Best eSIM for Europe (2026): Regional Plans Compared

Last checked: 28 October 2026 (GoSIM prices from our Europe page; Airalo and Holafly prices from their own Europe pages the same day).

The short answer

For most trips around the EU, Switzerland and the UK, our Europe 31-country plan is the one to get: 10GB for 31 days costs $7.99, 20GB is $13.99 and 50GB is $31.99. If your route also takes in the Netherlands, Turkey, Serbia or Ukraine, pick the Europe 41-country plan instead, from $11.99 for 3GB or $27.99 for 10GB over 30 days.

Why the country list matters more than the word "Europe"

Every eSIM shop sells something called "Europe", and the lists behind that name are all different. Ours are no exception: on our Europe page you'll find groups of 31, 33, 34, 35 and 41 countries, plus a Balkans plan and a couple of two-country plans. Before you buy, open the plan's country list and check every stop on your route against it. It takes a minute and saves you from landing somewhere with no data.

Europe 31 countries: the cheap all-rounder

Covers Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

See the Europe 31-country plans

All three run on 5G where the local network has it, and validity starts when you install the eSIM. One thing to know: the Netherlands is not on this list. If Amsterdam is on your route, go with the 41-country plan.

Europe 41 countries: when your route goes further

This one adds the Netherlands, Turkey, Serbia, North Macedonia, Ukraine, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man and the Åland Islands to the countries above. It also supports top-ups, so you can add data mid-trip without installing a new eSIM.

See the Europe 41-country plans

It costs more than the 31-country plan, so only take it if you actually need one of the extra countries. For Balkans-only trips (Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia) there's a separate Balkans plan.

How this compares to Airalo and Holafly

Unlimited week passes from Airalo and Holafly make sense if you stream a lot on a short trip. For a normal two- to four-week trip of maps, messaging, photos and some browsing, 10GB is plenty for most people, and a fixed plan that lasts the whole month costs a lot less.

For Swiss travelers heading into the EU

EU "roam like at home" rules apply to EU and EEA phone contracts. A Swiss Swisscom, Sunrise or Salt contract isn't covered by them, so EU roaming depends on your own tariff and roaming packs. A travel eSIM sits next to your Swiss SIM: you keep your number for calls and texts, and use the eSIM for data. Because the 31-country plan includes Switzerland, the same eSIM keeps working when you're back home or crossing the border on a day trip.

How much data do you need?

• One week, mostly maps and messaging: 3-5GB.
• Two to four weeks, normal use: 10GB.
• Remote work, lots of video calls or streaming: 20-50GB.

Your phone's mobile data settings show how much you used last month, which is the best guide you'll get.

Setting it up

You need a phone that supports eSIM and isn't locked to a carrier. After checkout you get a QR code and an install link. Install it at home on Wi-Fi a day or two before you fly (validity starts at install, so not weeks before). When you land, switch mobile data to the GoSIM line and turn on data roaming for it. Our How It Works page has the full steps.

Pick by trip

• EU city break or interrail, Switzerland or UK included: Europe 31 countries, 10GB for $7.99.
• Route includes Amsterdam, Istanbul or Belgrade: Europe 41 countries.
• Balkans road trip: the Balkans plan.
• One country only: check that country's own plan, which is often cheaper still.