The Best eSIM for Traveling Europe (Updated 2024)

Posted: 4/5/24 | April 5th, 2024

If I had to confine my travels to one region of the world for the rest of my life, it would probably be Europe. From the iconic views of Paris to the amazing cuisine of Italy to the lively nightlife of places like Barcelona and Budapest, Europe has it all. It’s a region you can explore on a budget or a place to splash out on luxury hotels and charming river cruises. It’s perfect for weekend getaways or month-long adventures.

I’ve been visiting Europe for over 15 years. And while each trip is different, there’s one thing I always do when I go: I buy an eSIM.

SIM cards are what allow you to make calls and access mobile data from your smartphone. In the past, this meant buying and installing physical SIM cards and swapping them in and out from country to country. While this was cheaper than paying roaming charges from my provider back home, it was a hassle.

Fortunately, there is an easier (and cheaper) way to access mobile data in Europe during your next trip: an eSIM.

eSIMs are virtual SIM cards that provide mobile data without the need to buy a physical SIM card. They’re easy to install, affordable, and work just as well as regular SIM cards.

And the best eSIM for travelers in Europe? Holafly.
 

What is Holafly?

Holafly provides international eSIMs to travelers so they can stay connected as they explore the world. They provide coverage in over 170 countries, including all around Europe. Instead of buying a physical SIM card when you visit a destination, with Holafly, you can use a digital SIM card instead.

To get an eSIM, you’ll first want to browse their plans to see which duration is best for you. They have plans from 5-90 days, costing 19-99 EUR. All of their plans have unlimited data (which is a must in my opinion).

Once you choose your plan, you can make a purchase, either via their website or via their app. Here’s a quick look at the steps involved:

From here, you’ll get additional instructions emailed to you that walk you through the process of setting it up. Set up is via QR code or manually, and if you’re on iOS 17.4, there’s also an option to enable automatic installation and activation with just one tap. All options are super straightforward, but if you run into trouble they have 24/7 support to help you with any issues.

With a Holafly eSIM for Europe, you’ll enjoy unlimited data and even keep your Whatsapp number (which you should download if you don’t use it already, as everyone in Europe uses it, including businesses).

If you’re heading to multiple countries in Europe, having a single eSIM will save you a ton of hassle over buying new physical SIM cards while you travel. And since you can top up your eSIM online, you’ll save a bunch of time too since you never need to find a store to visit to get a SIM or load more data.

(As I mentioned above, Holafly has unlimited data plans for Europe in case you’re worried about data limits.)
 

Why Use Holafly in Europe?

While there is plenty of free Wi-Fi around Europe, it’s not available everywhere. And since connections can be slow (or unsafe), having your own mobile data is always recommended. I always make sure I have my own data when I travel around Europe because it’s just so helpful when it comes to booking activities, getting a taxi or Uber, and looking up things like directions of translations.

Holafly is available in 32 countries in Europe, providing fast and stable connections everywhere you go. They’re much, much cheaper than roaming charges, and if you’re visiting multiple countries, having an eSIM is far less of a hassle than trying to buy new physical SIM cards in each new country you visit.

In short, if you’re heading to Europe and want to stay connected, a Holafly eSIM is a must.

Here’s a look at what’s included at a glance:

Unlimited data
Plans starting at $19 USD
Available in 32 countries in Europe
Easy installation process (automatic on iOS 17.4)
24/7 customer support

For me, the unlimited data is the big highlight here. That means you’ll never run out of mobile data for things like Google Maps, Google translate, or looking up things to do.

And since you’ll be keeping your physical SIM card in your phone, you can still take calls to your regular phone number if you need to.

The only downside is that there is no data sharing on their Europe plans (i.e. hot spotting), but with plans so cheap you likely won’t need to share with a friend or family because they can just purchase their own eSIM.

Europe is an amazing region to explore. I never get tired of wandering the continent and always encourage people to visit. Regardless of your interests or budget, there is something here for you. And with a Holafly eSIM you’ll be able to make the most of your trip, save money, and stay safe as you enjoy everything the continent has to offer!

You can download the Holafly app in the App Store or Play store.