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Having Internet access across Europe is something worth thinking about when planning your trip to this varied continent. Not only will Wi-Fi availability in Europe help you look up directions and make reservations, but it’ll keep you connected to friends and relations back home.
Until recently, traveling and using communication services like the internet, phone calls, or texts in Europe was quite expensive, incurring high bills. However, a few years ago, the European Union passed legislation that allowed data roaming or internet use for travelers within member countries of the European Union including Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway to be free of charge. Thus, residents of those areas can utilize their regular SIM cards while touring around Europe to seamlessly enjoy internet access.
For travelers from nations including the US, UK, Canada, and others, acquiring a European SIM card will help retain connectivity during their trip. I always utilize the Holafly eSIM, which is extremely convenient to install being fully digital. It also delivers coverage in over 32 destinations in Europe, as well as unlimited data and 60 minutes of calls made and received within Europe. If interested, be sure to make the most of our Holafly discount code.
5% OFF your international eSIM card
As can be seen, there are different approaches to obtaining Internet while traveling, so continue reading to see which option suits you best.
Using roaming in Europe
Mobile data roaming across Europe is a service that permits internet use for browsing, calls, and messages while overseas. This is achievable because agreements exist between one`s telephone company and various local operators across Europe, so connectivity can continue without a SIM card replacement.
However, using international cellular services can be incredibly pricey, even when travelling to some of the most budget-friendly European destinations. As a result, accruing wireless charges can cost a pretty penny. A much smarter choice involves the use of an EU mobile hotspot device,European wireless network access, or European SIM card. Each of these options enables online connectivity within the EU at a significantly lower expense.
As mentioned above, the EU passed legislation a few years ago that makes roaming across Europe free between its member states as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Therefore, as long as you have a European SIM card, you can utilize your data throughout the continent, irrespective of which country you obtained it in, and without being charged additional expenses.
If you don’t have a cellular network card for Europe and want to employ data roaming in the EU zone, I’ll convey to you how to do so, but prepare for a costly telephone bill. You should also keep in mind that some European nations aren’t part of this EU law, so if you want to have Internet access in Switzerland, or remain connected in Andorra, for example, it’s worth exploring alternative methods.
To clear up any confusion, here is a full list of the countries within the EU roaming agreement: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
The United Kingdom isn’t incorporated in this agreement, but some UK telecommunication corporations don`t charge for roaming within Europe. However, if you’re traveling from the U.S., you’ll need to find a solution so you can avoid steep roaming expenses.
Fortunately, there exist several potential solutions to obtain affordable mobile internet access throughout Europe, such as the Holafly eSIM plan for Europe. Below are additional alternatives, so please feel free to continue reading!
How to get Internet in Europe
If you’re coming from the United States, the UK, or any other nation not included in the EU roaming agreement, your typical SIM card won’t cover data roaming in Europe. Don`t worry though because I’m sharing the best approaches to obtain Internet access in Europe.
1. Holafly eSIM, the best way to get Internet in Europe
First, utilizing the Holafly eSIM is the best approach to achieving mobile Internet access in Europe. It provides excellent coverage in over 32 nations, as well as unlimited data. Plus, since it’s entirely digital, installation is extremely simple, and you can even purchase it when you’re already abroad.
To procure this eSIM for Europe, you must place the order through the Holafly website. Instantly upon purchase completion, you`ll obtain an email containing a QR code necessary to initiate internet browsing. Should any issues arise, the Holafly customer care team offers 24 hour support, rendering it the most convenient selection.
This completely digital SIM card is ideal for globetrotters who lack a dual slot on their devices. Since the virtual SIM is completely online, you needn`t insert it and worry about safeguarding your default SIM while traveling abroad. You can also maintain your local number, making this a practical solution for individuals who require internet access in Europe for professional reasons. Holafly`s mobile plans for Europe with unlimited data also provide 60 minutes to receive calls and 60 minutes to place calls within Europe.
Before purchasing the global digital SIM card, make sure you check your device’s compatibility here. Holafly works with all the latest smartphone models, but it’s always wise to check anyway.
DAYS |
GB |
PRICE |
---|---|---|
5 days |
Unrestricted |
$19 |
7 days |
Unrestricted |
$27 |
Fifteen days |
An unlimited amount |
$34 |
Twenty days |
An unlimited amount |
$47 |
Thirty days |
An unlimited amount |
$64 |
Sixty days |
An unlimited amount |
$87 |
Ninety days |
An unlimited amount |
$99 |
We’ve used Holafly in over 10 different countries and have always had excellent coverage, so I highly recommend it if you want internet access across the EU. If you decide to get it, be sure to use our 5% discount on Holafly to save money.
5% OFF your international eSIM card
2. SimOptions SIM card, another good way to get Internet in the EU
If the Holafly eSIM isn’t compatible with your device, or you prefer a physical card, I recommend the SimOptions SIM card. It offers several different plans at affordable prices, so you can get Wi-Fi in Europe without breaking the bank.
Installing this SIM is simple since you just need to insert it into your device. Of course, if you don’t have a dual SIM slot, you’ll have to remove your usual SIM and safely store it while you use the European one.
Another nice aspect of SimOptions is that they can deliver the European mobile cellular data SIM card to any part of Europe within 1-3 business days. This means you can have it sent to your hotel so it will be ready for you upon your arrival. You can also order it prior to your trip and have it shipped to your home, but be sure to provide ample time since it will take up to 72 hours for it to arrive.
Depending on the card you opt for, SimOptions can be more expensive than the Holafly eSIM. Also, Holafly offers unlimited Internet in Europe, so it’s my initial choice.
We provide comprehensive information concerning Holafly’s SIM cards in an article that is worth looking over if you need more clarity.
DAYS |
GB |
PRICE |
---|---|---|
Fourteen days |
Twelve gigabytes |
Thirty dollars |
Fourteen days |
Thirty gigabytes |
Fifty dollars |
Duration of 30 days |
Data allowance of 10 GB |
Cost of $25 |
Duration of 30 days |
Data allowance of 30 GB |
Cost of $45 |
3. Local SIM card, a cheap way to get Internet in Europe
For those on a budget, there are ways to get low-cost mobile Internet in Europe. In this case, you can purchase a local SIM card at your destination, as these cards are available in any country.
The downside is that you’ll have to dedicate time figuring out which alternative best fits your needs upon arrival at your spot. This includes examining the different telephone businesses and their rates and data plans relying on the initial nation on your tour.
To give you a head start, I’ll mention two popular companies are Orange and Vodafone, operating in numerous European nations. You can view an overview of their EU mobile Internet plans and pricing below:
7 DAYS |
14 DAYS |
30 DAYS |
|
---|---|---|---|
Orange SIM Card |
20 GB for $50 |
50 GB for $10 |
|
Vodafone SIM Card |
1 GB/$5 |
50 GB/$50 |
|
BEST SIM CARD OPTIONS FOR MULTIPLE EUROPEAN COUNTRIES |
In my assessment, acquiring a neighborhood European online card can prove to be useful for long trips. In any case, if it’s a brief visit, you don’t need to squander time looking around and contrasting the distinctive offers.
4. Pocket Wi-Fi, another option for using the European Internet
Another convenient way to access the internet and data across Europe is through utilizing a portable Wi-Fi device. There are various pocket Wi-Fi options for Europe, such as this miniature router, which is frequently employed by us remote workers to reliably streaming wireless internet across the region while ensuring an encrypted connection.
A portable Wi-Fi device in Europe presents several advantages compared to public wireless networks. You can connect your locked device to the pocket Wi-Fi without risking your personal information. Additionally, using a mobile hotspot allows for flexibility of movement and simultaneous connectivity of multiple gadgets. For group travel, sharing a pocket Wi-Fi may prove a cost-effective solution versus other European Internet options. However, you must weigh if the high data costs justify the benefits over alternatives.
5. Public Wi-Fi network, a way to get free Internet in the EU
The last option I’ll talk about is using the public Wi-Fi network at hotels, restaurants, and airports during your trip. While you’ll be able to use the internet in Europe for free, there are definite disadvantages.
For example, the connection may not be consistently reliable, and could lack appropriate security measures, thereby risking having one`s data stolen. Additionally, the speeds of the internet in Europe utilizing public Wi-Fi tend to be much slower as many devices vie for connectivity. There may even be a daily limit on time or data usage, which can grow frustrating. Of course, access to the web will only be available where that specific access point lies, rendering it not ideal for travel.
If solely checking email and messages is needed, then applying public Wi-Fi in the EU may suffice. However, for staying connected while working or with friends or loved ones, I endorse opting for one of the other possibilities I discussed, such as an international SIM card or European Wi-Fi router.
How much is roaming in Europe?
If you’re from a country participating in the EU data roaming agreement, then utilizing data services while traveling throughout Europe does not incur additional costs. Just go into the device Settings menu and confirm that Data Roaming is activated.
For everyone else, like travelers from the UK or U.S., utilizing wireless connections across the EU could be rather expensive, so I don’t recommend it. Rather, I suggest choosing one of the options I mentioned in this guide, such as a European SIM card or mobile hotspot intended for use in Europe.
What is the best way to have Internet in Europe?
Undoubtedly, the best way to access the internet in Europe is by using a European SIM card. If you don’t have one because you’re touring from outside Europe, then I recommend obtaining the Holafly eSIM, a virtual SIM card with endless data for Europe. If your device isn’t compatible with an eSIM, then a physical card from SimOptions is the best choice.
I trust this guide helps you get the most ideal travel Wi-Fi in Europe for your necessities and spending plan. Don’t hesitate to leave me a remark with any inquiries you have about getting to the Internet in Europe.
Remain safe and have a terrific European adventure!