Top 6 Best eSIM for Europe in 2024
Find out which is the best eSIM for Europe by getting to know the options of Holafly, MTX Connect, TravelSIM, Ubigi, Bouygues, and Maya mobile.
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The only way to find the best eSIM for Europe in 2024 is to closely examine your own needs and expectations from your eSIM plans. Before making a choice, ask yourself:
- Do you need unlimited data, or are you OK with limitations?
- Do you plan on visiting several European countries or only one?
- Will you be content with a data-only eSIM that you can use for Google Maps, messages, apps, WhatsApp, and similar services but no SMS or call options?
- What’s your budget?
Choosing an eSIM for Europe to make your European adventure more enjoyable is an excellent idea for all those who don’t want to deal with another physical SIM card. This is especially important when visiting multiple countries on their Europe trip.
Many eSIM providers today offer European eSIM cards with seamless connectivity, so let’s examine their offerings and choose the best eSIM for Europe according to your specific needs.
✈️Highlights
- eSIM or Virtual SIM cards are much cheaper than roaming in Europe.
- Not all cell phones are eSIM compatible.
- Top eSIM providers compared: Holafly, MTX Connect, aloSIM, Ubigi, Bouygues, and Maya mobile.
Which Is the Best eSIM for Europe?
Identifying the best eSIM for Europe depends on many factors, including the price and the eSIM data plans. Before everything else, check whether you have a phone that supports eSIM. Also, the best eSIM providers should offer the best customer support. You don’t want to travel through European countries with nobody to help you if anything goes wrong with your data only eSIM.
On the topic of data usage, it’s essential to find an eSIM for Europe travel that offers generous data usage options. Wi-Fi isn’t available everywhere in European countries, and you need it for a comfortable experience.
If you want to travel worry-free, watch videos, snap and send photos, and upload your content without counting your MBps along the way, Holafly is the best for you. Holafly unlimited eSIM data plan allows you to use Uber, make video calls, send videos to your friends, and relax after a long day of exploring by sitting back and watching your favorite Netflix show — all that without even thinking about your data usage.
However, if you don’t mind being limited with data packages and you know precisely how much you use per day or week, there are other options. So, let’s look into the features of our top 6 best eSIMs for Europe.
We will discuss stores like Holafly, Ubigi, MTX Connect, aloSIM, Bouygues, and Maya Mobile. With any of these, you can be connected to the internet for everything you want to do on your Europe travel.
eSIM features | Holafly | MTX Connect | aloSIM | Ubigi | Bouygues | Maya Mobile |
Do they charge for the eSIM? | No❌ | Yes✅ | No❌ | No❌ | No❌ | No❌ |
Voice Calls | No❌ | No❌ | No❌ | No❌ | No❌ | No❌ |
Top-Up | Yes*✅(The eSIM for Europe has unlimited data, so you don’t need to Top-Up) | Yes✅ | Yes✅ | Yes✅ | No❌ | Yes✅ |
App | Yes✅ | Yes✅ | Yes✅ | Yes✅ | No❌ | Yes✅ |
Unlimited data | Yes✅ | Yes*✅ | Yes✅ | No❌ | No❌ | Yes✅(At 1Mbps) |
1. Holafly – Unlimited data eSIM with custom days
👉Outstanding feature: Offers unlimited data and data sharing in Europe starting at $6.00.
Pros of Holafly Europe eSIM
- Share up to 1 GB of mobile data per day.
- Choose only the number of days you need your eSIM with personalized plans.
- You can manage your eSIM from an iOS and Android compatible App.
- You can extend your plan.
- 3G/4G/LTE/5G coverage in over 32 countries with a single eSIM or use an eSIM at any time, as with the Swiss eSIM.
Cons of Holafly eSIM for Europe
- You cannot send SMS with these eSIMs.
- Cannot transfer eSIM from one phone to another.
- Some carriers may reserve the right to apply a Fair Usage Policy.
Holafly is an online eSIM provider that offers travelers a fast and secure option to purchase virtual SIM cards to more than 190 destinations around the world, including many countries in Europe. Holafly strives to be the best eSIM provider, so they cooperate with the best operators in different countries.
Purchasing a Holafly eSIM card takes seconds. You just choose your destination and the number of days you want your eSIM card to last, then complete the payment process.
You’ll get your QR code instantly, and you can download your eSIM card right away. However, you don’t want to activate it until you reach one of the European countries you want to visit.
Some of the additional features offered by Holafly are:
- Different payment methods such as PayPal, G Pay, Apple Pay, bank cards, and more.
- Data packages vary from 6 to 139 USD and last from 1 to 90 days.
- Access to 1 GB of data sharing.
- No limit on how many eSIM Europe users can get.
- 24/7 customer service is available for all Holafly customers.
Holafly eSIM for Europe coverage
The Holafly eSIM has coverage in more than 32 countries of the continent for data:
- Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, and Ukraine.
In addition, Holafly offers individual packages for each destination if you prefer that option. An example of this is the eSIM for Italy, Portugal’s digital SIM card for tourists, Greece’s eSIM card, and more. They all have no data usage limit.
Viewing the technical specs of your eSIM card will allow you to check the countries where you will have coverage. Along with the purchase, you will also receive a quick installation guide. If you have any questions, you can use the reliable customer support service, available 24/7 and in several languages.
Holafly eSIM App
The mobile app makes managing your eSIM card and data plans easy. You can also find the download, installation, and activation guides and contact customer support wherever you are.
On the other hand, if you buy a Europe eSIM card that does not have unlimited eSIM data plan, you can also top-up your data plans from there!
The best thing about this app is that it does not collect data and is available on iOS and Android.
You should also read about Holafly super-flexible refund policy. It’s essential to know at least the basics of it before you make a purchase. Additionally, some destinations like Israel eSIM prepaid include a customization feature.
Holafly Customer Support
This is probably one of the best things about Holafly—the customer support team. Users appreciate responsive 24/7 live chat, multilingual support, and efficient problem resolution. Overall, Holafly’s customer service is knowledgeable and accessible, particularly for its live chat option and comprehensive FAQ section, making its eSIM cards an even more reliable choice.
2. MTX Connect
👉Outstanding feature: Offers pay-as-you-go eSIM options.
Pros of MTX Connect eSIM
- You have several payment methods, including AliPay and PayPal.
- You can buy a SIM card when your phone is incompatible with eSIM
- App available on iOS and Android
Cons of MTX Connect eSIM
- Strict refund policy; please confirm compatibility before purchasing.
- Unlimited traffic plans available only as 24-hour options.
- Unlimited plans actually have data limits for continuous video streaming.
- Limited Europe eSIM regional plan options
MTX Connect founded in 2019, has become an alternative for travelers who want an eSIM data plan for their European adventure. They offer different eSIMs for Europe. You can buy your MTX SIM card or eSIM card through their website, but you must create an account first.
However, you must have some credit on the account before you can make a payment. With MTX Connect, you can pay by credit card, AliPay, or PayPal.
Currently, MTX Connect has different data plans for Europe. These are some of the options available on their site:
- 7-day plan for 7 EUR with 2GB of mobile data.
- 30-day plan for 30 EUR with 10GB of mobile data.
They also have pay-as-you-go and daily plans, with which you will be charged every 24 hours.
Keep in mind the following:
- MTX listed prices do not include any taxes and fees
- EU residents are charged the VAT rate prevalent in their country of residence.
- Unlimited Daily Max plans are not suitable for uploading, downloading, or streaming uninterrupted continuous video
One of the most significant disadvantages of the MTX Connect eSIM is that if your cell phone is not eSIM compatible, and you thought it was when you purchased your eSIM, they will not refund your money. So, if you plan to buy an eSIM with this provider, first check if your cell phone supports eSIM.
MTX Connect App
As Holafly, MTX Connect also has an App to manage your eSIMs and Mobile data plans. It is available in iOS and Android and collects some data.
3. aloSIM
👉Outstanding feature: You get a Hushed privacy number you can use for registration codes.
Pros of aloSIM eSIM
- A Hushed number can’t be used for calls or SMS, but you can receive registration codes.
- There’s an aloSIM shared account option.
- You can also install Apps for iOS and Android.
Cons of aloSIM eSIM
- Many aloSIM reviews report complicated installation process
- No unlimited data plans
- Limited data plan options
One of the interesting aloSIM features is that they offer packages that fit somewhere between regional and single-country packages. For example, they provide Scandinavian countries or Mediterranean countries as packages. Both of these cover less than entire Europe, but more than just Italy or Norway.
aloSIM has various payment methods, such as credit cards, PayPal, G Pay, and Apple Pay. You can even earn some aloCASH to use for future purchases.
For Europe, aloSIM has 5 data plans available. Their packages last from 7 to 30 days, and the data allowance goes from 1GB to 10GB. European eSIM plans cover 34 countries, and you have to pick a preferred mobile carrier when changing countries so that you can use your data roaming allowance freely.
aloSIM Customer Support
AloSIM’s customer service starts with the Support tab on its homepage, which features categorized FAQs and a search bar. An AI chatbot handles your questions initially, but live support is available if you ask.
The site claims 24/7 live chat service and in-app customer support. There’s no contact number or contact form on the aloSIM website, and you’d have to go through their chatbot first.
aloSIM Refund Policy
One downside of aloSIM is that its refund policy is not easily available on its website. It does have Terms of Sale, and it says it doesn’t accept refunds, cancellations, or exchanges, which needs to be taken into consideration when buying a Europe eSIM data plan.
4. Ubigi
👉Outstanding feature: 12-month packages with some European eSIM.
Pros of Ubigi eSIM
- It offers single-use and auto-renewal plans.
- You can buy data packages from their website or App on iOS and Android.
- Its eSIMs are compatible with Android, Apple, and Windows devices.
Cons of Ubigi eSIM
- No unlimited data plan options are available.
- You cannot make calls or send SMS because it does not include a phone number.
- You cannot transfer the eSIM between devices.
Ubigi is another viable option. It stands out for having a cellphone application that allows users to purchase plans and check data usage, among other things.
This company is based in Paris and offers eSIM plans locally, regionally, and internationally. So you can quickly get plans that work for all of Europe. Its app is also available on iOS and Android. It collects more data than the other eSIM providers.
Ubigi has different European data plans, and these are some of the available Europe eSIM options for your trip.
Ubigi eSIM for Europe coverage
The Ubigi Europe Extended plan has coverage in the following countries: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guernsey, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Israel, Italy, Jersey, Jordan, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Réunion, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
Ubigi Customer Service
The Ubigi website has an FAQ section and a Troubleshooting option for self-help. It also offers tutorials and ticket support.
Ubigi Refund Policy
Ubigi doesn’t grant refunds if you have already scanned your QR code. The only case in which a refund is possible is if you can prove there are technical issues to activate Services. In that case, the refund is available starting from the occurrence of the problem. You can’t replace or transfer Ubigi data plans, either. If you plan on requesting a refund, you must do it within 14 business days of your purchase.
5. Bouygues
👉Outstanding feature: Fast purchase process through their website.
Pros of Bouygues eSIM
- You can choose the number of days and data in a personalized way.
- Delivery time is between 5-15 minutes after purchase.
- No extra fees when purchasing the eSIM.
Cons of Bouygues eSIM
- Only one data package is available for customers.
- It is an eSIM for data only and includes no phone number.
- Not many payment methods are available for use.
- Even eSIMs can be out of stock
Bouygues Telecom is another eSIM option Europe travels and it used to be one of the local mobile carriers offering only physical SIM cards. Bouygues is the newest option on this list and includes fewer features than the rest. In recent years, they added eSIM technology to their offer, so now you can buy both physical SIM cards or eSIMs if you have an eSIM compatible phone. They have my European aSIM cards that come in two options:
- My European eSIM – 60 GB – 30 days – 41.90 EUR
- My European eSIM – 30 GB – 30 days – 39.90 EUR
There’s no app to download so that you can buy your data plan through their website.
Bouygues eSIM Europe Coverage
Bouygues’ website says it offers coverage in 52 European countries. However, when you examine its list of countries closer, you can see that some are not really separate countries. Places like Sicily or Sardinia are areas in Italy, and Crete is an integral part of Greece. Actually, there are 52 places, but closer to 30 countries:
- Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Vatican City.
Bouygues Customer Support
You can contact Bouygues in several ways. You can email them, call the number listed on the website, or open a ticket with their support directly on the website.
6. Maya Mobile
👉Outstanding feature: You can activate the auto-renew eSIM with coverage in the UK and Europe.
Pros of Maya mobile eSIM
- You can combine different plan lengths with different data packages.
- You can share data; only a portion will be at high speed.
- Automatically configured with your phone’s APN.
Cons of Maya Mobile eSIM
- It can only be activated on one device
- You must indicate the activation date at checkout.
- High-speed data is reduced, and then you have to surf at 1Mbps.
Maya Mobile. Source: Trustpilot
This US-based alternative specializes in virtual SIM card services to 190 destinations worldwide, including the old continent with its Europe+ eSIM. In some countries, they even offer 100Mbps speeds, although this varies between regions.
You can check the coverage maps on their website to make sure.
Maya Mobile has a mobile App for iOS and Android from which you can purchase the eSIM. You can also use their website and register your account with your name, a valid email address, and a secret password.
After that, you can browse their store and see all available plans.
If we review Maya Mobile’s eSIM plans for Europe, we will find several options to choose from. These are some of the data packs they offer:
- Days: 5, 10, 15, or 30 days.
- Mobile Data: 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB, and 40 GB
- Price: From $6 to $59 for the unlimited eSIM data plan for 30 days.
- Unlimited eSIM data plan is available with some plans*.
Maya Mobile eSIM for Europe coverage
Once you have purchased and installed one of these plans with the eSIM, you can have coverage in at least thirty European countries. Some of these destinations are:
- Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Denmark, Latvia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Sweden, France, Malta, UK, Switzerland.
Maya Mobile Customer Support
You’ll find the Help tab on the main menu. It directs you to a page where you can submit requests for technical support and billing issues. There’s also the Knowledge Base if you want to know more.
If these two options do not cover your inquiry, your first point of contact is a chat feature. However, it’s quite basic and operated by a ChatBot. If you need to speak with a support team member, you can type “agent” at any time, but you must provide your email address to proceed.
Maya Refund Policy
Maya Mobile offers a 100% refund only if your data plan doesn’t work or you can’t install it on your device. This only applies to plans with no data usage. Prepaid eSIM plans using more than 10% of the data allowance or Unlimited eSIM plans consuming over 1 GB are considered successfully activated and are non-refundable.
Why Should I Get an eSIM for Europe?
Yes, acquiring and using an eSIM with data plans on your trips is the best alternative to having an internet connection and data access. You cannot rely on having WiFi accessibility at all times and in all places on your travels. On the other hand, it is essential that you can access your apps like ridesharing, booking apps, Google Maps, virtual tour apps, and messaging apps at all times.
eSIMs or Virtual SIM cards tend to be much cheaper options than roaming in Europe. Also, they are a more convenient solution than having an extra device like Pocket WiFi for Europe.
If you also consider alternatives such as physical SIM cards for Europe, remember that eSIMs are an evolution of SIM cards. If you compare eSIMs vs SIM cards, you will notice that virtual SIM cards offer more accessibility for travelers in Europe and other destinations.
They do not require physical installation. They can be purchased online before your trip or once you are in Europe and installed in minutes.
As you can see, the virtual SIM card has significant advantages over other alternatives; some others are:
- You can buy online and receive them immediately by mail without waiting for international shipments.
- They are ideal for travelers thanks to their flexibility. From home and before traveling, you will already have a data plan for your destination.
- eSIMs are quick and easy to activate without physical installation. You will not lose or remove the SIM card you use at home.
eSIM for Europe travel
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Best eSIM plans for Europe: Which one to choose?
It is very convenient to have an eSIM with Europe-wide coverage so that you don’t have to change service every time you move from one country to another. You may not be sure which one to choose among all the providers. You have to consider the amount of data they offer, the cost, the coverage throughout the continent, and the accessibility for tourists to buy them.
For this reason, we leave you the following answers that will help you make a choice.
Which one offers more mobile data?
Holafly offers unlimited data through its European eSIM. The data packages, which vary from 1 to 90 days, include data sharing up to 1 GB daily. As for prices, the Holafly eSIM for Europe varies from $6 to $139.
Other providers, such as Ubigi and Bouygues, offer an acceptable amount of mobile data, but it’s not unlimited.
MTX Connect also offers a daily plan with unlimited data, but it could be expensive if you travel for more than one day since they will charge you around 10 USD daily.
Which one offers data sharing?
One of the main features people look for in an eSIM is data sharing. Holafly offers data sharing for up to 1 GB per day, and other companies like Maya Mobile and Ubigi also allow data sharing.
Which operators support eSIM in Europe?
Different operators around Europe support eSIM. Some of these are Orange, Vodafone, Movistar, Tim, Magyar Telekom, Three, O2, A1, Telenor, and many others.
Depending on where people are traveling, they will come across different eSIM-supported providers.
Frequently asked questions about the best eSIMs for Europe.
This phone model is compatible with eSIM technology so that you can install service from any provider with prepaid plans. Holafly has excellent travel eSIM plans for European tourists that you can use with your iPhone 11.
eSIMs purchased internationally will always use local networks of operators working in Europe so that usage policies may apply. This depends on the provider and the destination. For example, Holafly estimates the usage of more than 90GB of data in a month, so it may temporarily reduce the speed to between 256-1024KB. This limitation allows for network stability and will be removed within 24 hours.
To make and receive international calls, the eSIM must have an associated phone number. However, you can make international calls through apps such as WhatsApp.
It will depend on the eSIM providers with which you purchased your eSIM. Some eSIM providers, such as Ubigi, offer mobile data plans for Europe with coverage in the UK but don’t offer much mobile data.
Yes, you can use an international eSIM in the UK while traveling there. Holafly offers an eSIM for the UK with Unlimited data from $6 to $139.
Holafly is currently the best eSIM provider in Europe with unlimited data plans. You can choose an unlimited data plan from one day to 90 days.