Europe

What are the Best eSIM Plans to Choose While Traveling in Europe?

March 19, 2024

Alexis Miller

Are you finally ready to take your own European vacation? As you plan and prepare to travel, don’t forget that using a European eSIM is an affordable and convenient way to use your phone during your trip. But what is the best eSIM for Europe?

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Here at GigSky, we offer one of the best eSIM data plans Europe has ever seen! We’ve also made it easier than ever to download a data plan, install it on your device and be ready for data connectivity as soon as you arrive in the “Old World.” You no longer have to worry about fumbling around with a SIM card or frantically searching for Wi-Fi.

Understanding Your Data Needs

We all use data in different ways when we’re not connected to a Wi-Fi network. That differs from person to person. It will also differ when you go on a trip. How you spend time on your device at home doesn’t always reflect how you will use it on vacation.

How Much Data Do I Need?

When selecting an eSIM data plan, there are a few factors to consider:

Daily Usage
Streaming
Navigation
Social Media
Email
Other activities

When preparing for your trip, think about how you plan to use your device and why. There may be activities that can wait until you return home – saving you data!

Estimating Data Consumption: A guide to understanding data usage for common activities

Of course, when you travel, you need to have data – but how much? Below is a quick guide to understanding what kind of activities use data.

Daily usage - activities like online research and booking
Streaming - watching videos on social media or an entertainment platform
Navigation and maps
Social media and sharing - interacting on apps like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest and more
Email and messaging
Other activities - video calls or conferencing, cloud storage and backing up files

This dedicated article on our blog goes into greater detail about data consumption.

Choosing the Right eSIM Plan For Europe

Now that you understand what factors will affect your choice, it’s time to understand what plans are available to you!

Available eSIM Plans for Europe

At GigSky, we offer only eSIM plans, meaning you never have to worry about loading or losing a physical SIM card again! eSIM technology makes it simple and easy to select a plan, install it and start using it during your trip.

Stay connected to the Internet and loved ones during your trip with a Europe eSIM data plan from GigSky. Our plans come in the following:

Europe eSIM Plans

1GB - 7 days
3GB - 15 days
5GB - 30 days
10GB - 30 days
50GB - 90 days

Features of each Europe eSIM data plan

Mobile data in any European country
Top-ups available
No physical SIM card required
Plans work immediately upon activation
No EKYC check is required
24/7 live, customer support
High-speed service

Benefits of using a GigSky eSIM for travel

There are many benefits to using a GigSky eSIM during your next trip. eSIM plans include:

No Roaming Fees Since GigSky eSIMs are pre-paid, you’ll only pay for the data you purchase with your plan or when you top-up along the way.
Carrier Flexibility If your trip plans change, so can your cellular data plan! Choose the plan you need and seamlessly switch between plans during your travels.
Local Connections Using local networks means you get the best, most reliable service during your trip!
24/7 Live Support It doesn’t matter the time of day: if you need help, we’re here to support. Access to our live support team comes with every plan – so you’ll never have to worry.
In-App Calling Though you won’t be able to make a “regular” phone call, you will be able to make and receive calls on your mobile phone through apps like WhatsApp, Messenger and more.
Worldwide Coverage We offer plans for over 200 countries. That means if you’re headed there, we’ve probably got a plan for you!

Factors to Consider Before Choosing

The right eSIM plan for you will depend on your destination, the duration of your stay, and your specific data requirements. Examine various eSIM plans to find one that balances cost and coverage, saving those extra bucks for your travels. Check out this blog post to better understand some of these considerations.

Tailoring Your Plan to Activities

Before you purchase an eSIM Europe data plan, take a few minutes to consider how you plan to use your data while you’re away. A data only eSIM means you won’t be making voice calls or receiving a local phone number, for example. But it does mean you can post, like and share content on your favorite apps.

Data Usage for Common Activities

We already discussed how much data common activities use. Now it’s time to put some numbers to those estimates! Below are our plan recommendations for a two-week trip, based on daily activity and projected usage:

1GB Plans - 1 to 2 hours of Internet usage, no streaming
3GB Plans - 1 to 2 hours of Internet usage, up to 10 minutes of streaming
5GB Plans - 2 to 3 hours of Internet usage, up to 15 minutes of streaming
10GB Plans - 3 to 4 hours of Internet usage, up to 30 minutes of streaming
50GB Plans - 5 to 6 hours of Internet usage, up to 1.5 hours of streaming

Tips for Optimizing Data Usage During Travel

Even though you may have a GigSky an eSIM Europe data plan during your next trip, you probably don’t want to constantly burn through your mobile data. This blog post will help you optimize your data usage.

How to Purchase & Activate Your eSIM Plan

The best part about opting to use an embedded SIM card for your next trip is the ease of installation and use. Below is a guide on how to purchase and install your eSIM.

Step-by-Step Guide

Is My Device eSIM Compatible?

Before purchasing a GigSky plan, ensure that your device supports eSIM technology! To use an eSIM, your device must meet the following requirements:

eSIM compatible - While many phones are dual-SIM compatible (they take SIM cards and eSIMs), it’s best to check our FAQ page to see if your device is compatible.
Carrier unlocked - If you would like to use an eSIM your device can’t be tied to a contract with a mobile carrier.

Purchasing & Activating Your eSIM

With an unlocked phone that you know can support eSIM, you’re ready to purchase and install a data-only eSIM! The following steps will help you through the process of setting up your eSIM.

Step 1: Buy an eSIM

Start by visiting the GigSky website or downloading the GigSky app (available on Android and iOS). Select a European eSIM.

Step 2: Install Your eSIM

Before installing your eSIM, make sure you have a stable Internet connection via Wi-Fi.

Here’s how to install the GigSky eSIM based on your device and method of purchasing a GigSky plan:

There are several different ways to install; you can scan the QR code provided or use the activation code.

Step 3: Activate Your eSIM

Your activation policy determines when your eSIM activates. Check out the “Additional Information” section of your eSIM plan in the app. Keep in mind that some plans activate immediately upon installation, while others activate when you connect to a supported network at your destination.

Step 4: Connect to a Local Network

Connecting to a local network is simple! Once you arrive at your destination, turn on your eSIM line to quickly connect to a network and gain access to the Internet.

Conclusion - Making the Right Choice

Searching for “cheapest eSIM plan Europe” will yield many results. But you don’t want average – you want the best! If affordability, reliability and ease are important to you, then GigSky’s Europe eSIM plans are the perfect solution. Staying connected during a trip should never be stressful; with GigSky, it won’t be!

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Check out our plans today! And don’t forget to browse our eSIMs for 200-plus countries and regions in the GigSky shop.