Introduction
eSIMs are quickly becoming the easier way to connect to mobile networks across Europe. Unlike the old plastic SIM cards, an eSIM is already built into your phone. There is nothing to insert. You just scan a QR code and you are connected. Simple as that. If you are hearing about eSIMs for the first time, or even if you have tried one before, you probably still have a few questions. That is exactly why we put this guide together. In this guide, we have answered the 30 most common questions people ask about using eSIMs in Europe. From how to buy one and which phones support them, to whether they are cheaper than roaming and how to set one up. We have kept the answers short, clear and easy to follow with no tech jargon and no confusing steps. So whether you are planning a multi-country tour, switching to a new phone, or simply curious about how eSIMs work, you will find everything you need right here. Think of this as your quick traveler’s cheat sheet for Europe eSIMs. Let us make your next connection smoother, faster and much more convenient.
Table of Contents
- How to buy an eSIM for Europe?
- Which is the best eSIM for Europe?
- What should I look for when comparing different travel eSIMs for Europe?
- Do I need to provide any documents like a passport to buy a travel eSIM for Europe?
- Can I buy an eSIM for Europe in advance or should I wait until I arrive?
- How do I install and activate my international eSIM for Europe?
- Should I activate my travel eSIM before I leave or when I arrive in Europe?
- How do I activate my Europe eSIM using a QR code?
- What if I cannot scan the QR code for my Europe eSIM? Is there a manual installation method?
- How do I switch between my primary SIM and my travel eSIM on my phone in Europe?
- How do I make sure I am using the Europe eSIM for data and not my home plan to avoid roaming charges?
- What is a travel eSIM and how does it work for international trips across Europe?
- Why should I use an eSIM for Europe travel instead of my home carrier’s roaming plan?
- Is an eSIM cheaper than international roaming when visiting Europe?
- What is the difference between a Europe travel eSIM and a local physical SIM card?
- Can I use a Europe eSIM and my regular SIM card at the same time?
- Will I get a new phone number with a Europe travel eSIM?
- Can I still receive calls and texts on my original number while using a Europe eSIM for data?
- Do Europe travel eSIMs include calls and SMS, or are they data only?
- How much data will I need for my trip to Europe?
- Is my phone unlocked and compatible with Europe eSIMs?
- What is an eSIM card and how does it work in Europe?
- How do I activate an eSIM on my iPhone while traveling in Europe?
- How can I transfer my eSIM to a new iPhone in Europe?
- Which smartphones are compatible with eSIM in Europe?
- How to transfer eSIM from iPhone to Android in Europe?
- How to delete eSIM from an iPhone used in Europe?
- How to set up eSIM on an iPhone while traveling to Europe?
- How to add eSIM to an iPhone while in Europe?
- Is my phone eSIM compatible for use in Europe?
1. How to buy an eSIM for Europe?
To buy a Europe eSIM, visit Mobimatter’s website or app and select a regional Europe data plan that fits your itinerary, device and budget. Choose a data allowance that comfortably covers maps, messaging, social media and any business tools you will use on the road. Pick a validity period that matches your trip so you do not pay for unused days. Complete a quick checkout and you will instantly receive a QR code with manual installation details in your email and dashboard. While on reliable Wi Fi, add the eSIM profile to your phone in advance so it is ready to activate when you land. There is no physical SIM, no paperwork and no airport kiosk hassle.
2. Which is the best eSIM for Europe?
The best eSIM is the one that aligns with your travel style, not a single universal choice. City hoppers who rely on maps, ride apps and messaging can often choose a smaller plan and stay well within budget. Remote workers, content creators and anyone who expects frequent video calls should select a larger plan for peace of mind. Mobimatter curates strong regional options with clear plan cards that show country coverage, speeds, hotspot support and routing details so you know exactly what you are buying. Consider how many countries you will cross, the length of your stay and your daily data habits. Pick the plan that removes friction and keeps you productive across borders.
MobiMatter Pick - Europe 20 GB
3. What should I look for when comparing different travel eSIMs for Europe?
Start with the fundamentals. Compare total data, validity length and price per gigabyte. Then evaluate quality factors that influence daily performance, such as support for 4G or 5G where available, hotspot and tethering permissions for laptops, and any fair use policies that may reduce speeds after heavy usage. Coverage breadth matters in Europe because you may cross borders within hours, so verify that your plan lists the countries you intend to visit and that switching is seamless without manual changes. Mobimatter presents these details in a clean, consistent format, which makes side by side evaluation fast. Rank options by what you value most, like cost control, speed, country list or simple setup, and choose with confidence.
4. Do I need to provide any documents like a passport to buy a travel eSIM for Europe?
No. You do not need to upload a passport, national ID or other physical documentation when buying a Europe travel eSIM from Mobimatter. The entire purchase process is digital and built for speed and convenience. You only provide a valid email address so your QR code and manual installation details can be delivered immediately after payment. This is helpful if you are booking late at night, already at the airport or planning a multi country route. It saves you from lines at local SIM counters that typically ask for ID and paperwork. With Mobimatter, you set everything up in minutes and keep your travel day stress free.
5. Can I buy an eSIM for Europe in advance or should I wait until I arrive?
Buy in advance. Installing the eSIM profile before you leave eliminates uncertainty on day one. With Mobimatter, you receive the QR code instantly after checkout, then add the profile to your device while on home Wi-Fi. Leave the profile inactive until you land so you do not start the validity clock early. When you arrive in Europe, toggle the eSIM on and set it as your data line. You will connect to local networks within seconds, which keeps maps, ride apps and messages working from the moment you step off the plane. This approach saves time, avoids airport markups and removes language barriers.
6. How do I install and activate my international eSIM for Europe?
Treat installation and activation as two separate tasks. First, install the eSIM profile while connected to Wi Fi at home. On iPhone, open Settings, tap Cellular or Mobile Data, choose Add eSIM and scan the Mobimatter QR code or enter the SM DP+ server and activation code manually. You’ll also receive the installation instructions from MobiMatter.On Android, open Settings, go to Network and Internet, find SIM Manager or Connections, tap Add eSIM and follow the prompts to scan or enter details. The profile downloads in under a minute and remains dormant. Second, activate after you land by setting the eSIM as your default data line and turning off data roaming on your home SIM. Your phone will attach to local networks immediately.
7. Should I activate my travel eSIM before I leave or when I arrive in Europe?
Install before departure and activate on arrival. Most plans start their validity when the eSIM first registers on a mobile network. If you switch it on at home just to test it, you risk wasting days of service. The better workflow is to add the profile in advance, verify it appears in your SIM list and keep it switched off. After your flight lands, connect to airport or hotel Wi Fi if needed, then turn the eSIM on, set it as your data line and keep your home SIM available for calls and SMS. This protects your budget, avoids accidental roaming and gives you a predictable, clean setup.
8. How do I activate my Europe eSIM using a QR code?
Activation by QR is quick and reliable when done over a stable Wi Fi connection. On iPhone, open Settings, tap Cellular or Mobile Data, select Add eSIM and choose Use QR Code. On Android, open Settings, go to Network and Internet, open SIM Manager or Connections and tap Add eSIM. Point your camera at the QR code provided by Mobimatter in your email or dashboard. Your device fetches the profile, displays the plan preview and asks you to confirm and label it. Choose a clear label like Europe eSIM so you can recognize it later. After arrival, set the plan as your default data line and you will be online within moments.
9. What if I cannot scan the QR code for my Europe eSIM? Is there a manual installation method?
Yes. If scanning is inconvenient or your camera has trouble, install manually using the information provided by Mobimatter. In your eSIM settings, choose the option to enter details manually. You will be prompted for the SM DP+ server address and the activation code. Enter both fields exactly as shown while connected to reliable Wi Fi. Your phone will download and add the eSIM profile just like a QR scan would. Manual entry is handy if you are installing from a laptop screen with glare, do not want to print the code, or need to set up in a low light environment. Double check your device is unlocked and eSIM capable to avoid errors.
10. How do I switch between my primary SIM and my travel eSIM on my phone in Europe?
Your device treats each plan as a separate line that you can assign to different roles. Open SIM Manager or Cellular settings and you will see both your home SIM and the Europe eSIM. Set the Europe eSIM as the default for mobile data so apps use local rates. Keep your home SIM active for voice and SMS if you want to remain reachable for banks and two factor codes. You can also choose which line places outgoing calls by default or ask each time if that suits you. For extra safety, toggle off the data switch on your home line to eliminate any background usage. Clear labels help you avoid confusion while moving between countries.
11. How do I make sure I am using the Europe eSIM for data and not my home plan to avoid roaming charges?
Before you travel, open Mobile Data settings and select the Europe eSIM as your default data line. Then disable data roaming on your home SIM so background apps cannot use it abroad. After landing, confirm the Europe eSIM shows as the active data line and your home SIM’s data toggle remains off. If your device supports per line defaults for iMessage or RCS, verify those settings too. You can test by loading a map or webpage and checking which line indicates data activity. These simple steps route your usage through the eSIM at local rates while keeping your home number available for essential calls and messages.
12. What is a travel eSIM and how does it work for international trips across Europe?
A travel eSIM is a software based mobile plan that lives on a secure chip inside your phone. You buy the plan online, receive a QR code with optional manual details and add the profile in your device settings while on Wi Fi. When you arrive in Europe, you switch the plan on and your phone attaches to compatible local networks across the covered countries for data service. There is no shipping, no plastic chip to handle and no risk of losing a SIM tool. Many phones can store multiple eSIM profiles, which is ideal for multi country journeys. Everything is designed to be fast, private and flexible for travelers.
13. Why should I use an eSIM for Europe travel instead of my home carrier’s roaming plan?
Roaming with a home carrier often means daily fees, small allowances and unpredictable overages. A Europe travel eSIM gives you transparent pricing, a clear data amount and access to local network speeds that keep maps and apps responsive. You pay once, see your validity window and control activation with a few taps. Keeping your home SIM active for voice and SMS while routing data through the eSIM also protects you from background roaming. You avoid kiosk queues, language barriers and the hassle of physical SIM swaps. The net result is lower costs, fewer surprises and a simpler, more reliable arrival experience in every country on your route.
14. Is an eSIM cheaper than international roaming when visiting Europe?
For most travelers, yes. International roaming can charge per day or per megabyte, which becomes expensive when you use navigation, social media, cloud photo backups or video calls. A Europe eSIM provides a fixed allowance and a set validity period, which makes budgeting straightforward. You also get local network performance that reduces timeouts and retries, which saves data. Many travelers find that a week on a regional eSIM costs less than a single day of roaming at home carrier rates. Paying upfront for a plan sized to your needs removes guesswork and lets you focus on your trip, not your bill. MobiMatter’s Europe eSIM works in more than 40 European countries and offers roaming data at less than $1 per GB.
15. What is the difference between a Europe travel eSIM and a local physical SIM card?
A travel eSIM is fully digital and installs in minutes with a QR code or manual details. A physical SIM requires finding a shop, presenting ID, handling a tiny chip and swapping it into your phone. With eSIM, there is nothing to lose and no need to keep track of a SIM ejector tool. You can also keep your home SIM active for calls and SMS while using local data, which is perfect for receiving bank codes and staying reachable. For multi-country trips, you can store several eSIM profiles and switch as you move. The eSIM route saves time, avoids paperwork and keeps your setup clean and flexible.
16. Can I use a Europe eSIM and my regular SIM card at the same time?
Yes. Most modern smartphones support one physical SIM and one eSIM simultaneously. This configuration is ideal for travel because you can keep your home number available for calls and texts while routing all data through the Europe eSIM at local rates. In your settings, assign the Europe eSIM as your default data line and choose which line handles outgoing calls. You can also allow the device to use the other line if the preferred one is unavailable, which is useful when coverage varies. For cost control, turn off data on your home SIM. This dual line setup delivers continuity with important contacts and predictable data costs across borders.
17. Will I get a new phone number with a Europe travel eSIM?
Most Europe travel eSIMs on Mobimatter are data only and do not include a local phone number for traditional voice calls or SMS. For the majority of travelers, this is not a limitation because apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, FaceTime and other internet based tools work perfectly over data. If you still want voice capabilities, keep your home SIM active for receiving calls and messages or use voice functions inside your preferred communication apps. If a local number is essential for your use case, review plan descriptions carefully to see what is included before you purchase. For everyday travel needs, data only is simpler, cheaper and fully capable.
18. Can I still receive calls and texts on my original number while using a Europe eSIM for data?
Yes. Enable dual SIM mode, assign the Europe eSIM to mobile data and keep your home SIM active for voice and SMS. Turn off data roaming on the home SIM to prevent background charges. You can select which line is used for outgoing calls by default or ask each time, depending on your preference. This approach lets you receive bank codes, service alerts and family messages on your original number while enjoying local rate data for maps, rides, email and meetings. It is a practical setup that preserves reachability without paying international data fees on your home plan.
19. Do Europe travel eSIMs include calls and SMS, or are they data only?
Most regional Europe travel eSIMs offered through Mobimatter are data only. This keeps activation simple and pricing clear, while still giving you full communication options through apps. Voice and video calls over the internet work well on modern networks, and messaging platforms handle photos, files and group chats without issue. If you require traditional voice minutes or SMS for specific reasons, read each plan description closely for any included features or compatibility notes. For most travelers, data only plans cover navigation, messaging, rides, streaming and video meetings, which makes them the most convenient and cost effective choice across multiple countries.
20. How much data will I need for my trip to Europe?
Your ideal allowance depends on your habits and route. Light users who rely on maps, ride apps and messaging can often manage a week on 3 to 5 GB. Moderate users who browse frequently, share photos and watch short videos should consider 10 to 20 GB. Heavy users who work remotely, stream content or join frequent video calls may want 30 GB or more. Review your phone’s current monthly usage for a baseline and factor in that travel days often increase navigation and camera uploads. Choosing a slightly larger plan is usually better than rationing data or scrambling for top ups during a busy itinerary.
21. Is my phone unlocked and compatible with Europe eSIMs?
Your phone must be unlocked and eSIM capable. An unlocked device can accept plans from any provider, while eSIM capability depends on your model and software. Many recent iPhones as well as Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy S or Z series devices support eSIM on global variants. To check, open Settings and look for Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan inside the Cellular or Network menu. If those options do not appear, your device might not support eSIM or could be locked to a carrier. Contact your carrier about unlocking if needed. Verifying both unlock status and eSIM support before purchase ensures a smooth setup when you land.
22. What is an eSIM card and how does it work in Europe?
An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card that resides on a secure component inside your phone. Instead of inserting plastic, you install a software profile that contains your mobile plan details. After purchasing a Europe plan from Mobimatter, you receive a QR code and optional manual fields. While on Wi Fi, you add the profile in your device settings. Once in Europe, you activate the profile and your phone connects to compatible local networks for data service across the covered countries. There is no need for a SIM tool, no risk of losing a tiny chip and no store visit. It is a fast, modern way to stay connected.
23. How do I activate an eSIM on my iPhone while traveling in Europe?
Setting up your eSIM on an iPhone is quick and seamless. First, connect to a Wi-Fi network, then open Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data) and tap Add eSIM. Choose Use QR Code, scan the Mobimatter QR code, and your iPhone will automatically download and install the plan. To keep things organized, name it something like “Europe eSIM.” Before your trip, keep the eSIM installed but toggle it off to save your plan’s validity days. Once you arrive in Europe, revisit Settings → Cellular, make the Europe eSIM your default data line, and keep your home SIM active for calls and texts if you’d like to stay reachable. Within seconds, your iPhone will connect to local networks, and your data will start working instantly.
24. How can I transfer my eSIM to a new iPhone in Europe?
Switching your eSIM to another iPhone is simple when done carefully. Start by going to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data) on your old iPhone, select your eSIM plan, and tap Remove Cellular Plan. This step ensures the eSIM is fully disconnected from your old device. Next, log in to your Mobimatter dashboard and request a new QR code if needed. On your new iPhone, go to Settings → Add eSIM, scan the QR code, and label your plan (for example, “Europe eSIM”). Once installed, set it as your default data line. This clean transfer process avoids profile conflicts and ensures smooth, uninterrupted service while you travel or upgrade devices.
25. Which smartphones are compatible with eSIM in Europe?
Most newer smartphones now support eSIM technology. All iPhones that display the Add eSIM option under Settings → Cellular are compatible. On the Android side, popular devices like Google Pixel models and Samsung Galaxy S and Z series phones (international versions) come with built-in eSIM support. Many other flagship smartphones also include this feature. To use an eSIM, your device must be unlocked. You can check compatibility quickly — just go to Settings → Network or Mobile Data and see if you have the option to Add Mobile Plan or Add eSIM. If that option appears, your phone is ready for activation. Checking this before purchasing or traveling ensures a smooth eSIM setup once you land in Europe. Refer to our list of eSIM compatible devices for more details.
26. How to transfer eSIM from iPhone to Android in Europe?
You cannot directly move an eSIM profile from iPhone to Android using device to device tools because the platforms manage profiles differently. The simple and reliable method is to request a new QR code for your existing plan from your Mobimatter account. On your Android phone, open Settings, navigate to Network and Internet, find SIM Manager or Connections, tap Add eSIM and scan the new code. If scanning is not practical, use the manual entry option and type the SM DP+ server and activation code exactly as shown. After confirming the eSIM works on Android, remove the profile from your iPhone to keep your SIM list clean and avoid conflicts.
27. How to delete eSIM from an iPhone used in Europe?
Deleting an eSIM from an iPhone is quick and helps keep your device organized. Open Settings and tap Cellular or Mobile Data. Select the eSIM plan you want to remove, then tap Remove Cellular Plan and confirm. This action deletes the profile from the phone but does not cancel any active plan with the provider. If you intend to use the plan again on another device, make sure you can request a new QR code from your Mobimatter dashboard. Clearing unused or expired profiles reduces confusion, prevents accidental activation and frees space for future travel eSIMs you might add for other countries on your route.
28. How to set up eSIM on an iPhone while traveling to Europe?
If you’re traveling to Europe, you can easily set up your eSIM before or after arrival as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection. Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi, open Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data), and tap Add eSIM. Then, scan the Mobimatter QR code or manually enter the SM-DP+ server and activation code provided. Label your plan clearly, for example “Europe eSIM”, and set it as your default data line. Once you arrive, your iPhone will automatically connect to a compatible local network across European countries. To keep your home number available for calls and texts, keep your physical SIM active for voice and SMS, but make sure data roaming is turned off on that line.
29. How to add eSIM to an iPhone while in Europe?
Adding while you are in the country is the same flow you would follow at home, with one practical tip. Make sure you are on stable Wi Fi so the download completes smoothly. Open Settings, choose Cellular or Mobile Data, tap Add eSIM and select Use QR Code. Scan the code from your Mobimatter email or dashboard, confirm the prompts and label the plan. If scanning is not possible, select Enter Details Manually and type the SM DP+ server and activation code exactly as provided. Once the plan is added, designate it as your data line and verify that the data toggle on your home SIM is off to prevent roaming charges.
30. Is my phone eSIM compatible for use in Europe?
Compatibility comes down to two quick checks. First, confirm that your phone is unlocked by your home carrier so it can accept new plans. Second, open Settings and look in the cellular or network menu for an option that says Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan. If that option appears, your device supports eSIM. If it does not, your model might lack eSIM capability or be restricted by carrier software. Travelers using regional Europe eSIM plans follow the same on device steps described throughout this guide. Verifying unlock status and eSIM support before purchase ensures a smooth, stress free installation and a connected start to your trip.