Best European SIM Cards for Traveling in 2026

A European SIM card allows you to stay connected with local calls, texts, and data at more affordable rates compared to international roaming. It also provides easier access to navigation, local services, and communication without the high costs associated with using a foreign carrier.

1. Save Cost: Using your home SIM abroad can lead to expensive roaming fees. A European SIM card helps you avoid these costs, offering calls at local rates.
2. Wide Coverage Across Europe: Most European SIM cards work across multiple countries on the continent, so you can travel across territories without the hassle of switching networks.
3. Access to Local Services: A European number allows you to use the native apps like Uber that require local numbers.
4. Access Quick Emergency Support: When you use a local phone number, dialing emergency numbers like 112 connects you directly to the local emergency services.

Before purchasing a SIM card for Europe, check that it provides reliable coverage, suitable call and data plans, fair pricing, and dependable customer support. Also, make sure the validity period aligns with your trip duration, and that the SIM works across all the countries you plan to visit.

1. Coverage: Check whether the SIM works in the country you are traveling to. Also, if you are planning to visit multiple nations, confirm that they support all visiting countries.
2. Connection: Some providers offer SIM cards with data-only plans, while others include both calls and data. Before buying, decide whether you need just internet access or a combination of calling and data to suit your travel needs.
3. Cost: Look for a provider that balances calls, texts, and data as per your budget to suit your travel needs without overspending. Compare between providers and plans, and check for any hidden fees or restrictions that might affect your usage while in Europe.
4. Validity: Choose a SIM card for Europe travel​ with a validity period that fits your trip’s duration. This helps avoid losing unused credit or getting a new subscription unexpectedly during your travels.
5. Customer Support: Select a provider with reliable support. Good customer support will be crucial in case you run into network issues.

The leading SIM card providers for travel in Europe include Orange Travel, SimCorner, Vodafone, Airalo, Bouygues Telecom, SFR, Holafly, Jetpac, MobiMatter, and Saily. These providers offer reliable connectivity, flexible plans, and traveler-friendly features tailored for seamless communication across Europe.

Associated with Orange SA, a Paris-based telecommunications company, Orange Travel is one of the top providers offering eSIM cards for Europe. You can either get a European eSIM covering the whole continent or one for a specific country in Europe. However, you’ll need the Orange Travel app to buy, install, and manage its eSIM. You can add credit anytime and control your connectivity with its rechargeable plans through the app itself.

Pricing

SimCorner is an Australian-owned company that offers Europe-specific physical SIM cards and eSIMs designed for seamless travel across multiple European countries. Whether you're visiting just one country or traveling across Europe by train, cruise, or road trip, SimCorner provides reliable coverage, high-speed data, and affordable plans with no hidden roaming fees.

Their European eSIMs offer instant activation through QR code, while physical SIM cards can be delivered to your address.

Pricing

Vodafone offers a Travel eSIM plan, which is a simple and affordable solution for staying connected across Europe. With coverage in over 40 European countries, you can enjoy fast 4G/5G data for essential apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, Uber, and social media, without paying expensive roaming fees.

The eSIM is data-only, works with hotspot sharing, and arrives instantly via email for quick setup. You can keep their original SIM card active while using Vodafone eSIM for travel data.

Pricing

Airalo offers eSIM cards for Europe​, covering 42 countries. To use its service, simply install the Airalo app, select your package and destination, install your eSIM, and activate it.

Similar to Vodafone, Airalo only offers data subscriptions that do not include calling and texting. However, you can use its data to call and text using third-party apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.

Pricing

Bouygues Telecom is a well-established French telecom provider offering My European SIM, a travel-focused eSIM and SIM card solution designed specifically for visitors in Europe. It allows you to stay connected across European countries with fast 4G coverage, unlimited calls and texts, and high-data plans that work seamlessly in both France and the rest of Europe.

When you order a Bouygues Telecom SIM card, you also get a tourist guide with tips on national monuments, activities, and exclusive discounts tailored to each region. Additionally, you will receive stickers, a souvenir key ring, and a SIM ejector (if you ordered a physical SIM).

Pricing

SFR is a France-based European SIM card provider that provides both eSIMs and physical SIMs with 5G compatibility. If you choose an eSIM, you have the flexibility to activate it instantly or set a future activation date. For a physical SIM, there’s no setup hassle; just insert it into your phone, and it’s ready to use.

After purchasing the eSIM, iPhone or Samsung users will get a notification to install and activate it after the payment validation. Users with other phone brands will get a QR Code by email, which they can scan to complete the setup.

Pricing

Holafly offers a travel-friendly eSIM service designed for those who want unlimited data and zero complications. It provides extensive coverage across 40 European countries. With instant delivery to your email and quick activation through a QR code, you don’t have to search for local SIM stores or wait for physical delivery.
Holafly plans operate on 4G and 5G networks, providing fast and reliable internet for navigation, streaming, messaging, and social media. You can also continue using your existing number on messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Viber, ensuring seamless communication with friends and family throughout your trip.

Holafly offers unlimited data on all plans and follows a flexible pricing model where the daily cost becomes lower as you choose more days.

pricing

Jetpac offers a digital travel eSIM that you can buy online, receive instantly via email, install with a QR code, and activate upon landing in Europe. With 24/7 multi-network access, your phone automatically connects to the strongest local signal, giving you better coverage than most local SIMs.
Jetpac also offers a 100% money-back guarantee, making it a risk-free option, and its single eSIM works in 200+ destinations. It also offers unlimited hotspot sharing and a unique perk that keeps essential apps, WhatsApp, Google Maps, Uber, and Grab, working even after your data runs out. This ensures you can always navigate, message, and get transport across Europe.

Pricing

MobiMatter is a digital telecom provider that lets you buy international eSIMs online and instantly activate mobile data across Europe, without needing a physical SIM or visiting local stores. Once connected, you’ll get access to strong 4G and 5G networks in major European destinations, making navigation, messaging, and streaming effortless while traveling.

What sets MobiMatter apart is its user-friendly experience; you can view all plan details clearly, use hotspot sharing, and even keep your regular SIM active alongside the eSIM for extra convenience.

Pricing

Saily stands out as one of the best SIM card options for traveling in Europe. It offers reliable multi-country coverage, fast data speeds, and seamless setup through a simple QR-code installation process. You can benefit from strong security features like ad blocking, malicious site protection, and virtual location tools, all backed by NordVPN’s trusted technology.
Moreover, with 24/7 customer support, an easy-to-use app, and the convenience of using one eSIM across more than 35 European destinations, Saily provides a smooth, secure, and flexible connectivity solution for anyone exploring Europe.

Pricing

Staying connected while travelling to Europe is easier than ever, with plenty of SIM card options to choose from. Whether you go for a local SIM, an eSIM, or a travel plan, there’s something for every traveler. With good coverage and affordable rates, these SIM cards help you stay in touch, navigate cities, and share your experiences without the worry of high roaming fees.

With a virtual phone number, you’ll have even better flexibility. Services like Calilio offer virtual phone numbers that work across multiple countries, allowing you to make and receive calls and texts from one number, no matter where you are in Europe.

Virtual numbers come in really handy for frequent travelers. With Calilio, you won’t need to swap SIM cards or deal with roaming charges. Plus, if you get a virtual phone number, you can keep your personal number private while using a separate number for travel or business. Whether you’re running a business or simply staying connected, Calilio provides a cost-effective, hassle-free way to communicate on the go. It’s a smart, easy solution for anyone traveling across Europe.