90 | $24.90 |
| Data | 60GB | 30GB | 5GB | 10GB |
| Network speed | 4G/LTE | 4G/LTE | 4G/LTE | 4G/LTE |
| Calls | No | Unlimited within + 120 mins outside | No | $2 of credit |
| Text & SMS | No | Unlimited within + 1000 outside | No | $2 of credit |
| Credit validity | 30 days | 14 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Phone number | No | French | No phone number | Czech |
Next, let’s take a deeper look at these plans to choose the most proper eSIM plan that closely meets your needs.
1. Gigago eSIM
Gigago is revolutionizing the way travelers experience connectivity by providing state-of-the-art eSIM technology. As a pioneer in the field, Gigago is committed to delivering exceptional services that ensure uninterrupted connectivity, convenience, and unparalleled freedom.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a digital nomad, or a casual tourist, Gigago’s eSIM offering is tailored to meet your unique needs, making your journey through Europe as seamless as possible.
Some Europe eSIM plans on Gigago
Best for: Tourists who are planning to visit various countries in Europe. Gigago offers many eSIM plans for regions and specific countries in Europe.
2. Mogo eSIM
Great plans from Mogo eSIM are available for use in Europe; they both come with a lot of data and are valid for one month. Mogo eSIM plan may be used as a wi-fi hotspot and are compatible in different European nations, making them the perfect choices for digital nomads who want a laptop connection.
Best for: Tourists with heavy data usage and need a wifi hotspot for laptops or other connected devices.
3. Orange Holiday Europe eSIM
This eSIM plan gives you 30GB of data, additional international phone minutes, and 1000 SMS outside of the EU. This 30GB plan might be better for you if you use a lot of data because you won’t have to worry as much about exceeding your data limit as you would with the Orange Holiday Zen plan.
Best for: People who have an average need to use data, but have a lot of calling and texting needs.
4. Smart Comfort X eSIM
The Smart Comfort X eSIM is an affordable data-only eSIM plan option that offers 5GB of data but no calls or texts (you can still use iMessage to send messages between iPhones and use WhatsApp to make calls and send texts, for example).
As an “international eSIM,” the Smart Comfort X eSIM is also not backed by a particular data provider (i.e Orange, O2, etc.). This means that it will connect to a particular partner provider in each nation, such as Bouygues in France, O2 in Germany, Wind in Italy, Telefonica in Spain, etc.
Best for: This eSIM plan is appropriate for light data users due to its constrained data restrictions.
5. O2 Go Card eSIM
Since the O2 Go Card Plan uses the O2 mobile network, which is the biggest in the UK, the service will be of a high standard. Even though it is a little less expensive than the Orange Holiday Zen plan, you get less mobile data and relatively few EU calls and texts in addition to the lack of international calls and texts.
Best for: Tourists with average usage of data and also need urgent calls, texts, & SMS.
X. How to Buy eSIM in Europe Online?
Purchasing an eSIM Europe data plan is really simple. Here is the easy-to-follow step-by-step guide.
- Step 1: Verify that your phone is eSIM compatible and unlocked.
- Step 2: Verify that the eSIM will function in the European nation you are traveling to.
- Step 3: Head to the Europe eSIM provider and select the 7days, 15days, 20days, or 30-day data plan that best meets your needs and buy it.
- Step 4: You’ll receive a QR code after purchasing, which you can print or scan with your computer.
- Step 5: Turn on data roaming in settings after scanning the QR code. Before you leave, the QR code should be scanned, but don’t activate it until you get to your destination country (Note: you will need internet access to activate the eSIM).
In case you forget, make sure to bring a copy of the printed QR code.
- Step 6: Follow the simple directions to download.
XI. How to Install a European eSIM?
You need to have the QR Code – activation code in order to install an eSIM. You can get this after purchasing the eSIM; the eSIM carrier may email you an “Activation code” and a QR code. Then, you can activate your eSIM in slightly different ways based on your devices.
Full guides for eSIM installation
1. How to Install Europe eSIM on Android?
- Step 1: Choose Settings > Network & Internet.
- Step 2: Tab on the ‘+’ beside Mobile Network.
- Step 3: Choose Don’t have a SIM Card? in case your phone has no other SIM card or Download a SIM instead? In case one SIM card is available on your phone.
- Step 4: Tab on the Next button.
- Step 5: Your device’s camera will open up on the screen. Use the camera to scan the QR code.
- Step 6: Choose Continue to add this data plan to your phone.
- Step 7: Turn on your eSIM.
Notes: Please be aware that depending on the smartphone model, the above instructions might change a little. Please get in touch with our customer service if you run into any problems or have queries about how to install and activate the eSIM.
Guide to install eSIM on Samsung
Guide to install eSIM on Google Pixel
2. How to Install Europe eSIM on iOs?
- Step 1: Choose Settings > Cellular Data.
- Step 2: Tap on Add Data/Cellular Plan
- Step 3: Scan the QR code
- Step 4: Add the data plan to your phone.
- Step 5: Name your eSIM, then tap on Continue.
- Step 6: Choose the named eSIM as the default line, then Continue.
- Step 7: Choose the named eSIM as the default mobile data line and Done.
Note: After installation, it is advised to turn your eSIM off; put it back on when you get to your destination.
Guide to install eSIM on iPhones
3. How to Install Europe eSIM on Windows?
- Open Window Settings.
- Find and click on Cellular > Manage eSIM profiles.
The further steps in this section can be skipped if you can choose Connecting to cellular data using an eSIM profile after finding the profile for your company’s mobile provider in the list of eSIM profiles.
- Click on Add a new profile.
Follow these instructions if the mobile carrier already provided an activation code. If not, move on to the next step.
- Choose the option of “Let me enter an activation code I have from my mobile operator” > Next.
- If the activation code is a QR code, use the camera on your PC and scan the QR code.
- The activation code is displayed in the Activation code box, click on Next.
- The popup Do you want to download this profile will appear, press Enter.
- Click on Close.
To search for available profiles, do the following steps:
- Choose Search for available profiles > Next.
- Choose a profile and enter the confirmation code provided by your mobile operator, then click on Download.
- After the installation, click on Continue.
- After your profiles are fully downloaded, click on Close.
XII. eSIM Alternatives in Europe
There are other ways to use your phone when traveling in Europe, but they are more expensive and complicated than just getting an eSIM for the continent.
The following details these possibilities:
1. Data Roaming
Although you can enable data roaming on your phone before traveling abroad, it is undeniable that you will have to pay your EU network roaming fees, and the internet connection will also be poor.
There is always a chance that your service provider may impose data roaming fees, which can be quite exorbitant, even if you do not enable data roaming on your mobile device.
The only benefit of turning on data roaming is that nothing needs to be purchased or unlocked.
2. SIM Card in Europe
In order to purchase a SIM in Europe, you must visit multiple stores. Furthermore, switching SIMs is never easy. The benefit of SIM is that you can operate your phone exactly as you would at home.
XIII. Useful Tips for Using Europe eSIM
Here are a few more tips for getting the most out of using your high-speed eSIM mobile data plan while traveling around Europe.
1. Use an Unlocked Phone
Before you may use a SIM card or an eSIM, you must first ensure that your phone is unlocked. This is because many mobile carriers utilize software to “lock” their customers’ cellphones to their networks, rendering them inoperable if you use a SIM card from a different provider.
But you can ask your cellphone provider to unlock your phone by calling them and explaining that you’re going abroad (you might need to go visit a store to get it unlocked).
2. Do not Delete the eSIM when the Data Plan Expires
Verify the provider’s deletion policies for the eSIM. Your actual eSIM is typically still usable when your data plan ends, at least temporarily. Therefore, in case you ever need to utilize it again, don’t delete it.
3. Keep an Eye on Data Balance
Since you might be accustomed to having a sizable or “unlimited” data allocation on your home SIM, keeping track of your data usage may seem strange. It’s a good habit to get into. You won’t be cut off from the outside world while on a sightseeing tour if you do this. Learn how to monitor your data usage on Android or iOS.
4. Minimize Your Data Usage
There are a few simple techniques to reduce the amount of data that your phone uses, such as temporarily disabling automatic app updates (or only updating over wifi), minimizing the use of video chat, limiting the amount of time spent watching YouTube or Netflix, and caching Google Maps for offline use. To obtain a notification when you are about to use up your data quota, you can also try activating data consumption limits.
XIV. FAQs about eSIM for Europe
This part will list some frequently asked questions about Europe eSIM.
There are a few eSIMs for Europe that support calls, SMS, and even have a phone number. Depending on your individual needs, you can select the best eSIMs for your travel to Europe.
With an eSIM, you can continue to use your phone’s SIM card while simultaneously using a second active connection in Europe. The eSIM for Europe enables you to use a distinct European data plan from a different carrier in each nation while still being able to make and receive calls using your original mobile phone number.
Wherever you are, you may instantly buy and activate your plan with the majority of respectable eSIM carriers. Better still if it’s done through an app or a QR code on a website. But be sure to review the specifics of the activation procedure because it may include sending you an SMS, and you risk being stuck if your home SIM doesn’t have roaming enabled (or if it’s too expensive).
If your device allows it, then yes. Since an eSIM is identical to a real SIM card, activating both at once will function just like a dual SIM arrangement. When activating your eSIM for the first time, see the manufacturer’s instructions.
No, there can only be one active eSIM at a time. Although more than one SIM card can be stored, only one can be used at once. Recently, iPhone 14 model for US market can use 2 eSIMs at the same time.
The typical user uses 3GB of mobile data each week, according to studies, but your usage will likely differ.
If you use apps frequently, limit your use of social media, and stick to basic web browsing (or store your heavy usage for when you’re on wifi), it’s simple to keep your data usage around 1-2GB each week.
Most eSIM for Europe does not allow you to share data. However, you can find some plans that offer hotspot features to share your data with other devices.
Absolutely, yes. All devices that support eSIM like iPads, Windows 10 PCs, the HP Spectre Folio, the Lenovo Yoga 630, etc… Check full eSIM compatible devices list.
XV. Final Words
A trip to Europe is the ideal opportunity to unwind while exploring different cultures, mouthwatering cuisine, and interesting history. The problems of exchanging SIM cards are lessened by eSIM for Europe technology, and it takes less time to locate actual mobile merchants abroad. Don’t waste a single minute of your planned trip to Europe because you undoubtedly spent a lot of money on it. Your journey to Europe will be one to remember—in a positive way—if you just select your own preferred eSIM provider.