Traveling across the pond requires careful planning, from organizing itineraries and booking train tickets to choosing the best eSIM for European travel to stay connected effortlessly.
When I first started traveling, I had no idea I could use a travel SIM card for Europe. Instead, I was stuck in airplane mode, relying on WiFi hotspots and paper maps.
Luckily, eSIM providers in Europe have made it easy to stay connected and safe while traveling across the continent. I recently used a Sim Local eSIM for a 2-week trip to Scotland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. I stayed connected in every country without changing SIM cards—total game changer.
Now, after fully testing these SIM cards for Europe with data everywhere I went, I’m sharing my review of using these handy eSIMs and how to set one up for your next trip abroad.
Note: Some of the links below contain affiliate links. This doesn’t increase the cost of any item to you, but simply means that I’ll receive a small commission of any sales from those links. Thank you!
What is an eSIM and how does it work?
An eSIM is basically a digital SIM card that lets you activate a cellular plan without having to pop a physical SIM into your phone.
The perks of an eSIM for European travel is that you won’t have to worry about changing SIM cards in every country. There’s actually an EU law that prevents its carriers from charging data roaming fees.
Instead of buying a physical card in Europe with bloated prices, you buy and activate a Europe eSIM plan online before your trip or as you go, and voilà—you’re connected to local networks across Europe without extra roaming fees.
eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected while hopping between countries! Plus, you can still keep your regular SIM card active, so you don’t need to worry about resetting your phone plan when you return home.
This is my most essential virtual packing essential for Europe, especially when I’m traveling solo. Letting friends and family know where you are is important when you’re thousands of miles away.
Using Sim Local eSIM while traveling in Paris
eSIM for European Travel + Data Plan Basics
I used Sim Local eSIM cards on my most recent Europe trip. My partner and I both took advantage of 10GB regional Europe eSIMs to use throughout the 2 weeks we were away.
When choosing a regional Europe data plan on Sim Local, you can expect to have coverage across these countries: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, United Kingdom, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Sweden, and Vatican.
You’ll get coverage across the EU and United Kingdom, meaning you can travel to your heart’s content without worrying about data plans.
Our 10GB eSIM lasted us the duration of our trip, using Google Maps and Safari at leisure and connecting to WiFi at cafes and hotels. If you want more wiggle room, there are 30 and 50 GB options.
The plan I got for my 2-week Europe trip 
I received a text confirming my eSIM was active
How to Install Sim Local eSIM for Europe
With Sim Local, you’ll get an email confirmation when you purchase your SIM online. Don’t activate the card until you arrive at your destination.
When you arrive, I recommend connecting to the airport WiFi and setting up your Europe eSIM there.
Go to your email inbox and click the button within your confirmation and click the button that tells you to see details about your plan.
From there, you’ll be able to click on a button that says “Install Plan.” Be sure to remember your SIM PIN. Mine was 0000, for example.
After you install the Europe data plan, you will get a new phone number.
Make sure you go to your cellular data settings and enable data roaming.
Once it was connected to my iPhone, I received a text message from Orange (a cell service provider) letting me know my plan was active and what phone number was attached with the SIM card.
The email also had a lot of information on how to install the plan, but nonetheless, it was very straightforward and easy to do.
Tip! If you restart your phone while traveling, your SIM card might need to be unlocked. Just remember that SIM PIN and punch it in when prompted. I had this problem when I restarted my phone. When I turned it back on, I needed to type in the SIM PIN to access my data again.
Important! eSIMs only work on unlocked phones
Your eSIM won’t work abroad if your phone is not unlocked. Make sure to check with your carrier before your trip to be sure your device is unlocked and ready to connect to other SIM cards.
Sometimes your carrier needs to unlock your device because your phone was initially bought “locked” to be used only with your carrier.
For example, my partner initially tried to activate his eSIM when we landed in Scotland. It told him the eSIM wasn’t compatible because his phone was still locked.
He uses AT&T and all he had to do was submit an unlock request online. It only took a few minutes for his phone to be unlocked and able to connect with the eSIM from Sim Local.
Note: your phone may not be able to be unlocked if it is not paid off.
eSIMs for European Travel – FAQ
Prepare to use your travel SIM card for Europe with these extra tips and frequently asked questions.
Can you get an eSIM for all of Europe?
Yes! Sim Local eSIMs for European travel work across 43 European countries, including the UK. You don’t have to worry about crossing borders and getting roaming fees or needing to change plans.
Do eSIMs charge roaming fees?
No, these eSIMs prevent excess roaming fees altogether. You select how much data you want for your Europe trip. Once you reach your limit, you won’t have any more data to use. You can top up your account or purchase another eSIM.
During my 2-week Europe trip, I used 8 GB of data. I purchased a package of 10 GB, so I had a little bit to spare, which is what I wanted.
Can I activate eSIM abroad?
Yes. I recommend waiting until you land to activate your eSIM. Otherwise, your plan will begin when you’re still in your home country, meaning your data plan will last for less days during your trip.
What are the best eSIM card options for international travel?
I came across several options when researching eSIMs for European travel. I ended up choosing Sim Local because of their customer service and fair prices that are on par with standard rates in the EU.
For example, Sim Local has a Europe data plan for around $20 that gives 12 GB of high-speed data for 14 days of travel. I find that to be a pretty good deal for a short-term SIM card, especially when you compare alternatives provided by your carrier.
AT&T, for example, offered my partner the option to use data abroad for $12/day. That means he would have paid $168 to use his current phone plan abroad versus the $20 spent to use Sim Local.
Do I need a Europe unlimited data SIM card?
No, you shouldn’t need unlimited data during your trip. I think many of us are used to the idea of “unlimited data”, but it’s really not necessary unless you will have limited WiFi and need to work online while you’re traveling.
The amount of data you need for a Europe trip depends on how you plan to use your phone. Here’s a quick guide:
- Light use (5-10 GB): If you just need to check emails, maps, and occasional social media, 5-10 GB should be enough for a 2-week trip.
- Moderate use (10-20 GB): For streaming music, browsing, and using apps regularly, aim for 10-20 GB.
- Heavy use (20+ GB): If you plan to stream videos, post frequently on social media, or work remotely, you’ll need 20+ GB.
Wi-Fi is widely available in Europe, so you can also save data by connecting whenever possible. Always consider getting a bit more than you think you’ll need to avoid running out mid-trip!
Is there an app to manage my eSIM for European travel?
Yes! You can download the Sim Local App to see your plan, activate it, and manage it any other upcoming eSIM plans through Sim Local.
What do I do with my eSIM once I am home from my trip abroad?
You can delete your Europe eSIM once you’re back home. This eSIM expires after the selected duration of 14-30 or so days, so there is no need to keep it on your phone.
Conclusion
Overall, a Sim Local eSIM for European travel is a fanastic option if you want to save money while staying connected abroad.
The prices are fair, the eSIM was super easy to install, and it worked really well throughout my travels everywhere from the highlands of Scotland to the bustling streets of Amsterdam and Paris.
If you are looking for a quality eSIM provider, you won’t be disappointed using Sim Local.
You can take advantage of my discount code to save 10% on your Europe data plan. Simply order your Europe eSIM here and use SPIRITED at checkout to save!
