Finding the best eSIM for Europe is the smartest way for Aussie travellers to avoid outrageous international roaming fees and stay connected on your 2025 holiday.
A travel eSIM for Europe is a digital SIM card you download directly to your phone, giving you instant access to affordable mobile data from the moment you land.
No more hunting for physical SIM cards at the airport or worrying about your bill when you get home.
Whether you’re navigating with Google Maps, booking trains on the go, or making your mates back home jealous with Instagram stories from the Amalfi Coast, an eSIM is your best friend.
But with so many providers, which one should you choose?
As a regular traveller who loves a deal and has tested the options, I’ve broken down four of the top contenders—including Saily, Airalo, and Jetpac—to help you decide.
Top eSIMs for Europe: Quick Picks
For those in a hurry, here are the top choices based on extensive hands-on testing and what they’re best for:
Best Overall eSIM for Europe: Saily – Offers the best mix of price, security, and reliable performance.
Best for Multi-Country Trips: Airalo – Features the widest country coverage and a super user-friendly app.
Best for Unlimited Data: Holafly – The go-to for data-hungry users who don’t want to worry about limits.
Best Budget-Friendly eSIM: Jetpac – Offers incredibly cheap introductory plans and great value data packages.
eSIM for Europe Comparison 2025
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the pricing, coverage, and standout features of the leading European eSIM providers.
| Provider | Starting Price (1GB) | Coverage | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saily | $4.99 | 35+ countries | Strong security features and affordability |
| Airalo | $5.00 | 42 countries | Extensive coverage and user-friendly app |
| Holafly | $3.90 (per day) | 40 countries | Flexible unlimited data plans |
| Jetpac | $1.00 | 35+ countries | Cheapest entry plans and unique travel perks |
How to Activate Your Europe eSIM
One of the biggest advantages of an eSIM is the simple setup. Here’s how it generally works:
Check Phone Compatibility: Ensure your smartphone is eSIM-compatible (most models from 2018 onwards are).
Purchase Your Plan: Buy a European regional plan from a provider like Saily or Airalo before you leave Australia.
Install the eSIM: Follow the provider’s instructions, which usually involve scanning a QR code. It’s best to do this while you still have Wi-Fi.
Activate Upon Arrival: Once you land in Europe, switch your mobile data to the new eSIM in your phone’s settings, and you’ll be connected instantly.
In-Depth Reviews: The Best eSIMs for European Travel
Saily: Best Overall and Most Secure
Created by the security experts at NordVPN, Saily is my top recommendation for the best eSIM for Europe. It delivers on all fronts: affordability, ease of use, and unique security perks.
Our Testing Experience: The setup was incredibly smooth. During our tests with Saily globally we have found the signal to be consistently strong with reliable 4G and 5G speeds. The 24/7 live chat support was quick to connect to a human agent who was friendly and efficient.
Why It Ranks High: Saily bundles security features like an ad-blocker and web protection, giving you peace of mind when using public Wi-Fi in cafes or airports. Its pricing is highly competitive, and the app is intuitive. It’s the perfect eSIM for first-time users.
Downsides: Plans are data-only, so you can’t make traditional calls or send texts (though WhatsApp and iMessage work perfectly). Although, you may be able to still make VOIP calls and send texts using your Australian mobile number.
Airalo: Best for Coverage and Ease of Use
Airalo is a giant in the eSIM world, and its main drawcard is its vast European coverage and exceptionally user-friendly experience.
Our Testing Experience: Airalo’s app is arguably the slickest and easiest to navigate, making the process of buying and installing a plan completely painless. Coverage is excellent, making it a reliable choice for trips spanning multiple countries, from Portugal to Poland.
Why It Ranks High: With coverage in over 40 European countries, Airalo’s regional plans are perfect for travellers on a multi-country itinerary. You can be confident you’ll have a connection almost anywhere you go.
Downsides: Airalo’s European plans are data-only, so you won’t get a phone number for calls or SMS. While convenient, it can also be pricier than other options, and some users report that network speeds can slow down during peak times in popular tourist areas.
Jetpac: Best for Budget Travellers
If getting the most data for the lowest price is your main goal, Jetpac is the clear winner for budget-conscious travellers.
Our Testing Experience: We were impressed by Jetpac’s aggressive pricing. For new users, a 1GB plan for 4 days is just $1, which is unbeatable. The network performance across several countries was solid, with reliable 4G speeds.
Why It Ranks High: Jetpac offers some of the cheapest data packages on the market, such as 40GB for just $34.99. A standout feature is that even if you run out of data on larger plans, you can still access essential apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, and Uber for free.
Downsides: Like most travel eSIMs, Jetpac’s standard plans are data-only, so there is no option for a local phone number for calls or SMS.
Final Verdict: What's the best eSIM for Europe?
The best eSIM for Europe for tourists from Australia will depend on your specific needs:
For the average traveller: Go with Saily. It offers the best balance of price, performance, and security for a typical two-week holiday.
For the multi-country adventurer: Choose Airalo if your priority is the absolute widest country coverage and a seamless app experience.
For the budget backpacker: Jetpac is unbeatable value. Its $1 introductory offer and low-cost data bundles make it perfect for saving money without sacrificing connectivity.
For the data-heavy user: Holafly remains a strong option if you need unlimited data on your phone, as long as you don’t need to hotspot.
By ditching expensive international roaming fees and opting for a smart travel eSIM, you can stay connected affordably and securely, leaving you more time and money to enjoy your European adventure.
