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Staying connected on the road has become absolutely essential for the modern traveler. In addition to keeping in touch with friends and family and surfing the web, travelers in most cities across Europe are likely to need access to digital train tickets, e-boarding passes and QR code menus. The free Wi-Fi is good in theory, but it never seems to be there when you need it most. So if you’re thinking of messaging home, browsing with Google Maps, or surfing the web for the best places to grab a bite to eat, you’ll definitely want to get a local SIM card for traveling in Europe.
Traditionally, travelers had to rely on physical cards purchased from local stores to connect to the local network. However, the relatively new convenience of eSIM is here to replace the old-fashioned physical prepaid SIM card for Europe. With a super-simple online purchase and remote activation process, eSIMs from Holafly are a total game changer. Now you can connect to unlimited high-speed data from the second you land at your destination.
Exclusive offer: Get a 5% discount on any international eSim from Holafly with the discount code: ROAD AFFAIR.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is simply a virtual SIM card. It works similar to the small plastic SIM card in your phone, storing your information and providing access to your network, but it’s digital rather than physical. Most new smart devices support eSIMS, which can be purchased online and activated instantly, making them the ideal European SIM cards for travellers.
Which devices support eSIM?
Most new smartphones, wearables, tablets, and even some laptops support eSIM. You’ll probably have no problem installing a digital SIM card if you have one of the following devices:
- iPhone XR or XS
- iPhone 11 or newer
- iPads with 4G connectivity manufactured since 2019
- Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer
- Google Pixel 2 and later
Check if your phone is compatible with Holafly eSIM here.
What is Holafly?
Holafly is an online eSIM store that makes it easy to connect for your next adventure. The company offers eSIMS for more than 120 countries in North America, Asia and Europe. With an excellent score on Trustpilot and a very competitive European plan, Holafly offers the best travel SIM cards for Europe.
The Holafly eSim for Europe offers unlimited data in 32 countries, with plans ranging from $19 for 5 days to $99 for 90 days. Holafly also offers 24/7 customer support services via live chat and WhatsApp, and the service connects you to the best network in each country as you bounce around in different places in europe.
What are the benefits of using a Holafly eSIM?
1. You can easily buy and activate the SIM card online
With Holafly, you no longer have to go to a physical store in your destination country or pay to have a SIM card shipped to you. Simply choose a plan online and scan the QR code sent to your email address to activate your eSIM.
2. You can buy in advance and connect immediately
If you purchase and activate a plan before you travel, you can connect to your destination country’s local network as soon as you land. Check your email for confirmation of your hotel, find directions to the nearest restaurant, or call an Uber to your Airbnb. There is no need to search for a store to buy a SIM card or find a Wi-Fi network to configure anything. Just log in and go!
3. It’s easier to switch between networks
As one of the best SIM cards for Europe, the Holafly eSIM allows you to easily switch networks when entering new countries. The European plan includes all countries in the region and automatically switches to the best network in each country. You can also easily buy and activate a new plan if you leave the region without buying a new physical card.
Most newer devices have dual SIM capabilities, and some even allow you to install multiple eSIMs at once, so there’s no need to physically remove your regular SIM card and replace it in each new country. This is especially useful for frequent travelers, and you can always go back to your home network and check for important texts or missed calls.
4. You can’t lose it
Physical SIM cards are very small and it’s all too easy to lose them, especially when you’re constantly switching between your home card and your local card. Holafly eSIMS eliminates the need for a physical chip, eliminating the issues associated with lost SIM cards.
5. It’s more affordable than an international data plan
International data plans, especially those offered by US providers, are generally not worth the money. You’ll almost always have to pay exorbitant amounts for high-speed data or deal with painfully slow connections. Some plans charge up to $10 per day for limited service, and any service included is usually limited to around 2G speed, which is barely enough to open a QR code menu before the server arrives. at your table.
6. You can keep your usual WhatsApp number
Holafly lets you keep your local number when using WhatsApp, so you’ll have all your contacts and chats at your fingertips and family and friends can reach you as normal.
What are the disadvantages of using a Holafly eSIM?
1. Not all devices support eSIMS
Unfortunately, most smart devices made before 2019 don’t automatically support eSIMS, and there’s currently no way to install one on an older device.
2. You won’t have a local phone number
Holafly eSIMs provide high-speed data and excellent connectivity, but you won’t receive a local phone number. Luckily, you can still make calls via WhatsApp and FaceTime, although you may run into trouble if you need to provide a local number for OTP verification.
3. No data sharing
The eSIMs provided by Holafly do not allow data sharing, so you will not be able to hotspot your friends or other devices.
How do I set up the Holafly eSIM on my device?
1. Make sure your device is compatible and unlocked.
New smartphones, tablets and wearable devices automatically support eSIMS, so there should be no need to install any additional programs or software. If you have an iPhone, you’ll likely need to contact your carrier to unlock your device before you can get your eSIM.
2. Choose your plan and buy your eSIM on the Holafly website.
Simply select the specific region or country where you will need service and choose a plan based on the length of your trip. You can easily add a plan to your cart and enter your payment information to checkout online. There is nothing to physically ship and no need to contact anyone by phone to complete your purchase. Don’t forget to use promo code “ROADAFFAIR” to get 5% off your purchase.
3. Scan the QR code sent to your email address to activate.
After purchasing your eSIM, Holafly will send you two emails: one with your receipt and one with a QR code for activation. Simply scan the QR code sent to your email address and follow a brief set of instructions to activate your plan. The process should take less than five minutes, and installing the eSIM via QR code does not automatically start your plan duration countdown.
Then you can leave the eSIM turned off until you reach your destination. As long as you buy your plan and install the SIM card using the QR code before you travel, you will be able to activate your service and connect to a local network instantly and without connecting to Wi-Fi first.
I hope this guide will make it easy for you to get the best virtual SIM card for Europe so you can stay connected on your travels!
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