If you’re planning a trip around Europe, one of the main questions that often comes up is how to get internet while traveling. Nowadays, staying connected while we travel is essential—it helps us navigate unfamiliar cities, stay in touch with family, and even communicate in a different language. So in this post, I’ll share the different options you have to get internet in Europe.
On this post you will find:
HOW TO GET INTERNET IN EUROPE: BEST OPTIONS
1. Roaming from your mobile provider
A simple, but often not very convenient, option is to use your mobile provider’s roaming service. That means enabling data roaming during your trip to Europe and paying your carrier for this service. The main advantage is that you keep your phone number and can activate roaming in any country you visit. The big downside is that international roaming rates are usually very expensive.
2. Prepaid eSIM Card
An excellent way to have internet in Europe is by buying an international prepaid eSIM card. The company I personally use and recommend is Holafly. It’s a prepaid eSIM card, ready to use in your travel destination.
You cain either buy a regional SIM for Europe or choose a specific country.
With the Holafly European plan, you’ll get internet connection in 40 European countries, including Turkey, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, France, Germany, Greece, Andorra, Portugal, Netherlands, Ireland, Serbia, Norway, Poland, Iceland, Austria, Croatia, Sweden, Bulgaria, Belgium, Macedonia, Malta, Denmark, Cyprus, Hungary, Romania, Czech Republic, Finland, Lithuania, Ukraine, Latvia, Estonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Isle of Man, Luxembourg, Gibraltar, Liechtenstein.
The price of the eSIM card depends on the number of days you choose.
By using the code “POSTCARDSFROMIVI”, you’ll get a 5% discount on your Holafly eSIM card! Just enter the code in the COUPON section during checkout.
Benefits of getting a Holafly eSIM card:
✓ You’ll have internet as soon as you land. No need to waste time searching for stores at the airport or in the city.
✓ Cheaper than activating international roaming.
✓ Possibility of making phone calls (depending on the plan).
✓ Customer support. If you have any issues, Holafly’s team will assist you.
3. Local SIM card
Another option is to buy a local SIM card when you arrive at your first destination. Many companies vary by country, but Vodafone and Orange are two of the most common providers. Each company offers different prices and conditions. In some countries, you might only need your passport to buy one, while in others, you might be required to provide additional information like a local bank account.
The advantage of buying a local SIM card is that it’s often the cheapest way to get internet. The downside is that it takes up your time, and in some cases, you may not be allowed to buy one unless you’re a European resident. Also, make sure your phone is unlocked so the SIM will work.
4. Portable Wifi Modem
If your phone isn’t unlocked or you simply need internet for multiple devices, your best option might be a portable WIFI modem. These devices work like the modems we use at home, but they’re smaller and portable—you can carry them in your backpack during the trip. When you want to go online, just connect to the modem’s network and you’re good to go.
The biggest benefit is that you can connect multiple devices at once, like your laptop and travel companion’s phone.
5. Connecting to public WIFI
As a final option, you could choose not to get any data service at all and just rely on free WIFI at your accommodation, restaurants, and cafés. Of course, this means you won’t have internet access while walking around the city, but if your phone use is minimal, it might work well for you.
I hope this guide on how to get internet in Europe helps you choose the option that best fits your needs.
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- Best way to exchange money while traveling
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