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How to make calls in Europe using an eSIM
If you're heading off to Europe, don't forget to stay in touch with your loved ones! Learn how to make calls in Europe using eSIM
July 10, 2024
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When we go on a trip, we’re always worried about staying connected and getting all the information we need, right? Fortunately, we’ve got some cool tech advances, and they’re called eSIM. This virtual SIM card will be our lifesaver! eSIM isn’t just about data; it’s got our backs for making phone calls all over Europe too.
With eSIM, we can say goodbye to costly options like roaming in Europe or pocket WiFi on this continent. In this post, we’ll explore how to make the most of eSIM’s perks to enjoy smooth phone connectivity and stay in touch with our loved ones across Europe.
What is an eSIM with international calls?
If you don’t know them yet, eSIMs are the virtual migration of traditional SIM cards or chips. The main difference you will notice is that you don’t need to insert a SIM card into your device to have a phone number for calls.
These eSIMs are integrated into our phones, so we only need a QR code to activate them. You will receive these when you purchase an eSIM and a plan or service with carriers that support the technology.
Knowing this, you should imagine that you can call with an eSIM in the same way as with a traditional SIM. You will have two options: use minutes for analog calls or use mobile data to call through applications such as WhatsApp, Telegram, or similar.
How to get an eSIM with calls to Europe
Of course, to make calls, we first need an eSIM. As we told you before, you need minutes or data to call; those will also be our options for buying an eSIM.
The first option is to look for an eSIM with an international calling plan. Mainly, local operators offer this plan type, although you should know it is difficult for tourists to buy these. If you are a tourist, you will probably want to make voice calls home; these will count as international calls and will have an additional cost due to the local carrier roaming fee.
The second option is to call using an eSIM with data. These will not be analog calls; instead, we will use apps like WhatsApp or Skype to make calls. It is easier for tourists to buy eSIM with data plans. Holafly is an online store that offers these packages worldwide. You must remember that to call using data, you and the person you are contacting must have the same App installed to talk.
Again, if your eSIM’s main use is to keep calling internationally, we recommend using it with data. If it is mostly for calling local numbers, using an eSIM with calls is better.
How to call Europe using an eSIM plan with calls
When we have an eSIM that includes minutes for calls, we can quickly dial the people we want to contact. However, it is advisable to verify with our operator the number of minutes on our plan and whether the call we want to make does not count as an international call to avoid incurring higher expenses.
To help you, we will explain simply how to call landlines and mobile phones.
Calling Europe landlines with eSIM
Making calls to landline numbers in Europe with your eSIM is a breeze and will keep you connected to your peeps all over the continent. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to dial a landline number in Europe:
- Get the international access code: Each European country has its own. We will list some country codes in the section below. For example, the one for France is +33
- Dial the international code: This is the first number you will enter when calling. So, if you’re calling a landline number in France, just type “+33” on your phone’s keypad.
- Add cell phone number: After the country code, we simply add the landline number. The number of digits varies between countries. For example, in Italy, there are 10 numbers.
- Hit the call button: Finally, when you have dialed the correct numbers, you simply press the call button, which is usually a phone icon.
To make it easier to understand, we leave you a practical example. If we want to call a landline in Italy, it would be similar to this:
Country code: +39 for Italy.
Italian landline number: 10 digits of the landline number.
Example: +39 049 9871731.
Voice calls to mobile phone number
Aside from calling landline numbers, you might want to call mobile numbers while cruising around Europe with your eSIM. Don’t worry, the steps are similar. What varies a little is the amount of numbers you must dial. Follow this quick guide to make all the calls you wish to:
- Know the international dialing code: For Italy, it’s “+39,” and for Germany, it’s “+49.”
- Dial the international code: If you call Italy, you dial “+39.”
- Enter the full cellphone number: The number of digits in the phone numbers also varies by country. Make sure you dial them all correctly. In France, there are 9 total numbers.
- Hit the call button: We suggest you confirm all numbers before initiating and then press the call button.
Here is also a practical example when we want to call a mobile number in France:
Country code: +33 for France.
French telephone number: 9 digits of the phone number.
Example: +33 6 12 34 56 78.
Country code in Europe
When you make calls in Europe with your eSIM, don’t forget about those area codes, right? As we have already discussed, each country has its own code, and you will need it for any type of call. Below is a list of codes for some popular destinations.
- Spain: +34
- France: +33
- Italy: +39
- Germany: +49
- United Kingdom: +44
- Greece: +30
- Portugal: +351
- The Netherlands: +31
- Switzerland: +41
- Austria: +43
- Belgium: +32
- Cyprus: +357
- Romania: +40
- Ukraine: +380
- Iceland: +354
- Ireland: +353
- Hungary: +36
- Slovakia: +421
- Sweden: +46
- Poland: +48
When using your eSIM in Europe, add the right area code and the phone number you want to call. This will ensure your call hits the correct spot in the destination country. You can easily look up other country codes in search engines.
>Learn how to make phone calls from Spain with an eSIM<
How to call Europe using an eSIM with unlimited data
In this case, we will use VoIP applications to make calls. Some of the most common are WhatsApp, Telegram, or Skype, but you can use any other that is comfortable for you. Of course, you can also make video calls through these Apps.
In the same way, we leave you a helpful step-by-step guide to be able to communicate with whoever you want:
- Download one of your favorite instant messaging applications
- Register or log in to the application with your user or phone number
- Add the contacts you want to call
- Within the application, select the contact you want to call
- Press the call button; it usually has a phone symbol, and that’s it!
It is important that both you and the person you want to call have the same VoIP Application. Beyond this one limitation, it is much easier for travelers to keep making international calls with data than to look for a local eSIM with analog calls.
Remember that if you use Holafly’s international eSIM, you don’t need to do all these steps since you will have your WhatsApp account to communicate efficiently.
Where can I buy an international eSIM with unlimited data?
Online stores are the most accessible places for travelers to buy these international eSIMs. One of the most used among tourists is Holafly, which has an eSIM for Europe with unlimited data.
It is important to note that these eSIMs do not include phone numbers or analog calls. We will be using the unlimited data to call through Apps.
Since these eSIMs have unlimited data, you won’t have to worry about how long you call for. As long as your plan is active, you can use any VoIP application as much as you want to communicate with your friends, family, or anyone else!
In addition to the unlimited packages, Holafly’s eSIMs for Europe have other benefits, such as:
- 24/7 customer support.
- 4G/LTE/5G coverage in 32 destinations across the continent.
- Share data up to 500 MB per day.
- Apps to buy, install, and manage eSIM on Android and iOS.
- The website is available in multiple languages.
- Easy to purchase for travelers through various payment methods and channels.
Holafly’s eSIM for Europe travel is your ultimate peace of mind! With unlimited data, say goodbye to data worries. You can use all your favorite apps, access information, make long-distance calls, and share your epic travel stories without any limits holding you back.
How much does an international eSIM cost?
Holafly offers excellent flexibility in your plan. You can customize the days you want to use your eSIM, from a minimum of one day to a maximum of 90 days.
Prices range from $6 to $139. If you decide to use the eSIM for a longer time after choosing a top-up, you can also use it to extend your plan. Note that you can also download the Holafly mobile app and, from there, select other data plans if you travel frequently.
Holafly eSIM coverage for Europe
One of the most significant advantages of eSIM for Europe is that you can travel around the continent without changing your data plan to call. With this single eSIM, you can have coverage in several destinations. We leave you all countries within the coverage area below:
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.
FAQ about international calling card
eSIM compatibility varies with phone models and brands. Most modern phones do support eSIM, but you better check your device’s specs or ask your carrier to confirm if it’s eSIM-friendly.
Getting your hands on an eSIM is easy! Your mobile operator’s got you covered. Stop by their store or contact them to request an eSIM. You can also get an eSIM online from a virtual operator or international service provider.
Well, it all depends on the plan and operator you go with. We suggest you shop around and compare offers from different operators to find the perfect plan that suits both your needs and budget.
If you want to make calls through VoIP applications such as WhatsApp, if you need data and internet connection. On the other hand, if your eSIM has an international calling plan, you can call without data; you just need to be within the coverage area.
