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Traveling to Europe and need mobile data? An eSIM is the easiest way to stay connected across multiple countries without swapping physical SIM cards or paying roaming charges. You install it before your flight, and it activates the moment you land.
We compared plans from the three most popular travel eSIM providers, Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad, to help you find the best option for your European trip based on how long you're traveling, how much data you need, and what you're willing to spend.
Quick Pick: Our Top Recommendation
Holafly Europe: Unlimited Data
Unlimited data across 30+ European countries with no throttling on core usage
Holafly is the best choice for most European travelers because the unlimited data removes any worry about rationing. Whether you're using Google Maps all day, posting to Instagram, or video-calling home, you won't hit a cap. The per-day cost drops significantly on longer plans, making it especially good value for trips of 10 days or more.
That said, if you need hotspot sharing or want to spend as little as possible, read on, Airalo and Nomad have better options for those use cases.
Europe eSIM Plans Compared
Here's how the three major providers compare for a typical 7-day European trip:
| Provider | Plan | Data | Duration | Price | Hotspot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | Europe 1GB | 1 GB | 7 days | $5 | Yes |
| Airalo | Europe 3GB | 3 GB | 30 days | $13 | Yes |
| Airalo | Europe 5GB | 5 GB | 30 days | $20 | Yes |
| Airalo | Europe 10GB | 10 GB | 30 days | $37 | Yes |
| Holafly | Europe 5 days | Unlimited | 5 days | $19 | Limited |
| Holafly | Europe 7 days | Unlimited | 7 days | $27 | Limited |
| Holafly | Europe 15 days | Unlimited | 15 days | $47 | Limited |
| Holafly | Europe 30 days | Unlimited | 30 days | $84 | Limited |
| Nomad | Europe 1GB | 1 GB | 7 days | $4 | Yes |
| Nomad | Europe 3GB | 3 GB | 30 days | $11 | Yes |
| Nomad | Europe 5GB | 5 GB | 30 days | $18 | Yes |
| Nomad | Europe 10GB | 10 GB | 30 days | $32 | Yes |
Prices May Vary
eSIM providers update their pricing regularly. The prices above were accurate as of March 2026. Always check the provider's website or app for the latest pricing before purchasing.
Airalo Europe Plans
Airalo: Best for Budget Travelers and Hotspot Users
Pay only for the data you need with full hotspot support
Airalo is the largest travel eSIM marketplace with over 5 million users. Their Europe plans cover 39 countries, which is the widest coverage of the three providers reviewed here. This makes them a strong choice if your itinerary includes less-visited European countries.
The biggest advantage of Airalo is full hotspot support on every plan. If you're traveling with a partner or need to connect a laptop, Airalo lets you share your data without restrictions. Their app also makes it easy to top up mid-trip if you're running low.
The trade-off is that you're paying per gigabyte. Heavy users who stream video or upload lots of photos may find the cost adds up compared to Holafly's unlimited plans.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Holafly Europe Plans
Holafly: Best for Unlimited Data Without Stress
Flat-rate unlimited data so you never worry about running out
Holafly's unlimited data model is what sets it apart. You pay a flat rate based on how many days you need, and there's no data cap. This is ideal for travelers who use Google Maps constantly, post to social media throughout the day, or video-call family back home.
The main limitation is hotspot sharing. Holafly restricts tethering on many of their European plans, so if you need to share data with a laptop or a travel companion's phone, Airalo or Nomad are better choices.
Holafly also offers longer plans (60 and 90 days) that the other providers don't, making it a strong option for extended trips, study abroad, or slow travel through Europe.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Nomad Europe Plans
Nomad eSIM: Best Value Per Gigabyte
The lowest per-GB pricing with full hotspot support
Nomad consistently undercuts Airalo on per-GB pricing. Their Europe 10GB plan comes in at $32 compared to Airalo's $37 for the same amount of data. If you know roughly how much data you'll use and want to keep costs as low as possible, Nomad is the way to go.
Like Airalo, Nomad supports full hotspot sharing on all plans. The trade-off is slightly narrower European coverage (30 countries vs Airalo's 39), though all the major tourist destinations are included.
Strengths
Weaknesses
How to Choose the Right Plan
The right eSIM depends on three things: how much data you'll use, whether you need hotspot sharing, and how much you want to spend. Here's how to decide:
Estimate Your Data Usage
Light users (maps, messaging, email) need about 1–3 GB per week. Medium users (social media, photo uploads) need 3–5 GB. Heavy users (video calls, streaming) need 5–10 GB or unlimited. Check our data usage guide for a detailed breakdown.
Decide on Hotspot Sharing
If you need to share data with a laptop, tablet, or a travel partner's phone, choose Airalo or Nomad. Both offer full tethering on all plans. Holafly restricts hotspot on most European plans.
Match Your Budget
For the lowest cost per GB, go with Nomad. For unlimited data without worrying about usage, choose Holafly. For the widest country coverage with hotspot support, choose Airalo.
Our Recommendation by Traveler Type
Budget backpackers: Nomad 3GB or 5GB, lowest prices with hotspot for laptop access at hostels.
Couples sharing data: Airalo 10GB, full hotspot so both phones stay connected.
Families or heavy users: Holafly Unlimited, never worry about running out mid-trip.
Short weekend trips: Airalo or Nomad 1GB, under $5 for basic maps and messaging.
Digital nomads / long stays: Holafly 30, 60, or 90 day plans, best value for extended travel.
Country Coverage
All three providers cover the countries most travelers visit in Europe. The differences are mainly in smaller or less-visited countries. Here are the key destinations all three providers cover:
| Country | Airalo | Holafly | Nomad |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Italy | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Spain | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Germany | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| United Kingdom | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Netherlands | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Portugal | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Greece | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Switzerland | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Austria | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Czech Republic | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hungary | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Croatia | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Poland | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sweden | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Denmark | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ireland | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Belgium | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turkey | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Norway | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Visiting Eastern Europe or the Balkans?
Airalo has the widest coverage for less-visited European countries like Albania, Moldova, and Montenegro. If your itinerary includes off-the-beaten-path destinations, check Airalo's country list before choosing a provider.
How to Set Up Your Europe eSIM
Setting up your Europe eSIM takes about five minutes and works the same with every provider: buy your plan on WiFi before you fly, scan the QR code to install it, then switch the line on when you land so you are connected the moment you arrive.
For the full step-by-step with the exact iPhone and Android menus, plus what to do if it does not connect, see our guide on how to install an eSIM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does one eSIM cover every country on my Europe trip?
A regional Europe eSIM covers most of the continent on a single plan, typically 30 to 39 countries depending on the provider, so you stay connected as you cross borders by train or plane without buying a new plan. Check the provider's country list to confirm your destinations are included.
Will I keep my regular phone number?
Yes. A travel eSIM adds a second data line to your phone. Your home number stays active for calls, texts, and iMessage. You just switch which line handles mobile data.
Can I use the eSIM in multiple European countries?
Yes. All three providers offer regional Europe plans that work across multiple countries on a single plan. You don't need to buy a separate eSIM for each country, the same plan works as you cross borders.
What happens if I run out of data?
With Airalo and Nomad, you can buy a top-up through the app. With Holafly, you have unlimited data so this isn't a concern. If your data runs out and you don't top up, you simply won't have mobile data until you connect to WiFi.
Is it better to get an eSIM or buy a SIM at the airport?
An eSIM is almost always the better choice. It's cheaper than airport SIM cards, you can set it up before your flight, and there's no waiting in line. The only reason to buy at the airport is if your phone doesn't support eSIM. See our local SIM vs eSIM comparison for more details.
Do these eSIMs include phone calls?
No, all three providers offer data-only eSIMs. For voice calls, use WiFi calling through your home carrier, or apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype over your eSIM data connection.