Prepaid SIM Cards Europe
- Updated: May 13, 2023 | Published: May 7, 2023
When traveling in Europe, staying connected is essential for navigating new cities, sharing your experiences, and keeping in touch with loved ones.
One of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to do this is by using a prepaid SIM card designed specifically for Europe.
In this article, we’ll discuss some popular European prepaid SIM card options, as well as eSIMs as a flexible alternative.
Best SIM Cards for Europe
Orange Holiday Europe
Orange offers a popular prepaid SIM card option for travelers in Europe. The Orange Holiday Europe SIM card includes:
- 20GB of high-speed data, valid for 14 days.
- 2 hours of international calls and 1,000 texts from Europe to anywhere worldwide.
- Coverage in 30 European countries.
Three UK - Pay As You Go SIM
Three UK provides a Pay As You Go SIM card that offers attractive rates for travelers visiting Europe. The SIM card features:
- 12GB of data, 3,000 minutes of calls, and 3,000 texts, valid for 30 days.
- Coverage in 71 destinations, including European countries and select international destinations.
- The ability to use your allowances both in the UK and Europe, with no extra charges.
Vodafone UK - Pay As You Go SIM
Vodafone UK offers a Pay As You Go SIM card that is suitable for European travel. Key features include:
- 25GB of data, unlimited minutes, and unlimited texts, valid for 30 days.
- Coverage in 51 European destinations.
- Roam-free usage, allowing you to use your allowances within Europe at no extra cost.
SimOptions - Europe SIM Card
SimOptions provides a range of prepaid SIM cards tailored for travelers in Europe. One popular option is their Europe SIM card, which offers:
- 10GB to 100GB of high-speed data (depending on the plan), valid for 30 days.
- Unlimited calls and texts within Europe.
- Coverage in over 30 European countries.
Other Local European SIM Card Providers
There are many more SIM card options available for travelers, including both international and regional providers.
Here are a few additional options for prepaid SIM cards that you may consider when traveling in Europe:
Lycamobile
Lycamobile is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that offers prepaid SIM cards with coverage in many European countries.
They provide a range of affordable plans, including data, voice, and text options tailored to the needs of international travelers.
Lebara
GiffGaff
Giffgaff is a UK-based MVNO that provides prepaid SIM cards with coverage in the UK and the European Union.
They offer flexible plans, known as “goodybags,” which include data, voice, and text allowances. Giffgaff is well-known for its competitive rates and user-friendly approach.
EE (Everything Everywhere)
O2
AldiTalk
Aldi Talk is a popular MVNO in Germany, offering prepaid SIM cards with coverage in Germany and the European Union.
They provide a range of affordable plans that include data, voice, and text services, making them a suitable option for travelers in Europe.
eSIMs for Europe: A Flexible Alternative
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that is built into your device, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card.
This technology allows you to easily switch between carriers and plans without physically swapping SIM cards. Some newer smartphones, like the iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy S21, are compatible with eSIMs.
Several European carriers offer eSIM options, including Orange, Vodafone, and Deutsche Telekom. These carriers provide a range of plans for eSIMs, similar to their traditional prepaid SIM card offerings.
Benefits of using eSIMs for travelers:
- Greater flexibility: Switch between carriers and plans without physically swapping SIM cards.
- No need to carry multiple SIM cards: eSIMs can store multiple profiles, allowing you to switch between carriers with ease.
- Faster setup: eSIM activation is often quicker than activating a physical SIM card.
Why Choose a Local SIM Card Over Roaming?
Using a local SIM card during your travels in Europe can offer significant benefits over relying on your home carrier’s roaming services.
Here are some reasons why you should consider purchasing a local prepaid SIM card instead of using roaming:
Cost Savings
One of the main advantages of using a local SIM card is the potential for substantial cost savings. Roaming charges can quickly add up, particularly when using data services.
In contrast, local SIM cards offer more affordable rates for voice, text, and data usage, helping you avoid unexpected and costly phone bills after your trip.
Better Network Coverage
When using a local SIM card, you connect directly to a local mobile network. This often results in better network coverage, as local carriers typically have more extensive infrastructure in their respective countries.
Better coverage means a more reliable connection, which is essential when navigating unfamiliar places or staying connected with friends, family, or colleagues.
No Bill Shock
Prepaid SIM cards operate on a pay-as-you-go basis, meaning you only pay for the services you need and use.
This eliminates the risk of bill shock or unexpected charges when you return home from your trip.
Customizable Plans
Local SIM card providers offer a variety of plans tailored to the needs of international visitors. These plans often include options for data allowances, international calling, and texting.
You can choose a plan that suits your communication needs and budget, ensuring that you only pay for the services you require.
Local Phone Number
When using a local SIM card, you are assigned a local phone number.
This can make it more convenient and cost-effective for you to make and receive calls within Europe, as well as for friends, family, or colleagues to contact you without incurring international calling fees.
Easier Access to Local Services
With a local phone number, it becomes easier to access local services such as taxis, restaurants, and hotels.
Many service providers prefer to communicate with customers who have a local phone number, and some even require it for reservations and bookings.
Independence from Home Carrier
Prepaid SIM cards offer a convenient way for international visitors to stay connected while exploring Europe. With a variety of plans from providers such as Orange, Three UK, Vodafone, and SimOptions, there are options to suit every traveler’s needs.
Alternatively, eSIMs provide a more flexible solution for those with compatible devices, allowing you to easily switch between carriers and plans during your European adventure.
How To Order an eSIM
Compare eSIMs
Compare and find the most suitable travel eSIM for your needs and purchase it directly with the provider.
Receive eSIM via email/app
You will receive the eSIM profile within a few minutes in a separate e-mail or you can directly access it in the provider’s app.
Install eSIM
Scan the eSIM QR code in the mail with the camera function of your smartphone and follow the instructions on the screen. The profile will be set up automatically.
Free roaming abroad
You can now use the eSIM abroad!
Why Choose an eSIM?
Sustainable
The eSIM works digitally only, so fewer resources are used than with the classic SIM card.
Digital
The new eSIM can easily be digitally uploaded to your smartphone. It’s quick and saves the environment.
Fast Installation
Your eSIM profile is sent easily and conveniently by email. This means you will receive your digital eSIM much faster than a physical SIM Card by post.
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