Best eSIM Options for Travelling to Europe: Everything You Need To Know

Before travel eSIMs were a thing, getting connected in Europe was honestly a bit of a nightmare. I still remember backpacking through Europe on a tight budget, wasting half a day trekking around London trying to compare mobile plans. Every shop had different prices, different conditions, and of course — they all wanted my passport and personal info just to get a SIM card. It was a total pain in the ass, and not exactly the “live in the moment” travel experience I had in mind.

Thankfully, things have changed. Travel eSIMs now let you skip the lines, avoid roaming charges, and get connected the moment you land. In this guide, we’ll cover the best eSIM options for travelling to Europe, how they work, what to look out for, and how to get one set up before your trip — no paperwork required. Tldr; We reckon our Europe Travel eSIM is what you’re looking for 😉

Why Use an eSIM for Europe Travel?

Travelling through Europe usually means crossing a few borders, and staying connected in each country can be a hassle — unless you’re using a travel eSIM. Instead of juggling SIM cards, roaming fees, or hoping your hotel has decent Wi-Fi, a travel eSIM gives you mobile data across Europe with just a few taps.

At ZenSim, we think it’s one of the best things to happen to international travel. You can set everything up before you even leave home and land ready to go. For travellers who want flexibility, fair pricing, and fewer headaches, an eSIM is the way forward.

What Is a Travel eSIM and How Does It Work in Europe?

A travel eSIM is a digital SIM card that lets you connect to local networks without needing a physical SIM. Most modern smartphones support them, and all you need is an internet connection to activate your plan.

For Europe travel, it’s a game changer. Instead of buying a SIM in every country you visit, you can use a single eSIM that covers multiple countries. You install it once, and your phone switches between local networks automatically as you travel. It’s simple, seamless, and built for modern travellers who don’t want to deal with old-school SIM swaps or having to find a mobile store during your trip.

Benefits of Using an eSIM for Travelling in Europe

Roaming charges add up quickly, and buying SIMs locally can be hit-or-miss — especially if your first stop is a tiny airport kiosk with overpriced plans. With a travel eSIM, you skip all that. You can compare plans online, install before you leave, and get connected the moment you land.

There’s no need to find a mobile shop, and you won’t end up cruising around in a tuk-tuk looking for one. Everything’s done online, and with ZenSim, you get customer support over WhatsApp if you ever need help. For anyone planning to travel across Europe, an eSIM just makes more sense. Curious? See our Europe eSIM options here.

Best eSIMs for Europe Travel in 2024

There are plenty of eSIM providers out there, but they’re not all built the same — especially when it comes to European travel. In this section, we’ll compare some of the top options based on price, coverage, and overall value. If you're heading off on a Euro adventure, these are the travel eSIMs worth considering.

Best eSIM for International Travel in Europe

• Airalo: One of the biggest eSIM brands globally. Their 20GB, 30-day plan for Europe (covering 42 countries) comes in at $79.50 AUD. It’s easy to use, but not the most budget-friendly, especially if you're a light or moderate data user.
• ZenSim: An Aussie-run provider with highly competitive pricing and responsive customer support via WhatsApp. ZenSim’s 20GB Europe plan is just $35 AUD for 30 days 😮, and their Unlimited plan is $85 AUD, both covering 36 countries. Flexible top-ups and no nonsense activation make it a solid choice for both short trips and longer stays.
• Holafly: Well-known for offering unlimited data, Holafly focuses on convenience over pricing. Their 30-day unlimited Europe plan costs $117 AUD and covers 40 countries. Great if you’re a heavy user, but it’s on the pricier side.
• Simify: Another Aussie provider with decent brand recognition. Their 20GB, 30-day plan is $75 AUD, and their Unlimited plan is $99 AUD, with coverage in 43 countries. Good data options and included countries, but the pricing leans premium compared to others.

Best eSIM for Australians Travelling to Europe

Australians heading to Europe have a couple of standout eSIM options — ZenSim and Simify. Both offer AUD pricing and are designed with Aussie travellers in mind.

ZenSim keeps things affordable and simple. With plans starting at $35 AUD, and live support over WhatsApp, it's a go-to for travellers who want value without the drama. ZenSim’s 30-day Europe plan covers 36 countries and includes flexible top-ups and a choice between standard or unlimited data.

Simify offers good coverage and a range of higher-data or unlimited options, though you’ll be paying a bit more — their Unlimited plan sits at $99 AUD. If you’re after big data bundles and don’t mind the extra spend, it’s a strong pick — but ZenSim is our pick overall – but hey, we’re probably bias 😉

How to Choose the Best eSIM for Your European Trip

There’s no one-size-fits-all eSIM — the best option really depends on your trip. When comparing Europe travel eSIMs, look at more than just the price (although yes, that matters a lot). Make sure the countries you’re visiting are actually covered, check how easy the provider makes it to manage your plan, and don’t forget to check the fine print.

You can see the full country list for ZenSim’s Europe plans on our Europe eSIM page, and we always recommend checking that list before buying, no matter which provider you go with.

Consider Your Destination(s) and Trip Duration

Your travel route and how long you’re away for will help narrow things down. Many eSIM providers offer plans that range from 1 to 90 days. Holafly lets you choose the exact number of days, which is handy if you want to match your plan to your travel itinerary. Airalo has a variety of data packs, and the validity often depends on how much data you choose.

At ZenSim, we keep it straightforward — our Europe eSIMs come in 10-day and 30-day options, with multiple data choices. More often than not, the decision comes down to how much you’re willing to spend and how long you’re planning to stay connected.

Compare Data Allowance, Validity, and Price

When browsing plans, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Some providers list big data numbers but short durations, or vice versa. Ensure the plan covers the full length of your trip — or make sure the provider supports top-ups if it doesn’t. (We do, and it only takes a few seconds to top-up your eSIM with more days or data.)

Data allowance is the obvious one. Here's a little tip from me: I usually go for 10GB to 20GB plans instead of unlimited — they’re much cheaper and I’ve never come close to running out. Unless you’re streaming 4K videos from a gondola, chances are you won’t need the unlimited data.

Look for Features Like Hotspot Tethering or Rechargeability

Some features matter more to some travellers than others, but it’s good to check. For example, if you need to tether your laptop or share data with a friend, make sure your eSIM plan allows hotspot usage. ZenSim does — no tricks, just switch it on in your settings.

Also check whether the eSIM provider lets you top up your plan. At ZenSim, if you run out of days or data, you can just reload it in seconds in our app and get back to whatever European adventure you were in the middle of. Not every provider offers that, so read the fine print before buying.

One other thing to be wary of is if the provider has an app or not. The last thing you want to be doing if you want to check your balance or pay a bill is to have to remember some weird code like “##99&@*” which you need to SMS message in order to check your balance.

How to Buy and Set Up a Travel eSIM for Europe

Getting started with a travel eSIM is way easier than you might think — no store visits, no paperwork, no physical SIMs to fumble with. At ZenSim, we’ve worked hard to craft what we believe is the smoothest experience around, but hey — we’d love to hear your thoughts.

Here’s how it works: head over to our Europe eSIM page, choose your plan, enter your details (name + email), add your payment info and boom — your eSIM is on its way. You’ll receive a QR code instantly, and you can also download the ZenSim app for a super easy install and to check your balance, download invoices, buy more Travel eSIMs – you get the gist.

Where to Buy an eSIM for Europe Travel

Travel eSIMs are designed to be digital-first, so the best providers (and definitely all the big ones) sell exclusively online. If someone’s offering eSIMs and making you visit a store… yeah, that kind of defeats the purpose.

The process is pretty similar across providers: shop around online, find the right plan for your trip, make the purchase, and get your eSIM delivered instantly via email or app. At ZenSim, we send your QR code straight after checkout, and you can install it on our app however you like.

How to Install and Activate Your eSIM

Once you’ve got your eSIM, you can install it one of three ways:

• Scan the QR code we email you (classic and simple)
• One-click install via the ZenSim app if you’re on iOS
• Manual setup, sounds scary but it’s actually super easy in our app, if you don’t have another device handy to scan the code

You can install your eSIM before you leave and it will be automatically activated as soon as you land. It’s that easy! If you hit a snag, check out our eSIM Troubleshooting Guide or follow our step-by-step installation guide to get sorted quickly.

Common Questions About Europe Travel eSIMs

Still unsure about a few things? You’re not alone. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we get about using eSIMs in Europe — straight to the point, no tech jargon, and packed with tips to help you feel confident before your trip.

Will My Phone Work With a European eSIM?

Most likely, yes. If your phone was released in the last five years, chances are it supports eSIM. That includes most newer iPhones, Samsung Galaxy devices, Pixels, and others. But to be sure, we recommend checking with our eSIM Compatibility Checker before buying — it only takes a second and gets updated regularly.

Can I Use One eSIM Across Multiple Countries in Europe?

Absolutely. That’s one of the biggest advantages of using a regional Europe travel eSIM. Your plan will work as you move across borders — no need to install a new SIM in each country. The only catch? You’ll want to make sure the countries you’re visiting are actually supported.

Some providers bury this info, which is… odd. We don’t. Your ZenSim Europe eSIM supports travel across these 36 countries:

Andorra
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Faroe Islands
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Ukraine

Is It Better to Use a Travel eSIM or Buy a Local SIM in Europe?

While local SIMs can sometimes be cheaper if you're staying in one place long-term, they come with a few drawbacks — like finding a shop, showing ID, swapping SIMs, and dealing with language barriers.

A travel eSIM, on the other hand, can be bought and installed before you even leave home. It activates the moment you land, works across multiple countries, and can be managed easily through an app. No queuing, no confusion, no drama. For flexibility, convenience, and peace of mind, a travel eSIM is hands-down the better choice.

Final Thoughts

Travelling through Europe should be about discovering hidden laneways, all of that wonderful history and eating way too many pastries and pastas - not stressing about how to get connected or where you left your plastic SIM card from back home.

With a travel eSIM, staying connected is finally as easy as it should be. You can compare your options online, install your eSIM before you leave, and focus on what really matters — your trip. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a months-long Euro adventure, there's a plan that'll fit.

Safe travels — and if you end up using ZenSim, let us know how it goes. We're always keen to hear what travellers think, and we’re just a message away if you need help.