Best eSIM for Europe: Top Picks for Travelers in 2024

Best eSIM Data Plans for Europe - detailed list

There are several reliable eSIM providers that you can use in Europe. That’s why you need to set your priorities regarding what you expect from a cellular provider.

To make this easier for you, we’ve prepared a pros and cons list for reputable eSIM providers for Europe.

1. aloSIM — Convenient eSIM option for Europe

If you are looking for consistent network coverage, aloSIM could be the one. aloSIM’s services are available in over 170 countries, 32 of which are European countries. With aloSIM, you can typically get 4G and LTE network types when connected. While such speeds are not considered the fastest among other providers, they are sufficient for most travelers.

aloSIM has a well-liked mobile app that allows you to top up your plan if you ever run low on data. To install your eSIM, purchase a plan and scan the QR code. The best part is that aloSIM has an auto-activation feature, which allows you to ditch manual setup. Your eSIM will automatically become ready to use once you arrive at the destination.

Pricing-wise, aloSIM costs are similar to those of the previous providers we mentioned, except for Saily. For Europe, 1 GB of data costs $5 and is valid for 7 days.

2. Airalo — Well-known eSIM for Europe

Airalo is a well-known and reliable eSIM provider with wide global network coverage, meaning its services are available in 200+ countries. Airalo’s global reach includes 39 European countries. In addition, they offer 5G speeds in Europe, as long as your device supports a 5G network connection. 

While it doesn’t offer traditional phone calls or messaging, you can top up data-only plans through its app. Moreover, Airalo’s app is very easy to use-download and activate your eSIM plan quickly by scanning the QR code and following instructions. Should you have any issues during the installation/activation process, they have 24/7 customer support that you can rely on.

Their plans’ pricing for Europe starts from $5 for 1 GB, with a 7-day validity period. While the value is similar, the pricing is quite expensive compared to other providers on our list. You can learn more about Airalo and its features from our detailed Airalo review.

3. Saily — Pocket-friendly eSIM deals for Europe

Despite being relatively new in the eSIM market, Saily is the best eSIM option for Europe, covering 37 European countries, and is at the top of our list. Besides Europe, Saily’s coverage is as extensive as it gets — it’s available in 180+ countries in total. In addition, you can access the internet with high speeds of 4G, LTE, and 5G connectivity.

Further, their mobile app is very intuitive, providing straightforward navigation. Designed with UX in mind, Saily’s minimalistic user interface allows you to purchase plans and activate your network with ease. To activate your eSIM, follow the on-screen instructions and scan the QR code after you download the app. The provider also offers 24/7 customer support, meaning if you have any questions, they are ready to answer them.

Saily has various eSIM plans for Europe, and pricing starts from an affordable $2.99 for 7 days. You can change or top-up your eSIM plan through their user-friendly app. For more information, check out our Saily review.

4. JetPac — eSIM with unique features

JetPac is an eSIM provider that has coverage in over 100 countries, and 28 of the total are European destinations. While JetPac’s network coverage is not as extensive as other providers, they have unique features like airport lounge access. When it comes to connection speed, JetPac is out there. They offer 4G, LTE, and occasionally 5G speeds.

Besides, JetPac has a user-friendly app that is easy to navigate. To activate your eSIM, complete the registration and scan the QR code that you will receive upon registering. It’s that simple! You can reach responsive customer support in various channels and get technical help if you ever need to. 

Regarding JetPac’s prices, their plans start from $4 with a 1 GB data allowance, valid for 4 days. While it’s not the cheapest option, it stands in the mid-high price range compared to other eSIM providers.

5. Nomad — User-friendly eSIM

Nomad is a frequent choice for travelers, as it offers a good network coverage of 180+ countries worldwide. Their eSIMs can be used in 35 countries in Europe. With Nomad, you don’t have to worry about the speed. They offer 4G and LTE speeds, and depending on your location, you can reach up to 5G. 

The simplicity of their mobile app makes activating an eSIM much easier in a timely manner. All you need to do is follow the steps on the app and scan the QR code when prompted to get your eSIM ready to use. While Nomad doesn’t have a channel for instant support, they reply to requests quickly, and their solutions are typically helpful.

Nomad’s eSIM plans for Europe are priced fair and competitively, starting from $5 for 1 GB data allowance, valid for 7 days. You can find more information on this provider in our honest Nomad review.

Do you even need mobile data in Europe?

Having internet access is necessary for every traveler in Europe. Reliable mobile data helps you navigate the cities, share your experiences with friends, and access information more easily. Even if you know your way around the cities you plan to visit, having mobile data makes your trip convenient, saving you from constant searching for free Wi-Fi or hotspots.

While many consider free Wi-Fi an alternative to mobile data, it’s not the safest option for maintaining a secure online connection. European cities are known for their crowded spaces, such as popular tourist spots, cafes, and hotels, which often provide free Wi-Fi. Yet, these networks are frequently unsecured.

If you can access them without a password, anybody can, including malicious actors who are after sensitive data. That’s why it’s not wise to rely solely on public networks. Having a private mobile data plan ensures secure access to the Internet.

Benefits of eSIM mobile data plans

People prefer eSIMs over physical SIMs not because they are the latest technology in mobile data plans but because they offer many benefits. 

Travelers who have experienced the “Where is my SIM card?” panic know how anxiety-inducing the possibility of losing a SIM card can be. Especially during transit, physical SIM swaps can become quickly overwhelming. Not having to worry about a small chip makes travel much more enjoyable.

In addition, acquiring a SIM card for your adventures doesn’t have to endure long waits. The eSIM technology allows you to get your mobile data plans in an instant. This means you don’t have to look for a SIM vendor as soon as you step foot into another country — eliminating the possibility of getting scammed by unknown and unreliable sellers. If your destination and the language being spoken are unfamiliar, eSIM provides you with a safety net.

Everything about your eSIM is in the digital realm. With that, you cut another store visit to none. You only have to visit your eSIM provider’s website or app to swap your plan or change the current one. 

While you enjoy the convenience your eSIM brings, you can also keep using your current SIM card. Since eSIMs work digitally through the embedded chip in your phone, you don’t have to remove your original SIM. 

This is all if your phone is eSIM compatible. Wonder how to figure it out? The following section will bring light to that.

What phones support eSIM

The benefits of eSIMs might seem hard to beat. Still, you need to make sure your phone is compatible with this technology before you purchase a plan. Since the technology is new, not all phones, especially older ones, work with eSIMs.

However, while newer generation phones mostly adopted the technology, there can be exceptions. This is usually due to regional marketing strategies and restrictions. The following sections will give you a quick list of Android and iPhone models that work with this technology.

eSIM compatibility on iPhone

Older iPhone models like XS, XS Max, and XR have this technology. From there, you will find the rest of the new series, which are all eSIM compatible. The list includes:

• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, SE
• iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, SE (2022)
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max

Keep in mind that even though your phone model is one of the above, there is a chance that it may not support eSIMs. To check that, go to the “Cellular” section in the settings menu. You should see a menu item that says “Add eSIM.”

eSIM compatibility on Android phone

Many mobile phone manufacturers set the operating system as Android, so there are quite a variety regarding which support eSIMs. Here is a short list of popular providers that have adopted eSIM technology:

• Google Pixel: While there are exceptions, most models in the Google Pixel series, from 2 to 8, support eSIM technology.
• Samsung: The Galaxy S20 series and newer releases are all eSIM compatible, including the S22, S23, and S24. In addition, some models in the Fold, Flip, and Note series also work with eSIMs.
• Xiaomi: Starting from Xiaomi 12T Pro and the Xiaomi 13 series all support eSIMs.

If you are unsure whether your phone supports eSIMs, go to “Settings” and hit “Connections” and, lastly, the “SIM Manager.” If you find the “Add eSIM” option, your device is compatible with eSIMs.

Factors to consider when choosing an eSIM for Europe

When choosing an eSIM for Europe, consider the following factors:

• Coverage: Ensure the eSIM works in all the countries you plan to visit to avoid connectivity issues.
• Data and Call Requirements: Select a plan that provides sufficient data and call capabilities for your needs.
• Plan Validity Period: To avoid unexpected cutoffs, choose a plan with a validity period that matches the duration of your stay.
• Price: Compare the costs of different providers to find a cost-effective option that meets your needs without compromising on quality and coverage.

This way, you can make an informed choice to maintain seamless connectivity throughout Europe with eSIMs.

How to activate an eSIM data plan

Although activating an eSIM data plan is easy, meticulously following the steps is crucial if you want to guarantee flawless connectivity. Here is a short guide:

• Purchase and Receive eSIM: Choose a provider and get an eSIM from them. You will receive a QR code via email or on the provider's app.
• Verify your device's compatibility: Though it's good to confirm, most current devices enable eSIM.
• Make sure you are online: To activate an eSIM, you should have access to the internet. So, ensure that your device is connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network.
• Scan the QR Code: Find "Add eSIM" in your phone's settings menu, and scan the QR code your eSIM provider sent. This step might differ depending on which OS you are using.

If you encounter a problem with the activation process, restart your phone and make sure your chosen plan is active.

How to figure out the mobile data you need when traveling Europe

Staying connected without spending a fortune on mobile data plans requires knowing your needs when flying throughout Europe.

First, depending on your activity, project your data use. If your main uses for data are online surfing, email checking, and map navigation, you could require a few GBs every week. On the other hand, using social media and streaming platforms for movies or live shows are usually data-intensive activities that require more data.

If you cannot accurately estimate your data usage, check your data consumption over the months. This way, you can monitor your behavior on the internet and get a plan accordingly — and leave no room for surprises.

You can check your consumption in a few different ways. For example, your router's web interface should give you helpful information regarding your internet activities. Many internet service providers and mobile carriers also offer tools to check data usage. Lastly, try built-in apps on your devices. This way, you can see your consumption of individual apps.

Tips for using an eSIM data plan efficiently in Europe

You can still enjoy your trip if you are on a budget data plan. All you need is a bit of preparation and knowing how to save data. There are various ways to do that, and here are some of them:

1. Before you travel, download the media you plan to enjoy, such as movies and music, on your device. This way, you don’t have to rely on your mobile plan for entertainment and save data.
2. Disable auto-play for videos on social media and networking apps. You can also disable auto-download media on messaging platforms.
3. If you can connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network, use that instead of spending your data. You should never rely on public Wi-Fis. However, if you must use it, secure your connection with a VPN.
4. Download offline maps to navigate without using data during your trip to Europe. This helps you find your way even without an internet connection.
5. Enable airplane mode when you are not using your mobile plan. In addition, remember to restrict data access to non-essential apps. In such cases, the amount of data spent is never significant, yet every little bit counts.

Using an eSIM data plan in Europe can significantly improve your travel experience by providing seamless connectivity without needing physical SIM cards. Even if your eSIM plan is budget-friendly, you can make the most of your eSIM cost-effectively.

More tips for maximizing your eSIM experience

While eSIMs are great companions, you can also benefit from them by exploring your options. Here are a few tips to bolster your experience:

• Utilize your eSIM's tethering capabilities to maintain a reliable internet connection for remote work. This will ensure you can attend meetings and complete tasks efficiently.
• Use your eSIM for seamless communication through VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Messenger. This way, you can make calls and send messages using the mobile data that your eSIM provides you.
• Take advantage of your eSIM's ability to manage multiple numbers on one device. This can be especially useful for separating work and personal communications without needing a second phone. You can streamline your communication channels and improve efficiency.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, eSIM technology is an excellent choice for travelers heading to Europe. It offers flexibility, security, and convenience all at once. Since they eliminate physical SIM swaps, eSIMs provide seamless connectivity across multiple countries. Therefore, using this technology will benefit you for both short trips and extended stays.

To locate the greatest match for your trip requirements, weigh coverage, data and call requirements, plan validity, and pricing in your choice of eSIM provider. Remember to follow the activation procedures precisely and confirm your device's eSIM technology compatibility for a flawless travel experience. Estimating data use and data-saving techniques can help you maximize your eSIM plan without running unnecessary expenses.

FAQ

1. Do eSIMs work across Europe?

Yes, eSIMs work across Europe, providing coverage in multiple countries and making it easy to stay connected without needing physical SIM cards.

2. Which is the best eSIM provider for Europe?

The best eSIM for Europe depends on your travel needs, including coverage, data requirements, and budget. Our pick for the best eSIM for Europe is Saily, which offers excellent coverage and speed for fair prices.