Travelling to Europe for a couple of weeks, and I’m wondering what some good options are for data for cellphone TIA

Alexis Kenda
airalo eSIM!! Download from an app, super easy.

I second airalo, I used it in May in three different EU countries, worked great.

Alexis Desrosiers I third airalo eSim. Used it for 4 weeks this year, no issues

airalo esim - it’s cheapest to get ones specific to each country….then you can have data to use whatsapp, maps, google translate. If you need to access your banking and need a text sent, you leave the esim data on, ensure your data roaming on the primary is off-but turn the line on to receive text-turn it back off. As long as you don’t reply, incoming texts are free. Ensure your data roaming on your Canadian plan is toggled off.

Emily The EU eliminated roaming between member nations several years ago. This means someone from Sweden pays nothing more to access cell service in say Italy or Germany provided their cell carrier (o2, orange, Vodaphone, etc.) has service there - the same as in Canada between provinces. My point is that it’s not necessary to buy plans for each country in the EU.

Perry when using airalo esim cards, you can buy a European one, but it costs more (though still affordable). orange works everywhere, but you have to get a French number instead of keeping your own. I was just in Europe for 6 months, I’m fully aware of how they work. I’m trying to give affordable options to people for short term travel. Most are $4-6 for a week of data…but have options for longer periods if it suits.

Emily I guess I don't fully understand why the European eSIM costs more - I must be missing something. I've been using e-sims for a few years now (and physical sims before that) starting with flexiroam and then airalo which is cheaper and easier. The eSIM I bought for Italy worked in France and Slovenia without having to buy sims for those countries, but I have never had a Voice number - just data. Since everyone uses whatsapp it wasn’t really an issue.

One thing to be aware of is how you’ve got online charges working with your credit card. I’ve got two-factor set up where I get a text from visa and have to confirm with a code. This is sent to my cell via text. If you don’t keep your number live you’ll need to update your banking info to make online purchases. We did lots of museums, shows, etc with purchase while in Europe.

orange is amazing i have used it multiple times and it’s cheap and easy. I bought on Amazon it was more money but I had it when I landed

I used an esim for my last trip which was great but at the same time you can get a sim card off Amazon with more data for cheaper so might be worth looking into that option too.

I like the esim, install on the airports wifi and go about your day.
Actual cell calling was not a factor for me though, I just needed data.

If you have an iPhone, consider an e-sim.

Wayne my Samsung does esims as well. Most newer phones will.

My ‘older’ I-phone couldn’t use an e-sim card so an orange SIM card was ordered through Amazon. It was easy to install. orange is a French company but great European coverage- we visited Iceland, Ireland, England, Netherlands, France: no issues anywhere. My husband used an orange e-sim.

Airlo used it in May was there for a month Netherlands Switzerland Italy and Greece and Turkey was great would used again for US and Mexico in a heartbeat. And yes with this ESim you retain your phone numbers but I also used the whatsapp as it’s universal and most people in other countries use it also instead is messages or messenger

T-Mobile is great

Can we then use our regular Shaw phone plans in England?

Gwen No, you don’t have the towers. Just like you can’t activate the eSIM until you arrive in the country so you can access their towers to activate.

I used Holafly for my Esim for Europe

eSim!

It basically comes down to this:
1. Use an e-sim (downloadable SIM card). The most popular is airalo, followed by HolaFly or Nomad. They all basically work the same way.
Typical price: $20-$30 CAD for your entire trip.
Tradeoffs:
- your phone needs to support e-sims
- E-sims are usually data only and do not come with an actual phone number (for traditional texting or traditional voice call capability). You need to use data based apps like whatsapp, Facetime, etc, to chat or text.
- It's worth taking a look at who the e-sim is *really* using as a data provider. You can usually click on the country name in the e-sim store to investigate. Sometimes they use smaller providers that don't have as great of coverage.
more info: https://ydeals.com/buying-a-sim-card-for-your-next-trip
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* or...
2. Use a physical SIM card
Typical price: $20-$30 CAD for your entire trip.
In a region like Europe, physical SIM cards are as ubiquitous as water and churches. They do sometimes come with an actual phone number and traditional texting.
So e-sims in Europe aren't quite as advantageous as they are in other countries where it can be more of a hassle to get one.
And physical sim cards in Europe can still be a better deal than e-sims (some come with a ridiculous amount of data for $20-$30 CAD).
Trade offs:
- you need to hunt one down after arrival (or pre-order one on say, Amazon, usually at a higher price, and a little less certainty that it will work once you get there)
more info: https://ydeals.com/what-is-the-best-local-sim-card-or...
YDEALS.COM
Buying a SIM Card For Your Next Trip? It's Easier To Download Them :: Ydeals.com

Darlene

https://ca.simcorner.com/products/europe-uk-sim-card-12gb
I have used a physical SIM card from this company a number of times. It has worked flawlessly, ready to go upon landing. Works throughout EU, unlimited texts and calling to EU and UK for 30 days. The E sims I investigated only offered data but I find having a phone number is convenient. This was also less $ than E sims.
I sound like a commercial but I am just a satisfied customer.
CA.SIMCORNER.COM
Europe & UK Sim Card (12GB)

We are currently in UK now and we purchased two of the “Three” - 25 GB - 30 day Sim card off of Amazon (one for each of us). It’s been working great so far! They are about $32 each.