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So, you're off on a Euro adventure. Tickets booked, itinerary planned out (or not, depending on your travel style) and bucket list ready to be ticked off along the way.
But, how will you call your fellow travellers when you lose them in Disneyland Paris - or map your way to your hotel on arrival? How will you order your uber in Barcelona? And how, for the love of all things good in this world, will you share that photo of your margherita pizza on Instagram?
Whether you're navigating cobblestone streets, booking last-minute trains or posting sunset snaps from Santorini, having reliable mobile data is a must.
Looks like you're going to need to sort out a SIM card for Europe.
Can I use an Australian SIM card while in Europe?
Yes - if the idea of wandering the streets of Prague searching for a Vodafone isn't part of your holiday vision, you can always use your Australian SIM card in Europe. Most Australian mobile service providers offer special international roaming upgrades that will enable you to use your local number overseas - at a price, of course.
Roaming with major Australian providers
Roaming is convenient - you step off the plan and your phone number just works. But is can add up quickly if you're not careful.
Here's what Australia's major telcos typically offer for roaming in Europe (always check your provider for the latest details before you fly):
Usually around AU$10 per day, giving you access to your usual plan functions (data, calls and texts) while overseas. View and manage your plan options in the My Telstra app.Typically AU$5-10 per day, depending on your plan, allowing you to use your standard plan functions while in Europe as well as roaming while flying on select airlines. See the options available for your plan in the My Optus app.On eligible plans, Vodafone customers can generally use their usual plan inclusions in Europe for AU$5 per day, managed in the My Vodafone app.
How to activate? Always make sure you check your plan details ahead of time, but generally international roaming will be activated automatically when you first use your phone in an eligible destination.
Using a prepaid mobile? Look for your options here:
- Telstra pre-paid International Roaming Packs
- Prepaid Optus Roaming Add-Ons
- Vodafone Roaming Add-ons for prepaid
Tip: Roaming is ideal for short stays or quick business trips. For longer holidays (especially if you're uploading every croissant snap, navigating constantly, or working remotely), an eSIM or local SIM can be better value.
What are the best value SIM options in Europe?
In great news, travellers now have more options than ever. But... that also means more options to research and choose from. It can get overwhelming - but it doesn't have to be.
TID break down the 3 main SIM options in Europe: eSIMs, prepaid SIM cards and pocket Wi-Fi.
1. eSIMs: an easy way to stay connected
If your phone supports it (and most do), an eSIM is a simple way to get online in Europe - no queues, no swapping SIM cards, no stress.
You can download your eSIM before you leave Australian and connect as soon as you land.
Popular eSIM providers for Europe
|
Provider |
Data package options |
Validity options |
Price guide ($AUD) |
|
500MB-Unlimited |
2-30 days |
$3-$40 |
|
|
1GB-Unlimited |
3-180 days |
$7.50-$274 |
|
|
Unlimited |
1-90 days |
$5.90-$219 |
|
|
1GB-Unlimited |
7-30 days |
$7.98-$47.87 |
Prices based on currency conversion April 2026.
Price and plan inclusions are approximate and typical based on provider options available in April 2026.
- Ubigi offers competitive pricing and easy setup
- Airalo is a great all-rounder with Europe-wide plans and offers flexible data tiers for different travel lengths
- Holafly has unlimited data plans that are ideal for heavy users, though at a slightly higher price point
- Nomad has flexible pricing and easy in-app management of your eSIM
Why travellers love eSIMs
- Instant activation (before you even board your flight)
- Works across multiple European countries
- No need to visit a store
- Keep your Aussie SIM active for calls, texts or banking codes
Things to keep in mind
- Most eSIMs are data-only (no local phone number)
- Speeds can vary depending on the local network
- Your phone must be eSIM compatible (most newer models are)
2. Local SIM cards: best for longer trips
If you're travelling for a few weeks or more, a local prepaid SIM card can offer excellent value - especially if you want a local number for calls or bookings.
Across Europe, competition between providers means large data inclusions at low prices.
You'll typically find:
- €10-€30 prepaid options
- 20GB to 100 GB+ data inclusions
Prepaid SIM options by country
Some of the most popular and reliable providers across Europe include:
|
Country |
Provider |
Price |
Data |
Best for |
|
UK |
£10-£25 |
15-120GB |
Flexible plans, easy setup |
|
|
£15 |
100GB |
Heavy data users |
||
|
£15 |
140GB |
Social media usage |
||
|
France |
€20 |
350GB (35GB in EU) |
Max data value |
|
|
€30 |
30GB |
Reliable all-rounder |
||
|
Spain |
€15 |
270GB |
Big data + coverage |
|
|
€10 |
60GB |
Network reliability |
||
|
€15 |
50GB |
Great coverage, flexible plans |
||
|
Germany |
€10 |
25GB |
Balanced option |
|
|
€10 |
20GB |
Strong city coverage |
||
|
Italy |
€15 |
200GB |
Travellers |
|
|
€15 |
200GB |
High data users |
||
|
€25 |
200GB |
Value + Availability |
||
|
Netherlands |
€10 |
Unlimited NL / 25GB in EU |
Local + EU travel |
|
|
€10 |
6GB |
Short stays |
||
|
Greece |
€18 |
50GB |
Reliable all-rounder |
Price and plan inclusions are approximate and typical based on provider options available in April 2026
- Inclusion options range extensively depending on the country you are travelling to
- Packages may have a different data allowance for the country of purchase compared to the rest of the EU - for example, in the Netherlands, Vodafone's €10, 7 day option includes unlimited data in NL and 25GB in the EU
- The best option for you will depend on if you're staying in one place or travelling around Europe
Using one SIM across multiple countries
If you are visiting more than one country, good news:
Thanks to the EU's "Roam Like at Home" policy, most SIM cards purchased in one EU country will work across others at no extra cost.
A few exceptions to note:
- The UK is no longer in the EU, so roaming rules vary
- Non-EU countries such as Switzerland, Norway, Turkey and parts of the Balkans are not included
Where to buy a SIM card
SIM cards are generally easy to pick up when you arrive - if you have the motivation after a 20-hour flight. Hot tip: do some research beforehand into the packages available so you have some options in mind when you arrive.
At the airport
- Quick and convenient
- Slightly more expensive
In the city
- Best value and more options
- Visit official telco stores, electronics retailers or convenience stores
3. Pocket Wi-Fi (Great for groups)
If you've booked your European adventure with friends or family, hiring a pocket Wi-Fi can be a smart move.
These portable routers:
- Connect multiple devices (usually up to 5-10)
- Offer generous or unlimited data
- Typically cost €4-€12 per day for rental
- Can be collected at the airport or delivered to your hotel - or in some cases mailed to your home before departure
Hippocketwifi have 14+ day options starting from €4.95/day for 1GB or €6.95/day for unlimited. Other reliable providers include Rent 'n Connect and Travel WiFi.
Something to remember: you'll have another device to charge and carry with you on your Euro travels and to return at the end of your trip - although some provider do offer prepaid envelopes for easy returns.
What's coverage like?
Europe offers excellent 4G coverage and expanding 5G networks, especially in major cities and transport hubs.
In rural areas or islands, speeds can vary, but free Wi-Fi is usually available in cafes, hotels and public spaces.
Quick guide: what should you choose?
- Want the easiest option? Go with an eSIM
- Travelling for 3+ weeks? Local SIM for better value
- Visiting multiple countries? EU SIM or regional eSIM
- Heavy data user? Look for 50GB+ or unlimited plans
- Travelling as a group or with multiple devices? Pocket Wi-Fi could be your best option
Forgetting anything?
Now that you're all clued up with your options for European SIMs and roaming, tick off the next item on your to do list and look at travel insurance options.
Travel Insurance
We all know that the good times can take a slight detour when travelling. When the going gets tough, Travel Insurance Direct policies may assist with cover for your trip to Europe and if your phone or personal tech item is lost, stolen or damaged. We aim to help keep your trip moving in the right direction - so you can focus on the fun.
Cover is subject to the policy terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. Consider the PDS and TMD and if the product is right for you.
See also: A First-Timers Guide to Travelling Europe
Note: Information current as of 17 April 2026.