You’re planning three weeks across Europe—Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Berlin. Your carrier wants $15 per day for roaming. That’s $315 for the trip. Local SIM cards mean buying a new one in each country, finding stores, dealing with different languages, and hoping they all work.
There’s a better option: One eSIM that works across 39 European countries. Purchase it before you leave home. Activate it when you land in Paris. It keeps working when you take the train to Amsterdam, fly to Rome, and drive through rural Spain. One plan. One price. Zero hassle at borders.
RedEx eSIM’s 39-country European plan costs $34.99 for 10GB valid 30 days. That’s $1.17 per day for seamless connectivity across your entire European trip. No store visits. No card swapping. No surprise charges.
This guide covers everything you need to know about using eSIM for Europe travel: which countries are covered, how pricing compares to alternatives, how to install and activate your eSIM, and how to stay connected from Iceland to Greece without buying multiple plans.
Why Europe is Perfect for eSIM
EU Roaming Regulations
The European Union eliminated roaming charges between member states in 2017. If you buy a SIM card in France, it works in Germany, Italy, Spain, and all other EU countries at no extra charge.
This regulation makes European eSIM plans incredibly valuable. One plan covers 27 EU member states plus additional European countries, giving you seamless connectivity across the entire continent.
Excellent Infrastructure
Europe has world-class mobile infrastructure. 4G LTE coverage is nearly universal in cities and towns. 5G networks are expanding rapidly in major cities. Even rural areas typically have solid 3G or 4G coverage.
This infrastructure quality means your eSIM delivers fast, reliable connectivity whether you’re in downtown Paris or a small village in rural Portugal.
Competitive Pricing
Europe’s mobile market is highly competitive, driving eSIM prices down. You can get excellent coverage across dozens of countries for less than you’d pay for a week of roaming in most other regions.
RedEx eSIM’s European pricing exemplifies this value: $1.99/day for single countries or $34.99 for 30 days across 39 countries.
Countries Covered by European eSIM Plans
RedEx eSIM 39-Country Coverage
RedEx eSIM’s European regional plan covers:
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Western Europe | France, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Portugal, Ireland, Luxembourg |
| Northern Europe | Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland |
| Eastern Europe | Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania |
| Southern Europe | Greece, Cyprus, Malta |
| Other | Turkey, Ukraine (western regions), Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia |
What’s Not Covered
A few European countries have limited or no eSIM coverage from most providers:
- Russia (due to sanctions and political situations)
- Belarus
- Moldova (limited coverage)
- Some remote regions in far northern Scandinavia
Pricing Comparison: eSIM vs Alternatives
| Option | Estimated Cost (3-Week Trip) | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Home Carrier Roaming | ~$252 ($12/day avg) | Expensive; data caps and throttling common. |
| Local Physical SIM Cards | ~$81 ($27/country x 3) | Cheaper, but requires finding stores and swapping cards. |
| RedEx eSIM Regional Plan | $34.99 | Cheapest; works across 39 countries; no hassle. |
Total Savings: $217 vs roaming, $46 vs local SIMs (plus saved time and hassle).
How to Choose the Right European eSIM Plan
Single-Country vs Regional Plans
Choose single-country plans if:
- You’re visiting only one country
- Your trip is shorter than 5 days
- You need minimal data (under 5GB total)
Choose regional plans if:
- You’re visiting 2+ countries
- Your trip is longer than 7 days
- You want seamless connectivity across borders
Data Amount Calculation
| Usage Level | Daily Data | 7-Day Trip | 21-Day Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (Email, Maps) | 500MB – 1GB | 5-7GB | 15-21GB |
| Moderate (Social Media) | 1GB – 2GB | 10-14GB | 30-42GB |
| Heavy (Video/Large Uploads) | 3GB – 5GB | 20-35GB | 60-105GB |
Installation and Activation Guide
Before You Leave Home
- Verify Device Compatibility: Ensure your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+).
- Confirm Unlock Status: Your phone must be carrier-unlocked. Check Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock.
- Purchase Your eSIM: Visit RedEx website/app, select your plan, and receive your QR code via email.
- Install the eSIM Profile:
- iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan > Scan QR Code.
- Android: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM > Scan QR Code.
- Keep the eSIM disabled until arrival.
Upon Arrival in Europe
- Enable Your eSIM: Toggle “Turn On This Line” in Cellular/SIM settings.
- Wait for Connection: Usually takes 30-60 seconds.
- Test Connectivity: Open a browser to confirm.
Crossing Borders
The beauty of European regional eSIM plans: nothing changes when you cross borders. Your phone automatically detects the new country and connects to the strongest available partner network (e.g., switching from Orange in France to Vodafone in the Netherlands).
Data Management Tips
- Monitor Usage: Check settings or the RedEx app frequently.
- Download Maps Offline: Saves 100-500MB daily.
- Disable Background App Refresh: Saves 200-500MB daily.
- Use WiFi for Large Downloads: Reserve data for travel needs.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- No Signal: Verify “Data Roaming” is ON for the eSIM line. Toggle Airplane Mode or restart the device.
- Slow Speeds: Manually select a different carrier in network settings.
- Can’t Receive Calls: Normal for data-only eSIMs. Keep your physical SIM enabled for calls/SMS.
Why RedEx eSIM for Europe
RedEx eSIM offers the best combination of coverage, price, and convenience:
- Coverage: 39 countries.
- Pricing: $34.99 for 30 days—40-60% cheaper than competitors.
- Network: Tier-one carrier partnerships (Orange, Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom).
- Support: 24/7 via app, WhatsApp, and email.
For your next European trip, install RedEx eSIM before departure and stay connected effortlessly. One plan. One price. Zero hassle.