Today, the tourism industry in Europe starts a new round of popularity. Tourists go on long journeys, students travel on exchange programs, and business is expanding the international network. To stay up to date abroad, visitors need a SIM card. A SIM card is a plastic, physical card that is installed in the smartphone to provide the possibility to call and chat from anywhere. Now travel agencies offer dozens of ways and different cards. But the question is – which option to choose? Let’s figure it out together.
Best SIM cards for travellers
There are several popular ways to stay in touch while traveling abroad: the SIM card of the country you’re going to, roaming, travel SIM card, and embedded eSIM card.
1. Local SIM Cards. Quite cheap for visitors. Tourists can buy it at a local mobile store or use the help of a tour operator for an additional fee. To purchase a local SIM-card, visitors need to come with their passport to the phone store and buy a new number by signing a contract in the local language. Frequently the card can be acquired in the airports or bus, train stations. In some regions, operators work for several countries at once. For instance, visitors can get a number with a tariff option that can be used by the entire European Union.
Benefits:
- Easy to purchase and install in a local store/ airports/ bus stations.
- Fast Internet connection from anywhere inland, free WI-FI services.
- Quite cheap and can include special mobile prices for travelers. However, the tourist service is connected in a separate package and issued as a separate SIM card.
Disadvantages:
- Restrictions on the purchase for foreigners. In smaller and less developed countries in terms of tourism, non-citizens are not allowed to buy local cards.
- In countries with no-English language it can be difficult to buy and install the card.
2. Tourist SIM Card. These are special SIM cards for travelers or digital nomads. They usually include a fixed package of gigabytes and minutes, all incoming calls and messages are free. These SIM cards are widespread in dozens of European countries, and the rates include fixed prices for calls and mobile Internet. Tourist SIM card for Europe travel may be the best solution if you are visiting the country for a short period of time. Also, travel cards are not connected to a special mobile operator. The network is selected automatically in the new country.
Benefits:
- Numbers are not blocked for inactivity for months or a year. To extend the “life” of the card, it is enough to send at least one text message or call.
- Quite cheap compared to roaming and has the maximum speed of the Internet per day. Users do not overpay for roaming services.
Disadvantages:
- For you, incoming calls in most cases will be free, but the caller will have to pay for international calls. Before ordering a card, check this point with a consultant.
- The possibility of registration may also depend on the citizenship/priority of the residence permit, as in the case of a local SIM card.
3. eSIM virtual card is a virtual card embedded into the Iphone. The smartphone has no physical card. It just saves the data about the virtual one (eSIM). The cards appeared not so long ago, but are already used by travelers and advanced Apple users. According to the latest data, such cards are used only for Apple equipment. For example, in the latest versions of iPhones, the creators completely abandoned the physical cards and offered users to use only digital ones.
Benefits:
- You definitely won’t lose this card. Phone blocking saves it from unwanted loss and fraudsters. It will not need to be restored or changed over time.
- The function includes the connection of a virtual phone number for sms. It depends on the version of the mobile phone – a kind of unique identifier.
- There is a “global tariff,” which is valid in 90+ countries in the world for eSIM.
Disadvantages:
- In comparison to physical cards, eSIM is suitable only for iOS operating systems. For today, SIM is maintained by all of Apple’s latest iPhones. Before applying, check this function via smartphone.
4.Roaming on a SIM card is an option for travelers looking for an affordable option that allows them to stay connected abroad. Roaming introduces a variety of tariff plans with unlimited data, calls and SMS in more than 100 countries. If visitors are planning to use roaming with mobile Internet, users will need to find out what prices your mobile operator offers and how much traffic you need.
Benefits:
- Mobile Internet around the world at any time of the day or night, even in the most remote corners of the planet. No need to search for Wi-Fi spots all the time.
- Mobile operators provide their subscribers roaming completely free of charge.
- Smartphones with 3G and 4G support work in the most popular network in more than 80 countries of the world. Possibility to make calls anywhere.
Disadvantages:
- The cost of unlimited internet abroad. In this case, as a rule, the mobile operator does not charge for using the Internet abroad, but in most cases, however, a fee of $0.32 to $1.55 per day is charged for its use.
How to choose the right one
1. Compare prices of different cards
In some European countries, cheap methods turn out to be quite expensive. For example: issuing a local SIM card may be prohibited for non-citizens in a number of countries. In addition, it may cost much more within the country. To avoid such mishaps, study all the information thoroughly or consult with a visa agent.
2. Determine the purpose of your trip
Perhaps you’re not just going on a trip, but to work or study abroad for a long time. In that case, think about buying a local or virtual international eSIM card.
3. Calls or social media messaging
With local, tourist or eSIM cards users can pick up a preferred tariff plan. However, in the case of preferring calling, texting the SMS and being online for messaging on a daily basis, it’s better to use a more low-cost card, or a virtual eSIM card.
4. Explore the features of virtual cards
Virtual cards are a method for Apple gadget users. Therefore, you need to know exactly for which models and smartphones (Android/IOS) you can now install a virtual card and a virtual number. Complete lists can be found on the websites of official eSIM card representatives. It is also possible to check about this option with your mobile operator.
Conclusion
Regardless of which sim card for Europe travel you choose, be sure to research the coverage and plans available in the countries you plan to visit. With the right SIM card, you can stay connected while traveling without breaking the bank.
