Best eSIM for Europe Travel in 2026: Why I Recommend Orange

Looking for the best eSIM for Europe travel in 2026? After testing and comparing Europe eSIMs for years, my top recommendation is the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM.

It is not always the cheapest Europe eSIM, but it is the most complete option for travelers who want reliable data, a European phone number, unlimited calls and SMS in Europe and international minutes included.

I have visited every country in Europe, all 45 of them, and after years of traveling across the continent I know that not every traveler needs the same kind of Europe eSIM. Some people only need cheap mobile data for Google Maps, WhatsApp, train tickets and social media, while others want a complete package with calls, SMS and a European phone number.

That is exactly why I personally use and recommend an Orange eSIM for Europe for longer trips and multi-country itineraries. Most cheap Europe eSIMs are data-only, which is fine for a short city trip, but when I travel across several European countries I prefer an eSIM that gives me more than just mobile data.

With Orange you get a proper travel eSIM package that works in many European countries, including popular destinations like France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and more.

That said, the best Europe eSIM depends on your trip. If you only need cheap data, Jetpac is often the better budget choice. If you want a strong alternative with calls and SMS, Bouygues Telecom is worth considering.

If you are looking for an unlimited data eSIM for Europe, providers like Saily and Holafly also offer Europe eSIM plans, although fair use policies are important to check before ordering an unlimited data eSIM.

In this complete Europe eSIM guide I compare the best eSIMs for traveling in Europe, including Orange, Jetpac, Bouygues Telecom, Ubigi, Saily, Airalo, Holafly and Nomad. I will show you the latest prices, data packages, validity, calling options, country coverage and my honest recommendation based on personal experience and independent research.

Last update: July 2026.

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are based on independent research and personal experience.

Best eSIM for Europe in 2026: my quick answer

The best eSIM for Europe in 2026 is the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM if you want the most complete option. It includes mobile data, a European phone number, unlimited calls and SMS in Europe and international minutes, which is something most cheaper Europe eSIMs do not offer.

However, not every traveler needs the full Orange package. If you only need mobile data for a short trip, a cheaper data-only eSIM can be the smarter choice. That is why I recommend Jetpac for budget travelers. If you are looking for a Europe eSIM with unlimited data I rank Saily higher than Holafly.

In the comparison below I break down the best Europe eSIMs by price, data allowance, validity, calls and SMS and overall value for travelers.

As you can see, the best eSIM for Europe depends on your trip. If you want the most complete travel eSIM with data, calls, SMS and a phone number, then Orange Holiday Europe is my top recommendation.

If you only need cheap mobile data, Jetpac is the best value.

For unlimited data I prefer Saily over Holafly because the fair use policy is much clearer.

How I tested and ranked these Europe eSIMs

I have been traveling the world full time since 2012 and have visited every country in Europe, all 45 of them. Over the years I have used many different prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs across Europe, from quick city trips to longer multi-country itineraries.

For this Europe eSIM comparison I did not simply look at the cheapest plan. The best eSIM for Europe depends on much more than price alone. I ranked the eSIMs based on data allowance, validity, country coverage, calls and SMS, phone number availability, fair use policies, hotspot restrictions, ease of activation and overall value for travelers.

I also looked carefully at transparency. Some eSIM providers clearly show which countries are included, what kind of plan you are buying and what happens after you reach a fair use limit. Others are less clear, especially when it comes to unlimited data eSIMs. That is why I prefer providers with transparent conditions and realistic data packages over vague unlimited data promises.

My final recommendation is based on a combination of personal travel experience, Traveltomtom team testing and independent research. Orange Holiday Europe comes out as the best overall eSIM for Europe because it offers the most complete package, but cheaper data-only options like Jetpac can still be the smarter choice for short trips.

Best overall eSIM for Europe: Orange Holiday Europe

If you are looking for the best overall eSIM for Europe, then the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM is my top recommendation. It is not the cheapest Europe eSIM, but it is the most complete option because it gives you much more than just mobile data.

With Orange Holiday Europe you get data, a European phone number, unlimited calls and SMS in Europe and international minutes included. That makes it a proper travel eSIM package and especially useful for longer Europe trips, multi-country itineraries, road trips, business travel or anyone who does not want to rely only on WhatsApp calling.

Most cheaper Europe eSIMs are data-only. That is perfectly fine if you just need Google Maps, WhatsApp, train tickets and social media. But when I travel around Europe for a longer period of time, I personally prefer having a complete eSIM package with calls, SMS and a phone number. That is why Orange is my go-to eSIM for Europe.

Here are the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plans:

• 20 GB data + unlimited calls & SMS for 31 days = ~$23 USD
• 50 GB data + unlimited calls & SMS for 31 days = ~$47 USD
• 100 GB data + unlimited calls & SMS for 31 days = ~$59 USD
• 200 GB data + unlimited calls & SMS for 31 days = ~$94 USD
• 500 GB data + unlimited calls & SMS for 90 days = ~$252 USD

You can order an Orange Holiday Europe eSIM via Sim Local.

The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM is valid in 45 countries in Europe, including popular destinations like France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Greece, Portugal, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

The fact that it also works in Switzerland is important, because not every Europe eSIM includes Switzerland.

Pros: large data packages, European phone number included, unlimited calls and SMS in Europe, international minutes included, works in Switzerland, good for longer trips and multi-country Europe travel.

Cons: not the cheapest option if you only need a small data-only eSIM for a short city trip.

The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested eSIMs from Sim Local. You can read more in my honest Sim Local eSIM review.

Cheapest eSIM for Europe: Jetpac

Traveltomtom started recommending Jetpac eSIMs after they were tested extensively by the Traveltomtom Team. Since then, Jetpac has become one of my favorite recommendations for travelers who are looking for a cheap data-only eSIM for Europe.

Jetpac is not the most complete Europe eSIM, because it does not include calls, SMS or a phone number. But if you only need mobile data for Google Maps, WhatsApp, browsing, train tickets, Uber, hotel bookings and social media, then Jetpac is one of the best value eSIMs for traveling in Europe.

Here are some of the popular Jetpac Europe eSIM plans for 2026:

• 1 GB data for 4 days = $4 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $15 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $20 USD
• 15 GB data for 30 days = $25 USD
• 30 GB data for 30 days = $30 USD
• Unlimited data for 7 days = $25 USD
• Unlimited data for 10 days = $32 USD

Click here to order the Jetpac Europe eSIM.

The Jetpac Europe eSIMs are valid in 32 countries. Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Norway and Iceland are included, which is a big advantage for many Europe itineraries. However, countries like Albania, Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine are not included.

A Jetpac eSIM for Europe activates from the moment it connects to a supported network in Europe. Jetpac eSIMs have to be installed within 1 year after purchase, which gives you more flexibility than many other eSIM providers.

Another nice advantage of Jetpac is that they offer some useful travel perks, including a free VPN and free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed. You have to register your flight before traveling and, if your flight is delayed or canceled, Jetpac can provide a LoungeKey voucher. This is a complimentary service and something most other Europe eSIM providers do not offer.

Pros: cheap data-only Europe eSIMs, good for short trips, Switzerland and the UK included, easy activation, long installation window, extra perks like VPN and delayed-flight lounge access.

Cons: no calls, no SMS, no phone number and not as complete as Orange Holiday Europe. Also, not all European countries are included, so always check the country list before ordering.

Jetpac is my top recommendation if you are looking for the cheapest eSIM for Europe and only need mobile data. But for longer Europe trips where you want calls, SMS and a phone number, I still recommend Orange Holiday Europe as the better all-round option.

You can read more in my honest Jetpac eSIM review.

Best Orange alternative with calls and SMS: Bouygues Telecom

Another strong eSIM for Europe is the Bouygues Telecom eSIM. It is one of the best alternatives to Orange Holiday Europe, especially if you want a Europe eSIM with calls, SMS and a French phone number.

Bouygues Telecom offers very competitive Europe eSIM plans and some of them include unlimited calls and SMS in Europe. That makes Bouygues a much more complete option than most data-only eSIMs from providers like Jetpac, Airalo, Ubigi, Nomad, Saily and Holafly.

However, there is one big downside: Bouygues Telecom eSIMs are not valid in Switzerland. That is the main reason why I still recommend Orange Holiday Europe as the best overall eSIM for Europe. If your Europe trip includes Switzerland, do not choose Bouygues.

Here are the Bouygues Telecom eSIM plans for Europe:

• 500 MB data for 1 day = free
• 15 GB data-only for 15 days = ~$16 USD
• 20 GB data + unlimited calls & SMS for 15 days = ~$22 USD
• 30 GB data + unlimited calls & SMS for 30 days = ~$33 USD
• 60 GB data + unlimited calls & SMS for 30 days = ~$40 USD
• 120 GB data + unlimited calls & SMS for 30 days = ~$56 USD

You can order a Bouygues Telecom Europe eSIM via SimOptions.

The cheapest Bouygues plan is data-only, while the bigger plans usually include unlimited calls and SMS in Europe.

Pros: strong value for money, large data packages, selected plans include calls and SMS, French phone number included, good alternative to Orange for many Europe trips.

Cons: not valid in Switzerland, no international calls included and not every Bouygues eSIM plan includes calls and SMS.

In short, Bouygues Telecom is a great choice if you want a Europe eSIM with calls and SMS and your trip does not include Switzerland. But if you want the most complete package with Switzerland included and international minutes, Orange Holiday Europe is still the better overall choice.

The Traveltomtom Team has used SimOptions to buy eSIMs since 2020. Read more in my full SimOptions review.

Best unlimited data eSIM for Europe: Saily vs Holafly

If you are looking for an unlimited data eSIM for Europe, then the two most popular options are Saily and Holafly. Both sell unlimited data eSIMs for Europe, but there is one important difference: Saily is much more transparent about its FUP.

Saily unlimited data eSIMs for Europe come with a generous FUP (Fair Use Policy) of 5 GB high-speed data per day. After using 5 GB in one day, your speed will be reduced to 1 Mbps, but at least you know exactly what you are buying.

That is why I prefer Saily over Holafly for travelers who actually plan to use a lot of data.

Here are examples of Saily unlimited data eSIM plans for Europe:

• Unlimited data for 7 days = ~$29 USD
• Unlimited data for 10 days = ~$36 USD
• Unlimited data for 15 days = ~$50 USD
• Unlimited data for 20 days = ~$60 USD
• Unlimited data for 25 days = ~$66 USD
• Unlimited data for 30 days = ~$72 USD

You can order a Saily unlimited data eSIM for Europe here.

Holafly is also a popular option for unlimited data eSIMs and their Europe plans are easy to understand because you simply choose the number of days you need. Holafly can be a convenient option for travelers who want a simple unlimited-style eSIM and do not want to think about fixed data packages.

However, the reason I do not rank Holafly as the best unlimited data eSIM for Europe is that the fair use policy is less clearly defined. Holafly mentions that speed reductions may apply if necessary.

Holafly does not clearly publish a daily high-speed data allowance like Saily does. Based on Traveltomtom testing, the Holafly Europe eSIM was reduced after around 3 GB of high-speed data in a day, and the reduced speed was less than 1 Mbps for the rest of the day.

For me, that makes Saily the safer recommendation for heavy data users.

Another thing to keep in mind is that both Saily and Holafly are data-only eSIMs. They do not come with a European phone number and they do not support regular phone calls or SMS. If you want an eSIM with calls, SMS and a phone number, Orange Holiday Europe or Bouygues Telecom are better options.

Pros of Saily: unlimited data plans, transparent and generous 5 GB per day fair use policy, good choice for heavy data users, cheaper than Holafly on several durations.

Cons of Saily: data-only eSIM, no phone number, no calls, no SMS and your speed can be reduced after the daily high-speed data allowance.

Pros of Holafly: simple unlimited-style plans, flexible validity options and easy ordering process.

Cons of Holafly: data-only eSIM, no phone number, no calls, no SMS and the fair use policy is less transparent than Saily.

In short, if you want the best unlimited data eSIM for Europe, I recommend Saily over Holafly. Saily is not truly unlimited without limits, but the rules are much clearer. An FUP of 5 GB per day is pretty generous.

You can read more in my honest Saily eSIM review.

Other Europe eSIMs worth considering

Apart from Orange, Jetpac, Bouygues Telecom, Saily and Holafly there are a few other Europe eSIM providers worth mentioning. They are not my top recommendations for most travelers, but depending on your trip they can still be useful alternatives.

Ubigi

Ubigi is a good option if you are looking for a simple data-only eSIM for Europe. Their Europe eSIM plans are generally well priced and they offer several different data packages, including monthly and even annual options.

Here are some popular Ubigi Europe eSIM plans:

• 10 GB data for 30 days = ~$18 USD
• 25 GB data for 30 days = ~$29 USD

The downside of Ubigi is that all their Europe eSIMs are data-only. That means no phone number, no incoming or outgoing calls and no SMS. Their website can also feel a little overwhelming because there are so many different eSIM plans to choose from.

My verdict: Ubigi is a decent budget alternative for Europe, but I would still choose Jetpac if you want cheap data.

Airalo

Airalo is probably the most well-known eSIM provider in the world and I have used Airalo in many countries since 2020. Their app is easy to use, the installation process is simple and in general Airalo is a reliable eSIM provider.

However, for Europe I do not think Airalo offers the best value. Airalo Europe eSIMs are usually more expensive than Jetpac, Ubigi and some of the other data-only Europe eSIMs, especially when you need a larger data package.

Here are some Airalo Europe eSIM plans:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = ~$5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = ~$13 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = ~$20 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = ~$37 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = ~$49 USD
• 100 GB data for 180 days = ~$185 USD

🎁 Exclusive Airalo discount for Traveltomtom readers: get 20% off with coupon code TT20. Valid until mid July 2026 and only for first-time Airalo users.

Airalo Europe eSIMs are data-only, so they do not include a phone number, calls or SMS. The advantage is that Airalo offers long-validity Europe eSIM plans, which can be useful if you travel around Europe for several months and do not need a lot of data every day.

My verdict: Airalo is reliable and easy to use, but for Europe it is too expensive for large data plans. I would only choose Airalo if you specifically want to use the Airalo app, already have Airalo credits or need one of their long-validity plans.

Nomad

Nomad is another affordable data-only eSIM provider with Europe plans. Prices are often competitive and Nomad can be a good alternative if you are comparing cheap Europe eSIMs.

Here are some Nomad Europe eSIM plans:

• 5 GB data for 30 days = ~$14 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = ~$16 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = ~$22 USD
• 50 GB data for 30 days = ~$29 USD

Nomad eSIMs for Europe are also data-only. There is no phone number, no calls and no SMS included. The Traveltomtom Team has used Nomad eSIMs in several countries and while they can offer good value, experiences with activation and customer service have been a little more mixed than with some other providers.

My verdict: Nomad can be a good affordable data-only alternative, but it is not one of my first recommendations for Europe. If you want cheap data I would first look at Jetpac, and if you want a complete Europe eSIM I would choose Orange.

Best Europe eSIM by type of trip/traveler

The best Europe eSIM depends on how long you travel, how much data you need and whether you want a phone number, calls and SMS. A cheap data-only eSIM can be perfect for a short city trip, but for longer multi-country travel I would rather choose a more complete eSIM package.

For most travelers, this comes down to a simple choice: Orange Holiday Europe is the best eSIM for Europe if you want the most complete package, while Jetpac is the better choice if you only need cheap mobile data.

If unlimited data is your priority, I recommend Saily over Holafly because the fair use policy is clearer.

eSIM vs local prepaid SIM card in Europe

For most travelers, an eSIM for Europe is the easiest way to stay connected. You order it online, install it before departure and you are connected as soon as your plane lands. There is no need to find a SIM card shop, show your passport or swap physical SIM cards.

That said, a local prepaid SIM card in Europe can still be a good option if you are staying in just one country for a longer period of time. Local prepaid SIM cards are often cheaper and sometimes come with very large data bundles. For example, if you spend your whole trip in one country, check my guides for buying a prepaid SIM card in France, a prepaid SIM card in Spain or a prepaid SIM card in Italy.

The problem starts when you travel to multiple countries. Many local prepaid SIM cards in Europe include EU roaming, but the amount of roaming data can be limited. A prepaid SIM card bought in one European country does not always give you the same data allowance when you cross the border. That is why a regional Europe eSIM is often more convenient for multi-country trips.

My advice is simple: choose an eSIM for Europe if you visit several countries, want to be connected immediately or do not want the hassle of buying a SIM card on arrival. Choose a local prepaid SIM card if you stay in one country for a longer time and want the cheapest possible data package.

For a broader overview of physical SIM card options, check my complete guide for buying a prepaid SIM card in Europe.

When and how to activate your Europe eSIM

You can order your Europe eSIM before your trip and install it when you are still at home. I recommend doing this on the day of departure or the day before, because you need a stable internet connection to install an eSIM properly.

Most Europe eSIMs are delivered instantly by email or through the provider's app. After ordering, you will receive a QR code or step-by-step installation instructions. In most cases, installing an eSIM is simply a matter of scanning the QR code and following the instructions on your phone.

Very important: the validity of your Europe eSIM can start at different moments depending on the provider. Some eSIMs start their validity as soon as you install them, while others only start when they connect to a supported network in Europe for the first time. Always check this before installing your eSIM.

My personal advice is to install your Europe eSIM before boarding your flight, but only activate data roaming for the eSIM when you arrive in Europe. That way you are ready to connect as soon as the plane lands and you do not have to depend on airport WiFi.

Before using your eSIM in Europe, make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible. Also check that data roaming is turned on for your Europe eSIM and turned off for your home SIM card if you want to avoid expensive roaming charges.

In short: order your eSIM before departure, install it with a stable WiFi connection, check when the validity starts and make sure the correct SIM is selected for mobile data when you arrive in Europe.

Frequently asked questions about eSIMs for Europe

Here are quick answers to the most common questions about buying and using an eSIM for Europe.

What is the best eSIM for Europe in 2026?

The best eSIM for Europe in 2026 is Orange Holiday Europe because it includes data, a European phone number, unlimited calls and SMS in Europe and international minutes. It is not the cheapest option, but it is the most complete Europe eSIM for multi-country travel.

What is the cheapest eSIM for Europe?

The cheapest eSIM for Europe is usually a data-only eSIM like Jetpac. Jetpac is my top budget recommendation if you only need mobile data for Google Maps, WhatsApp, train tickets, Uber and social media.

Which Europe eSIM includes calls and SMS?

Orange Holiday Europe and Bouygues Telecom are the best Europe eSIMs with calls and SMS. Orange is the better overall choice because it includes international minutes and works in Switzerland, while Bouygues is a good alternative if your trip does not include Switzerland.

Does a Europe eSIM come with a phone number?

Most Europe eSIMs do not come with a phone number because they are data-only. Orange Holiday Europe and Bouygues Telecom are the main exceptions, as they include a European phone number on selected plans.

What is the best unlimited data eSIM for Europe?

The best unlimited data eSIM for Europe is Saily if you want a transparent fair use policy. Saily offers 5 GB high-speed data per day, while Holafly is less clear about when speeds may be reduced.

Is Holafly good for Europe?

Holafly is a convenient unlimited-style eSIM for Europe, but I do not rank it as the best option because the fair use policy is less clearly defined than Saily. If transparency matters, I prefer Saily.

Does a Europe eSIM work in Switzerland?

Some Europe eSIMs work in Switzerland, but not all of them. Orange Holiday Europe and Jetpac include Switzerland, while Bouygues Telecom does not, so always check the country list before ordering.

Can I use hotspot with a Europe eSIM?

Most fixed-data Europe eSIMs allow hotspot use, but unlimited data eSIMs can have hotspot restrictions or fair use limits. If hotspot is important, choose a plan with a clear data allowance or a transparent fair use policy.

Is an eSIM better than a local prepaid SIM card in Europe?

An eSIM is better for most multi-country Europe trips because it is easier, faster and works across borders. A local prepaid SIM card can be cheaper if you stay in one country for a longer time, but EU roaming data limits can apply.

When should I install my Europe eSIM?

You should install your Europe eSIM on the day of departure or the day before, while you still have a stable WiFi connection. Always check whether the validity starts after installation or only when the eSIM connects to a supported network in Europe.

Do I need an unlocked phone for a Europe eSIM?

Yes, you need an unlocked phone to use a Europe eSIM. If your phone is locked to your mobile provider at home, a travel eSIM will not work properly.

Which phones support eSIMs?

Most newer iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones and Google Pixel phones support eSIMs. Always check your exact phone model before ordering because some regional versions of the same phone may not support eSIMs.

Final verdict: what is the best eSIM for Europe?

The best eSIM for Europe in 2026 is the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM. It is not the cheapest option, but it is the most complete Europe eSIM because it includes mobile data, a European phone number, unlimited calls and SMS in Europe and international minutes.

That makes Orange my top recommendation for longer Europe trips, multi-country itineraries and travelers who want more than just a data-only eSIM. Especially if your trip includes countries like France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, the Netherlands or the United Kingdom, Orange gives you one convenient package that works across many of the most popular destinations in Europe.

That said, the best Europe eSIM still depends on your trip. If you only need cheap mobile data, Jetpac is the better budget choice. If you want an Orange alternative with calls and SMS and you are not traveling to Switzerland, Bouygues Telecom is worth considering. If unlimited data is your priority, I recommend Saily over Holafly because the fair use policy is clearer.

I hope this Europe eSIM comparison helped you find the right eSIM for your trip. If you have any questions about eSIMs for Europe, leave me a comment below and I am happy to help.

Curious what the life of a full-time nomadic traveler looks like? Check out my Instagram @traveltomtom with almost 1 million followers and follow along.

I am on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world. As of 2026 I have visited 170 countries, still a bunch to go, but no rush.

Enjoy your trip to Europe!

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