Will my phone work in Europe? How to use your phone in the Old Continent

Will my phone work in Europe? You ask yourself after booking your trip to Europe. There’s no need to worry about it any longer!

We’re here to walk you through the most convenient and cost-effective ways to travel in Europe with your iPhone, Android, or other mobile device. 

This article covers tips on how to make calls in Europe for cheap, access local networks safely, and use local carriers’ services.

Plus, we’ll explore the best travel eSIM for Europe to keep you connected to high-speed internet so you can stay in touch with loved ones across the Atlantic.

Will my cell phone work in Europe?

The short answer is yes. Every cell phone can be used outside of your home country. However, the costs, internet speed, and the ability to make calls and send messages when using cell phones in Europe depend on the service you opt for.

You can use your local data plan in Europe through roaming, but this is often a fairly expensive option that also digs away at your regular monthly allowance.

If you want to avoid roaming charges when using your cell phone in Europe, you can buy a local SIM card. But before you buy a European SIM card, check with your mobile network carrier to see if your phone is SIM-locked.

Some phones may not support switching to another carrier’s services. So, give your network carrier a call and ask them: Will my cell phone work in Europe with a local SIM? Not a changing SIM card enthusiast? Stuck with a SIM-locked phone?

There are alternative options that enable you to have a mobile connection while in Europe, like embedded SIM cards (eSIMs), pocket WiFi devices, and free WiFi networks.

Do I need a European phone plan to use my cell phone in Europe?

You don’t need European phone plans to have access to data and connect your mobile phone to local mobile networks. However, you may want to consider a European or international plan to avoid expensive roaming charges.

International plans are the alternative to roaming from your home operator. These alternatives, such as a travel eSIM, prepaid SIM cards from local operators, or pocket WiFi, offer more convenience and benefits than roaming.

If you decide to go for an international plan, have a look over the most popular options below.

What are the international plans options for using my cell phone in Europe?

To use cellular phones in Europe, travelers can choose between multiple options—from changing their SIM cards or buying virtual SIMs to opting for portable Wi-Fi or using free WiFi networks.

Let’s have a closer look at how to use your cell phone in Europe without roaming charges.

Unlimited data eSIM for Europe

Here’s how to use your cell phone in Europe, get unlimited mobile data, and avoid hidden costs!  

If you are unfamiliar with or don’t know how an eSIM card works, you’ll be surprised by how easy it is to use.

The activation process only requires a QR code that you receive in your inbox after you complete your purchase! It’s entirely digital and doesn’t require any storage space on your cellular device to work. 

eSIMs are also very affordable! For example, the Holafly eSIM Europe plan offers one of the lowest prices on the market, with rates ranging from $6.90 USD per day for unlimited data to as little as $139.90 for 90 days (that’s $1.55 per day!).

For travelers who don’t plan on touring multiple European countries and have booked a one-destination holiday, Holafly also features eSIM plans for one country.

For example, are you visiting the country of Flamenco, fiestas, and flavor? You can go for Holafly’s eSIM for Spain, which includes unlimited data and access to lightning-fast internet.

With Holafly’s unlimited data plans, you can use up to 1 GB daily to share the internet with other devices through hotspots when in Europe. This feature automatically renews every 24 hours at no additional cost.

In order to use an eSIM, however, you must install it on an eSIM-compatible phone, which usually includes last-gen devices. 

On top of all the benefits, eSIMs also have the advantage of taking zero space in your luggage. This is great news if you backpack your way through Europe or simply want to travel light.

International physical SIM Card for Europe

You can use SIM cards while traveling, not just as a domestic plan in your hometown or country. 

Local SIM options vary by the country you’re visiting. In Europe, for example, there are three major carriers that cover almost the whole continent.

Vodafone, Orange, and Three offer SIM cards with roaming services for tourists visiting Europe ranging from $5 to $50. 

The price depends on the plan’s validity, the data included, and whether you want to add roaming or not. There are some plans offering as little as 1GB of data. Others cover unlimited data for browsing usage.

Holafly’s tip: Before you start exploring the narrow streets of Europe looking for a place to buy your international SIM card, read our guide on things to do in Europe in June and pepper your SIM-driven stroll with fun activities.

Pocket WiFi for Europe

Pocket WiFi devices are like portable routers that can be either rented or purchased. Such a device can cost up to $400. 

A data plan for pocket WiFi from Cello Mobile can set you back $350 per week. 

Add to that delivery fees and insurance expenses and you’ll soon understand why pocket WiFi devices are not as popular anymore—it’s their cost!

Plus, they are just another device to carry around with you, which can take up precious souvenir space in your luggage!

Free WiFi in Europe

In Europe, you can find free WiFi hotspots available in places such as town squares, malls, restaurants, and even trains.

Although a convenient option, free WiFi is not always accessible and may be a data privacy threat.

We advise against using any personal details or providing any financial information while being connected to a free WiFi hotspot. It’s best to keep this option only for emergencies.

So, the answer to the Can I use my phone in Europe for free? question is yes—but only occasionally and with security risks attached.

You can use VPN apps to safely access free WiFi, but this can slow down your connection. We always recommend using other options to stay connected, such as an eSIM. One of the best things about eSIMs is that you can purchase them from anywhere in the world — you can even get an eSIM for Europe from Australia before your trip and activate it as soon as you land.

Will my local internet work in Europe?

You can use your internet service if your domestic operator permits users to access their offerings in a region like Europe.

However, be aware that roaming services are generally higher than you’d expect. For example, using a cell phone from Europe with T-Mobile USA can cost you up to $10 per day. It can end up being quite expensive compared to alternatives.

This is where international solutions such as Global eSIM with unlimited data can help you. Holafly offers a package with coverage in 113 countries, so you can travel connected without worrying about roaming charges.

Best roaming services for Europe

If you do decide to choose roaming as a way to stay connected while touring Europe, we have a few recommendations. 

Here are the mobile carriers offering the best roaming plans for Europe. 

Use your cell phone in Europe with AT&T

This American operator offers roaming services through its AT&T international day pass.

The plan allows you to use data, call, and text in more than 210 countries for a rate of $12 per day. Remember that the connection speed may be reduced by usage policies or by the destination country.

To activate the international day pass, you must contact the operator’s customer service.

After activation, you only need to turn on the roaming function on your phone once you arrive at your destination. If you have a family plan, the activation cost increases $6 per day for each additional line.

Use your cell phone in Europe with Verizon

Verizon has a daily plan for roaming called Travel Pass.

They offer a package similar to AT&T’s, including unlimited calling, messaging, and data for use in Europe for $10/day. Prices can go as low as $2/MB! If you decide not to use the Travel Pass, you will be charged based on your consumption, which is much more expensive.

Verizon’s international package is unlimited at first glance. However, this is subject to conditions of use that may vary depending on the European country you visit. Don’t be surprised if your browsing speed is reduced after using a certain amount of data. 

Use your cell phone in Europe with Telstra

Telstra is an Australian carrier that offers roaming services. Telstra divides the costs of its services into zones—Zone 1 only includes New Zealand and Zone 2 covers other international destinations, including some European countries.

Day passes for destinations in Zone 2 include unlimited messages and calls but only 2 GB for web browsing. To apply for the day pass, you must be an Upfront Mobile Plan customer.

The cost is $10 per day for the overseas benefits. If you exceed your data usage, you will be sent an SMS with the opportunity to top-up for an additional 2GB, valid for 31 days.

Use your cell phone in Europe with Vodafone

Vodafone is one of the most popular European carriers offering roaming services in multiple countries on the continent. You will find Vodafone in Albania, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

In the UK, for example, you can buy a Vodafone prepaid or pay-as-you-go SIM card starting at $13. Plans, policies, and prices will vary by the country you visit.

Regardless of the mobile carrier you choose, roaming can get expensive in a second. How can you avoid these additional costs?

Tips for using your data roaming in Europe

Roaming fees are no joke—they can add up quickly and without notice. To avoid being taken by surprise, follow these tips on how to responsibly use data roaming when traveling in Europe.

• Read your carrier’s conditions of use carefully: Make sure you know what’s included in your plan, what happens, and how much you have to pay if you go over the imposed limits
• Track your data usage: If your carrier doesn’t provide unlimited data plans, make sure you monitor how much data you’re using regularly
• Remove permissions for apps to run in the background: Some apps on our phones may use your data even when not in use. Adjust your app permissions to ensure you’re not wasting data unknowingly.
• Disable automatic updates: Adjust app settings to install updates only  when connected to WiFi
• Turn off your mobile: To be 100% safe from background operations that consume your data, disconnect your mobile data altogether when you don’t actively use the internet

That’s a lot to worry about when on vacation! Instead of being on roaming watch all the time, you can choose an alternative, more convenient way to use your phone in Europe.

What is the best option for using your cell phone in Europe?

An eSIM is one of the most affordable and easy to use options for tourists visiting Europe. It’s a plastic-free, virtual SIM that doesn’t require you to change your number, switch SIMs, or monitor data roaming expenses.

Before you purchase your unlimited data plan, ask yourself: Will my phone work in Europe with an eSIM?

After you make sure your phone is eSIM compatible and buy your plan, all that’s left to do is use the QR code to install your virtual SIM card. It’s a hassle-free way to access high-speed internet at low cost abroad.

The Holafly eSIM: your ticket to a roaming-free trip to Europe

Buying eSIM cards for Europe is the best way to get multi-destination plans that have fully customizable validity and unlimited mobile data.

The price per day starts at $6.90 but can go as low as $1.55 per day, depending on how many days your plan includes.

Each plan comes with a daily 1 GB of data tethering allowance within Europe, so you’ll be the most popular friend in your travel group or can keep your remote work lifestyle fueled throughout your trip.

Enjoy Europe!

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Stefania Manea

Living in Romania's only coastal city, Constanta, Stefania Manea has been in the content marketing space for 9 years. She discovered her passion for writing while studying Maritime Engineering, which led her to switch her career path and join the marketing industry. Since then, she has relentlessly written copy and content for renowned brands in the B2B SaaS landscape, including MarkUp.io, Toggl, MarineTraffic, Route4Me, and Insense. She values creativity, loves horror novels, and occasionally believes in ghosts!

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