The Ultimate Guide to Local Prepaid SIM Cards In Europe: Unlocking Seamless Connectivity

Have You Been Thinking of Heading to Europe Soon?

If you want to avoid sky-high roaming charges and sluggish data bundles, we’ve got the lowdown on buying a prepaid SIM card in Europe, so you can relax and make the best of your journey.

Why You Need a Local SIM Card?

When you land in a new country, your first move should be grabbing a local prepaid SIM card – or even an eSIM.

The Smart Choice In Acquiring a Local SIM Card

For the most budget-friendly option in Europe, grab a SIM card in the country where your journey kicks off. Local SIM cards generally beat international ones and eSIMs in terms of cost, though there are exceptions.

Benefits of Going Local

There are a lot of benefits to buying your SIM cards locally, especially if it involves visiting a single European country. Those of you travelling to multiple countries, opt for international travel SIM cards.

In this article, however, we zoom in on local prepaid SIM cards available upon arrival in European countries.

Free EU Roaming

The good news is that EU roaming has been free within EU countries since 2017. So, using your French SIM card in Spain or your Italian one in Sweden doesn’t cost extra. Just be aware – some Eastern European tourist SIM cards may limit free EU roaming.

Where To Get a Local SIM Card?

You can buy a Europe SIM card at any international airport across the continent. However, do brace yourself for higher prices – usually 20-30% more – compared to city centre purchases.

Other Buying Options

Official retail stores usually offer the best deals. Larger gas stations, convenience stores, and supermarkets may also stock SIM cards, though you’ll need to activate them yourself.

Buying Online

If online shopping is more your style, you can order SIM cards for every European country over the internet – whether it’s an eSIM or a physical prepaid SIM card.

Country Specific Tips

We’ve got all the information for each country, so you don’t get ripped off like at Milan Malpensa airport, where prices are exceptionally high. However, if you want to buy a SIM card for Italy, proceed to the departure hall at Terminal 2, where you will find a money exchange shop that sells Italy SIM cards.

From Vienna to Athens, we’ve got you covered on where to buy, what to expect, and what the best deals for tourists are

Why Should You Opt For a Local SIM Card in Europe

Firstly, relying on uncertain WiFi is a gamble you don’t want to take while travelling. Secondly, practicalities like hailing an app-based taxi or navigating Google Maps are smoother with a local SIM. And thirdly, local SIM cards are not only the cheapest but not often come with free EU roaming.

EU Data Roaming

EU data roaming is crucial for your Euro trip. Since 2017, roaming charges within EU countries have been history. Yet, always confirm if free EU roaming is included, especially in Eastern European countries or post-Brexit UK, where not all providers offer free EU roaming.

Chosing The Right Provider

Europe boasts a plethora of mobile internet operators, each with its own prepaid plans and EU data roaming rules. Familiar names like Vodafone, Orange, 3 (Three), and T-Mobile might be present in multiple countries, but each country has its providers.

Where To Buy a Local SIM Card?

There are various places you can buy your SIM cards: Airports, official retail stores, and larger shops offer options. However, do be aware that prices at airports tend to be pricier and there can be a difference of 20-30% more – so consider buying in the city centre for better deals.

Country-Specific Recommendations For Buying a Local SIM Card

Every country has its quirks. For instance, Denmark’s SIM cards aren’t budget-friendly, while Estonia’s TELE2 offers a steal at €3.95 for 5 GB (non-EU use only). Let us check each one of them out, shall we?

Buying a Local SIM Card:

In Austria

When in Vienna, consider purchasing a SIM card at the Bipa Store for €10, offering 4 GB data, 1,000 minutes, and 1,000 SMS. Alternatively, wait until you reach the city centre for more convenience.

In Belgium

For the best European SIM card deals in Belgium, opt for Orange, which provides 4 GB data and 50 minutes across Europe for €10. At Brussels Airport, the same prepaid SIM card is available for €15.

In Croatia

T-Mobile in Croatia offers a $14 sim card with unlimited data and calling credit for 7 days. While ideal for Croatia, be cautious as it lacks free roaming in the rest of Europe.

In Denmark

SIM cards at Copenhagen Airport can be pretty expensive. Instead, order a European SIM card online for better value and flexibility.

In Estonia

You can grab the TELE2 prepaid sim card for €3.95, providing 5 GB data for 7 days (only valid in Estonia) or purchase it at Tallinn Airport.

In Finland

Despite its expense, Finland offers a budget-friendly prepaid sim card from DNA for €5, inclusive of unlimited data, calls, and texts at €0.89 per day.

In France

Buy your SIM card in France with Free Mobile’s €19.99 sim card, offering 200 GB data in France, 25 GB free roaming in Europe, and unlimited calls/texts

In Germany

Vodafone Germany presents a sim card with 15 GB of data and unlimited calling/texting across Europe for €20. Find reasonable SIM card deals throughout Germany.

In Greece

Vodafone vendors in Athens provide a Greece sim card for tourists at €12, including unlimited data in Greece and calling minutes across Europe. Be aware of EU data roaming limitations.

In Hungary

Hungary sim cards are relatively expensive, with Telenor and Vodafone offering a data-only prepaid sim card (5 GB for $12) with free EU roaming.

In Ireland

In Ireland, Vodafone is recommended, offering a €20 sim card for Europe with unlimited data.

In Italy

Italy’s €25 sim card includes 30 GB of data (15 GB for EU data roaming). Avoid overpriced SIM card deals at airports and wait until you reach the city. You can order your SIM cards from Vodafone Italy much cheaper.

In The Netherlands

Vodafone’s €34 prepaid sim card offers 10 GB data and 100 minutes valid across Europe. Alternatively, consider affordable e-sim cards online.

In Norway

Telenor’s $50 sim card in Norway provides 10 GB of data, and unlimited calls/texts across Europe, making it suitable for your travels.

In Poland

Data sim cards in Poland are cheap but lack EU roaming. Order a sim card for Europe online if Poland is your first stop.

In Portugal

NOS Portugal’s €12.50 sim card includes 10 GB of data, 1,500 minutes/texts, and free social media. Alternatively, consider an e-sim card for Portugal.

In Spain

Vodafone offers a €10 sim card in Spain with 50 GB data. Orange also provides excellent prepaid SIM card plans for tourists.

In Slovakia

Get an Orange sim card in Slovakia for €12, featuring 11 GB data and €2 calling credit with free EU roaming.

In Slovenia

Orange offers cheap local sim cards in Slovenia, like a €6.99 option with 10 GB data (3.6 GB free roaming in the EU).

In Switzerland

Switzerland is not subject to the EU Roaming regulation. Roam like at home (RLAH) In 2013 the Commission proposed to establish a single market for electronic communications within the Union and to abolish roaming charges.

With this prepaid offer, however, tourists can still enjoy free unlimited calls and mobile data usage within Switzerland. You can buy Prepaid SIM cards for Switzerland here.

In Sweden

Telenor’s $30 sim card in Sweden provides 10 GB of data and unlimited calls/texts, similar to prepaid sim cards available online.

In The United Kingdom

3 (Three’s) Prepaid SIM cards in the UK offer unlimited data, calls, and SMS for around $35, with EU roaming limitations. Consider buying online for better options.

Best Deal Around Europe

From Vienna’s Bipa Store to Athens’s street vendors, we’ve picked out the best deals in each country. France’s Free Mobile offers a standout deal of €19.99 for 200 GB data in France and 25 GB free EU roaming.

Things To Watch Out For

In the UK, Brexit has led to the end of unlimited free EU data roaming with many prepaid SIM cards. 3 – Three is your best bet for a prepaid SIM card with unlimited data, calls, and texts for around $35 USD in Europe, but there’s a fair-use policy outside the UK

So, whether you’re strolling through the streets of Paris or exploring the fjords in Norway, get yourself a local SIM card – your wallet and travel experience will thank you! Happy travel to Europe!