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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
Looking for a way to stay connected with family and friends while you’re visiting Europe? Thankfully, getting a mobile plan from a local carrier is no longer your only option. All you need is an eSIM, which not only provides mobile data but allows you to make phone calls as well.
With eSIM technology, we can say goodbye to costly options like data roaming in Europe or pocket WiFi. In this post, we’ll explore how to make the most of your eSIM, enjoy smooth phone connectivity, and stay in touch with our loved ones across Europe.
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What is an eSIM?
Virtual SIM cards, or eSIMs, are digital alternatives to physical SIM cards. The main difference is that you don’t need to insert a SIM card into your device to have a phone number for calls. This only works with eSIM-compatible phones, but it shouldn’t be an issue, as most modern phones work with eSIMs nowadays.
The chip that supports eSIM technology is integrated into your phone, so you only need a QR code to activate the eSIM. You will receive it when you purchase an eSIM and a plan or service with carriers that support the technology.
There are two ways to make calls with your eSIM: use minutes for analog calls or use mobile data to call through VoIP apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, or Messenger.
How to get an eSIM with calls to Europe
Before you get an eSIM, you first have to decide how you want to make international calls. Many eSIMs offer data-only plans, so if you want a local phone number for calls and text messages, your options are much slimmer.
eSIMs with international calling plans are mainly offered by local operators. Not all of them offer prepaid plans, and you may even need to commit to a long-term plan if you’re unable to find an operator with short-term options. On top of that, calls home will count as international calls and have an additional cost due to the local carrier roaming fee.
Getting a data-only eSIM is much easier and often more affordable. These will not be analog calls; instead, you can use VoIP apps that use your internet connection to make the calls. The only issue here is that the person you’re calling must have the same app on one of their devices.
You can get an eSIM from Holafly from the comfort of your own home and enjoy unlimited calls through VoIP apps. All Holafly plans include unlimited data and don’t have an extra charge if you’re calling internationally.
How to call Europe using an eSIM plan with calls
If you have an eSIM that includes minutes for calls, you can quickly dial the people you want to contact. However, it is advisable to double-check the number of international minutes you get with your plan.
Here’s how you can call landlines and mobile phones from or to Europe.
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 a unique access code. We will list some country codes in the section below. For example, the one for Italy is +39.
- Dial the international code: This is the first number you will enter when calling. So, if you’re calling a landline number in Italy, just type “+39” on your phone’s keypad.
- Add cell phone number: After the country code, 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’ve dialed numbers, simply press the call button, which is usually a phone icon.
To make it easier to understand, we’ll leave you a practical example of what you’d need to dial to make an international call to a landline number in Italy.
Country code: +39 for Italy
Italian landline number: 10 digits of the landline number
Example: +39 049 9871731
Voice calls to a 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 France, it’s “+33,” and for Germany, it’s “+49.”
- Dial the international code: If you call Italy, you dial +39 to start.
- Enter the full cell phone number: The number of digits in the phone numbers also varies by country. Make sure you dial them all correctly. In France, there are nine total numbers.
- Hit the call button: Double check if you have the correct number and tap the call button.
Here is also a practical example when you want to call a mobile number in France:
Country code: +33 for France
French telephone number: Nine digits of the phone number
Example: +33 6 12 34 56 78
Country codes in Europe
As we have already discussed, each country has its own code, and you will need it to make any call in Europe, whether domestic or international. 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
- Turkey: +90
- Liechtenstein: +423
- Gibraltar: +350
- Macedonia: +389
- Serbia: +381
- Andorra: +376
- Monaco: +377
- Isle of Man: +44
Simply 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.
Need more real-life examples? Learn how to make phone calls from Spain with an eSIM.
How to call Europe using an eSIM with unlimited data
If you’ve got a data-only eSIM, you’ll use VoIP applications to make calls. Some of the most common are WhatsApp, FaceTime, Messenger, Telegram, or Skype, but you can use any app that allows VoIP calls. Of course, you can also make video calls through most of these apps.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to communicate with whoever you want via VoIP:
- Download one of your favorite VoIP 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 and wait for the person you’re calling to pick up.
It is important that both you and the person you want to call have the same VoIP Application. Other than that, making international calls is much easier with data than having to look for a local eSIM with analog calls.
If you use Holafly’s international eSIM, you can keep your regular WhatsApp number. This means that you don’t need to go through the process of creating a new account and adding all of your contacts.
Where can I buy an international eSIM with unlimited data?
The great thing with international eSIMs is that you can buy them anywhere, at any time, as long as you have internet access. Simply pop over to the Holafly website, buy your eSIM plan, and you’ll receive a QR code with activation information within seconds.
It is important to note that these eSIMs do not include phone numbers or minutes for analog calls. Instead, you’ll be using mobile data to make video or voice calls over the internet.
Since all Holafly eSIM plans have unlimited data, you won’t have to worry about counting the minutes of your calls. 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 40 destinations across the continent
- Data sharing of up to 1 GB per day
- Apps to buy, install, and manage eSIM on Android and iOS
- A website available in multiple languages
- Easy to purchase for travelers through various payment methods and channels
Holafly’s eSIM for Europe gives you peace of mind during your travels. With unlimited data, say goodbye to worrying about running out or losing connection at the worst time. 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 $5.90 to $138.90 depending on the duration of your plan. If you’ve had a change of plans and will stay in Europe longer than you initially thought, you can always extend your eSIM 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 destinations all over Europe. 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, Ukraine, Turkey, Liechtenstein, Gibraltar, Macedonia, Serbia, Andorra, Monaco, and Isle of Man.
FAQs
eSIM compatibility varies with phone models and brands. Most modern phones do support eSIMs, but you better check your device’s specs or ask your carrier to confirm.
Getting your hands on an eSIM is easy! You can buy an eSIM online from Holafly or other international eSIM providers, or you can visit a local cell service provider to get an eSIM with a local phone number.
Well, it all depends on the plan and operator you go with. If you choose to make VoIP calls, it will come at no extra cost. If you have an eSIM with a local phone number and minutes for making phone calls, you may be charged extra once you use all minutes included in the plan.
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 as long as you have coverage.
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Hi! Leoneska here, your guide to traveling connected. I'm a Venezuelan SEO content specialist with over four years of experience sharing tips and tricks for using mobile internet while traveling and making the most of your adventures. At Holafly, I take care of providing reliable and high-quality information to travelers like you. I hope you enjoy my content and find it useful!
