Europe eSIM: step-by-step setup
Updated September 25, 2026Prices checked September 24, 2026Some links are affiliate links: we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Before comparing eSIM prices for Europe, a useful detour: step-by-step setup. The comparison follows.
Data estimator
At a glance
Full ranking
- 1
Yesim
8.1/105 GB · 30 days · $11.52
See plan sourcePros
- Lowest price in the table
- Unlimited available
Cons
- 5G not listed
- Hotspot use not specified
- 2
Airalo
6.2/105 GB · 7 days · $18.50
See plan sourcePros
- Unlimited available
- Many durations
Cons
- Pricier than the cheapest in the table
- 5G not listed
- Hotspot use not specified
- 3
Saily
6/105 GB · 30 days · $19.49
See plan sourcePros
- Unlimited available
- Many durations
Cons
- Pricier than the cheapest in the table
- 5G not listed
- Hotspot use not specified
How the score is calculated
Score out of 10 = 60% price (relative to the cheapest in the table) + 15% network (5G listed, network named) + 10% hotspot use + 15% range of options (unlimited available, number of durations).
| Network | 5G | Hotspot | CTA | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yesim | 5 GB | 30 | $11.52 | $2.30 | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | See plan |
| Airalo | 5 GB | 7 | $18.50 | $3.70 | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | See plan |
| Saily | 5 GB | 30 | $19.49 | $3.90 | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | See plan |
Click a column header to sort.
All checked plans (40)
| Airalo | 1 GB | 3 | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Airalo | 3 GB | 3 | $10.00 | $3.33 |
| Airalo | 3 GB | 7 | $11.00 | $3.67 |
| Airalo | 5 GB | 7 | $18.50 | $3.70 |
| Airalo | 10 GB | 7 | $26.00 | $2.60 |
| Airalo | 5 GB | 15 | $19.00 | $3.80 |
| Airalo | 10 GB | 15 | $28.00 | $2.80 |
| Airalo | 20 GB | 15 | $47.00 | $2.35 |
| Airalo | 5 GB | 30 | $19.50 | $3.90 |
| Airalo | 10 GB | 30 | $31.00 | $3.10 |
| Airalo | 20 GB | 30 | $48.00 | $2.40 |
| Airalo | 50 GB | 30 | $70.00 | $1.40 |
| Airalo | 50 GB | 90 | $100.00 | $2.00 |
| Airalo | 100 GB | 180 | $185.00 | $1.85 |
| Airalo | Unlimited | 3 | $11.50 | — |
| Airalo | Unlimited | 5 | $19.50 | — |
| Airalo | Unlimited | 7 | $27.00 | — |
| Airalo | Unlimited | 10 | $35.00 | — |
| Airalo | Unlimited | 15 | $49.00 | — |
| Airalo | Unlimited | 30 | $71.00 | — |
| Saily | 1 GB | 7 | $4.99 | $4.99 |
| Saily | 3 GB | 30 | $12.49 | $4.16 |
| Saily | 5 GB | 30 | $19.49 | $3.90 |
| Saily | 10 GB | 30 | $35.99 | $3.60 |
| Saily | 50 GB | 90 | $95.99 | $1.92 |
| Saily | Unlimited | 7 | $26.99 | — |
| Saily | Unlimited | 10 | $35.99 | — |
| Saily | Unlimited | 15 | $49.99 | — |
| Saily | Unlimited | 20 | $59.99 | — |
| Saily | Unlimited | 25 | $65.99 | — |
| Saily | Unlimited | 30 | $71.99 | — |
| Yesim | 1 GB | 30 | $3.00 | $3.00 |
| Yesim | 5 GB | 30 | $11.52 | $2.30 |
| Yesim | 10 GB | 30 | $19.20 | $1.92 |
| Yesim | 20 GB | 30 | $26.40 | $1.32 |
| Yesim | 30 GB | 30 | $33.60 | $1.12 |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 1 | $3.60 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 7 | $25.20 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 15 | $39.60 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 30 | $67.20 | — |
Before you start
You need two things: an eSIM-compatible, unlocked phone and a stable Wi-Fi connection to download the profile. Keep the QR code on another screen, or have the manual activation details from your order handy.
Installing a Europe eSIM on iPhone
- Open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM (the wording varies by iOS version).
- Scan the QR code, or use the provider's app if it offers direct installation.
- Give the line a clear label ("Travel", for example) so you can tell it apart from your usual line.
Installing a Europe eSIM on Android
- Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM.
- Google Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, then add an eSIM.
- Other brands: look in the network or SIM card settings; menu names vary by Android version.
Setting up both lines in Europe
Once you arrive, set the eSIM as your cellular data line and turn on data roaming for that line only: that's expected, since the plan runs on a partner network. On your usual line, leave data roaming off to avoid surprise charges. On iPhone, also turn off the option that lets cellular data switch between lines.
If you can't get a connection
- Check that roaming is turned on for the eSIM line.
- Restart the phone, or toggle airplane mode on and off.
- Select the network manually if the provider names one.
- Enter the APN by hand if it's listed in the provider's instructions.
After your trip
Back home, turn off the eSIM line instead of deleting it right away. If the provider supports top-ups, the same profile can be reused on your next trip without reinstalling. Only delete it once you're sure you won't need it: a deleted profile usually can't be reinstalled with the same QR code.
Set up your eSIM in 4 steps
- Make sure your phone is eSIM-compatible and unlocked.
- Buy the plan, then scan the QR code you receive (or install through the provider's app), on Wi-Fi.
- When you arrive, turn on the eSIM line for data, and turn on roaming for that line only.
- Keep your main SIM for calls and texts, with data roaming turned off.
Your phone must be eSIM-compatible and unlocked.
Frequently asked questions
Can I reuse the QR code?
Usually not: a QR code works only once. Don't delete the eSIM profile from your phone while you still need it.
Do I need to turn on roaming for the eSIM?
Yes, on the eSIM line only: the plan runs on a partner network. On your usual line, keep data roaming off.
Is my phone eSIM-compatible?
Most iPhones from the XS onward, recent Samsung Galaxy phones and Google Pixels from the Pixel 3 onward are compatible. The phone also has to be unlocked. On iPhone: Settings > General > About, look for the "EID" line.
When should I install my eSIM?
Install it before you leave, on Wi-Fi, but turn on the data line when you arrive. Most plans only start at the first connection to the local network.
Do I keep my regular phone number?
Yes. Your main SIM can stay active for calls and texts; the travel eSIM only handles data. Remember to turn off data roaming on your main line.
Can I top up an eSIM in Europe?
Most providers let you add data from their app. Terms vary, so check the plan page before you buy.