You’ve probably heard about eSIM technology revolutionizing mobile connectivity but have you wondered what exactly it was and what you could do with one? 

Embedded SIM (eSIM) is a kind of virtual SIM card that replaces the need for a conventional SIM card. Instead of a physical SIM card, this one is a programmable SIM card that performs the same functions. It establishes a secure connection to your network and grants access to your service, allowing you to make use of your plan.

It becomes particularly handy for travelers who want to avoid expensive roaming charges as they allow you to switch between multiple plans. Nearly all newer smartphones and tablets support eSIM technology and it is expected to even replace traditional SIM cards.

The flexibility that an eSIM plan grants you as opposed to traditional SIM cards is unmatched. 

While traveling, would you rather be worrying about expensive roaming charges or limiting your mobile data usage while you can have near-instant and reliable connectivity?

Why do I need an eSIM?

Let's assume you do a lot of traveling, or even if you just want to have two numbers on your eSIM-enabled phone (personal and business), you can do either of these things. This indicates that you are able to use both a regular SIM card and an eSIM simultaneously (as long as the smartphone supports it). 

Changing the information stored on a physical SIM can be more difficult than doing it with an electronic SIM, which only requires the scanning of a QR code provided by the carrier. Once this is done, your new number will be registered on your device.

We can imagine it is difficult to just let go of the traditional SIM card after decades of depending on it. But the benefits offered by eSIM far outweigh the inconveniences that are associated with normal SIM cards. 

An eSIM can also be handy if you lose or damage your physical SIM card. Since your eSIM is virtual, you can simply change your plan or add funds as needed. You also don’t need to worry about inserting it into the wrong device.

Overall, there are several reasons why you might need an eSIM plan. If you travel frequently or worry about losing or damaging your SIM card, an eSIM can be a great option for you.

Why are eSIMs great for international travel?

For those of us who just cannot afford to shut off from our professional and personal lives but yet not compromise on enjoying our holiday, it is essential to stay connected to fast and reliable Internet wherever you are.

Whether you need to be ready to send and receive emails or even large files (audio, video, or documents), have uninterrupted access to maps, or just have ways to make payments, you need a solution that gets you connected while not involving a serious investment of time, energy, or money.

An option would be to just use your existing SIM card and deal with the roaming charges. This could prove to be an expensive option considering that many travelers are often hit with roaming charges averaging £262.

Another solution would be to depend on WiFi, which would have you going around asking for passwords and also possibly compromising your data.

The best solution is naturally embracing eSIM technology and its wide range of benefits. For just a fraction of what you would potentially pay for roaming, you can get all the data and talk time you could possibly need.

Moreover, you also don’t need to invest any effort in filling out any paperwork like you would in case you want a traditional SIM card.

How to activate your eSIM plan?

First, you will have to purchase your eSIM bundle. Go through our selection of the best eSIM for Europe travel and choose one which is most suitable for your needs.

After you complete your purchase, you’ll receive an email that contains a QR code you must scan to activate your eSIM bundle.

That’s all. You are now connected to reliable 24/7 high-speed Internet at your destination!

However, we would advise you to wait until you are in the continent and in a supported country before going ahead with the activation.

What countries in Europe are supported by my Orange eSIM plan?

Our eSIM plans, powered by Orange, the #1 mobile network in Europe, give flawless coverage to nearly all European countries. Please check the list of countries below to see if your bundle will work at your chosen destination.

Andorra, Azores, Aland islands, Austria, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Belgium, Cyprus, Crete, Corfu, The Cyclades, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faeroe Islands, Finland, France mainland, Gibraltar, Germany, Greece, Guernsey, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Jersey, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malta, Isle of Man, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Rhodes, Romania, Spain, United Kingdom, San Marino, Sardinia, Sicily, Slovakia, Switzerland, Sweden, Vatican City.

The global eSIM situation

As the world’s economy has become increasingly global, the need for reliable and efficient global communication systems has become more important than ever. The development of such systems has been a challenge for many years, but recent advances in technology have made it possible for people to communicate with each other more easily than ever before.

In this context, eSIMs have become very popular in recent years. With their convenience, affordability, and features, it is easy to see why.

Although it could be argued that eSIM technology is still at a nascent stage, the growth potential is literally unlimited as smartphones get ‘smarter’ and global travel expands. The new iPhone 14 was announced to work exclusively with eSIM technology, setting a precedent for newer devices.

From a total value of $253.8 million dollars in 2018, it is anticipated that the global market for eSIM would expand to $978.3 million by the year 2023.

The best eSIM plans for your Europe holiday

ORANGE ESIM EUROPE - 20 GB DATA & 120 VOICE MINUTES WORLDWIDE

This eSIM package is fantastic for digital nomads as it offers a generous data limit. In just a few minutes, you may be connected to the internet with Orange, the best mobile network in Europe.

  • 20GB 4G/LTE Data in Europe*

  • Unlimited calls and SMS (In Europe)

  • 120 minutes voice credit (Worldwide)

  • 1,000 SMS (Worldwide)

  • Valid for two weeks (After registration)

ORANGE HOLIDAY ZEN ESIM - 8GB, 30 MIN. CALLS & 200 SMS FROM EUROPE TO WORLDWIDE + UNLIMITED CALLS & SMS IN EUROPE

Connect instantly with your new Holiday eSim, powered by Orange, the best mobile network operator in Europe! Don’t wait for a physical card, download and scan a QR Code to start using the best eSim for your Europe travels.

  • 8GB 4G/LTE Data in Europe*

  • Unlimited calls and SMS (In Europe)

  • 30 minutes voice credit (Worldwide)

  • 200 SMS (Worldwide)

Supported Devices

  • iPhone XR, XS, XS Max

  • iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max

  • iPhone SE 2 (2020), iPhone SE 3 (2022)

  • iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 

  • iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max

  • iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max

  • iPad Pro 11″ (model A2068, from 2020)

  • iPad Pro 12.9″ (model A2069, from 2020)

  • iPad Air (model A2123, from 2019)

  • iPad (model A2198, from 2019)

  • iPad Mini (model A2124, from 2019)

  • Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra

  • Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+ 5G, S21+ Ultra 5G

  • Samsung Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra

  • Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Ultra 5G 

  • Samsung Galaxy Fold, Samsung Galaxy Fold 3

  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G, Fold3 5G 

  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, Flip3 5G Fold

  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip

  • Samsung Watch (via Samsung Wearable application)

  • Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra

  • Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+ 5G, S21+ Ultra 5G

  • Samsung Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra

  • Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Ultra 5G 

  • Samsung Galaxy Fold, Fold 3

  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G, Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, Galaxy Z Flip3 5G Fold, Galaxy Z Flip

  • Samsung Watch (via Samsung Wearable application)

  • Google Pixel 2 (only phones bought with Google Fi service), Pixel 2 XL

  • Google Pixel 3 (not including phones bought in Australia, Taiwan, or Japan. Phones bought with US or Canadian carriers other than Spring and Google Fi don’t work with eSIM)

  • Google Pixel 3 XL

  • Google Pixel 3a (not including phones bought in Japan or with Verizon service),  3a XL

  • Google Pixel 4, 4a, 4 XL

  • Google Pixel 5, 5a

  • Google Pixel 6, 6a, 6 Pro

  • Huawei P40, P40 Pro

  • Huawei Mate 40 Pro

  • Oppo Find X3 Pro

  • Oppo Reno 5A

  • Oppo Reno6 Pro 5G

  • Oppo Find X5, Find X5 Pro

  • Oppo A55s

  • Motorola Razr 2019

  • Motorola Razr 5G

  • Nuu Mobile X5

  • Gemini PDA

  • Rakuten Mini, Big-S, Big

  • Sony Xperia 10 III Lite

  • Sony Xperia 1 IV

  • Surface Pro X

  • Honor Magic 4 Pro

  • Fairphone 4

References

https://www.efymag.com/2020/08/01/esim-going-replace-plain-old-sim-card/

https://www.idmobile.co.uk/help-and-advice/roaming-research-summer-2022