Imagine a world where you can seamlessly switch between different networks without the hassle of physical SIM cards or exorbitant roaming charges. With eSIM technology, you can do just that.
With around 80 other eSIM plans available from various providers, you’ll have no shortage of options. And to make your search easier, you can rely on the esimpartner.com platform, which specializes in eSIM plans and provides valuable insights through our blog.
Stay connected, stay empowered, and explore Europe with the best eSIM data plans available!
In a nutshell:
- eSIMs are embedded SIM cards in devices without physical SIM cards
- Pros of eSIMs include no physical SIM card needed, the ability to switch between carriers, and no roaming charges
- Cons of eSIMs include limited availability and compatibility issues with some devices
- Providers offering competitive eSIM options include Holafly, Orange, Airalo, and more.
What are eSIMs?
eSIMs, which stand for embedded SIMs, are a new technology that allows you to have a digital SIM card in your device without the need for a physical SIM card.
How to activate an eSIM? Activating an eSIM is a simple process that can be done through your device’s settings or by scanning a QR code provided by your service provider.
What is the advantage of using eSIMs? Pros of using eSIMs include the convenience of not needing a physical SIM card and the ability to switch between multiple carriers without changing SIM cards. eSIMs also eliminate the need for roaming charges as you can easily switch to a local data plan when traveling.
However, there are some cons to consider, such as the limited availability of eSIM plans and compatibility issues with certain devices.
Overall, eSIMs offer a convenient and flexible solution for travelers looking for a hassle-free way to stay connected.
Best Europe eSIM Data Plans
Check out the various providers offering competitive options for your data needs while traveling in Europe. Here are some top eSIM providers to consider:
1. Orange Holiday Europe
Orange is a company that sells eSims for people going on trips in Europe. They have two special plans for travelers.
Both of these plans come with everything you need: you can make as many calls and send as many texts as you want within Europe, share your internet with other devices, use it as much as you like, use it on any device, and it works in over 50 places in Europe.
Countries:
Andorra, Azores, Aland islands, Austria, Balearic islands, Belgium, Canary Islands, Cyprus, Corfu, Crete, the Cyclades, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faeroe Islands, Finland, France mainland, 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
They sell two types of these plans: Orange Holiday Europe 20 GB and Orange Holiday Europe 8 GB. All Orange Holiday Europe plans offer:
- Calls, texts, and data
- 30+ Europe destinations
- Allows data tethering
- Unlimited usage (videos, apps, etc.)
- Compatible with any device
These eSims are pre-activated for your convenience. Just wait until you reach your destination, put it into your device and it’ll automatically connect to the best local network.
Just make sure your device is unlocked and roaming data is activated. If there is any issue with the APN, they have a helpful guide to troubleshoot it.
Each eSIM comes with a French phone number and a 30-day registration period. To comply with French law, you’ll need to complete a simple Know Your Customer (KYC) process after the first 30 days.
And the best part? Depending on the top-up or recharge option you choose, your SIM can be valid for up to 6 months, and it’s renewable!
Furthermore, Orange offers exceptional customer service that can help travelers with any issues they may come across during their trip.
All in all, this makes it one of the best values currently available on the market right now for anyone traveling through Europe.
2. Holafly International Travel eSIM for Europe
This online store is very popular among tourists who visit Europe. It works in 32 countries on the continent and provides both calls and data services. You don’t need to buy SIM cards at airports, you can get the eSIM right after you buy it.
You can use Holafly to make and get calls for up to 60 minutes in Europe. If you want, you can keep your own SIM card on your phone.
Holafly offers different data packages starting from $19 for 5 days up to $99 for 90 days. There are no restrictions on the amount of data you can use. As soon as you buy it, you’ll get the virtual SIM card right away.
Before purchasing, make sure your phone is compatible. You can check the list of compatible phone models. You’ll also get an Austrian phone number (+43) for free. With this number, you can make 60 minutes of calls within Europe and receive calls from anywhere in the world.
| Price | Validity | Includes |
| $19 | 5 Days | Unlimited data with calls |
| $27 | 7 Days | Unlimited data with calls |
| $34 | 10 Days | Unlimited data with calls |
| $47 | 15 Days | Unlimited data with calls |
| $54 | 20 Days | Unlimited data with calls |
| $64 | 30 Days | Unlimited data with calls |
| $87 | 60 Days | Unlimited data with calls |
| $99 | 90 Days | Unlimited data with calls |
Get your data plan ready by scanning a quick QR code. Turn on the eSIM as soon as you land and you’ll be online right away. All the things you buy come with easy-to-follow instructions.
Countries covered by Holafly data plan:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
3. Vodafone eSim
Vodafone has pay-as-you-go eSims. They have packages named S, M, L, XL, and XXL. These packages give you data to use. The smallest package gives you 21 GB and the biggest one gives you 5G unlimited data.
You can use this data for 30 days. If your phone can’t use an eSIM, these packages can help. Vodafone will send the SIM card to you for free in 1-2 days.
You can use these SIM cards when you travel to Europe. You can also make unlimited calls and send unlimited texts to other Vodafone phones. The cost of these packages is between £10 and £40. You can choose the one you like. You can also use these SIM cards when you travel to the USA.
| Bundle | GB | Includes |
| £10 | 21 GB | Unlimited minutes Unlimited texts |
| £15 | 60 GB | Unlimited minutes Unlimited texts |
| £20 | 120 GB | Unlimited minutes Unlimited texts |
| £30 | 300 GB | Unlimited minutes Unlimited texts |
| £40 Unlimited | Unlimited 5G data | Unlimited minutes Unlimited texts |
Their Pay As You Go eSIM bundles work in 51 different locations in Europe and allow data usage without any additional charges. Click here to buy any of the data bundles.
4. Airalo
Airalo is a leading provider of eSIM data plans for Europe. They offer a wide range of data packs that cover over 200 countries and regions worldwide. With Airalo, you can conveniently purchase affordable data plans for any European country. Their standout feature is the European regional eSIM plan, which allows you to use the data in 39 countries across Europe.
Airalo provides eSIM data plans with durations ranging from 7 to 180 days. They offer various options, from 1GB to 100GB, to cater to different needs. This makes their Eurolink eSIM plan suitable for both long-term stays in Europe and short vacations.
Airalo offers transparent details about the cost of their European eSIM plans.
How much does the Airalo European eSIMs cost? Below is a full breakdown of how much the Europe eSIM data plans cost and what’s included on Airalo.
| Data | Validity | Price |
| 1 GB | 7 Days | $5 |
| 3 GB | 30 Days | $13 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $20 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $37 |
| 50 GB | 90 Days | $100 |
| 100 GB | 180 Days | $185 |
It’s important to note that the data included in these plans are valid in 39 countries throughout Europe. However, they do not offer a mid-term European data plan for 14 days.
If you’re considering an extended holiday, you might find Airalo’s 30-day plans beneficial. Nevertheless, their pricing remains competitive across the board. Airalo has been used in more than 15 countries worldwide, including their European regional plan, and it has proven to be the top choice for eSIM in Europe. The process of purchasing and installing the plan is straightforward and efficient.
5. Nomad Europe
Nomad is a reliable provider of eSIM prepaid data plans for Europe travelers. They have a two-tier system for its Europe eSIM, with options for 30 countries (Western Europe and some Eastern Europe) and 35 countries (Almost the whole of Europe).
The 35 countries variant is only slightly more expensive, providing extended coverage for a minimal price difference.
Nomad is affordable with an easy activation process and good connection speeds. However, they only offer max 30-day plans.
| Options | Validity | Price for 30 Countries | Price for 35 Countries |
| Nomad Europe eSIM for 1 GB of data | Valid for 7 days | $7 USD / €7 EUR / £6 GBP / $10 CAD | $8 USD / €7.50 EUR / £6.50 GBP / $11 CAD |
| Nomad Europe eSIM for 3 GB of data | Valid for 15 days | $12 USD / €11.50 EUR / £10 GBP / $16.50 CAD | $13 USD / €12.50 EUR / £11 GBP / $18 CAD |
| Nomad Europe eSIM for 5 GB of data | Valid for 30 days | $14 USD / €13.50 EUR / £11.50 GBP / $19.50 CAD | $15 USD / €14.50 EUR / £12.50 GBP / $20.50 CAD |
| Nomad Europe eSIM for 10 GB of data | Valid for 30 days | $18 USD / €17 EUR / £15 GBP / $24.50 CAD | $25 USD / €23.50 EUR / £20.50 GBP / $34 CAD |
| Nomad Europe eSIM for 15 GB of data | Valid for 30 days | $29 USD / €27.50 EUR / £23.50 GBP / $39.50 CAD | None |
| Nomad Europe eSIM for 20 GB of data | Valid for 30 days | $35 USD / €33 EUR / £28.50 GBP / $48 CAD | $45 USD / €42.50 EUR / £36.50 GBP / $61.50 CAD |
| Nomad Europe eSIM for 30 GB of data | Valid for 30 days | None | $70 USD / €65.50 EUR / £57 GBP / $95.50 CAD |
| Nomad Europe eSIM for 40 GB of data | Valid for 30 days | None | $90 USD / €84.50 EUR / £73 GBP / $122.50 CAD |
Here are the Runners-up for Top eSIM for Europe:
6. SimOptions
SimOptions is a renowned provider in the realm of eSIM data plans, highly favored by globetrotters for its extensive variety of offerings.
They cater to both short-term and long-term connectivity needs with a spectrum of plans, some of which include unlimited data.
The beauty of SimOptions lies in its flexibility, allowing travelers to tailor their plans according to their individual requirements.
Their ‘Pay As You Go’ feature is particularly appealing, enabling users to pay exclusively for the data they consume. SimOptions eSIMs are compatible with a majority of unlocked smartphones and boast an instant activation feature.
7. Lycamobile
Lycamobile stands out as a provider offering a diverse array of eSIM data plans, making it an ideal choice for travelers.
Their plans span from as little as 1GB to unlimited data, with additional features for international calling and texting. These plans are valid for a period of 30 days and come with an auto-renewal option.
Lycamobile eSIMs are compatible with a wide range of smartphones and can be activated instantly, ensuring seamless connectivity.
8. GiffGaff
GiffGaff, a provider based in the UK, offers an impressive range of eSIM data plans. Their offerings range from 2GB to an ‘Always On’ data plan, which includes unlimited minutes and texts within the UK.
The ‘Always On’ data plan provides 80GB of data at full speed, after which the speed is reduced to ensure fair usage.
GiffGaff eSIMs are compatible with most smartphones and can be activated instantly, providing immediate connectivity.
9. Three UK – Pay As You Go SIM
Three UK provides a variety of eSIM data plans, with options for unlimited data, minutes, and texts. These plans are valid for a period of 30 days and come with an auto-renewal feature.
This ensures continuous connectivity without the need for manual renewals. Three UK eSIMs are compatible with most smartphones and can be activated instantly, providing immediate access to data services.
10. GigSky
GigSky is a global provider that offers a range of eSIM data plans. Their plans range from 1GB to 5GB, with options for 1 day to 30 days validity.
This flexibility allows travelers to choose a plan that best suits their data needs and travel duration.
GigSky eSIMs are compatible with most smartphones and can be activated instantly, ensuring seamless connectivity from the moment you land.
11. KeepGo
KeepGo offers a unique Lifetime Plan with no monthly payments and data that never expires. It works with any phone, tablet, laptop, router, or GPS device, even with locked phones.
They offer eSIM for unlocked eSIM-enabled devices and SIM cards for unlocked devices with a spare SIM slot.
They also offer a Mobile WiFi Hotspot for locked devices or devices without a SIM slot. Your device should just be able to connect by WiFi. This makes KeepGo a versatile and flexible option for travelers.
12. KnowRoaming
KnowRoaming offers eSIMs that provide unrestricted global connectivity. They offer data plans that adapt to your lifestyle with customizable eSIM data plans.
They have plans for North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and globally. The prices range from $3.85 for 1GB for 7 days in the USA to $90 for 40GB for 30 days in the Bahamas.
The eSIM is compatible with all unlocked eSIM-compatible devices. This makes KnowRoaming a flexible and convenient option for travelers looking for global connectivity.
Advantages of eSIMs
There are numerous benefits of using eSIM technology while traveling. With eSIMs, you can say goodbye to the hassle of physical SIM cards and the high costs of international roaming.
eSIMs work by allowing you to download a digital SIM card onto your device, eliminating the need for a physical card. This means you can easily switch between different carriers without needing to change your physical SIM card.
Additionally, eSIMs offer the convenience of activating and managing your data plans directly from your device, giving you more control over your connectivity.
Whether you’re a digital nomad or a frequent traveler, eSIM technology provides a seamless and cost-effective solution for staying connected while exploring Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I activate an eSIM on my device?
To activate an eSIM on your device, go to your device’s settings and look for the eSIM option. Follow the prompts to scan the QR code provided by your eSIM provider. If you encounter any issues, try restarting your device or contacting your provider for troubleshooting tips.
Can I use an eSIM plan on multiple devices simultaneously?
Yes, you can use an eSIM plan on multiple devices simultaneously. This is particularly useful for international travel. When choosing the best eSIM plan for multiple devices, consider factors like data allowance, coverage, and validity period.
Are there any limitations or restrictions to using eSIMs in certain European countries?
When it comes to using eSIMs in Europe, you may encounter potential compatibility issues in certain countries. Additionally, eSIM availability and support can vary across different regions. Stay informed and prepared to unleash the power of eSIM technology on your travels.
Can I switch between different eSIM plans or providers while traveling in Europe?
Yes, you can switch between different eSIM plans or providers while traveling in Europe. eSIM technology is compatible with different devices, allowing you to easily switch and activate new plans or providers as needed for better coverage or data options.
Are there any additional fees or charges associated with using eSIMs for data in Europe?
There are no hidden costs associated with using eSIMs for data in Europe. However, it’s important to note that alternatives to eSIMs include physical SIM cards, which may have roaming charges and limitations in terms of coverage.
