For travelers heading to Europe, understanding how to make calls using an eSIM is crucial for maintaining communication while avoiding excessive roaming charges from their home carriers. This guide will walk you through the process of learning how to make a phone call in Europe through both traditional calling options and modern internet-based solutions, so you can make an informed decision on staying connected in Europe without excessive roaming charges.
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When planning to make calls in Europe, you have two main options for using an eSIM: getting a plan with calling capabilities or using a data-only plan with internet calling apps.
eSIMs with Calling Plans
These eSIMs provide a local phone number for making and receiving calls and text messages. However, not many eSIM providers offer such plans. They are primarily offered by local European operators such as Orange, Vodafone, etc. Long-term contracts may be required, as prepaid options are less common. Additionally, calling non-European numbers will incur international rates.
Data-Only eSIMs
Data-only eSIMs are generally easier to find and more affordable. They don’t provide a local phone number for traditional calls, but you can use them for calling via VoIP apps (like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype).
Most modern messaging apps now offer high-quality voice calls, and they are especially convenient because many people already use these apps daily.
Data-only eSIMs are widely available from both local European carriers and global providers like Gigago, Airalo, Holafly, etc.
For most travelers, the recommended approach is to get a data-only eSIM and use internet calling apps. This option provides more flexibility, better rates, and easier activation. Just make sure that your contacts have access to the same messaging apps you are going to use for making calls.
Using your eSIM to make calls in Europe is easy. Before you start, check your plan’s international calling minutes allowance.
Below we instruct you how to call landlines and mobile phones both from or to Europe.
Making calls to landlines in Europe with your eSIM keeps you connected easily. Here’s how:
For example, calling an Italian landline: +39 049 9871731
Calling mobile numbers in Europe with your eSIM is similar to calling landlines:
For example, calling a French mobile: +33 6 12 34 56 78
Here are some frequently used European country codes:
If you have a data-only eSIM, you can use VoIP applications to make calls. Popular choices include WhatsApp, FaceTime, Messenger, Telegram, and Skype, but any app supporting VoIP calls will work. Most of these apps also support video calls.
Here’s how to make a VoIP call:
Note: Both you and the person you're calling need to have the same VoIP app installed. Using VoIP with a data-only eSIM is often much simpler than finding a local eSIM with traditional calling minutes.
It all depends on the plan and carrier you go with. If you choose to make VoIP calls, it will come at no extra cost. If you have an eSIM with a local phone number and minutes for making phone calls, you may be charged extra once you use all minutes included in the plan.
Gigago eSIM plans for Europe are covered by 33 countries and territories in the world, including:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See (Vatican City State), Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom.
eSIM compatibility depends on your phone model and brand. While most modern phones support eSIMs, it’s always best to check your device’s specifications or contact your carrier for confirmation.
Getting an eSIM is easy! You can purchase one online from providers like other international eSIM vendors. You can also visit a local mobile carrier store in Europe to purchase an eSIM with a local phone number, where available.
Whether you need mobile data for calls depends on how you’re making them:
VoIP calls (e.g., WhatsApp): Yes, an active data connection and internet access are required for VoIP calls.
Calls with an international calling plan: No, you don’t need mobile data if your eSIM has an international calling plan. However, you’ll still need network coverage from your eSIM provider.
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