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Travel and business in Europe is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world, as it hosts international conferences and seminars, festivals and celebrations, sports events, cross-country holiday trips and the world’s best beaches. According to the World Tourism Organisation, some 800 million international tourist arrivals are recorded in Europe each year.
Related: “List Of The Best Prepaid SIM Card USA For Tourists“
Almost every traveler carries a smartphone that allows them to stay connected across territorial boundaries. Since 2023, an increasing number of people who prefer to travel around Europe are choosing eSIM for their trips. What is a digital SIM card? What operators are available in Europe? List of the best eSIM plans for Europe.
The eSIM has conquered Europe — What is MFF2?
The Embedded SIM is a cost-effective and convenient way for travellers to stay in touch while on the road. It is the new, smallest SIM card format installed in the phone’s ‘brains’, which saves space and also supports 5G.
People use eSIM when travelling because it allows them to access local networks and avoid high roaming charges. With the eSIM, travellers can purchase a local data plan and use it on their device. This means they can use their phone as a local and not have to pay exorbitant international roaming charges. In addition, the MFF2: M2M form factor is convenient in that it is digital and can be activated remotely, meaning users don’t have to worry about finding a physical SIM card or visiting a shop to activate it. In addition, this format makes it easy to switch between carriers and they don’t have to deal with physically exchanging SIM cards when moving from one country to another.
Benefits of using eSIM for Europe while traveling
- Saving Money. When travelling within Europe, physical SIM cards can incur high roaming charges that can quickly escalate. Using an eSIM, users can avoid these charges by purchasing local plans from local operators, which are often more affordable;
- Ease of obtaining. Local SIM cards can be difficult to find and activate, especially on business trips when every second counts. With the electronic version of the cards, travellers can activate their plan remotely without having to worry about visiting a shop;
- Multi-functionality. With Embedded SIM, it’s easy to switch between different operators and tariff plans, allowing you to choose the best option for your needs in each location. You’ll also be able to activate multiple plans at the same time, which can be useful for keeping in touch with both your personal SIM card and your local one while you’re travelling;
- Security of use. Standard SIM cards are vulnerable to theft or loss, which can compromise personal information and data. With e-SIM there is no physical card that can be lost or stolen and user information is securely stored on the device.
Operators and list of eSIM plans for Europe
Here is a list of popular carriers and tariffs of your best eSIM for Europe.
Truphone
Truphone offers unlimited plans in several countries, including Europe. These plans offer unlimited data, voice and text messaging, and the cost depends on the number of days you need the plan for.
Examples:
- The Plus plan includes unlimited data, voice and text in 42 European countries, as well as 10GB of data in other European countries. The plan costs $50 for 30 days;
- The Data plan offers 12GB of data in 31 European countries, additional data can be purchased. The plan costs $40 for 30 days;
- The UK & Europe plan offers 12GB of data in the UK and an additional 4GB of data in 31 European countries, additional data can be purchased. The plan costs $25 for 30 days.
Airalo
Airalo offers unlimited Europe eSIM plans. These plans come in different sizes and the cost depends on the amount of data you need.
Examples:
- The 3GB plan includes 3GB of data that can be used in 46 European countries. The plan costs $15 for 30 days;
- The 12GB plan includes 12GB of data available in 46 European countries. The plan costs $40 for 30 days;
- The 24GB plan offers 24GB which is valid in 46 European countries. The cost of the plan is $65 for 30 days;
- Unlimited plan offers unlimited data which can be used in 46 European countries. The plan costs $85 for 30 days.
GigSky
GigSky offers eSIM data plans for over 190 countries, including several European countries. They have a variety of data plans, including daily and monthly options, and their plans can be customised to suit your specific needs.
Examples:
- The 1GB plan includes 1GB of high-speed data that can be used in more than 30 European countries. The plan costs $10 for 15 days;
- The 5GB plan gives you 5GB of high speed data which you can use in more than 30 European countries. The plan costs $30 for 30 days;
- The 10GB plan gives you 10GB of high-speed data which you can use in more than 30 European countries. The plan costs $50 for 30 days.
Summary
In total, before selecting an eSIM for Europe, it is important to research the coverage and prices for the specific countries you plan to visit, as well as any data or call restrictions. It can also be useful to compare plans from several providers to find the best option for your needs. Travel with pleasure and profit!
