Mobile internet

How to get mobile internet in Europe in 2026

EU roaming, prepaid SIM cards, eSIM plans, and pocket WiFi are among the best ways to get mobile internet in Europe.

From international roaming to local SIM cards and eSIM plans, there are plenty of ways to get mobile internet in Europe. And while all of them will get you online, pricing, convenience, and key features differ. Let’s take a closer look at the best ways to get mobile internet in Europe to help you choose the one that suits you best.

In this article

EU roaming

If you’re already a citizen of an EU country, you should be able to use mobile data, make voice calls, and send text messages at no extra cost. All thanks to EU roaming — a multi-country agreement that ensures free internet access across all EU countries, as well as some other destinations in Europe, such as Ukraine or Moldova.

This applies to all postpaid and prepaid phone plans from service providers within the EU. So, even if you’re only visiting the continent, you can get a prepaid SIM card from a local provider to enjoy EU roaming benefits.

Prepaid SIM cards

If you’re coming over from outside the EU, or if the country you’re visiting isn’t covered by EU roaming, you can buy a physical SIM card at your destination. SIM cards in Europe can typically be found in international airports, cell service provider stores, and most convenience stores or even gas stations.

Prepaid SIMs can be data-only or can include calls and texts as well. If purchased in an EU country, the SIM card should also include roaming data for other EU countries, allowing you to use your mobile phone in other countries with the same SIM.

eSIM plans

eSIM, or virtual SIM cards, offer a way to stay connected in Europe without a physical SIM card. eSIMs connect your device to local networks at your destination, ensuring optimal coverage and connection speeds.

All you need is an eSIM-compatible phone and an active eSIM plan from a travel eSIM provider like Holafly. You can choose between single-destination or international plans with multi-country coverage if you’ll be traveling to several countries in the same trip.

The best part about it — you can buy, set up, and activate your eSIM online within minutes. This allows you to buy your eSIM before your trip and activate it as soon as you land for instant coverage.

International roaming

Coming over from outside the EU or visiting a country that isn’t included in the EU roaming? You can still use international roaming with your regular monthly plan for an extra fee. Most cell service providers offer roaming passes or data packs. If you don’t get a pass or data pack, you’ll be subject to pay-as-you-go roaming charges, which can get very expensive.

To avoid unexpected roaming charges, it’s best to keep data roaming turned off on your mobile device and only use pay-as-you-go roaming in case of emergency.

Pocket WiFi

Pocket WiFi, or portable WiFi devices, allow you to carry a WiFi network with you everywhere you go. You can either buy the physical device and buy an international data plan whenever you travel, or you can rent the device complete with the data plan.

Notably, it’s not the most convenient option, and it’s far from the cheapest as well. You’d have to carry the device with you and keep it charged at all times. Buying a device has high upfront costs, while renting is more expensive than prepaid SIM cards or eSIM plans.

That said, using a pocket WiFi for Europe can be a solid option for groups of travelers if you’re splitting the costs, since you can all share the same WiFi network.

Get unlimited high-speed data in Europe with Holafly

Holafly’s eSIM for Europe offers unlimited data and 5G speeds all throughout Europe. It allows you to travel worry-free, without having to constantly track your data usage in fear of running out.

Prices range from $1.55 to $3.90/day, depending on the duration of your plan. Holafly’s plan durations are completely flexible, allowing you to choose any number of days from 1 to 90. This lets you match your eSIM to your trip and avoid paying for any days you don’t need.

Need a long-term way to stay connected? Holafly Plans is a pay-monthly eSIM subscription with coverage in 160+ destinations worldwide, including most of Europe. Simply get your plan, use it for as long as you need, and cancel anytime. No long-term contracts or cancellation fees to worry about.

For country-specific details, including service providers, pricing, and coverage, check out our mobile internet blogs for top European destinations:

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Rokas Aniulis

Senior SEO copywriter

A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.

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