If your next stop is Europe, great! Getting to know the old continent is an extraordinary experience and there are a lot of incredible places to visit. This is because, in the different countries of Europe, you will find multiple cultures and some of the wonders of the world like the Colosseum in Italy. But don’t let the excitement of getting to know this destination cloud you from keeping in mind everything you need to bring to have a great trip, and one of the most important aspects to keep in mind nowadays is the internet connection. Something that we usually leave for last when we talk about travel.
So if you don’t want to stay offline during your trip to Europe or pay expensive roaming fees, here we will talk about one of the best options to stay always connected, the eSIM Europe.
Is the internet free in Europe?
If this is the first time you travel to Europe you are probably wondering if the internet access in this continent is free and as a basic answer we could say no. As anywhere in the world to access the internet you will have to pay for a data plan or local internet.
However, there is always the option of connecting to a free Wifi hotspot, where of course you will not have to pay for the connection. But this also means that it will be a public network, which makes it one of the most insecure options there is for the access that anyone has to the network.
eSIM can be used internationally
If you are reading this is because you need a good and economical option to connect to the Internet internationally, regardless of the country you are in Europe, so the eSIM is a very good option for you. There are several companies that currently offer this service and have connections with the best networks in each country on the continent. So you should have no problems with the connection.
But it should be noted that eSIMs are not available for all mobile devices, so you will have to check very well if your phone is compatible with this new technology to be able to use it.
eSIM Europe buy online
There are different ways to buy your eSIM card to travel to Europe and among them is the online way. You will be able to do it directly in a browser like Google Chrome.
This is one of the easiest ways as you don’t have to worry about whether the company has an app available on iOS or Android and all you will need is an email address.
If you want to buy an eSIM this way you can do it directly with the Spanish company Holafly. Their eSIM is one of the best and cheapest on the market.
However, whether you opt for Holafly or not, always remember to keep in mind the type of network that the company’s eSIMs use, their coverage, mobile devices with which they are compatible, days of use, amount of data, and of course, their customer service and language, so you will avoid inconveniences during your trip.
Can I activate the eSIM abroad?
Yes, you can activate your eSIM as soon as you arrive at your destination. In fact, in most cases, it is the most advisable since the eSIM time starts to run as soon as you activate it. So if you activate it before your trip you will be losing some time of use.
But as with everything, it is always best to verify this with your eSIM provider, as some may tell you that it is best to activate it before your trip.
The eSIM turns your mobile into a dual SIM phone
That’s right, as you read one of the best things about eSIMs is that they automatically make your phone dual SIM because you don’t need to remove your traditional SIM card in order to use it.
But why is it not necessary to remove it? This is because eSIMs come by default already integrated into your device as a nano-SIM, which is why not all devices are compatible. But if you are an Apple user you are at an advantage, because this company is one of the favorites of eSIM, meaning that most of their devices have this technology.
This does not mean that Android does not have eSIM, there are also several devices that have it, however, most of them are usually of the latest generation.
eSIM providers in Europe
Not only do internet companies for travelers offer eSIM, but there are also several local companies that already have this type of product for their users, especially the largest in each country and/or continent.
But don’t get too excited, as many of these operators only offer their products to residents, so if you don’t live in a specific European country you will probably not be able to access their services.
Among the most important local operators in Europe that offer the eSIM service are Vodafone, Orange, and Movistar.
Can I make calls with an eSIM in Europe?
The basic answer to this question is yes. Yes, you can make calls with an eSIM in Europe, but in most cases, you will only be able to make these calls through apps like WhatsApp or Skype.
Why only through these applications? Because most travel eSIMs do not have a phone number, so it is basically impossible to make analog calls. However, if you purchase a good data plan you should have no problems with virtual calls.
Of course, if you purchase a local eSIM for continuous use as you do with the SIM card, your provider should give you one with a phone number to make calls as you normally do with the traditional SIM card.
We also recommend you to check different eSIM providers in case you need one that has a number for Europe, as there are some that do provide this option, but look at the recommendations of the users, as in most cases they usually do not work so well.
eSIM Europe App
The other alternative you have to purchase your eSIM is through a mobile app. As we mentioned before, you should check very well if the provider has compatibility with your type of phone, but in general, if the provider offers everything you are looking for to stay connected during your trip this can be a very good option, as it facilitates many things.
What do we mean when we say it makes a lot of things easier? Well, there are some providers that give you the eSIM card for free for installing their app, and then all you have to do is buy the plan that best suits you directly in the application.
This can be very useful if you travel constantly because some companies provide eSIMs that last all year, so the only thing you will need every time you travel is to buy a plan and that’s it.