Cheapest eSIM Card for Studying Abroad – Most Cost-Effective International Phone Service

This article explains my recommendation for Holafly, what I consider to be the most cost-effective (best and cheapest) eSIM card for studying abroad in Europe in 2024. This international phone service recommendation is for international students, based on research, testing, and personal experience.

Studying abroad is a wonderful opportunity for students to immerse themselves in a new culture, gain valuable experiences, and broaden their horizons. I personally studied abroad in Antibes, France for a semester while I was in college. It was an incredible experience that really helped me to grow as a person and solidified my love for travel. Although independence is wonderful, it is always important to be able to stay in touch with others. For students planning to study abroad, one of the most essential tasks necessary is to secure an international phone plan that is reliable, convenient, and most importantly, cheap.

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.

Fortunately, I have determined the best phone service option to keep you connected internationally while you study abroad. The answer is cheap and simple: eSIM cards.

The Rise of eSIM Cards

In recent years there has been a significant shift from traditional physical SIM cards to eSIM cards. Unlike their physical counterparts, eSIM cards are embedded directly into the device, eliminating the need for a physical card swap. You do not need to open your phone SIM slot to install an eSIM, and there is no physical aspect to it whatsoever. eSIM technology has gained popularity due to its convenience and compatibility with newer smartphone models. I also like them because they allow you to secure your international phone service before you travel to your destination. 

One significant advantage of eSIM cards is that they can be easily activated and managed remotely. You can conveniently purchase and activate eSIM cards online, eliminating the need to visit a physical store or deal with contracts. They really reduce the hassle of physical SIM cards, make it so you can’t lose your primary SIM card, and let you start using the service immediately upon arrival at your destination.

Can I Use An eSIM Card?

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!

Make sure to check if your phone is compatible before you purchase an eSIM card! Most eSIM card providers have a feature that checks to see if your specific phone make and model are compatible with eSIM cards.

What About Physical SIM Card Phone Plans?

When I was studying abroad there was no such thing as eSIM cards! So if you are old-fashioned, you can of course still get a physical SIM card! This method can sometimes be cheaper than eSIM cards and provide different service options. Of note, Free Mobile based in France is an excellent carrier that provides superb service for cheap! However, for most people, I highly recommend using eSIM cards for their convenience and easy functionality.

What Is The Most Cost-Effective eSIM Card To Buy For Studying Abroad?

So every family has one phone tech guy, and in my family that is definitely me. As such I have tried many different eSIM card providers. There is one eSIM card provider in particular that I recommend above others, and that is Holafly!

This is not a sponsored post, but rather a conclusion I made of my own research. I used the following criteria to make this conclusion:

1. Price (this is the primary concern of most college students when studying abroad).
2. Number of countries included in the service.
3. Quantity of gigabytes of data included.
4. 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.

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.

1. 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.
2. 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).
3. You must turn off your primary SIM card to avoid getting fees associated with international calls, texting, or data usage.
4. 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!
5. You must have internet access when activating an eSIM, either before you leave or using WiFi at your destination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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 in 2024. 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!

1. 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. ↩︎

Disclaimer: This article is intended to be for informational purposes only and may contain affiliate links. Refer to the full disclaimer for more information.