6 BEST eSIMs for Europe Travel [Unbiased 2024 Guide!]

Cazzy Magennis
Written By:
Cazzy Magennis
Last Updated:
May 22, 2024
This guide is going to detail the best eSIMs for Europe travel, including ones that offer unlimited data and calls. What will be your top choice?...
best esims for europe travel

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:

  • What an eSIM is exactly
  • The advantages of eSIMs
  • The best eSIMs for Europe travel
  • + more!

Let’s get started…

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What is an eSIM?

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.

What phones are compatible with eSIMs?

phones are compatible with eSIMs

Apple

  • iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
  • iPhone SE (2020, 2022)
  • Apple watch series 3, 4, 5 and 6
  • Apple watch SE
  • All iPads with 4G connectivity that have come out since 2018 support eSIMs:
  • iPad Pro 11″ (model A2068, from 2020)
  • iPad Pro 12.9″ (model A2069, from 2020)
  • iPad Air (model A2123, from 2019)
  • iPad (model A2198, from 2019)
  • iPad Mini (model A2124, from 2019)

Samsung

  • Galaxy S22, S22+ 5G, S22 Ultra 5G
  • Galaxy S21, S21+ 5G, S21 Ultra 5G
  • Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra
  • Galaxy Note 20, 20+, 20 Ultra
  • Galaxy Fold, Fold 2, Fold 3
  • Galaxy Z Flip, Flip 3
  • Samsung Watch (through Samsung wearable application)
  • The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G or 5G is not compatible with eSIMs

Google

  • Google Pixel 2 (only phones bought with Google Fi service), 2 XL
  • Google Pixel 3 (not including phones bought in Australia, Taiwan or Japan. Phones bought with US or Canadian carriers other than Spring and Google Fi don't work with eSIM), 3a (not including phones bought in Japan or with Verizon sersvice), 3a XL, 3 XL
  • Google Pixel 
  • Google Pixel 4, 4a, 4 XL 
  • Google Pixel 5, 51
  • Google Pixel 6, 6 plus

Other ESIM Compatible Devices

  • Huawei P40, Huawei P40 Pro, Huawei Mate 40 Pro (The Huawei P40+ is not compatible with an eSIM)
  • Oppo Find X5, X5 Pro, X3 Pro
  • Oppo Reno 5A, Reno 6 Pro 5G
  • Sony Xperia 10 IV, 10 III Lite
  • Honor Magic 4 Pro
  • Fairphone 4
  • Motorola Razr 2019
  • Nuu Mobile X5
  • Gemini PDA
  • Rakuten Mini
  • Microsoft Surface Duo

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.

Can I use my current mobile provider's international data plan? 

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.

Advantages of eSIMs when traveling Europe

Advantages of eSIMs
  1. More Affordable - Of course using roaming data is known to be expensive, however using eSIMs can also be cheaper than using traditional SIMs bought abroad. This is because you have to first buy the physical SIM card first, before then purchasing a data plan (not to mention if you get any signal issues which means you’ll have to pay extra to change again!). eSIMs are overall cheaper, especially if you travel frequently to different countries.
  2. Very Flexible - eSIMs are also extremely flexible too. As everything is stored digitally inside the phone, you can easily swap between networks as needed without having to change or buy new SIMs. It also means you can instantly switch back to your home network when abroad to catch up with friends and family whenever you feel like it.
  3. Quick and Convenient - One of the best things about having an eSIM is that you can arrive in a new country and immediately connect to the internet using local networks. No longer do you have to scour a new city for a local SIM provider, given you can just click a few buttons and be connected as if you were back home!
  4. You can keep your own number (so no need to learn a new one!) - This is really useful, since you won’t need to copy numbers over from SIMs or let everyone know your new number again. It’s pretty much the same as WhatsApp, so as you connect abroad you can continue as if nothing has changed.
  5. Full Continent Cover - The eSIMS we are recommending for European travel include Europe as a whole, so you won’t ever need to switch to another eSIM to cover another country within Europe. This again is really practical and helps save you both money and time.
  6. No Physical SIM Cards - As we’ve already mentioned, you won’t have to waste time looking for a new SIM card every time you visit a new country. It also means you won’t have to worry about losing them too, given everything is stored electronically which gives you that extra piece of mind.

BEST eSIMs for Europe travel 

1. Sim Local - Best Overall eSIM for Europe (GET 20% OFF WITH AFFSIML20)

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: 

  • Andorra
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Faroe Islands (this is good, a LOT of Europe eSIM plans, don't actually include this, I know this from using eSIMS in Faroe)
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Gibraltar
  • Greece,
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • San Marino
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland,
  • United Kingdom

Psst, want to know more about Sim Local? Check out the full review here.

GET 20% OFF WITH CODE AFFSIML20

Advantages of Sim Local eSIM for Europe

  • Get calls, texts and data when traveling abroad.
  • Data tethering allowed (you can hot spot, AN ESSENTIAL FOR ME!)
  • No usage limitation
  • 30+ countries
  • Excellent network connectivity

Disadvantages of Sim Local eSIM for Europe

  • No unlimited data plans

2. BNESIM - Best all-in-one eSIM

BNESIM

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.

BNESIM FOR TRAVEL

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!

Countries that BNESIM are present in include:

  • Andorra
  • Azores
  • Aland islands
  • Austria
  • Balearic islands
  • Belgium
  • Canary islands
  • Cyprus
  • Corfu
  • Crete
  • The Cyclades
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Faroe islands
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Gibraltar
  • Greece
  • Guernsey
  • Hungary
  • Ireland
  • Iceland
  • Italy
  • Jersey
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Madeira
  • Malta
  • Isle of Man
  • Norway
  • Netherlands
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Rhodes
  • Romania
  • Spain
  • United Kingdom
  • San Marino
  • Sardinia
  • Sicily
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Switzerland
  • Sweden
  • Vatican 

Advantages of BNESIM for Europe: 

  • No expiration on data with PAYG plans
  • Full all-in-one Europe Plan
  • No hot spot restrictions

Disadvantages of BNESIM for Europe: 

  • No unlimited data option on PAYG

3. Firsty- best eSIM app for Europe (with free data!)

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.

What countries in Europe does Firsty cover?

  • Austria
  • Belgium 
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary 
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxemburg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • UK
  • Vatican City 
  • Iceland
  • Serbia
  • Albania
  • Gibraltar
  • Turkey
  • Ireland
  • Faroe Islands
  • Macedonia

Advantages of Firsty for Europe

  • Free data: It’s free, hassle-free, and doesn’t require credit card information. So why not try it?
  • 24/7 customer support: Firsty's customer service is top-notch and supported in over 80 languages.
  • Firsty Pause: This feature lets you pause your fast data when you're not using it, so you don't waste data. For example, if you're on a cruise from Denmark to Iceland, you can pause your fast data while on the ferry and restart it when you reach land. Meanwhile, you'll still have basic connectivity thanks to Firsty Free. I recently did this trip, and this feature would have been incredibly useful. You can also pause data during hikes or remote trips to the Amazon jungle (which I highly recommend!).
  • Simple activation: Firsty's eSIM is easy to activate, making it user-friendly even for those who aren't tech-savvy

Disadvantages of Firsty for Europe

  • Not all European countries are included: While Firsty is expanding, it's still missing couple of European countries, but I I'll be honest when I say all the main countries are included.
  • No unlimited data on paid plan: This may be an issue if you're looking to do work whilst travelling

4. Maya Mobile - Best eSim for Europe with Unlimited Data

Maya Mobile

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.

Countries that Maya Mobile are present in include:

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • UK

Advantages of Maya Mobile for Europe: 

  • Unlimited hot spots
  • Unlimited data packages at a great price

Disadvantages of Maya Mobile for Europe: 

  • Device Compatibility
  • Limited Customer Support

5. Eskimo - Best eSIM App for Europe (Get 1GB FREE WITH OUR LINK!)

Eskimo Travel E-sim

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.

Eskimo Data Plans

Countries that Eskimo are present in include:

  • Austria
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic 
  • Denmark 
  • Estonia 
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Guernsey 
  • Hungary
  • Isle of Man 
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Jersey
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Montenegro
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Romania 
  • Slovakia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom 

Advantages of Eskimo for Europe: 

  • Data Transfer
  • Long-Term eSIMs of up to 2 years

Disadvantages of Eskimo for Europe: 

  • No Unlimited Data Plans

6. Holafly - Best eSIM for Europe travel with Calls!

Holafly E-sim

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.

Holafly Europe Plans

Countries that Holafly are present in include:

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Cyprus
  • Croatia
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Ireland
  • Iceland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Norway
  • Netherlands
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • United Kingdom
  • Czech Republic
  • Romania
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Ukraine

Advantages of Holafly for Europe: 

  • Ability to make Calls
  • Perfect for those who don’t plan to work as heavy when traveling 

Disadvantages of Holafly for Europe: 

  • They don’t allow Hotspotting

What Europe eSIM will you go for?

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!

Looking for more eSIM guides?

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