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eSim Cards For Europe: The Complete Guide
11 October 2024
travel
Joseph Philipson
eSim cards for Europe: Complete Guide
When it comes to traveling, particularly around Europe, data roaming requires some careful thought and consideration.
There’s a lot to consider between pocket WiFi, SIM cards, public WiFi, and the more modern eSIM cards.
Here, we’ll focus on eSIM cards. We’ll be explaining the pros and cons and why people choose them.
Though there are potentially better options out there.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM or an embedded SIM is a chip integrated into modern smartphones, tablets, and wearables.
The key difference between an eSIM and a traditional SIM card is that the eSIM cannot be removed and replaced to change networks, phone numbers, or mobile carriers.
Instead, users of eSIM cards switch mobile carriers and services using over-the-air (OTA) provisioning. This means that you do it remotely without physically inserting or removing a SIM card. An eSIM is usually activated using a QR code or downloading a plan from the mobile carrier’s app.
Remote provisioning uses secure cryptographic protocols to prevent unauthorized access. For those traveling to different countries and looking for a simple way to change networks, carriers, or mobile data plans, convenience, and security are two reasons eSIMs are so popular.
However, an eSIM has limitations and downsides.
eSIM Cards: Pros & Cons
Before choosing an eSIM or any other solution for your data roaming needs, you have to carefully think of the pros and cons.
Pros:
- Convenience: Switching mobile networks is easy for those with an eSIM-compatible smartphone or device. You don’t need to physically change a SIM card. Frequent travelers can change services remotely, saving a lot of time and hassle.
- Space-saving: Given how small smartphones already are, the average user probably won’t appreciate this. Since eSIM doesn’t require a SIM card tray, it saves some space. Manufacturers can use this it to integrate other components and features.
- Multiple Profiles: An eSIM card allows numerous profiles on the same device. Some devices have multiple physical SIM card slots, allowing two mobile carriers to be used without having to insert new SIMs. However, an eSIM offers much greater flexibility when changing profiles or services.
- Remote Activation: New eSIM cards can be activated remotely without a physical product. Users won’t need to visit a store or wait for a physical SIM card to be delivered, which is particularly helpful for travelers in a hurry.
Cons:
- Limited Device Compatibility: To use an eSIM card, you need a device that supports eSIM technology. Without a newer eSIM-compatible smartphone, you’ll have to use a physical SIM card or another alternative for your data needs while traveling.
- Connection Speed and Stability: An eSIM, like a physical SIM card, uses your smartphone’s antenna to connect to mobile networks. This means that in particularly remote areas with poor coverage, you may struggle to find a fast and stable internet connection.
- Hacking and Phishing: An eSIM card has a lot of security built-in. It also comes with the physical security of being embedded into the phone. There are still risks of phishing scams, SIM swapping, and other scams. These could result in your data being stolen or other accounts being hacked.
eSIM Card Alternatives
When it comes to connectivity, data usage, or connecting multiple devices to the internet, travelers might want to consider alternatives to eSIM cards.
Pocket WiFi
For many travelers, pocket WiFi is the superior choice. If you’re looking for security, speed, and multi-device connectivity, pocket WiFi has you covered.
By using a dedicated device to connect to the internet and creating a secured WiFi network for other devices, multiple users and devices can all stay connected while you travel.
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3.95€
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€For days in with data plan
Advantages of Pocket WiFi over eSIM cards include:
- Connecting Multiple Devices: Pocket WiFI means you only need one device for multiple connections. This is useful whether you’re traveling in a group or want to connect multiple devices like phones, tablets, or even laptops,
- Better Connectivity in Rural Areas: Many of Europe’s best sights are in rural areas. This is where mobile data connections tend to be weaker. Luckily, a pocket WiFi router usually has a better antenna than what you’d find on a smartphone This can ensure stronger, stabler, and quicker mobile data connections.
- Security: Pocket WiFi creates a strong, secure, private network. It’s a safer option than mobile networks accessed via an eSIM card and offers far more security than public WiFi networks in coffee shops or other public spaces.
- Consistent Speeds: Pocket WiFi offers faster and more consistent connection speeds, especially in European countries where mobile networks are overloaded, and connection quality is patchy at best.
Physical SIM Cards
While a physical SIM card for international data connections may seem quaint and outdated, it’s still very popular with travelers.
You can buy these online, in stores, and often at airports when you arrive in a country. They offer many of the same services as an eSIM card (once you swap in your new SIM card), but they also have some downsides.
- Country-Specific: Though many SIM cards offer Europe-wide roaming, there are some caveats and limitations on how your connection works. If you’re planning a multi-country trip and buying a travel SIM card, be sure to read the fine print about how your connection will work once you cross any borders.
- Inconvenient: On longer trips, you need to either regularly change SIMs, and while using a replacement SIM, you’ll no longer be reachable on your regular number. You’ll also need to find a place to keep your everyday SIM card safe when not in use.
- Varied Network Coverage: A physical SIM card can also suffer from spotty connections in rural areas.
International Roaming
Your everyday carrier may offer data roaming, but you’ll likely pay more than the cost of pocket WiFi or the other roaming options available.
It’s a useful option in an emergency, but be careful of paying for unplanned data roaming, which can be very costly.
How to Choose Your eSIM Card
Suppose you’ve decided that an eSIM is the best option for your trip. In that case, you must consider the following factors before choosing the right eSIM service.
Device Compatibility
This is your first decision. Check that your device is eSIM-compatible. If it isn’t, you can always choose a physical SIM or, better yet, a pocket WiFi solution.
Typically, newer iPhones and Samsung devices are eSIM-capable but always check first.
Data Quantity
Unlimited data is a way to enjoy a mobile connection without any worries. However, you don’t want to pay for data that you’ll never use.
For travelers looking to use GPS, make video calls, or stream videos, a high-data plan for their eSIM is definitely recommended.
There are plenty of packages ranging from 1GB to 50GB and unlimited data packages. Check your typical data usage in your phone settings to better understand how much data you’ll need, and remember that it’ll be even more if you tether your phone’s connection to other devices like a tablet or laptop.
Plan Duration
Most eSIM plans are valid for a set number of days. Remember that an eSIM plan (as well as most other international roaming solutions) tends to get cheaper the longer you have them.
Before paying for an eSIM card, ensure you have it for the correct number of days. If your trip is exactly the same number of days as the eSIM, carefully check the small print. You won’t want any other fees or data cutoffs you’ll need to be aware of.
Country Coverage
While many solutions offer Europe-wide coverage, you have to remember that this is usually offered by different local and national network providers.
Check which networks your eSIM uses and ensure that the coverage is good in the places you’ll be visiting.
Hotspot Capability
Though a pocket WiFi solution is the best for multiple devices, you can always tether your data connection to other devices. Your eSIM-capable smartphone will act a WiFi hotspot. Make sure to check whether or not your eSIM allows you to do this before traveling.
Where Can I Buy an eSIM Card for Europe?
There are now several eSIM card providers across Europe. Here are just a few of the most popular options, but there are many country-specific options worth considering as well:
- Airalo: This company offers affordable eSIM plans and country-specific packages across Europe. Plans can be activated through their app.
- Holafly: This is another eSIM company with packages suitable for heavy data use.
- Nomad: A flexible option with different data packages that are usable across Europe.
- Orange Holiday Europe: This mobile network provider offers physical SIM cards and eSIM plans for European countries with large data allowances.
- Vodafone Travel: Another large mobile network carrier that offers eSIM solutions for travelers. There are a large number of countries covered by their eSIM cards.
Though an eSIM offers flexibility and convenience for anyone visiting Europe, particularly a single country, on multi-country trips, we’d recommend pocket WiFI.
It’s the obvious choice for anyone looking to connect multiple devices to the internet and the standout solution for those who need fast and stable connections, particularly in rural areas.
