SIM Card Guides

Which is The Best SIM Card For Europe in 2024?

We'll explain everything you need to know before you buy your Prepaid data SIM card for Europe, including prices, where to buy it, and more.

August 14, 2024

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There is a way to connect to the internet and use your cell phone in Europe while staying within your travel budget. Introducing: the data SIM card, a way to get superfast mobile internet in Europe and forget about roaming charges.

More good news! You have options. You can choose to buy your prepaid data SIM card for Europe from five local operators.

To help you choose the best SIM card for Europe based on your needs, budget, and preferences, we’re walking you through:

The best European SIM cards
The process of buying a SIM card in Europe
How much is a SIM card in Europe

Plus, we’ll introduce you to the virtual, plastic-free counterpart of the traditional SIM card—the embedded SIM, called an eSIM card. eSIMs are the epitome of affordable and provide lightning-fast mobile data for travelers. More on that later!

Now, back to SIM cards. These are the most popular SIM card carriers in Europe.

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In this article

What are the best SIM cards for Europe?

There is no definitive answer to this question. For example, the best European SIM card for a tourist in Italy, might not even be available for someone visiting Germany. On top of country-specific availability, you have to consider factors such as providers’ data plans, costs, connection speed, and coverage.

Let’s have a look at the most popular network carriers, what their local SIM card offers look like, and how much is a SIM card in Europe.

Lebara: good for Germany-only SIM cards

Lebara operates in five European countries, including the UK, Netherlands, Germany, France, and Denmark. If you’re visiting one of these countries, Lebara is a good option to consider.

Source: Financial Times

In Germany, for example, Lebara offers a pay-as-you-go SIM card (Germany-limited) that can be topped off with prepaid plans, such as:

HELLO! 1+ 4 at $5.5 USD for 5GB
HELLO! 7 + 7 at $11 for 14 GB
HELLO! 15 + 7 AT $16 for 22 GB

Please note that unless you opt for a monthly subscription, your SIM will only work in the country you bought it from. So, if you’re visiting different countries during your stay, this might not be the best European SIM card for you.

Orange: best SIM card to order online

Orange, a leading global mobile network provider, operates in eight European countries, including Belgium, Spain, France, and Luxembourg.

Source: The Fast Mode

Orange features the following SIM data packages for tourists:

Orange Holiday Europe with 30 GB: 14-day validity, unlimited calls within Europe, 120 international minutes, 1,000 international text messages for $43.5
Orange Holiday Europe with 12 GB: 14-day validity, unlimited calls within Europe, 30 international minutes, 200 international text messages for $22
Orange Holiday Europe with 1 GB: 7-day validity, data-only plan (no minutes and text messages included) for $5.5

These plans allow data tethering, can be used on any device, and are valid in more than 30 destinations on the continent.

You will need to register your SIM within a 30-day period after your purchase. For this, you will need a valid photo ID.

If you want to skip this step, you can buy a Holafly eSIM instead. With Holafly, completing the purchase is simple and no additional verification is required—making it an easier and faster option for many traveling to Europe.

Vodafone: best for multi-country European tours

Vodafone is available in the following European countries: Albania, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

Source: Vodafone Group

In each country it operates, Vodafone offers different SIM card packages. For example, Vodafone UK features multiple international SIM card plans dedicated to tourists:

30-day SIM-only plans starting at $33.5 for 3GB
Pay-as-you-go SIM plans offering free SIM cards and top-up bundles starting at $13 for 27GB
30-day data-only SIMs starting at $22 for 4GB

Vodafone is undoubtedly a multi-country option. However, if you only visit a single destination, like Greece, Holafly is a good alternative that includes unlimited data and easy purchases for Greek eSIM and many other destinations.

Three UK: best SIM card for trips starting in the UK

The pay-as-you-go SIM card from Three works in the UK and over 40 other countries and territories in Europe.

Source: Silicon

The Three SIM offers the following one-month data packs for travelers in Europe:

Unlimited data for $45
150 GB for $26
75 GB for $20
10 GB for $13

All four plans come with unlimited messages and minutes within the UK. To save on international calls, you can purchase an add-on for 100 minutes at $8. A pay-as-you-go SIM card is also available.

No contract is required to purchase these SIM Cards for Europe.

Bouygues Telecom: best SIM card for French adventures

Bouygues Telecom’s prepaid SIM cards are one of the top choices for people visiting France.

Source: Foursquare

The Bouygues SIM card is valid for 30 days, has coverage in all of Europe, and can be delivered globally. Plans include:

My European SIM Basic: valid for 15 days, 15GB of data, costs $21.50
My European SIM Basic+: valid for 15 days, 20GB of data, costs $24
My European SIM 30GB: valid for 30 days, 30GB of data, costs $43.50
My European SIM 60GB: valid for 30 days, 60GB of data, costs $45.50

The SIM registration and activation process requires a valid email address. SIM top-ups are only available within France.

There are plenty of options to choose from! Whichever SIM carrier you go with, consider the countries on your itinerary as well as your data needs before making a decision. Once you’ve identified the best SIM card for Europe based on your needs, you can look up where to buy it. Here are three places where you can purchase your European SIM card.

Where to buy a data SIM card for Europe?

You can buy your data SIM before your trip or as soon as you arrive in Europe. If you go for the latter, don’t forget to pack your SIM ejector tool so you can make the switch hassle-free.

Source: Unsplash

Important note: When you buy a phone through a carrier contract, it might be locked to the carrier’s network and can only be used with their service. Before you travel to Europe with your iPhone or Android phone, ensure your device is not SIM-locked and can be used with another carrier service. If you’re all good and your phone is not locked, here are the purchasing options you have.

Buy your SIM card for Europe from online stores

Many think that online stores are the most convenient way to find and buy the best SIM cards for Europe. If you’re a plan-everything-ahead type of person, you’ll be happy to know you can get your European SIM card online, way before you take off to another continent. You can cross this item off your Europe packing list and get closer to the moment you zip up your bags and get luggage off your mind.

If you do decide to buy your SIM card from an online store, you’ll most probably purchase from international suppliers rather than local mobile carriers, like Orange, Vodafone, or Lebara. This means you’ll most likely have to pay for the SIM card delivery and wait for the item to be delivered—not what you want if you’re a last-minute traveler!

Buy your SIM card for Europe from an airport

You’ve got your European Travel Permit (ETIAS), passport, and plane tickets. You double-check your packing list to make sure you’re not forgetting anything before you catch your flight to Europe. You were so sure you’d got everything packet until it hit you mid-air: the SIM card!

Don’t worry about it. You have the option to buy your local SIM card at the airport, either during a layover or upon arrival in Europe. You’ll find different mobile carrier stores from all around Europe in most airports.

Keep your passport or any other valid photo ID on hand. You’ll need it to register your SIM—be it in the store or via a video call with Customer Service. Please note though, some countries in Europe request proof of address/residence for SIM registration.

Buy your SIM card for Europe from physical stores

There’s always the option of buying a SIM card in Europe from a physical store. If you’d rather hurry to your accommodation upon arrival, then the SIM purchase can wait.

After you settle in and your European adventure officially starts, you can explore your surroundings, and locate a mobile carrier store. Some countries sell travel SIM cards at tobacco shops. Just remember you won’t have data to access Google Maps along the way!

Make sure you take a print copy of a Europe travel guide with you—preferably one with a map and a few common phrases—so you don’t get lost on the streets or in translation.

Physical stores from carriers like Vodafone, Three, Orange, and TIM (plus others) are available in most cities around Europe. All of them offer different data plans, features, and perks to help travelers like you stay connected while exploring the world.

Before buying the best European SIM card, make sure you check the documents you’ll need for its activation in the country you’re visiting.

Is there a SIM card for the whole of Europe?

The Orange, Vodafone, and Bouygues Telecom SIMs offer extensive coverage in multiple European countries, some with no additional roaming charges. Others, like the Three SIM, require additional purchases to be used in more than one location across Europe. Also, operators like Lebara offer international coverage only with monthly plans.

So, all SIMs can technically be used across Europe. The issue is hidden fees that may lurk at border crossings. So beware and read the fine print of every SIM contract!

To ensure you give yourself time and space to read terms and conditions, compare pricing plans, and evaluate which SIM offers the best value for your money, we recommend you purchase it before your travels. Here’s why.

Pros of buying a European SIM card before traveling

Having a new SIM card upon arrival simplifies your first day of vacation in Europe. It allows you to:

Connect to the internet the moment you land: you can activate your international SIM card upon landing, perfect if you need to book a cab or message a friend or family member.
Save time: rather than having to go hunting for local SIM shops in Europe, buying before you go lets you start exploring straight away.
No communication problems: kudos to you if you’ve been racking up the points on Duolingo, but unless you’re fluent in the local language, it might be hard to buy a SIM card from a local store in Europe.

But, it’s not all roses! You’ll have to plan a couple of weeks in advance to ensure your SIM delivery makes it in time before your departure. In addition to the SIM cost, you’ll also pay for delivery. And, don’t forget, you’ll need to register and activate your SIM card within a set timeframe or else it can get deactivated, which makes it unusable.

We wouldn’t call these cons, but rather inconveniences. The extra steps of buying a SIM card in Europe are enough to make some tourists consider other European SIM alternatives.

Using eSIM as an alternative to a European SIM card

Not even the best SIM card for Europe can compete with an eSIM—especially when it comes to installation logistics. The eSIM card is all virtual, which means you don’t need to switch phone numbers or physical SIM cards, wait for a delivery, or carry a SIM ejection tool when traveling.

Pro tip: Use video and voice calling apps to make calls in Europe using an eSIM, and avoid any extra charge by your mobile carrier.

With an eSIM, you don’t need to worry about changing your WhatsApp number. Your SIM card stays in your mobile phone and will work just as before. The difference an eSIM makes is that it provides mobile data without incurring data roaming fees from your SIM carrier.

Convenience aside, eSIMs are also generally more affordable than a physical SIM card. This means you get access to high-speed mobile data with 4G LTE and 5G faster and at a lower cost.

Holafly gives people access to affordable Europe eSIM data packages, which start at $6 per day for unlimited data. If you need more, some data packages last up to 90 days and cost $139. And yes, these come with unlimited data, too! Plus, all plans include 1 GB daily to share data with other devices.

Unlimited data eSIM for Europe with data sharing. Source: Holafly.

Keep in mind you need access to an eSIM-compatible device. If your cell phone is on the list, you may be wondering which eSIM to choose for your vacation in Europe. Wonder no more, and read on instead!

Best eSIMs for Europe

Below you’ll find a (mini) European eSIM buying guide that explores the plans and pricing of popular providers. Here are the four eSIM alternatives to the best SIM card for Europe.

Holafly: great value for unlimited data plans for trips of up to 90 days

With Holafly you get unlimited data and access to high-speed mobile internet in Europe, fully customizable data plans, and immediate delivery (to your email inbox). The only thing required is an email address so you can receive the QR code and activate your eSIM!

Holafly’s eSIM gets you unrestricted access to data at a constant 4G speed no matter which country in Europe you visit. This reason alone secures Holafly a spot among the best eSIMs for Europe. Add to that 24/7 customer support in more than five languages and 100% optional top-up features.

The more days you include in your plan, the cheaper the rates. For example, if you buy a Europe eSIM for 20 days, your total will be $62.00. This means you pay as little as $3 per day for unlimited access to high-speed internet.

If you’re spending the whole summer in Europe, you could go for the 90-day eSIM plan and pay only $1.50 per day. Cheaper than an espresso!

Maya Mobile: offers both unlimited and fixed data plans

Maya mobile offers plans for five, 10, 15, and 30 days, each featuring options spanning from 3GB to unlimited data.

With the Maya Mobile Unlimited eSIM plans, you get 2GB of daily high-speed internet. Then, the speed decreases to 1Mbps and you’ll be able to access the internet using LTE data.

Source: Maya Mobile

Let’s look at the pricing for unlimited data plans:

5 days Unlimited: $19
10 days Unlimited: $29
15 days Unlimited: $44
30 days Unlimited: $59

Ubigi: the only provider offering 500MB plans

Ubigi offers multiple eSIM plans based on a one-off purchase, monthly subscriptions, and 12-month, up-front payments that cover one-year validity. We’ll only look at one-off plans that are more suitable for travelers to Europe. (Assuming you don’t plan on moving to Europe. Or, do you?)

Source: Ubigi

You can get Ubigi’s eSIM with the following one-off plans (none of them with unlimited data):

Europe 500MB: valid for 1 day, costs $2
Europe 3GB: valid 30 days, costs $9
Europe 10 GB: valid for 7 days, costs $15
Europe 10 GB: valid for 30 days, costs $18
Europe 50GB: valid for 30 days, cost $69

Nomad eSIM: 1GB data plan

Nomad eSIM doesn’t feature any unlimited data plans for Europe.

Source: Nomad

Nomad offers:

1GB for $5 and 7-day validity
3GB for $12 and 30-day validity
5GB for $14 and 30-day validity
10 GB for $22 and 30-day validity
20 GB for $35 and 30-day validity

Those are the four companies offering the best eSIMs in Europe.

Is your phone not eSIM compatible? No problem. There are other ways to stay connected while abroad.

Internet services alternatives

If your quest for finding the best SIM for Europe took a turn, don’t fret. You can still Facetime your bestie from another continent using these services:

Pocket WiFi: it’s similar to a home router, only portable. It allows people to connect up to five devices while active. The downside of using pocket WiFi in Europe is its steep price. People can spend more than $200 in just a week of use.
Free WiFi: you can find free WiFi in cafes, buses, trains, subway stations, squares, and other public places. It’s not a reliable connection as it’s not always available and can be unsafe. If you find yourself in need to access free WiFi networks, look for apps that connect you to European internet safely, such as VPN apps.

After you’ve installed the necessary apps for a safe connection, you can enjoy all the benefits of free WiFi during your bus and train trips in Europe or connect to the networks of chic cafes and street-facing terraces.

Roaming Europe: many different network carriers and providers, like Orange, T-Mobile, Verizon, and others, offer roaming services. Roaming is easy to access and use, but it’s also one of the most expensive services when it comes to traveling. It can also be slow if the company is not established in that country.

Having all these SIM alternatives laid in front of you should help you connect on your own terms, according to your own needs, and within your budget. Now, if you’re still a SIM enthusiast, you’re probably asking yourself…