The Best eSIM for Europe: The Ones I’d Actually Recommend

Looking for the best eSIM for Europe? Whether you’re planning one city break or an epic rail adventure across the continent, a good eSIM keeps you connected without expensive roaming charges or swapping SIM cards. Here’s my pick of the best options for hassle-free travel.

I was late to the eSIM party. For years I’d land in a new country, desperately search for airport WiFi, or promise myself I’d ‘just use hotel internet’. Then I’d either spend far too much on roaming (I had to have my roaming charges for EXIT Festival for a birthday present from my parents one year) or end up buying a local SIM card that I’d inevitably lose.

Now? I pretty much use an eSIM every time I travel to a country not covered by my phone company.

They’re easy to set up, you don’t have to faff around swapping tiny bits of plastic, and you can usually get connected before you’ve even landed.

If you’re planning a trip around Europe, here’s my guide to the best eSIMs, who they’re good for, and which one I’d choose.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is simply a digital SIM card that’s built into your phone.

Instead of buying a physical SIM, you download one before your trip and activate it when you arrive. Within minutes you’ll have mobile data without needing to visit a phone shop or hunt for airport kiosks.

Just make sure your phone supports eSIMs first. Most newer iPhones, Google Pixels and Samsung Galaxy phones do.

Why use an eSIM in Europe?

One of the best things about travelling around Europe is how easy it is to hop between countries. One minute you’re eating pizza in Italy, the next you’re wandering around Slovenia or hopping on a train to Austria.

A good Europe eSIM means you don’t have to think about your data every time you cross a border.

Benefits include:

• One eSIM for multiple countries
• No expensive roaming charges
• No swapping physical SIM cards
• Set everything up before you leave home
• Keep your normal number active for calls and texts if you want to

4 Best eSIM for Europe

There are loads of providers now, but these are the ones that consistently get good reviews.

1. Saily

Saily is newer but has become really popular thanks to its clean app and competitive prices. It’s backed by the team behind NordVPN, so it also has a few extra security features built in if that’s important to you.

Best for:

• Easy setup
• Frequent travellers
• Extra privacy

2. Airalo

Airalo has plans covering almost every European country, prices are competitive, and the app is incredibly easy to use.

Best for:

• First-time users
• Weekend breaks
• Multi-country trips

3. Nomad

Nomad regularly has some of the cheapest European data plans.

If you’re mainly using Google Maps, social media and messaging apps, it can work out really good value.

Best for:

• Budget travellers
• City breaks
• Backpacking

4. Holafly

If you’re someone who uploads loads of videos, works remotely or simply doesn’t want to think about data limits, Holafly is worth considering.

Many of its Europe plans include unlimited data.

You’ll usually pay a little more, but for some travellers that’s absolutely worth it.

Best for:

• Digital nomads
• Heavy data users
• Long holidays

Best eSIM for Greece

If you’re heading to Greece, like I’m about to, having mobile data makes life so much easier.

Google Maps, ferry tickets, restaurant recommendations, beach directions… you’ll probably use your phone more than you think.

The good news is that Greece has excellent mobile coverage in most tourist areas, and all of the providers above work there.

If you’re planning to visit Greece as part of a bigger European trip, I’d skip the country-specific plan and buy a Europe-wide eSIM instead. That way you can fly into Athens, hop over to Italy afterwards or squeeze in Croatia without having to buy another data package.

It’s just easier.