Traveling to Europe can be an exciting experience in one’s life. However, one of the challenges that travelers face is how to stay connected while on the go. Thanks to technology, a perfect solution to this problem is a Europe eSIM.  

In this article, we will share with you everything about eSIM for Europe, including what eSIM is, how it works, and the benefits of using an eSIM for your travel to Europe, tips on where to buy the best eSIM for Europe travel, and how to activate it. 

Read it and you will find your travel so easy! 

What is eSIM? 

eSIM, standing for Embedded Subscriber Identity Module (not Electronic), is a new type of SIM technology that eliminates the need for a physical card.  

It’s an embedded SIM card (chip) that is already part of your mobile device. With eSIM, you can easily activate a mobile plan without inserting a physical SIM card, and easily switch among different mobile network providers without having to remove or replace the SIM card physically. 

With eSIM, you can also forget the crazy international charges for any trip abroad. 

Conclusion: 

There are certain key points that should be noted about eSIM: 

• a chip already built-in on your device, 
• no need for a physical SIM card, and 
• easy switch among different mobile network providers. 

Comparison between eSIM card and physical SIM card in Europe 

The use of eSIM for Europe travel is becoming more and more popular, especially with the introduction of new phone numbers equipped with eSIM technology. Now, let’s have a glance at the differences between eSIM and physical SIM cards (traditional SIM). 

Pros of eSIMs against physical SIM Cards: 

• Convenience: Convenience is perhaps the biggest advantage offered by eSIM, especially to travelers. With eSIM, users don’t need to physically swap SIM cards when changing networks. Instead, they can switch between networks on their device, which is especially useful for those who need to switch between different networks frequently on their travel. 
• Flexibility: eSIM cards are very flexible and can be programmed with multiple network profiles. Users can switch between networks seamlessly, and some eSIM providers even offer plans that provide unlimited data or voice and data services. This flexibility is not possible with physical SIM cards, which are usually locked to a specific network. 

• Cost-effectiveness: eSIM cards are generally more cost-effective than physical SIM cards for travelers in Europe. The cost of eSIM plans is usually lower than traditional roaming plans, and users can even purchase local eSIM plans to save money on data and voice services. 
• Security: eSIM cards offer enhanced security compared to physical SIM cards. The eSIM is embedded in the device’s hardware and cannot be removed, which makes it more difficult to clone or steal compared to physical SIM cards. 

Pros of physical SIM Cards against eSIMs: 

• Availability: While eSIM cards are becoming more widely used in not only Europe but also other parts of the world, they are not as common as physical SIM cards. There are certain reasons for it as follows: 

• Users’ habits 

• Some mobile operators do not yet offer eSIM plans, and 
• some devices do not support eSIM. 

• Compatibility: eSIM cards work on certain devices, while physical SIM cards work on most devices. Therefore, before buying an eSIM, users need to make sure their devices are eSIM-compatible.  

Conclusion: 

Through the above comparison, you can see that eSIM offers several advantages over physical SIM cards, including convenience, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and security. However, eSIM cards are not yet as widely used as physical SIM cards, and compatibility is also an issue preventing it from gaining a bigger market share. 

Users should carefully consider their needs and device compatibility before choosing an eSIM or a physical SIM card for their travel to Europe. 

How does eSIM work? 

When buying eSIM, you will be provided with an eSIM QR code. You then go to your device setting, scan the QR code and install the eSIM on it. 

With a few further easy settings on the device, the eSIM will connect to the supported networks and allow you to enjoy its included mobile services. 

But before buying the eSIM, please make sure you meet the eSIM requirements below. 

Requirements for using travel Europe eSIM 

To use a travel Europe eSIM, users must guarantee the 2 requirements below: 

• Having an eSIM-compatible device. The eSIM function is available on newer models of iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, and even some laptops like Dell or HP. And 
• Having an active data plan with a compatible eSIM provider. 

Benefits of using an eSIM card for Europe travel 

Using an eSIM card for Europe travel has several benefits.  

• Firstly, eSIMs are convenient. They eliminate the need to physically swap SIM cards when changing networks.  
• Secondly, eSIMs are flexible. They can be programmed with multiple network profiles, allowing users to switch between networks seamlessly.  
• Thirdly, but not lastly, eSIMs are cost-effective. They offer competitive pricing and cost savings compared to traditional roaming services. 

Types of Europe travel eSIM 

There are 2 types of Europe travel eSIMs available now, consisting of: 

• data-only eSIM which comes with no phone number, and 
• voice and data eSIM, which comes with phone numbers.  

Where to buy eSIM for Europe travel 

Users can also purchase eSIMs from local mobile network operators in Europe. 

They can also buy them on various online marketplaces, including Gigago. This website offers a wide variety of eSIM plans for traveling Europe from different carriers, including Vodafone, and Orange. You can choose from data-only plans or voice and data plans depending on your needs. 

To purchase an eSIM from gigago.com, follow these steps: 

1. Go to gigago.com. 

2. Type “Europe” or any country in Europe where you are visiting on the search bar right at top of the page. 

3. Select the plan that you want to get (data-only or voice and data). 

4. Enter your personal and contact information, including your name, email address, and phone number. 

5. Choose your payment method and complete the transaction. 

Once you have purchased your eSIM, you will receive a QR code via registered email.  

Especially, Gigago has its own app to facilitate the eSIM purchase process. Install it and buy your eSIM easily. 

Working with Gigago will give you a lot of advantages: 

• Diversity in eSIM plans for Europe (both data-only and data & voice), ranging from 3 days to 30 days, 1GB to up to 20 GB. 
• Affordable price: the eSIM for Europe provided by Gigago costs you from US $6 only. 
• Wide coverage: 33 countries 
• Quick delivery: You will receive your eSIM QR code within 5 minutes of payment. 

• Fast support: The support teams are very responsive in supporting you. 

Overall, purchasing an eSIM for Europe from gigago.com can be a convenient and hassle-free way to stay connected during your trip to Europe. 

Cost of Europe eSIMs 

The Europe eSIM cost may vary, depending on the eSIM provider, and the type of plan, such as data-only plans or voice and data plans. Even, for the same eSIM provider and the same plan type, the eSIM cost also varies depending on the eSIM validity, data allowances, and/or voice benefits. 

You can see above the Europe eSIM cost range provided by Gigago. This cost range can be adjusted from time to time in the customer’s favor. 

Which mobile operators in Europe provide eSIM cards for travelers 

There are several mobile operators in Europe that provide eSIM cards for travelers. Here are the best two of them: 

1. Vodafone: Vodafone is a British group and telecommunications company. It is one of the largest network operators in Europe that offers eSIM plans for travelers. It has data-only and voice and data plans, varied in data volume and validity. 

2. Orange: Orange is another major mobile carrier in Europe that offers a wide variety of eSIM plans for travelers. It has various plans, including 14-day eSIMs which come with unlimited calls and text within Europe and certain international calls. 

How to activate eSIM in Europe 

To activate eSIM in Europe, users need to follow a few simple steps.  

1. Firstly, users need to purchase an eSIM from a provider.  

2. Secondly, users need to download the eSIM profile onto their device.  

3. Finally, users need to activate the eSIM profile on their devices and connect to the network. 

Wrapping it up 

Getting a prepaid eSIM for Europe will make your trip to this region easier and more convenient, saving you from the crazy international roaming charge or the hassle of removing your primary SIM card and inserting a new one for Europe. 

The travel Europe eSIM provides you with flexibility and convenience. You can buy your eSIM for Europe before you leave, and get connected almost as soon as you land. 

When it comes to selecting the best eSIM for your Europe trip, make sure you consider: 

• Data and/or voice needs, 

• Duration of your trip, and 
• Countries you are visiting. 

We recommend buying a Europe eSIM from Gigago as they have a wide range of options for your choice, from 3 days to 30 days, from data as little as 1GB to as big as 20GB, from data-only eSIMs to data and voice ones. Its Europe eSIM prices are quite affordable, from US $6 only. 

Get well prepared and enjoy your trip!