The Best eSIM for Europe: A Guide to Sim Local
*Disclosure: I only recommend products/services that I would use myself & all opinions expressed here are my own. This post is sponsored by Sim Local and may contain affiliate links, meaning that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission, which in turn helps fund my next adventure! Please read the Privacy Policy for more information.
Planning a European adventure should be exciting, not stressful. Yet many travelers find themselves facing the same frustrating situation: arriving in Europe only to deal with unreliable connectivity, exorbitant roaming charges, or the inconvenience of hunting down local SIM cards in unfamiliar locations. Sound familiar?
The problem is real. Staying connected while traveling through Europe has traditionally meant either accepting astronomical roaming fees from your home carrier or juggling multiple physical SIM cards throughout your journey. Neither option is ideal when you're trying to navigate new cities, stay in touch with loved ones, or share your experiences in real time.
For most of my life, I either traveled internationally while using my phone only when I had free Wi-Fi or used my phone carrier’s international data pass. I never considered SIM cards or eSIMs because frankly, I didn’t understand what they were and was intimidated by them. I finally had enough and tested out a few eSIM companies over the last year, and to my surprise, they’re way easier than I expected!
There are tons of eSIMs on the market, but I’ve found that Sim Local is one of the best eSIMs, especially for traveling in Europe. In this article, we’ll dive into eSIM basics, why you need one when traveling internationally, why Sim Local stands out, and how easy it is to install and use. You’ll soon be traveling Europe like a local in no time!
What is an eSIM & Why do You Need One for European Travel?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital alternative to the traditional physical SIM cards we've used for decades. Unlike its plastic predecessor, an eSIM is built directly into your device's hardware; there's nothing to insert or remove.
When traveling across Europe, where you might hop between multiple countries in a single trip, eSIM technology truly shines. Instead of juggling tiny plastic SIM cards or paying exorbitant roaming fees, you can simply download a new profile to your device before crossing borders.
The benefits for international travelers:
Instant activation: Purchase and set up your international data plan before you even leave home
Dual SIM functionality: Keep your home number active while using local data
Seamless switching: Easily toggle between different carriers as you cross European borders
No physical components: Nothing to lose, damage, or fumble with using tiny SIM tools
Environmentally friendly: Reduces plastic waste from traditional SIM cards
Europe has embraced eSIM technology at an impressive rate. Major carriers across the continent now support eSIM functionality, making it increasingly convenient for travelers to stay connected. Countries like the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain have particularly strong eSIM infrastructure, ensuring reliable coverage throughout your journey.
And lucky for you, most modern smartphones and tablets now come equipped with eSIM capability. Apple devices from iPhone XS onward, Google Pixel devices from Pixel 2 onward, and many Samsung Galaxy models all support this technology. Before traveling, simply check your device compatibility to ensure you can take advantage of this convenient, budget-friendly solution.
What Makes Sim Local the Best eSIM for Europe
Choosing the right connectivity solution for your European adventure can make or break your travel experience (and I’m here to make sure you have the best experience possible!). If you’re anything like me, the last thing you want to worry about while traveling is staying connected, and Sim Local’s benefits are why I think it’s the top choice.
European Specialist: Unlike global providers, Sim Local focuses exclusively on European connectivity, resulting in optimized service quality. They’re a European-based company & partner with the top local network providers.
No Speed Throttling: Maintains full 4G/5G speeds throughout your plan duration.
Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees or unexpected charges, plus the most competitive prices on the market.
Airport Support: Get one-on-one help at airports in the main EU countries for installation setup.
Unmatched European Coverage
Sim Local offers exceptional coverage across over 200 countries worldwide, including popular destinations like France, Italy, Spain, and Germany, as well as less-visited gems like Slovenia, Croatia, and Portugal. Unlike many competitors who focus only on Western Europe, Sim Local ensures you stay connected whether you're exploring the fjords of Norway or the beaches of Greece. The company started in Ireland back in 2011 and have been connecting people while traveling ever since.
Competitive Pricing Structure
One of the most compelling reasons travelers choose Sim Local as the best eSIM for traveling to Europe is its transparent and competitive pricing. With plans starting from less than $1 per GB of data, valid for 30 days, this is by far the cheapest option out there. Sim Local typically offers 15-20% savings compared to other major eSIM providers. The company also offers frequent promotions for multi-country packages, making it ideal for those planning to hop between several European destinations.
Network Reliability
Sim Local partners with premium tier-one local network providers across Europe, ensuring you're always connected to the strongest available signal. Their multi-network approach means you're not locked into a single carrier that might have coverage gaps in certain regions. That means more exploring without the worry!
European Airport Presence
This is one of my favorite things that really sets Sim Local apart from other companies. They are one of the only SIM companies to have airport stores. They’re there to help answer any questions and to ensure you’re set up properly, which is a huge plus if you’re a first-time eSIM user! You can find them in major European airports like London, Madrid, & Greece.
Generous Data Allowances
Sim Local offers some of the most generous data packages available. Their unlimited data plan for Europe, priced at $29 for 7 days, provides truly unlimited high-speed data, and you can choose from data-only plans or plans that include calls & SMS for an affordable rate - just another reason why Sim Local is the best eSIM for European travel. The typical recommendation is 1GB per day for average travelers using navigation, social media, and occasional video calls. Their most popular plan offers 10GB for a two-week trip (this is the one I usually opt for). If you plan on streaming videos or working remotely, then you should consider their unlimited data option.
How to Set Up Your Sim Local eSIM for European Travel
Setting up your Sim Local eSIM for your European adventure is remarkably straightforward and easy. Unlike physical SIM cards that require special tools and handling tiny chips, the eSIM installation process is entirely digital. As soon as you make your purchase on Sim Local’s website (either on desktop or mobile), you’ll receive a confirmation email that will walk you through each step to activate your eSIM.
Step 1: Purchase Your Sim Local eSIM Plan
1. Visit the Sim Local website or download the Sim Local app from your device's app store
2. Browse the available European plans (country-specific or multi-country options)
3. Select your preferred data package based on your travel duration and data needs
4. Complete the checkout process with your payment details (don’t forget to use code: TRAVELINGTESS for an extra discount!)
5. Check your email for the confirmation and installation instructions
6. Download the app & sign in
7. Select Install on the Sim Local website to generate the QR code
Step 2: Scan the QR Code
1. Position your camera to scan the QR code from Sim Local
2. Enter the 4-digit code (this will be your eSIM PIN)
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to download the eSIM profile
Step 3: Activate Your eSIM
1. Once installed, you'll see the new eSIM profile in your mobile data settings
2. Toggle the Sim Local eSIM to "On" to activate it
3. If prompted, label your eSIM (e.g., "Europe Travel" or "Sim Local")
4. Select whether to use this eSIM for data only or calls and SMS as well (depending on which plan you purchased)
5. Choose your default line for calls if you're keeping your home SIM active
If you chose a plan that includes calls and texts, then you will receive a welcome text message from the local network provider with your new mobile number and the expiration date. And voila! It’s as simple as that. It took me about 6 minutes to activate and connect my eSIM, but if you have any trouble at all, Sim Local has online chat support, or you can email them.
Tips for Using Your Sim Local eSIM While Traveling in Europe
If you don’t purchase the unlimited data plan, then you’ll want to check out these tips for maximizing your Sim Local eSIM experience. Here's how to get the most out of your digital travel companion:
Data-Saving Strategies
Download maps offline: Before heading out for the day, use your hotel’s Wi-Fi to download Google Maps or Maps.me for your destination to navigate without using data.
Pre-download entertainment: Use your hotel Wi-Fi to download movies, shows, or podcasts before long train journeys.
Use messaging apps: WhatsApp and Telegram use less data than regular texts or calls. You can also use WhatsApp to send text messages with the data-only plan.
Disable auto-play videos: Adjust your social media settings to prevent videos from playing automatically.
Enable data saver mode: Most smartphones have this feature that compresses data before it reaches your device.
Switching Between eSIMs
Sim Local makes it easy to manage multiple eSIM profiles as you cross borders. If you don’t want to deal with juggling multiple eSIMs then I highly recommend you purchase one eSIM for the region, like choosing Europe vs Spain or North America vs the United States.
Label your profiles: Rename each eSIM profile with the country name for easy identification.
Switch before crossing borders: Activate your next country's eSIM before you arrive to ensure immediate connectivity.
Keep your original eSIM active: Until you confirm your new eSIM is working, don't deactivate your previous connection.
Restart your phone: If you experience connection issues after switching, a simple restart often resolves the problem.
Optimizing Battery Life
eSIMs can drain battery faster if not managed properly:
Reduce screen brightness: This simple change significantly extends battery life.
Close background apps: Apps running in the background consume data and battery power.
Use Airplane Mode strategically: When not needing connectivity, toggle this mode on.
Carry a portable charger: Essential for long days of exploration and navigation.
Enable battery-saving mode: Activate this when your battery falls below 30%.
Switch to Wi-Fi: Always switch to Wi-Fi when it’s available, like at your hotel or at a cafe.
If you're heading to Europe, Sim Local is hands down the best eSIM option I’ve tried. The easy installation process, competitive rates, and the fact that they have airport stores across Europe for one-on-one support really set them apart. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who wants to avoid the hassle of traditional SIM cards while staying connected effortlessly. Plus, I’ve partnered with Sim Local to give my readers an exclusive discount when purchasing through my link - another reason to choose Sim Local for your next trip!
And, if you’re planning your European getaway, be sure to check out my popular guides on spending 5 days in Madrid or a first-timer’s guide to Rome for more tips on making the most of your travels.
Happy travels!
-Tess
Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!
