The Best Esims for Travel to Europe in 2024

If you frequent business travel to Europe or are planning a leisure trip to this beautiful continent, purchasing an eSIM is one of the most important things you should do. Europe, with its iconic views of Paris, delicious Italian cuisine, and exciting attractions in cities like Barcelona and Budapest, is an excellent destination for both budget trips and luxurious stays.

In this article from Sepehran’s blog, we will introduce you to various companies that offer eSIMs, tips for purchasing, and the advantages of using an eSIM for international travel.

Whether you’re planning a short business trip to a European country or a several-month vacation, having an eSIM can make your journey much simpler and more enjoyable.

Throughout your travels in Europe, one thing has always remained constant: fast and reliable internet connectivity is essential, and purchasing an eSIM is the best solution for this need.

In the article “The Best eSIMs for Traveling to Europe,” you will read about:

• What is an eSIM?
• The main difference between a SIM card and an eSIM
• Advantages of using an eSIM for international travel
• Companies that offer eSIMs
• Tips for purchasing and installing an eSIM
• Why use an eSIM in Europe?

What is an eSIM?

eSIM stands for “Embedded SIM,” which is a new technology in the world of mobile communications. Unlike traditional physical SIM cards, it is installed as a small chip in your device and does not require swapping out a physical SIM card. This technology allows for quick switching between operators without the need to change SIM cards, providing users with a better experience in international communications and line management. This small chip is an option in new phones, delivering data services to your phone through an interface software.

The Main Difference Between SIM Cards and eSIMs

The main difference between a traditional SIM card and an eSIM lies in their physical nature and usage methods. SIM cards are physically presented and must be inserted into your mobile phone for use. This means that if you travel to another country and want to use local services, you need to remove your current SIM card and purchase and install a new one. While this is cheaper than paying roaming fees, it comes with inconveniences such as the hassle of constantly changing SIM cards and the risk of losing them.

On the other hand, an eSIM is a virtual SIM card that does not require physical installation. This technology allows you to access mobile data without the need to buy a physical SIM card. With easy installation and reasonable pricing, eSIM is particularly ideal for travelers as it eliminates all the concerns related to swapping physical SIM cards. Additionally, eSIM functions the same as traditional SIM cards, with the difference being that everything is done digitally, enabling you to easily and quickly access the desired services at your destination.

Therefore, if you are looking for a fast, cost-effective, and simple way to access mobile data during your travels, eSIM is an excellent choice.

Advantages of Using eSIM for International Travel

eSIM offers an international solution. With this option, your phone automatically connects to the local network in any country you enter, eliminating the need to purchase a new eSIM each time you cross a border. Some benefits of using these eSIMs include:

• Elimination of physical SIM cards
• Increased security
• Support for multiple numbers
• Quick operator changes
• Reduced roaming costs
• Easy access to local operators

Best eSIM Providers in Europe

Below is a list of the best eSIM service providers so you can enjoy their services without worry.

The following companies are recognized for their extensive coverage across Europe:

1.Airalo

Airalo is one of the best and most affordable eSIM providers in Europe, operating in 39 countries. This operator supports 5G connectivity, and you can choose a specific plan or validity period. You can select a comprehensive plan that covers all of Europe or a more specific plan, such as coverage for Eastern or Northern Europe. Note that Airalo offers data-only plans, meaning you won’t receive a phone number for calls and SMS. However, you can use VoIP apps like Skype and WhatsApp to make calls and send messages using your data.

2. AloSIM

aloSIM is one of the best eSIM providers with extensive coverage across Europe. The company offers services in 35 European countries and provides excellent speeds, including 2G, 3G, LTE, and 5G.

Activating and using aloSIM services is very easy; you can do it in three steps:

You can purchase and set up the SIM card in just a few minutes. After that, you can install the Android or iOS app to activate your plan.

This eSIM provider offers various plans ranging from 1 to 10 gigabytes. You can pay $5 for 1 gigabyte for 7 days, $8 for 2 gigabytes for 15 days, $13 for 3 gigabytes for 30 days, $20 for 5 gigabytes for 30 days, or $37 for 10 gigabytes for 30 days.

3. Holafly

Holafly is one of the best eSIM service providers in Europe, offering unlimited data plans unlike other providers with limited data options. This company offers plans ranging from 1 to 90 days, allowing you to enjoy unlimited data as long as your plan has not expired.

If you plan to travel to Europe for an extended period, choosing an unlimited data plan is more cost-effective. This allows you to move between several European cities without data usage limits and enjoy unlimited internet access.

Holafly operates in 32 countries, including the UK, Romania, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, and more.

A positive aspect of Holafly is that users can customize their plans. You can select the exact number of days, and Holafly will bill you based on your selection. For example, 1 day costs $6, 5 days cost $21, 20 days cost $62, and 90 days cost $139. While Holafly is more expensive than some operators, the unlimited data compensates for the higher costs.

4. French Orange eSIM / Best eSIMs for Traveling to Europe

Orange, the largest telecommunications operator in France by market share, offers eSIM packages similar to its competitor Bouygues Telecom, which are active in most European countries. Users of this service can receive up to 50 gigabytes of data, a French phone number, 120 minutes of calls, and 1,000 text messages.

Orange has three holiday eSIM plans:

• 1 GB for $5.50 (no calls or texts), valid for 7 days
• 12 GB for $22 (includes 30 minutes of calls and 200 texts), valid for 14 days
• 30 GB for $44 (includes 120 minutes of calls and 1,000 texts), valid for 14 days
• 50 GB for $55 (includes 120 minutes of calls and 1,000 texts), valid for 28 days

Users can enjoy 4G, LTE speeds, and in the 50 GB plan, also benefit from 5G. This eSIM includes pre-set plans that are not customizable, offering less flexibility compared to Holafly services. Additionally, the availability of 5G is only provided in the more expensive plan. Nevertheless, the extensive network coverage of Orange and its strong call and messaging features make this service a notable option for users.

5. vodafone esim

Vodafone is one of the major eSIM providers in Europe, with services available in various countries, including Germany, the UK, and several other European nations. This British company is the second-largest mobile operator in Germany, operating with the D2-Netz network and offering strong signal coverage and high-speed internet.

Vodafone eSIM Plans
Vodafone offers various plans for using eSIM. The company provides monthly and prepaid plans for users. The starting cost for contract plans is $4 for a 7-day period with 2 GB of data. Meanwhile, prepaid plans begin at €4.99 for 1 GB for 4 weeks. These plans include access to 4G and 5G internet, as well as calls and texts without roaming charges within the EU and the UK.

Features of Vodafone eSIM
The advantages of using eSIM with Vodafone include the ease of switching between operators and using it as a second SIM card. Additionally, by purchasing Vodafone eSIM plans, users can enjoy high-speed internet and strong signals in various parts of Europe.

Vodafone Signal Coverage
Vodafone provides strong signal coverage and extensive reach in Germany and many other European countries, generally meeting the needs of users in urban areas effectively. However, compared to other leading operators like Telekom, coverage may be less robust in rural areas.

Important Factors in Choosing and Purchasing eSIM in Europe

1. Network Coverage
   The coverage of eSIM in different European countries is very important. Some providers offer regional plans for specific areas, such as Northern or Eastern Europe, which can reduce costs when traveling to a few countries. Generally, reputable telecom companies like Vodafone have broader coverage compared to data-only providers like Airalo.
2. Phone Number
   Most eSIM plans do not include a phone number, but major telecom companies like Orange and Bouygues offer plans that do. If you need calling and texting, it’s better to look for eSIMs from reputable telecom companies.
3. Data Amount
   Different eSIM plans offer varying amounts of data. If you have high data consumption, look for plans with at least 20 GB of data or more. Some providers also offer unlimited data plans, which are more suitable for longer trips or extensive usage.
4. Validity Period
   eSIM packages usually come with a time limit. The lower the data amount, the shorter the validity period of the plan. Depending on the length of your trip, choose a plan with sufficient duration and appropriate data.
5. Price
   The price of an eSIM package varies based on coverage, data amount, and validity period. Some providers offer fixed plans, while others allow direct payment, which is more suitable for uncertain travel schedules.

Considering these factors, you can choose an appropriate eSIM plan for your trip that optimizes costs while meeting your communication needs.

Frequently Asked Questions