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Which is the best SIM card for Europe in 2024?
Here’s everything you need to know before you buy your prepaid data SIM card for Europe — including prices, where to buy, and more.
A physical SIM card is one way to get mobile internet in Europe (without the roaming charges!).
To help you choose the best SIM card for Europe based on your needs, budget, and preferences, we run you through:
- The best European SIM cards
- The process of buying a SIM card for travel in Europe
- The cost of a SIM card in Europe
Plus, we introduce you to the virtual, plastic-free counterpart of the traditional SIM card—the embedded SIM, also known as an eSIM card.
eSIMs provide lightning-fast mobile data for travelers at a more-than-affordable rate—more on that later!
Virtual SIM card for Europe
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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.
Lebara: Best for affordable plans
Using your cell phone in Europe for calls and data doesn’t need to break the bank. Here are the most popular SIM card carriers in Europe.
Lebara operates in five European countries: the UK, Netherlands, Germany, France, and Denmark. If you’re visiting any of these countries, Lebara is a good option to consider.
In Germany, for example, Lebara offers a pay-as-you-go SIM card that can be topped off with prepaid plans, such as:
- HELLO! 1 + 4 at $5.5 USD for 5 GB
- HELLO! 7 + 7 at $11 for 14 GB
- HELLO! 15 + 7 AT $16 for 22 GB
One thing to keep in mind: 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 many European countries, including Belgium, Spain, France, and Luxembourg.
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 $43.50
- 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 $5.50
These plans allow data tethering, can be used on any device, and are valid across Europe.
One thing to keep in mind: You’ll need to register your SIM within 30 days from purchase—and you’ll need a valid photo ID to do it.
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.
Discover Holafly’s eSIM destinations.
Vodafone: Best for multi-country European tours
You’ll find Vodafone in the following European countries: Albania, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and the UK.
Vodafone offers different SIM card packages for tourists in every country. For example, Vodafone UK features multiple international SIM card plans for those traveling to the UK:
- 30-day SIM-only plans starting at $33.50 for 3 GB
- Pay-as-you-go SIM plans offering free SIM cards and top-up bundles starting at $13 for 27 GB
- 30-day data-only SIMs starting at $22 for 4 GB
Check out what’s on offer in your destination country to get international calls and coverage. One thing to keep in mind: Vodafone’s customer service is often reviewed as providing a sub-par experience.
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.
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 if you’re traveling for a shorter amount of time.
One thing to keep in mind: Despite their best efforts, Three receives continuous negative reviews for their product and service.
Bouygues Telecom: Best SIM card for French adventures
Bouygues Telecom’s prepaid SIM cards are one of the top choices for people visiting France.
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, 15 GB of data, costs $21.50
- My European SIM Basic+: Valid for 15 days, 20 GB of data, costs $24
- My European SIM 30 GB: Valid for 30 days, costs $43.50
- My European SIM 60 GB: Valid for 30 days, costs $45.50
One thing to keep in mind: SIM registration and activation require a valid email address, and SIM top-ups are only available within France.
There are plenty of options to choose from! Whichever SIM carrier you opt for, 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 either 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.
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
When traveling to Europe, you’ll have the option to buy your local SIM card at the airport, either during a layover or upon arrival. 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. After you settle in and your European adventure officially starts, you can explore your surroundings, and locate a mobile carrier store.
Some countries even 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. 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.
Holafly: The best eSIM for Europe with unlimited data
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 for global use, 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.
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. That’s cheaper than an espresso!
Discover Holafly’s eSIM plans for Europe.
Keep in mind you need access to an eSIM-compatible device. If your cell phone is not on the list, you may be wondering how else you’re going to stay connected during your vacation in Europe. Wonder no more—we list three options right here!
Other ways to stay connected in Europe
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…
How to choose the best SIM card for Europe
Choosing the best SIM card (or eSIM) for Europe should be less intimidating now. You know what’s on the market, now all that’s left to do is:
- Compare the value each company offers for the set SIM price
- Look for unlimited data options
- Pay attention to the covered countries and additional roaming charges
- Ensure the validity of the SIM aligns with your time in Europe
- Register your SIM before departure and activate it after you land
- Get yourself an Aperol Spritz and enjoy your vacation!
If the list is too long, skip straight to number six and buy yourself an eSIM with Holafly. Have a fantastic vacation in Europe.
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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!
