BEST ESIM FOR EUROPE TRAVEL | COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO EUROPEAN PREPAID ESIM DATA PLANS

 

With more than 40 countries to visit, Europe is a continent where you will not get bored easily. There is so much to learn, from culture and history to the most famous touristic places around the world. The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum in France, the Colosseum in Italy, Acropolis of Athens in Greece, are some of the most popular locations. If you are going there, it is important to organize your trip in other to enjoy it as much as possible.

Part of this organization is to plan how you will stay connected during the trip. One option could be to use the roaming services from your local mobile provider. However, we all know that they can be pretty much expensive. It has a reason though. Your local carrier has to pay providers abroad so you can roam like at home.

IS MOBILE DATA ESSENTIAL FOR EUROPEAN TRAVEL?

Certainly, it is essential to have mobile data on your phone while traveling in Europe. While free Wi-Fi hotspots can be found occasionally, the availability is not as reliable as one might expect (based on personal experience).

Modern European living heavily relies on high-speed mobile data for various aspects. Digital train tickets, the reliability of Google Maps, digital sporting event tickets, restaurant menus accessible through QR codes, Uber and rideshare apps requiring data, certain restaurants preferring mobile payments, and accessing real-time public transportation information—all these aspects depend on a stable mobile data connection. The necessity for mobile data extends to various facets of daily life in Europe.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO USE YOUR MOBILE PROVIDER'S INTERNATIONAL DATA PLAN?

Mobile providers in the US, Canada, and Australia commonly offer international data plans, either at an additional cost or as a part of the service. However, these plans often come with significant drawbacks:

1. Costly: Expect to shell out $10 to $20 per day for these plans.
2. Slow Speeds: Users are frequently downgraded to 2G/3G speeds, making basic web browsing a slow and frustrating experience. Many apps, including essential ones like Google Maps, may not function properly.
3. Data Caps: While these plans might start with standard 4G/LTE speeds, reaching 1-2GB of data usage can result in a downgrade to nearly unusable 3G/2G speeds.
4. Auto Enrollment: Some plans automatically enroll users in international data plans as soon as their phones attempt to access data, often without explicit consent.

For instance, AT&T offers the International Day Pass at $10/day and the AT&T Passport plan, priced at either $70/month for 2 GB of data or $140/month for 6 GB, with a steep overage charge of $30 per GB. Verizon also provides a $10/day pass but reduces speeds to 3G after 2GB each day.

While some T-Mobile customers enjoy "free" unlimited international data, speeds drop to 2G after using 5GB of data, limiting functionality. Paying more for better speeds incurs additional charges.

 

These international data plans can be up to 5 times more expensive than purchasing a prepaid eSIM data plan from third-party providers. For instance, eSIM plans from Orange or Holafly typically cost around $2 to $4 per day. Opting for a European mobile data plan from a third-party provider is a more cost-effective alternative.

One of the best options to avoid spending much money is to purchase an eSIM. They are affordable and easy to use, so you can save some money on communications services, and spend it on experiences in Europe.

 

WHAT IS AN ESIM?

an eSIM serves as a digital iteration of the conventional physical SIM card. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card to switch your mobile provider, you can seamlessly connect to a new mobile data service provider through an app.

This proves highly advantageous for international travel, eliminating the need to search for a new SIM card each time you change countries. Activating the eSIM service allows you to go online within seconds.

Many modern phones come equipped with dual SIM capabilities, enabling you to use both your physical domestic SIM card and the eSIM concurrently. This flexibility allows you to effortlessly switch between your mobile data providers.

In some cases, certain phones are exclusively designed with eSIM functionality. For example, the USA versions of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 (as well as subsequent generations) no longer include a traditional SIM card slot but do support dual eSIM functionality.

 

IMMEDIATE DISPATCH (ZERO SHIPPING COSTS)

With eSIM cards being entirely digital, there are no shipping fees associated with pre-purchasing a European data plan prior to your arrival in Europe. For instance, by opting for a plan from providers like UPeSIM, SimOptions or Holafly, you will receive a QR code or activation link via email to promptly activate the service.

 

DUAL ESIMS ENABLE SIMULTANEOUS USAGE OF TWO DATA PLANS

An added advantage of utilizing an eSIM is the seamless transition between your domestic plan (via the physical SIM) and your travel plan (via the eSIM). Some phones even support up to 5 eSIM data plans on a single device, though this may be more than necessary for most users.

Another significant perk of having dual SIM cards is that various services, such as two-factor authentication or fraud alerts from your bank, can send text messages. Without the physical SIM card from your home plan installed, these messages may not be received.

NO NEED TO REMOVE YOUR EXISTING SIM CARD

Eliminating the physical SIM card entails some inconvenience. You must employ a small tool to eject the SIM from the phone (which is easily misplaced). Additionally, removing your phone case is necessary, and you must carefully manage your original SIM card to prevent loss or damage, as it will be required for reinstallation to restore your service.

 

WHICH IPHONES SUPPORT ESIM CARDS?

Not every iPhone possesses built-in eSIM compatibility, but virtually all iPhones manufactured since 2019 should be eSIM compatible, featuring Dual SIM capability with both a physical SIM and an eSIM.

UPDATE [2023]: All iPhone 14 & 15 models (and newer) sold in the UNITED STATES exclusively support eSIM, eliminating the physical SIM Card slot. However, iPhones sold outside the US continue to maintain dual SIM functionality with both a physical SIM and an eSIM.

 

eSIM-Compatible iPhones:

(The base iPhone X and any older models lack eSIM compatibility)

• iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, running at least iOS 12.2 
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 Mini & iPhone SE 2020
• iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Mini
• iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone SE, etc.
• iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 15, and iPhone 15 Plus

 

WHICH ANDROID PHONES SUPPORT ESIM CARDS?

Once again, nearly every Android device sold since 2020 is eSIM compatible.

eSIM-Compatible Android Phones:

• Samsung Galaxy Fold & Galaxy Fold 2 / Galaxy Z Flip & Z Flip 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra / Galaxy Note 20
• Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, S21+ 5G, S21 Ultra 5G to S23 (all FE versions are without eSIM)
• Google Pixel 3, Pixel 3XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4XL, Pixel 4a (4G), Pixel 5 (5G), Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Pixel 8
• Huawei P40 and P40 Pro & Mate 40 Pro

 

UPESIM EUROPE ESIM: START AT 2,99 EUROS

If you are traveling on a tight budget, UPeSIM can be your best ally. For Europe, we offer only data eSIM with enough data to get the most of your trip and not worry about your roaming bill while travelling. You can check your email, navigate maps, receive instant messages and stay in touch with your beloved ones at home. It is easy to purchase our Europe eSIM from UPeSIM apps our website. Just go to our website/apps, find your destination, select the eSIM you need and then make the payment. The services and validity start at activation. In the case of Europe, you will be able to enjoy the services for 30 days and you can always purchase a second eSIM if you run out of data during your trip.

 

Let’s see the details of this eSIM for Europe:

Europe eSIM (Coverage in 27 countries (excluding Poland)

• Topup available with the UPeSIM app

     

• iPhone App : https://apps.apple.com/app/upesim-esim-mobile-internet/id1548434253
• Android App : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ogloba.ew.mysim.android

Data	Validity	Price
1GB	7 days	2,99€
5GB	30 days	14,99€
10GB	30 days	25,99€
20GB	30 days	39,99€

 

UPeSIM also offers country specific eSIMs for Europe, you can see all the European eSIMs .

 

DO EUROPEAN ESIM PLANS INCLUDE A EUROPEAN PHONE NUMBER?

While certain European prepaid eSIM plans provide a European phone number, it's essential to note that many prepaid eSIM plans are primarily focused on data services. Although having a European phone number may not be a necessity, it can prove beneficial for contacting restaurants, hotels, or Airbnb hosts. Moreover, communication through platforms like WhatsApp, which relies solely on a data connection, is commonly used in such scenarios.

 

WHAT IS THE OPTIMAL MOBILE DATA ALLOTMENT FOR EUROPEAN TRAVEL?

Research indicates that the average American consumes approximately 5-7GB of mobile data per week, though individual usage rates may differ.

For heavy users, exceeding 15GB/week is conceivable, but maintaining a mobile data usage level within the range of 2-3GB/week is quite achievable by practicing restrained web browsing, minimizing social media engagement, and limiting app usage. Additionally, reserving data-intensive activities for Wi-Fi connectivity can further contribute to efficient data management during your travels in Europe.

 

HOW TO INITIATE AN ESIM DATA PLAN

Activating an eSIM is a straightforward process.

 

STEP ONE: ACQUIRE YOUR DATA PLAN

It is strongly recommended to obtain your eSIM before departure, as access to data or Wi-Fi is required to complete the setup.

 

STEP TWO: CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR THE QR CODE

Upon completing your purchase, an email containing a QR code will be sent to you by the seller.

Ensure you are in front of your computer to scan the QR code from your screen.

 

STEP THREE: INSTALL THE CARRIER'S ESIM APP

The QR code will guide you to download the carrier's eSIM app. Simply follow the instructions provided in the email.

 

STEP FOUR: COMPLETE SERVICE ACTIVATION UPON ARRIVAL IN EUROPE

Conclude the activation procedure. Your phone is expected to connect automatically to the local data network, with full activation potentially taking a few minutes.

 

PURCHASING AN ESIM IN EUROPE

The advantage of eSIM plans lies in their complete digital nature, allowing you to make online purchases anytime, anywhere.

While each European country hosts its own local mobile carriers, the availability of carrier-specific eSIM data plans is not yet ubiquitous across the continent. Consequently, not every mobile carrier offers these options, leading to a limited selection or absence of eSIMs in certain retailers.

Moreover, a significant number of European carriers primarily provide "postpaid" eSIM plans, making them less suitable for short-term visitors and tourists. This is why I suggest considering one of the previously mentioned eSIM plans in this article.

 

WHICH EUROPEAN COUNTRIES ACCEPT ESIM?

Although not all mobile carriers in Europe offer eSIM mobile plans, carriers in every European country are compatible with eSIM technology. Consequently, your phone will automatically connect to a provider, regardless of the specific eSIM plan you are using.

In essence, your eSIM data plan is functional across all of Europe.

 

UNLOCKED PHONE REQUIRED

It's essential to verify that your phone is unlocked before attempting to install either a SIM card or eSIM. Several American mobile carriers utilize software to "lock" their smartphones to their network, preventing the phone from functioning with a SIM card from another company.

To unlock your phone, contact your mobile carrier and request an unlock due to your upcoming international travel plans. Depending on the carrier's policies, you may need to visit a store to complete the unlocking process.

 

ADDITIONAL ADVICE FOR UTILIZING AN ESIM DATA PLAN IN EUROPE

 

CONSERVE DATA USAGE FOR WIFI CONNECTIONS

It's remarkably easy to unintentionally exhaust a substantial amount of data, particularly when using data-intensive apps like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. Therefore, it is highly advisable to reserve heavy data usage for times when you are connected to Wi-Fi.

 

UTILIZE AIRPLANE MODE AND RESTRICT DATA ACCESS TO SPECIFIC APPS

Enabling Airplane Mode on my phone is a practical approach as it disables all data (while GPS remains functional). Alternatively, you can navigate to the settings and selectively disable data access for each individual app.

 

DOWNLOAD MAPS FOR OFFLINE USE

Google Maps allows you to download entire city maps for offline use. Additionally, since GPS doesn't consume data, offline Google Maps operates effectively, though some features may be limited. A comprehensive explanation can be found in this helpful YouTube video.

 

INSTALL WHATSAPP

WhatsApp is an excellent application for free calling and text messages. I've observed that many Europeans rely exclusively on WhatsApp for communication, including numerous Airbnb hosts.

 

UPESIM EUROPE ESIMS FAQS

 

Can I use the Europe eSIM from UPeSIM on any smartphone?

No. You need to have a compatible smartphone. On their website they specify the compatible devices. Some of them are: iPhone XR, XS, 11, 12, 13, Google Pixel series 3 - 6 and Pro, Samsung Fold, Z Flip, S Series (not FE), and Motorola RAZR.

 

Can I find more offers from UPeSIM?

Yes. The best thing about UPeSIM is the wide variety of options that they provide. There are eSIMs for Asia, Europe, America, Africa, Oceania, Middle-East and more.

 

Why should I get a Europe eSIM instead of a SIM card?

Our Europe eSIMs are easy to purchase and activate. You can purchase it directly from our website or from our apps (play store and apps store). You will also receive the Europe eSIM directly after purchasing it.

Our Europe eSIMs allow can be activated before or as soon as you land in Europe without any hassle.

Europe eSIM (Coverage in 27 countries (excluding Poland)

• Topup available with the UPeSIM app

     

• iPhone App : https://apps.apple.com/app/upesim-esim-mobile-internet/id1548434253
• Android App : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ogloba.ew.mysim.android

Data	Validity	Price
1GB	7 days	2,99€
5GB	30 days	14,99€
10GB	30 days	25,99€
20GB	30 days	39,99€

 

UPeSIM also offers country specific eSIMs for Europe, you can see all the European eSIMs .