What SIM Card to get in Europe, Should you choose SIM or eSIM for European travel for independent travelers? What are the European packages like, and how much do they cost? Let’s find the answer right away through the following article: Best travel SIM Europe: Europe tourist SIM (4G/5G SIM, eSIM) & Roaming Tips!
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Europe is always the dream destination of many travel enthusiasts with long journeys through many beautiful countries and diverse cultures. However, in order not to miss any moment and easily connect with friends, owning a 4G/5G SIM or eSIM for European travel becomes extremely necessary. In particular, the roaming experience also brings many unexpected benefits if you know how to take advantage of it.
Let’s explore the secret to choosing the right SIM and useful experiences for your upcoming European trip!
Best travel SIM Europe: Overview of 4G/5G SIM for European Travel
Main Features of Physical SIM Cards for European Travel
Physical SIM cards for European travel often have a wide range of uses, many packages can be used in more than 35 to 40 countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. Users can rest assured to stay connected continuously throughout their journey to explore many different destinations without interruption. Popular packages usually last from 10 to 30 days with capacity ranging from a few GB to unlimited depending on the provider.
The average cost for a physical SIM card is around 470,000 to 1,200,000 VND. This price is quite “reasonable” for tourists and is especially suitable for those who just need a simple, convenient solution. Many traditional tourists still prioritize physical SIM cards because they can be installed and used as soon as they arrive at the airport without having to get used to new technology.
Limitations to Note When Using a Physical SIM
However, physical SIMs also have some notable limitations. When using a non-multinational SIM, you will have to change the SIM every time you travel to another country. Constantly changing SIMs causes inconvenience, especially when the journey lasts for many destinations in a short time.
In addition, SIM prices at airports in Europe are often higher than when purchased in advance in Vietnam, up to 20 to 40 percent. Not only that, the incentives in terms of capacity or price are often not as attractive as the options to order online in advance. If you buy directly at a store in Europe, you will need to provide many identification documents such as passports or portrait photos, which sometimes waste time and cause inconvenience in travel schedules.
eSIM – Technology Solution for Modern Travelers
What is eSIM and How to Quickly Set It Up for Your Trip
eSIM is an electronic SIM that is integrated directly into the phone, you do not need to install a physical SIM card, just download and activate the data package. European travel eSIM packages usually have a capacity of 3 GB to 30 GB with a duration of 7 to 30 days. Reference costs range from 10 EUR to 35 EUR, equivalent to 307,450 VND to 1,075,975 VND, depending on the capacity and number of days of use.
Buying an eSIM is very simple. You just need to choose an online package on platforms like Klook, pay with an international card, then receive a QR code via email. Users just need to open the settings on the phone, scan the QR code and activate it before the trip. Thanks to that, you will be able to connect to the internet as soon as the plane lands without having to remove or install a physical SIM.
Book now 5G eSIM France | Orange, 5G eSIM Italy | Vodafone, eSIM 5G UK | O2 and be ready to connect to the Internet as soon as you arrive at the airport!
Outstanding Advantages of eSIM for European Travel
Unlimited Data eSIMs for Europe & USA (QR delivered via email)
One of the biggest advantages of eSIM is the ability to activate it before departure. You will not have to struggle to find a SIM counter at the airport or waste time checking in. eSIM also allows you to keep your old SIM in your device, so you can still receive calls, messages or OTP codes from your familiar phone number.
eSIM also brings flexibility for long trips. You can easily switch between packages or buy more data with just a few steps in the application. Many travelers appreciate this experience because it is both cost-effective and proactive in adjusting data according to usage needs.
Limitations and Notes When Using eSIM
Europe eSIM with Fixed and Unlimited Data Plans
However, not all devices support eSIM. Older phones or some low-cost models are not compatible with this technology. In addition, some eSIM packages limit the ability to share internet via hotspot, which can be inconvenient if you want to use it on multiple devices.
Multi-Country SIM & eSIM – The Perfect Choice for Multi-Country Travel
Why Should You Choose a Multi-Country SIM/eSIM When Traveling to Europe?
Eurail Global Pass – 33 European Countries
Traveling to Europe often means that you will go through many countries in one trip. If you use a domestic SIM, you have to change it constantly every time you go to another country, which is both time-consuming and expensive. Multi-country SIM and eSIM help you use the same package for more than 30 countries in the European Union and the European Economic Area. You can comfortably move from France to Italy, then to Germany or Spain while still maintaining seamless connectivity.
Popular Data Packages & Reference Prices on the Market
Many eSIM plans also come with attractive incentives like 5G speeds in major cities or hotspot support. If you want convenience, check out Europe eSIM with Fixed and Unlimited Data Plans or 5G Europe eSIM for more data to enjoy throughout your trip.
Reputable Multinational SIM/eSIM Providers to Choose
When choosing a multinational SIM or eSIM for your trip to Europe, you will see some familiar names that are highly appreciated by many travelers. Nomad and Airalo stand out with their easy-to-use app stores, many flexible data packages and fast support via mobile apps.
However, some of their packages are a bit more expensive and connection speeds are sometimes unstable in rural areas. Holafly is popular for its unlimited data packages, suitable for travelers who need to use the Internet a lot, but the limitation is that some packages do not support hotspot sharing.
Orange Holiday Europe is a long-standing brand in Europe, with stable network quality and the ability to make calls with data. The downside of Orange is that the price is often higher than other providers. BNE eSIM and Klook are also trusted by many tourists thanks to their convenience, ease of online purchase and frequent promotions. The downside is that the number of packages is not as diverse as Airalo or Nomad.
Guide for Buying and Using SIM, eSIM, Multi-Country
Should I Buy SIM/eSIM on Klook Before the Trip or Buy at the Airport?
5G eSIM Switzerland | Swisscom
Many people traveling to Europe for the first time often wonder whether they should buy a SIM in Vietnam in advance or wait until they get off the plane to buy it. In fact, buying online on Klook before the trip is much more convenient. The price is often cheaper than at the airport counter, saving from tens to hundreds of thousands of VND.
With eSIM, you just need to book, open your email and see the QR code sent immediately, scan it and you’re done, the device is ready to connect as soon as you land. If you prefer to use a physical SIM, you can also pre-order and choose to receive it right at the airport, which is both quick and convenient, without worrying about missing the train or having to go to the counter to buy it.
Instructions for Activating and Using SIM/eSIM Effectively for Traveling to Europe
After having a SIM or eSIM in hand, the next thing you need to care about is how to set it up to connect quickly. Don’t worry because this operation is very simple. With eSIM, you open your email, scan the QR code and follow a few steps in the phone settings to be able to access the network.
With a physical SIM, you just need to insert the card and restart the phone. To use it more effectively, you should turn on data saving mode, pre-download offline maps, and limit watching or downloading heavy videos while on the go. Thanks to that, the data package will be enough for the entire trip, avoiding additional costs.
Tips for Handling Problems When Using Multinational SIM/eSIM
Even with careful preparation, sometimes you may still encounter problems when using a multinational SIM. If you go to another country and your phone does not have a signal, go to the network settings and manually select the network operator from the list. If it still does not work, a very simple trick is to restart the device, usually the connection will be fine right away.
In addition, you should also save the email to buy the SIM to contact support when needed, because major suppliers all have online customer care teams. In case the data runs out faster than expected, you can completely buy additional packages on the application. When you have a few of these small experiences, you will feel more secure during the trip and not worry about connection interruptions.
Tips for Data Roaming in Europe and Important Notes
Understand the “Roam Like At Home” Policy in the EU and the Impact of Brexit
When traveling in Europe, many of you often hear the concept of Roam Like At Home. This is a policy in the European Union and the European Economic Area that allows users to use data in member countries without being charged extra roaming fees. That means if you buy a European SIM, you will be able to use the internet in many different countries without worrying about extra charges.
However, after the UK left the EU, some UK carriers no longer apply this policy. Therefore, if your trip includes London or Manchester, you need to check carefully whether your plan supports it or not to avoid being charged extra fees. For Vietnamese tourists, this is especially important because many often choose a multi-country SIM. Make sure you read the information carefully to know if your SIM is still valid when you go to the UK.
Tips to Save Data When Roaming in Europe
Regional Europe 1-100 GB eSIM by Airalo
Even if there is a policy to support roaming, you should still use data wisely to avoid running out of data too soon. A simple way is to prioritize using public Wi-Fi at hotels, restaurants or train stations. You should also turn off background applications, turn off automatic updates to avoid data consumption without you knowing. If you need to look up the map, you should download it before going and use offline mode. These tips will help you save quite a bit of money.
When should you use the Roaming Service of a domestic network operator?
Buying a European SIM card is not always the only option. In some cases, using a Vietnamese carrier’s roaming service is more convenient. For example, if you are on a short business trip of only two or three days and mainly communicate by phone, registering for an international roaming package priced from VND 200,000 to VND 500,000 can be more economical than buying a new SIM card. Besides, you do not need to spend time activating or changing the SIM card.
However, if the trip lasts more than a week and you need a lot of data, a multinational European SIM card is still a more economical and comfortable choice.
Things to Note When Buying and Using a SIM/eSIM for Traveling to Europe You Need to Know
When traveling to Europe, choosing the right SIM or eSIM will help you stay connected and enjoy your trip to the fullest. However, to avoid unnecessary trouble, you should know some important notes in advance when buying and using it to save costs and time.
Check if the plan supports multiple countries
- Choose a multi-country plan if your trip goes through more than 3 countries
- Find out the data capacity included and the validity period
- Always check the limits and conditions to avoid additional fees
- Prefer to pre-order in Vietnam through a reputable platform like Klook to get a good price
- Take advantage of SIM or eSIM combos with other travel services to save costs
- Carry a spare physical SIM if your device does not support eSIM
- Always save the eSIM QR code and account information to reactivate when needed
- Use public Wi-Fi safely and turn off background apps to save data
- Contact your provider immediately if you have connection problems
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About SIMs, eSIMs and Roaming in Europe
Will a multi-country SIM work in the UK after Brexit?
A multi-country SIM will still work in the UK after Brexit, but some plans may apply separate roaming fees.
Can eSIMs share hotspots?
Most eSIMs still allow connection sharing via hotspot or tethering, but this depends on the plan and provider.
Is buying a SIM at the airport cheaper than buying online?
SIMs at the airport often attract buyers because of the convenience when landing, but prices at the airport are often higher than buying online or at stores in the city.
Can I keep my old phone number when using an international eSIM?
You can absolutely keep your old phone number when using an international eSIM if the device supports using eSIM and physical SIM in parallel, or you can save the old number on another eSIM.
Does EU SIM have a data limit when roaming?
EU SIMs usually apply the Roam like at home policy, so there are no roaming charges, but there is still a data limit according to the data plan you have purchased. When this runs out, your carrier may charge you extra fees or reduce your speed.
Owning a SIM or eSIM to travel to Europe will make your trip much smoother and more complete. You will no longer have to worry about losing connection or having to find a SIM counter mid-way. Take advantage of multi-country packages, choose the right capacity and remember a few tips when using to keep your data under control.
Choose the right SIM and eSIM to travel to Europe and get going!
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