Complete Guide: Best Europe eSIM Providers | 2022

Traveling to Europe soon and want to ditch the physical SIM card? Look no further than our guide to the best eSIM providers in Europe!

eSIMs are becoming more and more popular, but with so many Europe eSIM providers to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is the best. This guide will help you find the best Europe eSIM provider.

We’ll look at what to consider when choosing an eSIM provider for Europe, and then we’ll recommend our top picks for European travel.

So whether you’re looking for the best eSIM for Europe or just need a basic plan, we have you covered.

Quick Overview Top Europe eSIM Providers

Are you looking for a quick answer? Here are the three top eSIM providers for European travel.

1. Airalo: Perfect for travelers looking for short-term and long-term options. (My pick)
2. Holafly: Great options, including unlimited data plans.
3. Nomad: Offers a variety of country and global plans.

Before we dive deeper, if you’re new to eSIM, let’s see what an eSIM is.

What Is An eSIM?

eSIM is a type of SIM card that is embedded in your device. You don’t need a physical SIM card in Europe, which makes it more convenient for people who travel frequently.

eSIMs are also becoming more common in smartphones, so if you’re looking to buy a new phone, eSIM might be an option for you.

There’s a catch! eSIMs are not yet universally supported.

So before you switch to an eSIM, make sure your device is compatible.

Read our guide to learn more about the main differences between SIM cards and eSIM.

Which Devices Are Compatible With eSIM?

eSIM is currently supported on a few devices, including:

• Apple iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 12, 13, and newer models.
• Google Pixel 3, 4, 5, 6, and newer models.
• Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, and newer models.
• Huawei P40, and newer models.

To verify if your device is compatible with eSIM, go to Settings and locate your International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI). This will tell you if your device supports eSIM.

Here’s how to do it add an eSIM on a Pixel device:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Go to Network and Internet
3. Go to SIMS
4. Click on Add more
5. Choose Download a SIM instead.
6. Click on next.
7. Scan the QR code.
8. Name the eSIM.
9. Pick the eSIM to provide data.
10. Make sure the roaming is on.

How To Choose The Best Europe eSIM Provider?

Now that we know what an eSIM is, let’s look at how to choose the best eSIM provider for Europe.

There are a few factors to consider when choosing an eSIM provider, including:

• Coverage: Make sure the eSIM provider has good coverage in the countries you travel to.
• Data: How much data do you need? You’ll need a plan with more data if you’re a heavy user or if you need the Internet to work.
• Speed: Not all eSIM providers offer the same speeds. If you need fast speed, make sure to choose a provider that offers them.
• Price: eSIM plans can vary in price, so consider your budget when choosing a provider.

Where To Buy An European eSIM?

eSIMs can be bought from a variety of places, including:

• eSIM providers: Many eSIM providers sell eSIMs directly from their websites. This is the most convenient option, as you can activate your eSIM immediately.
• Carriers: If you’re already using a carrier, you may be able to buy an eSIM from them. It’s worth checking if your current carrier has its own eSIM plans.

So, how do you pick an eSIM provider in Europe?

Let us help! We’ll review the best eSIM for European travels below.

Airalo

Airalo is the most popular eSIM store and offers eSIMs in 190+ countries at affordable prices.

I’ve been using Airalo for a while now, and you can read our complete Airalo review to learn more about this eSIM provider. Airalo offers local, regional, and global plans.

If you’re traveling in Europe, you might be interested in the Airalo Eurolink plan.

Here’s how Airalo works:

1. Create an account on Airalo.
2. Download the app or use the desktop version.
3. Choose the European plan.
4. Install your eSIM.
5. Activate your eSIM.

Go to Airalo

Airalo eSIM Eurolink Plan

Airalo offers the regional plan Eurolink that includes coverage in 39 European countries.

Here’s an overview of the options available in Europe:

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $5
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $13
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $20
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $37
• 50 GB, valid for 90 days for $100
• 100 GB, valid for 180 days for $185

Pros And Cons Of Using Airalo To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of Airalo.

Pros:

• Coverage in 190+ countries.
• Short-term and long-term plans available.
• Affordable prices.
• Offers local, regional, and global plans.
• The customer support is excellent and fast.

Cons:

• No unlimited data plans available.
• I had a few issues in the past, but customer support always fixed the issues quickly.

Airalo Offer

Get $3 off on your first purchase on Airalo by using my referral code: MELISS2943

Holafly

Holafly is an eSIM provider with eSIM plans for more than 130 destinations. They offer local and regional plans, including Europe.

I tried Holafly in Europe in the past, so you can read our complete Holafly review to learn more.

Here’s how Holafly Europe works:

1. Pick the European plan.
2. You’ll receive an email with your eSIM.
3. Scan the QR code to activate your eSIM.

Go to Holafly

Holafly eSIM Europe Plan

Holafly has great European plans that work in 32 countries. It’s interesting because they come with unlimited data.

Here’s an overview of the plans available in Europe:

• Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for EUR 19
• Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for EUR 34
• Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for EUR 47
• Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for EUR 57
• Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for EUR 69
• Unlimited data, valid for 60 days for EUR 87
• Unlimited data, valid for 90 days for EUR 99

Pros And Cons Of Using Holafly To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of Holafly.

Pros:

• eSIMs are delivered via email immediately.
• Plans available for more than 130 countries.
• Supports both short-term and long-term plans.
• Offers lots of options with unlimited data.

Cons:

• Depending on the destination, it can be more expensive than Airalo, but you get unlimited data plans, which is excellent if you are a heavy user. However, some users reported that the speed could vary. This could mean you’ll get high speed first, and eventually, you’ll get a slower speed if you use too much data.
• The Holafly team is relatively small, so the support could take longer to get back to you. According to the tests we did on esimroamers.com, Holafly was the slowest to reply.
• You can’t set up a hotspot with unlimited data plans.

Holafly Offer

Get 5% off on your first order on Holafly with my referral code ABROKENBACKPACK.

Nomad

Nomad offers data plans in 100+ countries. They also have local, regional and global plans, including a European eSIM plan.

I’ve tried Nomad in Thailand, and it worked well. Although, it’s not my favorite because they only have short-term plans (up to 30 days). Because I’m a long-term traveler, this is an issue, but for most travelers, it might be fine!

Here’s how Nomad eSIM works:

1. Pick a data plan.
2. Install the eSIM by scanning the QR code.
3. Activate your plan.

Go to Nomad

Nomad eSIM Europe Plan

Nomad also offers plans in Europe. Their plan offers coverage in 35 European countries.

Here’s an overview of the plans available:

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $9
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $17
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $18
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $26

Pros And Cons Of Using Nomad To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of Nomad.

Pros:

• Plans available in 100+ countries.
• Regional and global plans available.
• The website is very modern.

Cons:

• All the reviews on the website are 5-star, which I find hard to believe. Nothing is perfect in this world.
• Short-term plans only (up to 30 days).

Nomad Offer

There are no offers at the moment.

SimOptions

SimOptions offers prepaid traditional SIM cards, and eSIM plans. They have plans everywhere around the world, including regional plans like Europe.

How SimOptions works:

1. Purchase a plan.
2. Scan the QR code to install your eSIM.

Go to SimsOptions

SimOptions eSIM Europe Plan

SimOptions offers plans from different carriers, including O2 and Orange.

Here’s an overview of the plans available:

• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $17.90
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $24.90
• 15 GB, valid for 14 days for $29.90
• 30 GB, valid for 14 days for $49.90

Pros And Cons Of Using SimOptions To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of SimOptions.

Pros:

• Prepaid traditional SIM cards and eSIM plans available.
• Offers eSIM plans from different carriers, so you have more options to choose from.

Cons:

• The website is a bit more old-school but still very easy to use.

SimsOptions Offer

There are no offers at the moment.

BNESIM

BNESIM is an eSIM provider that was founded in 2017. They offer plans in 200+ countries.

You’ll also find other options like international phone numbers, unlimited data packages, and monthly subscriptions.

To learn more, you can read our complete BNESIM review.

Here’s how BNESIM works:

1. Pick a plan.
2. Pay for your plan by entering your credit card information and email.
3. Install your eSIM by scanning the QR code.
4. If you’re using an Android, you’ll need to set up the APN. You’ll get all the information to set it up under the QR code.

Go to BNESIM

BNESIM eSIM Europe Plan

BNESIM offers a European plan that includes coverage in 30 European countries.

Here’s an overview of the options available in Europe:

• 1 GB, no expiration for $3.77
• 3 GB, no expiration for $10.98
• 5 GB, no expiration for $17.73
• 10 GB, no expiration for $33.95

Pros And Cons Of Using BNESIM To Buy ESIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of using BNESIM.

Pros:

• Coverage in 200+ countries.
• Plans without expirations are available.
• Discounts on monthly data plans.
• Offers local and regional plans.

Cons:

• The website is a bit simple, and not the most user-friendly one. For example, it can get overwhelming when looking at the options because of the way plans are presented. Update: they are working on a new version, so we’re looking forward to seeing it!

BNESIM Offer

Get a EUR 4 discount on your first purchase over EUR 10 with my BNESIM promo code: MELISSA4OFF.

Benefits Of Using A European eSIM

European eSIMs offer many benefits, which is excellent news if you’re a frequent traveler.

Here are the main reasons why I love using eSIM during my travels:

• You get data as soon as you arrive.
• You can activate your eSIM immediately.
• You can keep your usual phone number and use eSIM to get data.
• You don’t need to remove your SIM card or find a store to purchase one during your travels.
• You can top up easily and quickly.

Final Thoughts On Europe eSIM Providers

There are many European eSIM providers out there, but not all of them offer the same coverage.

I’ve used Airalo, Holafly, BNESIM, and Nomad, and I can say that they’re all excellent eSIM providers with great European plans.

If you’re looking for the best eSIM provider for European travel, I highly recommend Airalo or Nomad. They offer great plans at reasonable prices, and their coverage is excellent.

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