Travel eSIMs are so hot right now. If you're planning a European trip, you'll find it's a far cheaper alternative to international data roaming, and more convenient than swapping out SIM cards.
But where should you purchase your eSIM? The list of available eSIM providers is growing by the day. But they’re not all created equal. That becomes clear when you look at things like their prices, product features, and customer reviews.
For instance, some providers only offer local eSIMs for individual countries. But what about travellers planning to visit multiple countries? Fortunately, there's a simpler solution: an international eSIM. With this option, your phone automatically connects to the local network as you move from country to country, eliminating the need to purchase a new eSIM each time you cross a border.
Top 5 eSIMs for travel in Europe
The companies listed below are known for their European coverage. We shortlisted the best providers and selected our favourite eSIM from each provider based on a few factors.
- Price: Is it good value? How does the price compare to similar offerings?
- Validity Period: Does the plan cover the duration of your trip? The plans listed below are valid for up to a month from the time of activation. We chose larger, longer-term plans because that is where prices get more competitive per gigabyte of data.
- Data Amounts: How much data is included? More data = more internet connectivity. Each plan listed below offers all the data you’ll likely need for a month in Europe.
- Available Calls & Texts: Does the plan include calls and texts, or is it data-only?
- International Coverage: How many countries are included in the plan?
- Company Reviews: What’s the feedback like from other travellers?
- Customer Support: How easy is it to speak to someone, and how quickly do issues get resolved?
1. Orange EU Holiday 70 GB Plan (€49.99)
Everyone is familiar with Orange's distinctive branding. The well-known telecommunications corporation launched a range of travel eSIMs (now available at Sim Local). Orange's 70 GB EU Holiday plan covers 42 countries with 5G/LTE speeds (where available). This 70 GB plan comes with unlimited calls and texts within Europe, and 120 international minutes and 1000 international text messages to keep in touch with loved ones back home.
Sim Local is like a marketplace for Europe’s best providers of local and international eSIMs. No stranger to frequent flyers, we've been welcoming passengers in person at stores across 100+ airport locations worldwide. And thanks to our focus on exceptional customer service including phone & online support (where it’s possible to talk to a human), our reviews on Google, Trustpilot, and TripAdvisor are extremely positive.
2. Smartroam - Europe 100 GB (€53)
Introducing Smartroam’s Europe Plan—your perfect travel companion for staying connected across more than 40 countries. This 14-day plan covers popular destinations like the UK, France, Spain, and Italy, and includes unlimited local calls and SMS so you can stay in touch without counting minutes. Perfect for a fortnight hopping around The Old Continent, this plan allows data tethering and mobile hotspots.
And for November only, Smartroam is doubling the data! Get 100GB for the price of 50GB, keeping you connected, sharing moments, and working on the go without a hitch. Available at Sim Local.
3. Airalo - Eurolink 20 GB (€47)
AiraloCovering 42 countries across Europe, Airalo’s Eurolink 20GB eSIM is a popular choice among travellers. As a data-only plan, it doesn’t include calls or texts, so you’ll need to rely on apps like WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends and family. The plan is valid for 30 days.
Airalo’s customer support is available via email and chat, so they can provide quick assistance if any issues arise. However, keep in mind that Airalo does not operate any physical locations, so all interactions and troubleshooting are handled online. Airalo has a poor rating on the review platform Trustpilot but a good rating in the app stores (iOS and Google Play), suggesting the app is good but the company may fail in other areas such as customer support.
4. Holafly - Europe Unlimited Data (€68.90 for 30 days)
(Holafly)Known for their unlimited and 'extensive' data plans, you won’t need to worry about running out of data with Holafly. You can also select your exact plan duration (1-90 days) to match the length of your trip. We chose 30 days and the price came to €69. You tend to pay more for the benefit of unlimited data but not everybody needs all that. And remember, unlimited data comes with a caveat. Providers in some countries will reserve the right to throttle speeds when you’ve reached a threshold, resulting in a very slow internet connection. Always check the fair usage policy before buying any unlimited packages.
This is a data-only plan, but you can stay connected with family and friends on apps like WhatsApp and Instagram. Holafly offers 24/7 customer support via email and chat. This Europe plan covers 40 countries—less than Sim Local or Airalo, so make sure all countries you plan to visit are included in the coverage area.
How to choose the right eSIM for Europe
When selecting an eSIM, consider how much data you’ll need. Check your device settings to view your typical usage. Will you use your phone more while travelling? Do you plan to stream videos and play games? Or do you plan to find your way with maps, share moments on social media, and check emails? Our data calculator will help you find the right plan in seconds.
Make sure your plan covers all destinations
Coverage for the four plans mentioned above range from 40 to 42 countries. But there are 50 countries in Europe, so make sure your plan offers coverage for all the regions you plan to visit.
What to know before you buy an eSIM
Before purchasing an eSIM, make sure your device supports eSIM technology. Most newer smartphones do, but it’s always a good idea to double-check. Check out these quick video guides.
On iPhone
On Android
Also, make sure your device is unlocked or you will not be able to switch to local networks in Europe.
On iPhone
On Android
Finally, consider downloading and activating your eSIM before you arrive in Europe, so it's ready to use as soon as you land. If you prefer to wait until you arrive, you can set up your eSIM at your destination, but make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi connection.
