This article explains the cheapest eSIM card option for students studying abroad in Europe who need an international phone plan with unlimited data.
London, England
Are you getting ready to embark on an incredible journey to study abroad in Europe? Congratulations! This is going to be an experience of a lifetime. As you prepare for your adventure, one of the most important things to consider is how you’ll stay connected with your friends, and family, and navigate through unfamiliar cities.
Unless you have T-Mobile1, international service is very expensive through normal United States carriers. For example, Verizon will charge a minimum of $10 per day or $100 per month to use your phone internationally (source). If you are like me, this is too expensive and you need a cheaper option.
I have traveled all over Europe and have found that Holafly offers the cheapest and most reliable eSIM card option for students. It will save you a ton of money.
What is an eSIM Card?
Before we dive into the details, let’s briefly explain what an eSIM card is and how it works. An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that allows you to access mobile networks without the need for a physical SIM card. It is built into your device, eliminating the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards when traveling.
iPhone generations 10 and later and most Samsung Galaxy generations S20 and later have eSIM functionality. In fact, some phones exclusively have the eSIM option and no way to use a physical SIM card. If you have an iPhone 14 or later in the United States, your phone does not have a physical SIM slot and the only option for service at home or abroad is via eSIMs. You may even be using an eSIM card for your primary cell service right now without knowing it!
Choosing the Best eSIM Card for Studying Abroad
When looking for an international phone plan, you want to find the one that provides the best balance of the following:
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Cost.
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Number of countries included in the service.
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Quantity of gigabytes of data included.
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Ability to make phone calls (not FaceTime or WhatsApp calls) in case of emergency.
The Benefits of Holafly eSIM Cards
Holafly stands out as the most cost-effective eSIM card option for study-abroad students in Europe needing an international phone plan. Here are the key reasons why I recommend Holafly:
1. Extensive Coverage
With Holafly, you can get extensive coverage across Europe in over 32 countries. Even better than that, it comes with unlimited data. This is incredible because it means you do not need to worry about how much you’re using your phone, which is a lot when you’re finding your way around new countries!
Holafly also lets you make and receive calls for up to 60 minutes, which is very important in case you need to make a phone call that is not in WhatsApp or via cellular data. This comprehensive coverage really eliminates the worry of being disconnected in unfamiliar surroundings. I’ve tested it in multiple countries and I have experienced no issues.
2. Cost-Effective Solution
I know all too well that studying abroad can be financially challenging, and every penny counts. Holafly is by far the cheapest option out there that I have found. They have a range of plans that offer varying lengths of service time for different prices, with the most cost-optimized being the longest-duration plan. I recommend using the 90-day plan, which costs $99.
Another benefit to Holafly is that there are no hidden fees and no contract you have to sign.
3. Easy Activation and Management
Activating and managing a Holafly eSIM card is a straightforward process. I found it to be easier than other eSIM cards - just follow the instructions they provide. You can easily activate your eSIM card via their app and even scan a QR code to simplify. I found their app to be very user-friendly.
Runner-Up eSIM Provider
There are plenty of other eSIM card providers out there! Another option that I really like is Airalo, although it is typically more expensive than Holafly for multi-country use and does not provide unlimited data. Airalo is great for shorter travel durations, and it has very reliable connectivity and a huge number of supported countries.
If you are not studying abroad or traveling to a destination for multiple months, Airalo is a fantastic option that I highly recommend. Use my promo code AIRALOESIM10 for 10% off!
Get 10% off your Airalo eSiIM card with code AIRALOESIM10
Important Things To Know About Cell Service Abroad
If you are new to international travel, here are a few important things to know about your phone plan.
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When texting, always opt for instant messaging (IM). This means using iMessage or a messaging app, such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, or GroupMe. WhatsApp is the most popular in Europe. IM uses cellular data instead of SMS texting.
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When making calls, always opt for using cellular data instead of minutes. This means using FaceTime or FaceTime audio or calling through an app like WhatsApp. This pulls from your cellular data instead of making an actual call, which can often be very expensive internationally (depending on your phone plan).
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You must turn off your primary SIM card to avoid getting fees associated with international calls, texting, or data usage.
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If you choose a plan that does not have unlimited data, make sure to adjust your phone settings to use less data so you do not blow through it too quickly. I’m looking at you, Instagram, and TikTok!
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You must have internet access when activating an eSIM, either before you leave or using WiFi at your destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which eSIM is best for international students?
How to get an eSIM for study abroad?
How much does the eSIM card cost?
Should I activate eSIM before travel?
Do eSIMs drain your phone's battery?
Conclusion - best and cheapest eSIM card for studying abroad
For study-abroad students in Europe, having an eSIM card like Holafly is not just a convenient option but a necessity. With its extensive coverage, cost-effective plans, flexibility, and easy activation process, Holafly stands out as the most cost-effective eSIM card phone plan for studying abroad in Europe this year. Holafly is also, of course, an excellent option for all international travelers - not just study-abroad students. Another great option to consider if you do not opt for Holafly is Airalo.
As technology continues to evolve, more smartphone manufacturers are adopting eSIM compatibility. In the near future, it is expected that most new phones will only accept eSIM cards, making it an important technology to know about and use. It is a great advancement for us travelers who need service easily when traveling internationally!
Footnotes
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Note that if you have T-Mobile as your primary phone service provider, international data is included in most of their plan rates. This means you likely do not need to buy a different plan while abroad unless you experience insufficient connectivity or reliability for your phone needs. Sometimes the international T-Mobile service does not perform very well, and you may want to consider getting an eSIM card to supplement your phone needs. ↩
