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Best mobile data options for a month-long trip across Europe?

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Monika_P
Joined:
02.11.2021
Posts: 189
Topic Starter
08.01.2025 00:23
I'm heading to Europe for about five weeks this summer and will be traveling through France, Italy, and Germany. I've been looking into getting an eSIM to avoid massive roaming charges from my home carrier, but I'm overwhelmed by the number of providers. Does anyone have experience with Airalo or Holafly, or is it better to just buy a local prepaid SIM card when I land? I mainly need reliable data for Google Maps and occasional video calls. Any advice on which provider offers the best coverage and value for multi-country travel would be greatly appreciated.
18 replies in this topic
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Stefan_W
Joined:
19.05.2024
Posts: 1653
18.02.2025 00:03
Airalo is my go-to for Europe trips. The setup is super easy via the app, and the coverage in France and Germany was flawless for me last year.
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Timo_G
Joined:
23.03.2022
Posts: 799
10.03.2025 23:20
In reply to a previous post
I second the Airalo recommendation. Just make sure your phone is unlocked before you leave home, or it won't work.
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Nadiya_D
Joined:
17.06.2024
Posts: 325
30.03.2025 17:45
Holafly is great if you want unlimited data, but keep in mind you can't hotspot with their unlimited plans. If you need to tether to a laptop, go with Airalo instead.
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Bobi_J
Joined:
22.03.2023
Posts: 1509
09.05.2025 15:40
In reply to a previous post
Is hotspotting really that restricted on Holafly? That's a dealbreaker for me.
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NqkoiNesh
Joined:
11.02.2024
Posts: 2186
16.05.2025 09:38
In reply to a previous post
Yeah, unfortunately, it is. I learned that the hard way during a business trip to Milan.
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Oli_L
Joined:
28.01.2024
Posts: 2489
18.05.2025 02:26
Honestly, just pick up a local SIM from a Vodafone or Orange shop when you land. It's usually cheaper and you get a local phone number, which is helpful for reservations.
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Toni_M
Joined:
12.05.2022
Posts: 1304
01.08.2025 21:19
In reply to a previous post
Local SIMs are a hassle if you're hitting three countries in five weeks. You'll have to deal with different registration rules in each place. Stick to an eSIM.
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Ekspert_11
Joined:
12.10.2022
Posts: 2387
19.10.2025 06:29
I used Nomad on my last trip and had zero issues. It was slightly cheaper than Airalo at the time.
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ChernaKotka
Joined:
08.03.2025
Posts: 292
20.10.2025 09:05
Check out Orange Holiday Europe. It's a physical or eSIM that gives you a French number and works across the EU. Super reliable.
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Niko_N
Joined:
17.08.2020
Posts: 721
20.10.2025 20:53
In reply to a previous post
Does Orange Holiday work well in Italy? I'm worried about dead zones in the countryside.
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Zuzi_P
Joined:
25.12.2024
Posts: 759
03.12.2025 00:29
In reply to a previous post
Coverage in Italy was solid for me using Orange. It uses local networks like TIM or Vodafone, so you're basically getting the same signal as locals.
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Iva_R
Joined:
29.06.2022
Posts: 1993
04.01.2026 14:47
Whatever you do, stay away from your home carrier's 'travel pass'. They charge like $10 a day, which is a total rip-off for five weeks.
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Roman_88
Joined:
11.07.2021
Posts: 1106
01.02.2026 11:10
In reply to a previous post
Agreed, that adds up to way too much money. eSIM is definitely the way to go.
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kamilo
Joined:
02.06.2024
Posts: 2083
04.02.2026 00:56
I usually just use Airalo. It's not the absolute cheapest, but the peace of mind knowing I have data as soon as I land is worth it.
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Aleks_K
Joined:
28.03.2023
Posts: 393
04.02.2026 10:47
Don't forget to turn off data roaming for your home SIM, otherwise you might get a nasty surprise on your bill!
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Goshko_Bolo
Joined:
25.08.2022
Posts: 1183
13.02.2026 16:37
In reply to a previous post
Good point. I usually just pull my home SIM out entirely to be safe.
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ObiknovenChovek
Joined:
30.05.2024
Posts: 255
10.03.2026 14:40
If you need video calls, make sure you download the eSIM profile while you're still on Wi-Fi at home, not at the airport with spotty signal.
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redoven
Joined:
17.04.2023
Posts: 1071
22.03.2026 03:23
In reply to a previous post
Thanks for all the advice! I think I'll go with Airalo for the convenience and just deal with the slightly higher cost.

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