Unlimited International Data With The 12 Best e-SIM and Prepaid SIM Cards for Europe.
Seamless Connectivity Across Europe Without Roaming Fees. Plan your adventure in Europe with the Best e-SIM and Prepaid SIM Cards.
Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a business traveller, an adventure seeker, or a social media aficionado, one common necessity binds all travellers: uninterrupted data connectivity.
Imagine the frustration of being in an unfamiliar place with no signal, no access to Google Maps, and a language barrier.
That’s where the 12 best E-SIMS and Prepaid SIM Cards for Europe come in, allowing you to stay fully connected with unlimited data across the continent.
What is it and Why You Need e-SIM & Prepaid SIM Cards:
An international eSIM is a digital alternative to physical SIM cards, providing short-term cellular plans without roaming charges.
This eliminates the need for plastic SIM cards and offers unlimited data coverage across more than 30 European countries with a single payment for up to 90 days.
How to Get Started Acquiring SIM Cards for Europe:
Setting up your eSIM is straightforward. Ensure your phone is eSIM compatible, follow the setup instructions provided by the service, and activate your eSIM. This process allows you to explore Europe without the need for a physical SIM card.
Explore Europe Without Boundaries With The Best e-SIM and Prepaid SIM Cards:
Unlimited data at your fingertips breaks down language barriers, enhancing your travel experience. Access translation apps effortlessly, making interactions with locals in cafes, markets, or streets seamless.
An international eSIM makes it easy to book culinary adventures, ensuring you savour the finest local cuisines.
The Best e-SIM and Prepaid SIM Cards For Business Travellers:
Consistent, high-speed connectivity for virtual meetings, webinars, and conferences across Europe is crucial for business travellers. Stay productive on the go, blending work and leisure seamlessly.
The Best e-SIM and Prepaid SIM Cards Adventure Seekers:
An international eSIM is more than a convenience; it’s a lifeline for off-the-beaten-track exploration. With customer support available in multiple languages, ensure you stay connected and supported wherever your journey takes you.
Pack Your eSIM, Stay Connected 24/7:
An international eSIM is your travel lifeline, allowing you to explore Europe stress-free. Break free from data limitations, capture moments effortlessly, and make your travels memorable with this constant companion for stress-free connectivity.
Here are the 12 Best E-SIM and Prepaid SIM Cards for Europe
Buying a local prepaid SIM card is the most cost-effective way to stay connected during your 2023 European journey. Check out our specific guides for purchasing local prepaid SIM cards upon arrival in various European countries or airports.
However, for those who prefer complete preparedness and immediate connectivity upon landing, ordering a SIM card online is a convenient option.
1. Bouygues – My European eSIM 30GB at $40.90
- Coverage: 47 countries
- Calls & SMS: Unlimited calls, No SMS
- Validity: 30 days
- Supports: 4G
- Phone Number: This SIM Card comes with a French (+33) phone number.
- SIM Card Expiry: 1 year
- Top-Up Option: Various options are available
- Activation: Required in France before use in other countries
Note: Only available as an e-SIM card.
2. Holiday Europe – Orange 30GB at $49.90
- Coverage: 34 countries
- Calls & SMS: Unlimited calls, unlimited SMS
- Validity: 30 days
- Supports: 4G
- Phone Number: This SIM Card comes with a French phone number. French (+33)
- SIM Card Expiry: 1 year
- Top-Up Option: Various options are available
- Activation: No activation required
Note: Available as both a physical prepaid SIM card and an e-SIM card.
3. Eurolink eSIM from Airalo 30GB at $49.90
- Coverage: 34 countries
- Calls & SMS: Unlimited calls, unlimited SMS
- Validity: 30 days
- Supports: 4G
- Phone Number: French (+33)
- SIM Card Expiry: 1 year
- Top-Up Option: Various options are available
- Activation: No activation required
Note: Available as both a physical prepaid SIM card and an e-SIM card.
4. Bouygues Telecom Travel Basic+ – 15GB at $21.90
- Coverage: All of the EU countries including the UK, Norway, and Iceland (Switzerland is NOT included)
- Calls & SMS: Unlimited calling & texting in Europe
- Validity: 15 days
- Top-up: Available
- SIM Expiry: 1 year from the date of purchase.
- Phone Number: E-SIM comes with a phone number from France (+33)
- Call & SMS: Can receive SMS and calls
- Activation: You have to activate the e-sim card within 1 year after purchase. Automatically activates the first time it connects to a supported network in Europe
Note: Only as an e-sim card.
5. Orange Holiday Europe e-SIM 30GB at $59.90
- Coverage: 34 European countries
- Calls & SMS: Unlimited calls, unlimited SMS
- Validity: 28 days
- Supports: 4G
- Phone Number: French (+33)
- SIM Card Expiry: 1 year
- Top-Up Option: Various options are available
- Activation: No activation required
Note: Available as both a physical prepaid SIM card and an e-SIM card.
6. 3 (Three) 10GB at $21.90
- Coverage: All EU countries, including the UK and Norway
- Calls & SMS: Unlimited
- Validity: 15 days
- Top-up Options: Available
- Activation: Required within 1 year
Note: Available only as an e-SIM card
7. Orange Holiday Europe e-SIM 30GB $24.90
- Coverage: All European countries,
including Switzerland, UK, Norway, Iceland and up to 30 countries outside of Europe - Calls & SMS: Unlimited calls/SMS in all of Europe
- Supports: 5G ready
- Validity: 30 days from inserting in phone
- ID Verification: NOT required
- Top-up Option: No option available
- Phone Number: SIM card comes with a UK phone number (+44)
8. Nomad eSIM for Europe From $1.25 per GB
- Coverage: All European countries
- Supports: 4G/LTE only
- Calls & SMS: DATA only SIM cards. Do not come with a phone number. Incoming/Outgoing calls are not supported
Available Data Plans:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $7 USD
- 3 GB data for 15 days = $12 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $22 USD
- 15 GB data for 30 days = $29 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $25 USD
9. O2 Go Card Prepaid SIM Cards 10GB at $24.90
- Coverage: 34 countries
- Calls & SMS: Yes Calls: 50 CZK, SMS: 50 CZK
- Validity: 30 days
- Supports: 4G
- Phone Number: Comes with a phone number from the Czech Republic (+420).
- SIM Card Expiry: Must be activated within 1 year
- Top-Up Option: Various top-up options available
- Activation: No activation is required. Activates immediately upon insertion into your device and your credit validity starts immediately.
10. Sim Options Europe e-SIM 50GB at $99.90
- Coverage: All EU countries (NOT in Iceland)
- Call & SMS: Data-only
- Validity: 60 days from being downloaded and activated
- ID Verification: NOT required
Although this e-SIM card for Europe does not support local calls, you can still use WhatsApp calls, which is used widely here. A great way to stay connected when travelling to Europe for over a month.
11. 3 (Three) SIM Card For Europe 12 GB at $59.90
If you travel to Europe often and don’t want the hassle of ordering a SIM card each time, then check out this Pre-paid SIM card
- Coverage: All of Europe including Switzerland, the UK, Norway, Iceland and even some overseas territories of EU countries
- Calls & SMS: Unlimited
- Validity: 1 year from inserting in the phone
- ID Verification/Registration: NOT required
- Top-Up Option: Not available
- Phone & SMS: Comes with a phone number from the UK (+44)
- Calls & SMS: Unlimited within Europe
12. 3 (Three) Data Pack: 10GB at $24.90
- Coverage: 56 countries
- Calls & SMS: Yes (Unlimited)
- Validity: 30 days
- Supports: 4G
- Phone Number: U.K. (+44) (This SIM Card comes with a U.K. phone number)
- SIM Card Expiry: 1 year (If you are not using your SIM Card within 1 year, your SIM Card becomes invalid.)
- Top-Up Option: Please note that THREE UK only accepts top-ups with (1) credit cards that are registered to a UK address or (2) THREE UK top-up vouchers.
- Activation: Activates immediately upon insertion of the SIM card into your device. Your credit validity starts from this moment.
13. Holiday Zen ORANGE 12GB at $29.90
- Coverage: 34 countries
- Calls & SMS: Yes (Unlimited)
- Validity: 30 days
- Supports: 4G
- Phone Number: Comes with a French phone number (+33).
- SIM Card Expiry: 1 year (If not used within 1 year, your SIM Card becomes invalid)
- Top-Up Option: Various top-up options are available.
- Activation: NOT required. It activates immediately upon insertion into your device. Your credit validity starts from this moment.)
Enjoying Free Roaming Across Europe with SIM cards
In a groundbreaking move in 2017, the European Union introduced a revolutionary initiative to eliminate roaming charges within its member countries.
This meant that individuals could use their Spanish SIM card in Italy or their German SIM card in Sweden without incurring any additional fees.
This development was nothing short of a game-changer for travellers seeking a convenient and cost-effective solution for staying connected while exploring Europe.
Upon arriving in Europe, you can acquire a local prepaid SIM card tailored for tourists, providing seamless internet connectivity across various European nations.
However, it’s essential to be aware of certain exceptions and considerations. Keep reading to navigate the nuances of European SIM card usage.
It’s important to note that some European countries, despite being geographically situated on the continent, are not part of the European Union. Consequently, roaming charges may still apply in these specific nations.
The notable exceptions include the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Norway. The ramifications of Brexit have led to the UK’s departure from the EU, introducing complications such as the absence of free EU roaming on UK prepaid SIM cards.
As a result, most prepaid and e-SIM cards purchased in the UK may no longer include complimentary EU roaming.
Exploring Local SIM Card Deals on Arrival
For travellers, securing the best SIM card deals often happens upon arrival in Europe.
Countries like France offer enticing packages, such as 150 GB of data for EUR 20, providing a cost-effective solution for data needs.
Similarly, Italy boasts affordable data bundles, making it convenient for visitors to stay connected.
While many Eastern European countries present fantastic local prepaid SIM card deals, it’s crucial to note that these may not include free EU data roaming.
Planning Your Connectivity
These insights serve as valuable tips for selecting the optimal SIM card for your 2023 European journey. If you still have questions or require further assistance, feel free to leave a comment below.
Your connectivity and communication experience while exploring Europe is a priority, and a well-chosen SIM card can significantly enhance your travel adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, there is a SIM card called the Europe SIM card (e-SIM) that offers coverage in multiple countries across Europe.
Yes, it is recommended to get a new SIM card when travelling to Europe.
Activating your Europe SIM card is easy and involves inserting the SIM card into your device and simply following the instructions provided with your purchase.
This will depend on the coverage of the specific SIM card. All of our SIM Cards offer multi-country coverage – please refer to the ‘Coverage’ section on the product details for more information.
Most of the available SIM cards provide access to high-speed 4G/LTE data. However, speeds may vary based on the local network infrastructure.
No, you will not be charged any roaming fees if you exceed your data allowance with our SIM cards for Europe. Double-check the website, to confirm the cost, just to be sure. If you run out of data, you will need to top up to continue using the services in Europe, but there won’t be any unexpected roaming fees
No, if you buy a SIM Card package that includes calls and SMS you will also get a local phone number (please check the details of the SIM Card on the product page). This means that you will be able to make cheap local calls and SMS. In case you have a Dual SIM mobile phone, you can switch between your home and travel SIM carrier.
Yes, it is possible.
It is suggested you choose a Local eSIM Plan: Once you arrive at your destination, instead of activating costly international roaming with your home carrier, purchase a local eSIM plan from a carrier in the host country. These plans often offer more data at lower prices compared to international roaming rates.
Check your Cellular Data options and turn off Data Roaming.
In the Settings app, tap Cellular or Cellular Data. If your device has a single SIM card or eSIM, turn on Cellular Data, then tap Cellular Data Options. Turn off Data Roaming.
Every SIM Card package includes a Tri-format SIM Card.
All SIM Cards work on any unlocked device. However, for specific details, do check out the product description of your chosen SIM Card.
Suggest you check the following:
- If your data roaming activated on your phone?
- Does your phone have the APN settings? (Refer to each SIM Cards’ APN setting in the manual provided)
Most of the SIM Cards offered are pure plug-and-play. Slide them in and start using your data, calls and SMS. However, we recommend to check each product individually.
No, you do not need an ID card or passport to purchase a SIM Card.
Your phone is unlocked if the operation of your device is contractually not bound to a specific carrier. In case you are under a monthly contract it could be that your provider locks the phone into its network, meaning that it will not work with another carrier.
There are two ways to check this:
1. Check Your Settings
- iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data: (If you have an option for “Cellular Data Options” then your phone is already unlocked).
- Android: Go to Settings > Mobile Networks > Network Operators: (If you’re able to see other networks then it’s likely your phone is unlocked).
2. Contact your carrier
The CDMA is a technology widely used in the United States, Russia and some parts of Asia while the GSM band is mostly used in Europe.
Some links in this article directed to the best travel SIM cards for Europe are affiliate links. If you decide to purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission. Rest assured, this comes at no extra cost to you, and it contributes to supporting the provision of helpful information to you.
