Summer is here and you may be jetting off soon for your European holiday, or already there. But between hopping around capitals, visiting quaint coastal towns or even taking a few hours to catch up on e-mails remotely, you may be wondering how to stay connected.
Roaming charges can be exorbitant and trying to rely on public Wi-Fi connections can be a risky move, so what do you do? Fortunately, eSIMs are making connectivity while travelling a breeze.
Why Should Travellers Use eSIMs?
An eSIM is like the digital version of the traditional plastic SIM card that you know and have used for years. But instead of inserting it into your phone, your mobile plan gets downloaded directly onto your device.
Essentially, it’s much quicker and more convenient since you don’t need to worry about the hassle of swapping out SIM cards at every border you get to.
Here is why you should consider using an eSIM for your next international trip:
Activated instantly: Connection happens within minutes, even while you’re still on the plane.
Ideal for multiple stops: Some providers have eSIMs that cover multiple countries in one plan so you can use the same one throughout your while journey.
No roaming costs: You can choose your plan upfront so you know exactly how much data you will get and what you will pay. No surprises at the end of your trip!
Keep your original number: You can keep your primary SIM active for phone calls and texting even while using the eSIM.
Best eSIM Providers In Europe For Travellers
So with your upcoming travels to Europe, which eSIM provider should you choose? Here are some of the best options that travellers trust.
1. Airalo
Airalo has become a popular choice for those travelling thanks to its affordability and extensive coverage across more than 39 European countries. If you choose the Eurolink plan, you can use the eSIM will travelling through multiple locations.
The Europe Regional Plans start at £3.90 for 1GB for 7 days and is great for those who need navigation and to browse social media. However, there are no options for unlimited data and video streaming can be a challenge.
2. Nomad
With Nomad, you get plenty of customisation choosing between country-specific or regional Europe plans. For solo travellers or those on a budget, it’s an affordable option with plans starting at £4.70 for 1GB and coverage for more than 30 countries.
With its flexibility, it’s a hard option to beat however customer support is limited during certain hours if you run into any issues.
3. Holafly
For those who have high data needs and don’t want to worry about usage caps, Holafly has unlimited plans for peace of mind. It covers more than 30 European countries with unlimited data starting at £16 for 5 days which would suit those working remotely or who want to stream often.
However, no hotspot or tethering is allowed and the plans are slightly pricier than others in the market.
4. SimOptions
SimOption works well for the travellers who want to browse different options on offer. It has a wide range of carriers and plans such as 10GB for £21.20 valid for 30 days.
While there is no mobile app and the setup tends to be a bit more hands-on, it is still traveller-friendly and works for those who like to stick to certain carriers.
5. Ubigi
Ubigi is a solid all-rounder that is both reliable and affordable especially if you are travelling to major cities. The top-ups are flexible and plans start at 3GB for £6.80 valid for 30 days.
You can access your plan either through the app or through a QR code. While it’s great for city use, you may experience slower speeds in outlying areas.
6. Truphone
If you plan to use your eSIM casually for messaging and the occasional browsing, Truphone gets the job done at a great price. It covers more than 30 countries and plans start at £4 for 1GB.
While its great for light usage, high-data packages are limited.
How To Choose The Right eSIM Provider
Not all eSIMs are the same so when you are considering provider options for your European trip, there are a few things to keep in mind.
The most important thing to check is the coverage and if the countries you are visiting are actually included. Another thing to look out for is the data allowance if you plan to use Google Maps frequently or want to stream often.
Depending on what your budget is, you may choose to go with a provider who charges per GB or ones that offer unlimited packages.
Lastly, you may want to be able to top-up your data without needing to buy a new plan so this is also something you’ll want to check with your provider options.
Safe travels!
