eSIMs have killed the need for physical SIM cards. You buy a data plan online, scan a QR code, and you have mobile data in 60 seconds – before you’ve even left the airport. For European travel, three providers dominate: Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad. Here’s the honest comparison.
Quick Comparison: Europe Plans
| Feature | Airalo | Holafly | Nomad |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | 39 European countries | 32 European countries | 30+ European countries |
| Data Options | 1GB - 20GB | Unlimited (throttled after fair use) | 1GB - 10GB |
| Price (7 days) | $5 (1GB) - $16 (5GB) | $19 (unlimited) | $8 (1GB) - $20 (5GB) |
| Price (30 days) | $26 (10GB) - $42 (20GB) | $47 (unlimited) | $25 (5GB) - $40 (10GB) |
| Speed | 4G/LTE | 4G/LTE (some 5G) | 4G/LTE |
| Hotspot/Tethering | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (most plans) | ✅ Yes |
| Phone Number | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Top-Up | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (buy new plan) | ✅ Yes |
Airalo – Best for Budget Travelers
Our Pick: Best Overall
Airalo wins for most travelers. It has the widest coverage, most flexible data plans, supports tethering, and lets you top up without buying a whole new plan. The 5GB / 30-day Europe plan for ~$16 is unbeatable value.
- Pros: Cheapest per-GB pricing. Top-up capability (add more data to existing plan). Tethering works. Covers 200+ countries globally, not just Europe.
- Cons: No unlimited plan. No phone number (data only). Support can be slow.
- Best plan: Europe 5GB / 30 days (~$16).
Holafly – Best for Heavy Users
- Pros: Unlimited data (fair use policy, typically 500MB-1GB/day at full speed, then throttled). Great if you stream music/videos. Simple pricing – one plan, no decisions.
- Cons: No tethering on most plans (you can’t share the connection with your laptop). More expensive per trip. Can’t top up – if your plan expires, you buy a new one. “Unlimited” is misleading – heavy users get throttled.
- Best plan: Europe Unlimited / 15 days ($34).
Nomad – The Middle Ground
- Pros: Good balance of price and data. Clean app. Supports tethering. eSIM can be installed before you travel.
- Cons: Fewer country options than Airalo. Slightly higher prices. Less well-known (smaller community).
- Best plan: Europe 5GB / 30 days (~$18).
How to Install an eSIM (Step by Step)
- Check compatibility: Most phones from 2020+ support eSIM (iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3+).
- Buy the plan on the provider’s app or website.
- Scan the QR code or enter the activation details manually.
- Set the eSIM as your data line. Keep your regular SIM for calls/texts.
- Turn on data roaming in your phone settings.
- You’re connected. The whole process takes 2 minutes.
Pro Tips
- Install before you leave. You can install the eSIM at home and activate it when you land.
- Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) as backup.
- Use wifi calling for voice calls (WhatsApp, FaceTime). eSIMs are data-only.
- Check your phone’s eSIM limit. Most phones support 8+ eSIM profiles but only 1-2 active at a time.
eSIM vs Local SIM Card: Which Is Better?
This debate comes up constantly. Here’s the honest answer:
| Factor | eSIM | Local SIM |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | 2 minutes (can do before travel) | 20–60 min (shop, ID, activation) |
| Price per GB | $3–$5 | $1–$3 (often cheaper) |
| Phone number | Usually no | Yes |
| Multi-country | ✅ One plan, many countries | ❌ Buy a new SIM per country |
| Works on older phones | ❌ (2020+ required) | ✅ Universal |
Verdict: eSIMs win for multi-country Europe trips. Local SIMs win for single-country stays of 2+ weeks where you need a local phone number (e.g., renting an apartment or car).
eSIMs for Beyond Europe: Best Providers by Region
Planning to travel further? Here’s how the big three stack up globally:
- Asia: Airalo has the most extensive coverage and best prices for Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Southeast Asia. Holafly works well but is pricier. For Japan specifically, a IIJmio local eSIM is cheapest.
- USA & Canada: T-Mobile and AT&T sell tourist eSIMs directly. Airalo also works here. Avoid Holafly USA – price-to-value is poor.
- Middle East: Coverage can be patchy with third-party eSIMs. Buy local SIMs in Dubai (du or Etisalat), Qatar (Ooredoo), or Israel (Partner).
- Africa & South America: Airalo has coverage but speeds vary. In South Africa and Brazil, local SIMs are dramatically cheaper and faster. In Colombia, Claro or Movistar local SIMs cost $3–$5 for unlimited data.
Frequently Asked Questions About eSIMs
Can I keep my own number while using an eSIM? Yes. eSIMs are data-only – your regular physical SIM stays in your phone for calls and texts. You set the eSIM as your data connection only.
What if my eSIM doesn’t work when I land? First, toggle airplane mode on and off. Check that “data roaming” is enabled and that the eSIM line is selected as the data line in your phone settings. If still failing, contact the provider’s live chat – most respond within minutes.
Can I use an eSIM on a tablet or smartwatch? Apple Watch (Series 3+) and Galaxy Watch support eSIM. Most tablets (iPad Pro, Galaxy Tab) with cellular capability support eSIM. The same eSIM plans from Airalo and Nomad work on these devices.
Is it worth buying “unlimited” eSIM plans? Usually not, unless you stream video constantly. For navigation, email, messaging, and occasional video calls, 5GB easily covers 2 weeks in Europe. “Unlimited” plans almost always throttle speed after 500MB–1GB per day.