Best eSIM for Europe

Today, technology makes our travels easier, just as it does in every aspect of our lives. One of our biggest needs, especially during international travel, is internet access. When traveling to Barcelona or other Spanish cities, you no longer need to carry a physical SIM card. Thanks to eSIM technology, you can both have your internet package ready before your trip and use multiple lines on your phone. Let’s now learn about the eSIM options you can use in Spain and their advantages.

What is eSIM?

eSIM (embedded SIM) can be defined as the digital version of physical SIM cards. This technology, which comes embedded in your phone, is replacing traditional SIM cards. eSIM technology, which has been in our lives since 2016, can be used in modern smartphones such as iPhone XS and later models, Samsung S20 series and later, Google Pixel 2 and later. With eSIM, you can digitally assign lines from different operators to your phone without needing to insert and remove a physical SIM card. Moreover, you can actively use both your physical SIM card and eSIM simultaneously, using two different numbers and internet packages.

Which eSIM is best for Spain?

There are many eSIM providers that you can use when you travel to Spain. Each one offers its own advantages and different package options. Based on my experiences in Spain, I have compiled the most reliable and useful eSIM providers.

eSIM.io

Based in Turkey and offering service in 153 countries, eSIM.io stands out with its user-friendly interface. The app’s notable features include being able to manage your internet package as you wish thanks to its pay-as-you-go system, and not needing to set up separately for each country thanks to One SIM. Offering strong coverage across all regions of Spain, eSIM.io is an ideal option for both short-term tourist visits and long-term travel. The platform’s service availability in 153 countries provides a great advantage especially for travelers planning to visit neighboring countries from Spain.

Website: esim.io

Airalo

Serving its users in over 200 countries, Airalo provides a quality internet experience in Spain thanks to strong partnerships with local operators. With package options of different durations and competitive prices, it is a popular choice for short-term trips to Spain.

Website: airalo.com

Holafly

Holafly, having a strong infrastructure throughout the country due to being Spain-based, stands out with its unlimited data plans. It can be particularly preferred for business trips or long-term stays.

Website: holafly.com

Yesim

Drawing attention with its easy-to-use interface and various package options, Yesim offers uninterrupted internet in both city centers and rural areas of Spain. With its flexible pricing policy, there are options to suit every budget.

Website: yesim.app

Nomad

Nomad, having a strong coverage network throughout Europe, provides high-speed internet access in Spain thanks to its partnerships with local operators. It offers suitable packages especially for travelers with high data usage.

Website: getnomad.app

Maya Mobile

Drawing attention with its continent-based package options, Maya Mobile offers economical options that you can use during your Spain trip with its packages valid throughout Europe. It stands out with its user-friendly interface and fast activation process.

Website: maya.net

SimOptions

SimOptions, which draws attention with its regional and country-based packages, offers internet packages specially prepared for Spain. You can find the most suitable option for your needs on the platform that allows you to compare packages of different operators.

Website: simoptions.com

Truphone

Truphone stands out with its packages specifically designed for business travel, providing reliable internet connection throughout Spain. It also offers special solutions for corporate customers.

Website: truphone.com

GigSky

Known for its travel-focused services, GigSky offers extensive coverage in Spain by working with local operators. It is preferred for its flexible package options and user-friendly application.

Website: gigsky.com

Ubigi

Offering services that are fully compliant with European Union regulations, Ubigi promises a seamless internet experience in Spain. It draws attention with its transparent pricing policy and easy-to-use interface.

Website: ubigi.com

How to Use eSIM in Europe, Spain?

Using eSIM in Spain and Europe is quite a simple process. First, you need to make sure your phone is eSIM compatible. Then you can download the application of your preferred eSIM provider and purchase one of the packages offered for Spain. After the purchase, you can set up the eSIM by following the steps below according to your device type. The following steps are for the eSIM.io, but the setup is similar in basically every app.

How can I activate eSIM on my iPhone?

Setup with Add Now Button: This method is the most practical solution especially offered for new generation iPhones. Available on devices with iOS 17 and above, this method provides almost one-touch setup. After purchase, simply click the “Add Now” button that appears and follow the subsequent instructions. The entire process takes approximately 2-3 minutes.

Setup with QR Code: QR code setup, the most widely used method, works on both iOS and Android devices.

Here’s what you need to do step by step:
Go to “Cellular Data Settings” or “Mobile Data” from your device’s settings menu
Find “Add eSIM” option from SIM management section
Select QR code scanning option
Scan the QR code sent to you with your phone’s camera
Follow activation steps Activate international roaming from the eSIM details screen
Select your new eSIM as data source

Manual Setup: You can use the manual setup method when you can’t access your QR code or experience a technical issue:

Go to “Cellular Data Settings” from settings menu
Find “Add eSIM” option
Select “Enter Information Manually”
Enter the SM-DP Address and Activation Code provided to you in the relevant fields
Complete the activation process
Don’t forget to turn on international roaming
Select your new eSIM as data source

How can I activate eSIM on my Android?

Setup with QR Code: This method is the most widely used and reliable setup method for Android devices.

Here’s what you need to do step by step:
Go to “Connections” from your phone’s Settings menu, then to “SIM manager”
Find the “Add eSIM” button in the “eSIMs” section
Select the QR code loading option
Point your phone’s camera at the QR code sent to you
Follow the setup steps on screen
Select your newly added eSIM as mobile data source
Finally, go to “Mobile Networks” from the “Connections” menu and activate international roaming

Manual Setup: If you have issues with the QR code method or can’t access your QR code, manual setup is also a very practical alternative:

Follow the path “Settings-Connections-SIM manager”
Click on “Add eSIM” option
Select “Enter Information Manually”
Carefully copy the SM-DP Address and Activation Code provided to you into the relevant fields
Complete the setup steps
Set your new eSIM as mobile data source
Don’t forget to turn on international roaming from the “Connections-Mobile Networks” menu

Things to Consider When Using eSIM

When using eSIM in Spain, there are some important points you need to pay attention to. First, while internet coverage is quite good in city centers, if you’re planning to travel to rural areas or small coastal towns, it’s worth checking your package’s coverage area. Additionally, during peak tourist season (between June-August), some popular areas may experience drops in internet speed. Therefore, I recommend learning which Spanish operators your eSIM package works with before your trip.

Which is the best eSIM across Europe?

When choosing the best eSIM for Europe, it’s essential to consider several key factors that can significantly impact your connectivity experience. As someone who regularly uses eSIMs while traveling across Europe, I’ve found that reliable coverage, competitive pricing, and seamless activation processes are crucial. Europe’s diverse geography – from bustling metropolitan areas to remote countryside locations – demands a service that can maintain consistent connectivity across various terrains and borders. Additionally, with different countries having varying mobile network infrastructures, selecting an eSIM provider that has strong partnerships with local carriers becomes paramount for ensuring stable connections throughout your journey.

After testing various providers and analyzing user experiences across different European countries, two providers consistently stand out: eSIM.io and Airalo. Both offer comprehensive coverage across Europe but have distinct characteristics that might make one more suitable than the other depending on your specific needs.

Do eSIMs work well in Europe?

Yes, eSIMs work very well across Europe thanks to the continent’s highly developed telecommunications infrastructure. Europe features comprehensive network coverage with 4G and 5G availability in most urban areas, supported by EU regulations that ensure consistent roaming standards across member states.

The European telecommunications landscape is particularly well-suited for eSIM technology because of its standardized frequencies and extensive carrier support. Most mobile operators across European countries have embraced eSIM technology, making it a reliable choice for both residents and travelers. The performance typically matches that of traditional physical SIM cards, with data speeds and connection reliability on par with local services.

In terms of technical compatibility, any eSIM-enabled device released after 2018 should work seamlessly across European networks, provided it’s unlocked and supports European network bands. The technology functions effectively throughout the European Union and in most non-EU European countries, with automatic network switching when crossing borders.

Is there one eSIM for all of Europe?

Yes, there are several eSIM providers offering comprehensive coverage across all European countries through a single eSIM solution. For example, eSIM.io provides a unified European package that works seamlessly across the entire continent, eliminating the need to purchase separate eSIMs for different countries.

These pan-European eSIMs connect to local carrier networks in each country automatically, allowing you to maintain continuous coverage as you travel across borders. This means you won’t need to activate new plans or change settings when moving between European countries – your device will automatically connect to the strongest available network in each location.

The service operates through partnerships with major local carriers in each European country, ensuring reliable coverage throughout the continent. For instance, eSIM.io’s European package provides access to high-speed 4G and 5G networks where available, with coverage in both EU and non-EU European countries.

If you need a local provider, you can check out the article SIM Cards for Tourists and Residents.